Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 28, 2026

Our Privacy Commitment

Reel Counter is built on a simple principle: we only collect what's necessary to provide you with the service, and nothing more.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Usage Data

To provide you with tracking and analytics, we collect:

• Video View Count: The number of Reels/Shorts you watch on supported platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat)
• App Usage Time: Total screen time spent on short-form video content
• Daily Goals: Your self-set daily viewing limits
• App Preferences: Which platforms you choose to track
• Floating Counter Position: The position of your floating counter overlay (stored locally)
• Streak Data: Your daily discipline streaks and time preserved statistics
• App Lock Settings: Whether you've enabled the distraction app blocker feature

1.2 Device Information

We may collect basic device information to ensure the app functions properly:

• Device model and operating system version
• App version
• Anonymous device identifier (for crash reporting and analytics)

1.3 Advertising & Analytics Data

To keep Reel Counter free for everyone, we use:

• Google AdMob: Delivers non-intrusive advertisements. AdMob may collect anonymous advertising identifiers and serve personalized ads based on Google's policies.
• Firebase Analytics: Collects anonymous usage patterns and crash reports to help us improve app stability and performance.

Important: No personal identifying information (such as your name, email, or scrolling data) is ever shared with advertisers.

2. How We Use Your Information

The data we collect is used exclusively to:

• Track Your Progress: Show you real-time usage statistics and help you meet your goals
• Display Floating Counter: Show a draggable overlay with your current reel count and time spent
• Calculate Your Mindfulness Score: Provide insights into your scrolling habits and attention clarity
• Track Time Preserved: Calculate how many minutes you've saved by staying within your limits
• Build Daily Streaks: Track consecutive days of meeting your goals and celebrate milestones
• Send Mindful Reminders: Notify you when you reach your daily goal (if notifications are enabled)
• Enable App Blocker: Lock tracked apps when you've reached your limit (if enabled by you)
• Improve the App: Analyze anonymous usage patterns to fix bugs and add features

3. Accessibility Service Usage

Reel Counter uses Android's Accessibility Service API solely to detect when short-form video players (like Reels, Shorts, and Spotlight) are active on your screen and accurately count swiped videos.

We are required by Google Play to use the Accessibility Service only for its intended purpose: helping users with disabilities or providing accessibility-related features. Reel Counter uses it exclusively to help you manage your digital wellbeing and track your short-video consumption.

3.1 Usage Stats Permission

Reel Counter requests Usage Access permission to calculate the total time you spend in each tracked app (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat). This permission allows us to show you:

• Total screen time per app
• Overall daily usage statistics
• Time preserved and minutes saved

This data never leaves your device. You can revoke this permission at any time in Settings → Apps → Special access → Usage access.

3.2 Display Over Other Apps (Overlay Permission)

Reel Counter requests Display over other apps permission to show the floating counter HUD while you scroll through videos. This is the compact, draggable counter that appears on top of your screen.

Your control: You can disable this permission at any time, and the floating counter will simply stop appearing. All other features will continue to work normally.

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely:

• Local Storage: All usage data is stored locally on your device by default
• No Cloud Sync: We do not upload your personal usage data to external servers
• Encryption: Data is encrypted at rest on your device
• No Third-Party Sharing: We never sell, rent, or share your data with advertisers or third parties

5. Third-Party Services

Reel Counter uses the following third-party services to provide a free, stable experience:

5.1 Google AdMob (Advertising)

We use Google AdMob to display non-intrusive advertisements and keep all wellness tools 100% free for everyone. AdMob may collect:

• Advertising identifiers (such as Google Advertising ID)
• Device information and approximate location (for ad targeting)
• Ad interaction data (clicks, impressions)

Your control: You can reset your advertising ID or opt out of personalized ads in your device settings (Settings → Google → Ads).

What AdMob does NOT access: Your reel counts, usage statistics, or any personal scrolling data from Reel Counter.

5.2 Firebase Analytics & Crashlytics

We use Firebase for anonymous stability diagnostics and to improve app performance. Firebase collects:

• Anonymous crash logs and error reports
• Anonymous app usage patterns (e.g., which features are used most)
• Device model and OS version
• App version and session duration

No personal data or usage statistics are included in Firebase reports. All data is anonymized and aggregated.

5.3 Data Sharing Policy

We never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. The only data shared is:

• Anonymous advertising identifiers with Google AdMob (for ad delivery only)
• Anonymous crash logs with Firebase (for stability improvements only)

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have full control over your data:

6.1 Delete Your Data

You can delete all your usage data at any time by:

• Going to Settings → Clear All Data within the app
• Uninstalling the app (this removes all local data)

6.2 Disable Tracking

You can disable tracking for specific apps by toggling them off in Settings → Tracked Platforms.

6.3 Revoke Permissions

You can revoke accessibility or notification permissions at any time through your device's system settings.

7. Children's Privacy

Reel Counter is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete it immediately.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

If we make significant changes that affect how we handle your data, we will notify you through the app or via email (if provided).

9. Data Retention

Your usage data is retained only as long as you use the app. If you uninstall Reel Counter, all local data is permanently deleted. We do not retain any data on external servers.

10. International Users

Reel Counter is designed to comply with privacy regulations worldwide, including:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) for users in the European Union
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) for users in California
• Other regional privacy laws

All data processing is performed locally on your device, minimizing the need for data transfer.

11. Advertising Transparency

Reel Counter displays non-intrusive Google AdMob advertisements to keep the app 100% free for everyone. Here's what you need to know:

• Ad Provider: All ads are delivered through Google's certified AdMob network
• Personalization: Ads may be personalized based on your Google Advertising ID (you can opt out in device settings)
• Data Protection: We never sell or share your reel counts, usage data, or personal information with advertisers
• No Invasive Tracking: We do not use tracking pixels, cookies, or third-party tracking tools beyond AdMob and Firebase
• No User Profiles: We do not build marketing profiles based on your scrolling habits

Your control: To opt out of personalized ads, go to Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization on your Android device.

12. Open Source Transparency

We believe in transparency. If you're a developer or privacy-conscious user, you can review our data handling practices by examining the app's code (if open source) or contacting us for more details.

13. Legal Compliance

We may disclose your information only if required by law, such as:

• Responding to legal requests or court orders
• Protecting our rights, property, or safety
• Preventing fraud or illegal activity

We will make every effort to notify you before disclosing your data, unless prohibited by law.

14. Your Consent

By using Reel Counter, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.