Privacy Policy

Last updated August 25, 2026

This explains what HumHerd LLC collects when you use HumHerd, why, and the choices you have. The short version: we don't sell your data, we don't run ads, and we collect as little as we can to make the app work.

What we collect

If you use HumHerd as a guest

You can hum without an account. To do that, your device is given an anonymous session so your tone can join the shared sound. This is tied to a random identifier, not to your name or email. We store the frequency you are humming and basic session information so the collective sound works.

If you create an account

We collect your email address, the username you pick, and anything you choose to add to your profile, such as a bio, an avatar image, and a favorite frequency. Profile images are resized and re-encoded on your device before upload so embedded location, camera, and timestamp metadata is removed.

What you make and do in the app

We store the content you create, including saved tracks and their settings, rooms you host or join, and messages you send. Public content, such as public tracks and your public profile, is visible to others and can appear in link previews when shared. If you choose to complete a private mood check-in before or after a practice, we store the rating and any short note you add so you can keep that reflection with your account. Other members cannot see those check-ins.

Optional microphone pitch detection

When you tap the microphone control, HumHerd uses the microphone to estimate the pitch you are humming. The microphone samples are processed on your device and are not recorded, stored, or sent to us. You can use the rest of HumHerd without granting microphone access.

Signals we use to keep bots out

To protect the space from automated accounts, HumHerd looks at subtle patterns in how content is created, such as the timing of keystrokes and the rhythm of musical input. The signal can include timing plus coarse touch characteristics such as contact pressure and width, pointer type, and short resampled gesture or scrub trajectories. We never record the text you type or the audio itself. These signals produce, at most, coarse trust labels shown in the app. They are used only to estimate whether activity looks like live human interaction and to discourage automated accounts. They are never sold or used for advertising. See our Human-made explainer for how this works and what it does not claim.

Basic usage information

We keep lightweight product analytics to understand how HumHerd is used, such as that a visit or a first tone happened, and which feature prompted an upgrade screen. These are counts and short trigger tags only. They do not include your content, your frequencies, your messages, or your location.

Notifications

If you enable notifications while signed in, Apple gives HumHerd a device push token. We link that token to your account so the notification can reach the correct installation. The token is not used for advertising or tracking, and we remove it from your account when you sign out or delete the account.

Crash reports

In production, HumHerd sends a limited error report when the app crashes or an unexpected software error occurs. It can include an error message, a shortened technical stack trace, the page and app version, and a shortened device or browser description. These reports do not include your account ID, content, microphone audio, or typed text. We keep them for up to 30 days to diagnose reliability problems.

Feedback and safety reports

If you send feedback or report content, we collect what you submit and, if you choose to provide it, a reply email address. To limit spam, we temporarily keep a keyed, one-way technical identifier derived from the request network address. We remove that identifier after 24 hours. We may use service providers, including AI-assisted analysis tools, to organize feedback and identify repeated themes. We do not publish identifying details from those summaries.

Payments

If you subscribe on the web, Stripe processes your payment. If you subscribe in the iPhone app, Apple processes the purchase through your Apple Account. We do not see or store your full card number. We keep a record that links your HumHerd account to your subscription so paid features work across your devices, and we retain billing records as required for financial and tax purposes.

How we use your information

• to run the shared instrument and the features you use;
• to keep your account, streaks, and saved work;
• to keep the community safe and free of automated accounts;
• to process subscriptions;
• to understand and improve the app in aggregate;
• to contact you about your account or important changes;
• to comply with the law.

Who we share it with

We share information only with the service providers that make HumHerd run, and only so they can provide their service to us: our hosting and database provider, our payment processor, email provider, and tools we use to organize feedback. We may disclose information if the law requires it, or to protect the safety of our members or the service. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it for advertising.

How long we keep it

We keep your information while your account is active and for as long as needed to provide the app. Guest tones are short-lived and are cleared automatically after a period of inactivity. Crash reports are removed after 30 days, and notification tokens are removed from your account when you sign out or delete it. Billing records are kept as long as the law requires. When you delete your account, we remove your data as described below.

Your choices and rights

You can view and edit your profile in the app at any time. You can delete your account from within HumHerd. This cancels any subscription billed directly by HumHerd and permanently removes your profile and the data connected to it, including your tracks, messages, follows, and the behavioral signals tied to your account. Subscriptions billed through an app store must be canceled separately with that app store. Some records that the law requires us to keep, such as billing records, are retained in anonymized or minimal form. We may also retain safety reports needed to investigate abuse, but remove the reporter account identifier when that account is deleted. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights to access, correct, or export your information. To make a request, email hello@humherd.com.

Cookies and local storage

HumHerd uses your browser's local storage and similar technology to remember things like your session, your preferences, and that you have seen the safety notice. We do not use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.

Children

HumHerd is for people 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has given us their information, contact us and we will remove it.

Where your information is handled

HumHerd is operated from the United States, and your information is processed there. If you use HumHerd from another country, you understand your information is handled in the United States. If you are in a region with specific data-protection rights, the rights described above apply, and you can reach us at the address below.

Security

We use reasonable measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections and access controls. No online service can be perfectly secure, but we work to keep your information safe and to limit what we collect in the first place.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes, we will update the date at the top and, where appropriate, let you know in the app.

Contact

Questions or requests about your privacy? Email hello@humherd.com.