# CastLoop vs Self

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Self at 100% against CastLoop's 0%. Self also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and ads (none vs shown). CastLoop's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CastLoop sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 7 days and Self sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Self holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of CastLoop's written reviews are positive against 100% of Self's.

CastLoop ships an update weekly, Self every 2 days. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | CastLoop | Self |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/castloop/id6790343232/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-insert-simulation/id6814698219/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 186 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [X Original](https://appshunter.io/developer/1766426467) | [Make Your Wish LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788054192) |

## What reviewers say

### CastLoop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/castloop/id6790343232)

Experience interactive stories where your choices shape the narrative. Engage with cinematic adventures or write your own AI-generated novels, complete with custom illustrations. Explore a vast library of genres and find your next immersive tale.

**Highlights:** AI-generated interactive novels, Cinematic story games, Choice-based gameplay, AI-generated illustrations, Genre browsing, Customizable story preferences

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CastLoop Plus Weekly Subscription | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| CastLoop Plus Annually Subscription | $149.99 | per year |
| Diamond Pack 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Limited Deal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Full Story | $2.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Pack 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Pack 3 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Pack 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Pack 5 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Pack 6 | $69.99 | one-time |


### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-insert-simulation/id6814698219)

This AI-powered app lets you rewrite existing novels and webtoons by altering characters, plot points, and endings. Create your own 'IF stories' and immerse yourself in new narratives based on your favorite works.

**Highlights:** Rewrite existing novels and webtoons, Customize character roles and genders, Alter plot points and endings, Immersive self-insert experience, AI-generated text stories, Interactive real-time story unfolding

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 500 Volts | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Volts | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Volts | $29.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Volts | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CastLoop free?

CastLoop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Self free?

Self is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CastLoop or Self?

Self is rated higher. CastLoop averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Self averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do CastLoop or Self have ads?

CastLoop shows ads; Self does not.

### Which is updated more often, CastLoop or Self?

CastLoop ships an update weekly, and Self every 2 days. Most recently, CastLoop was updated on November 13, 2026 and Self on November 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*