Report updated Apr 6, 2026

What Is Clio - Your Guide to History?

Clio - Your Guide to History is a non-profit travel and education app that uses GPS to provide users with a 'virtual time machine' experience at historical sites. It is built on a collaborative research model involving scholars and students, positioning it as a high-trust alternative to commercial travel guides. The app is completely free and supported by the Clio Foundation, a 501c3 charity.

What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Thrilled

What does it look like?

What are the key features?

Location-based DiscoveryStandard

Uses GPS to guide users to nearby landmarks, museums, and historic sites.

Virtual Time MachineDifferentiator

Provides multimedia content (images, videos, audio, text) related to historic events at the user's current location.

Collaborative Research PlatformDifferentiator

Content is built and maintained by a network of museum professionals, scholars, students, and local history experts.

Interactive ToursStandard

Guided walking and driving tours through historic locations.

What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Thrilled

Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment.

Medium confidence · 101 reviews available

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Scholarly and expert-curated content
  • High user rating (4.86)
  • Non-profit status builds high user trust
  • Unique multimedia 'Time Machine' feature

Cons

  • Low review volume relative to age
  • Lack of social media presence
  • Reliance on donations for development
  • Niche market penetration

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

  • Integration of Augmented Reality (AR)
  • Official partnerships with tourism boards
  • Gamification of historical tours
  • Expansion into educational curriculum tools

Market Threats

  • Mainstream map apps adding historical layers
  • Commercial audio tour apps with high marketing spend
  • Technical debt affecting volunteer contributions

What are the key takeaways?

Clio - Your Guide to History is a thrilling travel app that is completely free. With a 4.9/5 rating from 101 reviews, it thrills its users from users.

Best for: History enthusiasts, students, and travelers who want to engage with the historical context of their physical surroundings.

How much does it cost?

Model: free

Tiers:
Completely free to useAccepts tax-deductible donations via 501c3 foundation

The app operates as a non-profit public charity, relying on donations and academic/community contributions rather than traditional monetization.

iOS Version

2.11.0

Release Date

Jul 20, 2014

iOS Price

Free

Independent intel to help builders create better apps.

No publisher influence. No third-party bias. Built with objectivity in mind to serve the builder community. Reports are continuously improved and refined. For informational purposes only.

Hope this helps & keep building! · Found an error?

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Clio - Your Guide to History Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 6, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/travel/clio-your-guide-to-history

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