Cookie Policy
Last Updated: June 06, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Short Horror Stories ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and mobile application. This policy helps you understand what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website or use an application. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your experience more efficient and personalized.
Types of Cookies:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device until deleted or expire
- First-Party Cookies: Set by our website directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by other services we use
2. How We Use Cookies
2.1 Essential Cookies (Required)
RequiredThese cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as:
- Authentication: Keep you logged in to your account
- Security: Protect against CSRF attacks and secure data transmission
- Session Management: Maintain your session state across pages
- API Tokens: Authenticate requests to our backend services
2.2 Functional Cookies
RecommendedThese cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:
- User Preferences: Remember your settings (volume, playback speed)
- Playback Progress: Save where you left off in stories
- Language Preferences: Remember your language selection
- Theme Settings: Remember dark/light mode preference
- Recently Played: Track your listening history
2.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies
OptionalThese cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform:
- Usage Analytics: Track which stories are most popular
- Performance Monitoring: Identify technical issues and load times
- User Behavior: Understand navigation patterns
- Error Tracking: Detect and fix bugs
- A/B Testing: Test new features and improvements
2.4 Payment and Subscription Cookies
RequiredWeb subscribers (Paddle.com): Cookies set by Paddle to process web subscription payments:
- Checkout Process: Maintain payment session during web checkout
- Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent fraudulent transactions
- Subscription Status: Track subscription state and renewal
Mobile subscribers (App Store / Google Play): Mobile subscriptions are managed through RevenueCat and processed directly by the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These platforms manage their own cookies and tracking — no Paddle cookies are used in the mobile app.
3. Local Storage and Session Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser storage technologies:
Local Storage
Stores data with no expiration date. Used for:
- Audio playback progress for each story
- User interface preferences
- Persistent player state
- Downloaded content metadata (not actual audio files)
Session Storage
Cleared when browser tab closes. Used for:
- Temporary form data
- Current playback queue
- Navigation state
- Temporary user selections
4. Third-Party Cookies
We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:
Google (Sign-In & Analytics)
Privacy InfoProvides Google Sign-In authentication for the mobile app and optional analytics tracking on the website.
Paddle.com (Web Payment Processing)
Privacy InfoEssential for processing web subscription payments and managing billing for users who subscribe through the website.
RevenueCat (Mobile Subscriptions)
Privacy InfoManages mobile subscription entitlements and receipt validation for App Store and Google Play purchases. No cookies — operates within the mobile app environment.
Firebase (Push Notifications)
Privacy InfoDelivers push notifications to your mobile device via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). Device tokens are stored for this purpose.
Bunny CDN (Content Delivery)
Privacy InfoDelivers audio content and story cover images securely and efficiently worldwide.
Cloudflare (Security & Performance)
Privacy InfoProvides SSL encryption, DDoS protection, and performance optimization.
5. Your Cookie Choices
5.1 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete existing cookies
- Block all cookies
- Block third-party cookies only
- Clear cookies when closing the browser
- Set exceptions for specific websites
5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions
Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data Learn more
Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data Learn more
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data Learn more
Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies Learn more
5.3 Mobile Devices
On mobile devices, you can manage tracking through:
- iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
- Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
Important: Blocking essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of our platform, such as staying logged in or accessing premium content.
6. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals websites you don't want to be tracked. Currently, there is no industry standard for handling DNT signals. We may respond to DNT signals in the future as standards develop.
7. Cookie Lifespan
Different cookies have different lifespans:
| Cookie Type | Lifespan | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Until browser closes | Authentication, navigation |
| Remember Me | 30 days | Keep you logged in |
| Preferences | 1 year | User settings, preferences |
| Analytics | 2 years | Usage statistics |
| Security | Varies | Fraud prevention, security |
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Posting a notice on our website
- Sending an email to registered users (for material changes)
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.
9. Contact Us
Questions about our use of cookies? Contact us: