YouTube Kids is a video streaming app designed for children aged 12 and below. It features videos, channels, and playlists that are appropriate for kids. The app is free to download and easy to use. With YouTube Kids, parents can rest easy knowing their children are watching videos that are safe and entertaining.
Features
Wide Range of Videos
The app has an extensive library of kid-friendly videos, channels, and playlists. From nursery rhymes to science experiments, there is something for every child.
Parental Controls
The app offers various parental controls to ensure children don't access inappropriate content. Parents can set a timer that limits the amount of time their child spends on the app, and also have the ability to restrict certain types of content.
Videos Curated for Kids
All videos on YouTube Kids are curated and approved by actual people rather than algorithms. This ensures that inappropriate content does not slip through the cracks.
No Ads
Unlike the regular YouTube app, YouTube Kids does not display ads during video playback. This ensures that children are not exposed to potentially harmful and inappropriate advertisements.
Pros
Easy to Use
The app is straightforward to use and navigate, making it perfect for children who may not be tech-savvy yet.
Customizable Experience
Parents have the ability to customize their child's experience by blocking certain channels or videos and selecting the age range of videos.
Overreaching Parental Controls
Parents also have the option to completely disable search and only allow their children to browse videos from the home screen, ensuring a more controlled browsing experience.
Cons
Not Perfectly Filtered
It is not entirely foolproof, and some inappropriate content has made its way onto the app in the past. However, YouTube employs a team of people to keep up with removing anything that does not belong on the app.
No Offline Playback
YouTube Kids does not offer offline playback, which means your child will need to have an internet connection to use the app.
Comparison with similar apps
YouTube Kids is very similar to other video streaming apps for kids, such as Kidoodle.TV, DisneyNow, and PBS Kids Video. While each of these apps has its unique features, YouTube Kids stands out for its vast library and overreaching parental controls. However, some parents may prefer certain other apps due to their content selection or desired level of control.
Tips for Using the App
Here are some tips for parents on how to get the most out of YouTube Kids:
Only Allow Age-Appropriate Content
Parents should select the recommended age range for their children to ensure that they only see videos that are appropriate for their age group.
Adjust Parental Controls Accordingly
Make any necessary adjustments to set the right level of control for you as a parent, such as turning off search and blocking specific channels.
Monitor Your Child's Viewing Time
The ability to set a timer for viewing gives parents the option to ration time spent on the app, preventing children from overusing it.
Conclusion
YouTube Kids is an excellent video streaming app that provides a wide range of age-appropriate content for children. While there have been some past issues with certain videos slipping through the filters, YouTube has made significant efforts to improve its moderation processes. Overall, the parental controls and customizable experience make it an excellent choice for parents seeking an appropriate and engaging video app for their children.
Therefore, I highly recommend the YouTube Kids app for all parents looking to provide their young ones with an enjoyable online experience.
Updated 05-15-2023
Overview
YouTube Kids is a video streaming app designed for children aged 12 and below. It features videos, channels, and playlists that are appropriate for kids. The app is free to download and easy to use. With YouTube Kids, parents can rest easy knowing their children are watching videos that are safe and entertaining.
Features
Wide Range of Videos
The app has an extensive library of kid-friendly videos, channels, and playlists. From nursery rhymes to science experiments, there is something for every child.
Parental Controls
The app offers various parental controls to ensure children don't access inappropriate content. Parents can set a timer that limits the amount of time their child spends on the app, and also have the ability to restrict certain types of content.
Videos Curated for Kids
All videos on YouTube Kids are curated and approved by actual people rather than algorithms. This ensures that inappropriate content does not slip through the cracks.
No Ads
Unlike the regular YouTube app, YouTube Kids does not display ads during video playback. This ensures that children are not exposed to potentially harmful and inappropriate advertisements.
Pros
Easy to Use
The app is straightforward to use and navigate, making it perfect for children who may not be tech-savvy yet.
Customizable Experience
Parents have the ability to customize their child's experience by blocking certain channels or videos and selecting the age range of videos.
Overreaching Parental Controls
Parents also have the option to completely disable search and only allow their children to browse videos from the home screen, ensuring a more controlled browsing experience.
Cons
Not Perfectly Filtered
It is not entirely foolproof, and some inappropriate content has made its way onto the app in the past. However, YouTube employs a team of people to keep up with removing anything that does not belong on the app.
No Offline Playback
YouTube Kids does not offer offline playback, which means your child will need to have an internet connection to use the app.
Comparison with similar apps
YouTube Kids is very similar to other video streaming apps for kids, such as Kidoodle.TV, DisneyNow, and PBS Kids Video. While each of these apps has its unique features, YouTube Kids stands out for its vast library and overreaching parental controls. However, some parents may prefer certain other apps due to their content selection or desired level of control.
Tips for Using the App
Here are some tips for parents on how to get the most out of YouTube Kids:
Only Allow Age-Appropriate Content
Parents should select the recommended age range for their children to ensure that they only see videos that are appropriate for their age group.
Adjust Parental Controls Accordingly
Make any necessary adjustments to set the right level of control for you as a parent, such as turning off search and blocking specific channels.
Monitor Your Child's Viewing Time
The ability to set a timer for viewing gives parents the option to ration time spent on the app, preventing children from overusing it.
Conclusion
YouTube Kids is an excellent video streaming app that provides a wide range of age-appropriate content for children. While there have been some past issues with certain videos slipping through the filters, YouTube has made significant efforts to improve its moderation processes. Overall, the parental controls and customizable experience make it an excellent choice for parents seeking an appropriate and engaging video app for their children.
Therefore, I highly recommend the YouTube Kids app for all parents looking to provide their young ones with an enjoyable online experience.