The YouTube Kids app is now available in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand seven months after it made its U.S. debut.
The YouTube Kids app is essentially a safe variant of YouTube. The family-friendly app has a selection of channels and videos that have been filtered and deemed suitable for children. The kid's version of the video streaming app also does not have features such as uploading videos or commenting.
The app also has a built-in timer so that parents can regulate the duration of its use. The app also blocks search terms that are inappropriate such as "sex." Easy to navigate – you can do a voice search instead of typing – the app is the perfect companion for 3 to 8 year olds.
Now from Wednesday, Nov. 18, the YouTube Kids app is available for download in the above-mentioned regions. The Irish and UK variants of the app are laying emphasis on the local channels and popular children's shows such as Teletubbies, Postman Pat, The Magic Roundabout, Morph and Wallace & Gromit to name a few.
The content has been categorized into four sections to make search seamless. These are music, learning, shows and explore.
The passcode feature ensures that parents can regulate information available on the YouTube Kids app. Moreover, the option to switch off background music or access sound effects available. Kids can continue watching in silence while you enjoy an undisturbed power nap.
The YouTube Kids app has been downloaded over 10 million times in the U.S., which bears a testament to its popularity.
While no desktop variant is available, the YouTube Kids app is free for iOS and Android users. The app makes money by running adverts between video content. In the U.S., this caused quite a stir with the FTC being asked to intervene by consumer rights organizations.
However, YouTube alleviates any concerns pertaining to the content of the adverts and reveals that they are monitored.
"We only show ads that are approved as family-friendly - for example, we don't show any food and beverage ads - and all ads undergo a rigorous review process for compliance with our policies," revealed by a YouTube spokesperson.
With Google saying holiday special content is in the pipeline, YouTube Kids app users can look forward to some fun in the coming weeks.
