The app, which has seen notable success since its February launch in the US, is now accessible to viewers in the UK and Ireland.
Designed to make YouTube viewing both easier and safer for younger viewers, YouTube Kids allows parents to control search options, set passcodes and establish time limits on viewing. Additionally, the app creates a “signed out experience”, meaning young viewers cannot upload, share, like or comment.
Family-friendly content is now placed into one of four categories, characterized by four large icons: shows, music, learning and explore. Each category highlights regionally-specific videos, featuring clips from TV series like Postman Pat, Wallace and Gromit and more. They will also have access to content by UK YouTubers, such as CGP Grey, Little Baby Bum, Morph and Stampy Cat. Aimed at appealing to the young audiences using the app, new content will also be released by Octonauts and In the Night Garden.
After facing initial scrutiny from US users for failing to block certain ads, the new international version of the app features increased control for blacklisting keywords and flagging videos deemed inappropriate.
While YouTube Kids will not track demographic information about young viewers, it will use the site’s watch history feature to provide video recommendations. If parents opt to off the search function, the only available videos will be those recommended by the app, creating greater potential exposure for those creators in the UK and Ireland.
Those wishing to download the app can do so via the iTunes app store.
Want More?
YouTube recently revealed it would be offering select creators financial aid. Alternatively, you could read about the YouTube community’s reaction to YouTube Red, the site’s new paid subscription service.
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