YouTube for Kids arrives on smartphones

Streaming video leader YouTube has released a smartphone app designed to provide kids with a safe viewing environment.

YouTube Kids, which is currently only available in the US, is built from scratch to provide a safe, simple environment for kids to access a curated selection of content. Videos will auto-expand and the interface is bigger and more colourful.

Said content is split into four categories – shows, music, learning and explore. Current featured brands include DreamWorks TV, Thomas the Tank Engine, Pocoyo, Yo Gabba Gabba, Sesame Street.

Parental controls are also present, with the ability to restrict the amount of available viewing time, disable sound and even remove the option to search content, meaning kids will be restricted to home page content.

The YouTube Kids app is designed for curious little minds to dive into a world of discovery, learning, and entertainment,” the official blurb reads. This free app is easy to use and packed full of age-appropriate videos, channels and playlists. YouTube Kids features popular children’s programming, plus kid-friendly content from filmmakers, teachers, and creators all around the world.”

Here’s a video about it all:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUmMAAPX6E8