YouTube kids launches in the UK and Ireland today after attracting 10m downloads in the US
YouTube is attempting to restore peace and harmony to the lives of families in the UK and Ireland with a new dedicated YouTube Kids app.
Since it has been launched in the US, the app has been downloaded 10m times by grateful parents and kids alike.
The app is available on Google Play and the iOS App Store and puts kids directly in touch with content they love like Captain Barnacles, Little Baby Bum, In The Night Garden and CGP Grey.
It also includes family-oriented content like National Geographic Kids, or families can watch favorites from Teletubbies, Wallace and Gromit, The Magic Roundabout and Postman Pat.
YouTube reimagined – for families
Google describes the move as the first step in reimagining YouTube for families.
The app is designed to be used primarily by kids and Google has even built in voice search so if your child cannot spell or type they can still find what they are looking for.
In terms of parental controls, the app lets parents choose just how broadly they want their child to explore and they can limit the amount of content their child can access.
A helpful timer can be set up so the child knows when their screen time is over.
Parents can also adjust sound settings and set up a custom passcode and the app is refined with features like uploading and sharing removed.
The app can also be cast to full-screen TVs using the Chromecast, the Apple TV, games consoles or a smart TV.
