Google is releasing a sanitized app, YouTube Kids, just for kids under the age of 13. The mobile app only plays age-appropriate videos and has a simplified design in order to accommodate even toddlers.
The regular YouTube site and app bans sexually explicit contents but it is still not 100% safe for children. As a result, there have been growing concerns among parents that their kids may stumble onto inappropriate videos. “Parents have been asking us to make YouTube friendlier for kids and for families,” said Shimrit Ben-Yair, the group product manager for YouTube Kids.
Videos are divided into four categories. The Shows section includes popular channels like Sesame Street and The FuZees, which are some of the big name brands releasing new episodes for the launch. Music is stocked with videos including the sing-along version of “Let it Go,” which has been viewed more than 345 million times.
The app is free but YouTube makes its money from ads. The ads will undergo rigorous review to ensure they are appropriate for kids. The app does not require users to log in.
