YouTube Kids is a special version of YouTube designed for children. The app automatically filters out videos that are not suitable for kids and gives parents extensive control options. In this guide you'll learn how to set up and manage YouTube Kids for a safe viewing experience.

What is YouTube Kids?

YouTube Kids is a free app from Google that offers a safer video environment for children. The app only contains videos that are suitable for kids, such as cartoons, educational content and children's songs. Algorithms and human moderators work together to filter out inappropriate content.

Differences from regular YouTube

YouTube Kids differs from the regular YouTube app in several important ways:

  • Only kid-friendly videos are shown
  • No comments or live chat
  • Simplified interface for young children
  • Built-in parental controls
  • No option to upload your own videos
  • Screen time timer
  • Only approved ads

Downloading and installing YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids is available for smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. Download the app for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Installing on a smartphone or tablet

Open the app store on your device and search for 'YouTube Kids'. Tap install and wait for the download to finish. Then open the app to go through the setup process. You don't need to sign in to use the app, but signing in does give you extra benefits.

YouTube Kids on a smart TV

On many smart TVs, YouTube Kids is available in the app store. The exact location differs by brand, but you'll usually find the app under 'Apps' or in the built-in app store. After installing it, you can create a profile, just like on mobile.

Creating a child profile

The first time you open YouTube Kids, it asks you to create a profile for your child. This lets you match the content to your child's age.

Choosing the age setting

YouTube Kids offers three age categories:

  • Preschool (ages 4 and under): Simple videos focused on creativity, play and learning
  • Younger (ages 5-8): A wider range of content, including songs, crafts and cartoons
  • Older (ages 9-12): A more varied selection with music, gaming and popular topics

Choose the category that fits your child's age. The algorithm adjusts its recommendations based on this choice.

Signing in for more control

Although you can use YouTube Kids without an account, signing in with your Google Account gives you extra benefits. You can create multiple profiles for different children, view the watch history and sync settings across devices. Sign in by tapping the profile icon and linking your Google Account.

Parental control settings

YouTube Kids offers extensive parental control options. You open the settings by tapping the lock icon and solving a simple math problem or entering your password.

Turning search on or off

You can choose whether your child is allowed to search for videos or only sees recommended content. When search is turned off, your child can only watch videos that YouTube Kids recommends. This gives you more control but limits your child's freedom of choice. For younger children, turning search off is often the safest option.

Setting a timer

The built-in timer helps you limit screen time. Go to the settings and tap 'Timer'. Set the time you want, for example 30 minutes. When time is up, an animation lets your child know it's time to stop, and the app locks.

Approved content only

For maximum control, you can set things up so your child can only watch videos, channels or collections that you have approved. Go to the profile settings and choose 'Approved content only'. You can then manually add videos and channels to the approved list.

Managing and blocking content

Despite the filters, you may come across content that you don't think is suitable for your child. YouTube Kids offers simple ways to handle this.

Blocking videos

If you see a video that you don't want your child to watch, you can block it. Tap the three dots next to the video and select 'Block this video'. The video disappears from your child's recommendations and search results.

Blocking channels

You can also block entire channels. This is useful if you notice that a certain channel makes content you don't consider suitable. Tap the three dots and select 'Block this channel'. All videos from that channel are hidden.

Reporting inappropriate content

If you come across content that simply does not belong on YouTube Kids, report it. Tap the flag or report button and explain why the video is inappropriate. YouTube reviews the report and removes the video if necessary.

Watch history and recommendations

YouTube Kids keeps track of what your child watches to make better recommendations. You can view and clear this history.

Viewing the watch history

In the settings you'll find the option to view the watch history. This shows you which videos your child has watched. It is a good starting point for conversations about what your child sees online.

Clearing the history

You can clear the watch history to reset the recommendations. This is useful if you notice that the recommendations are no longer appropriate or if your child accidentally clicked on the wrong videos. Go to the settings and tap 'Clear watch history'.

Managing search history

In addition to the watch history, you can also clear the search history. This removes all previous searches and the recommendations linked to them.

Multiple profiles for families

If you have more than one child, you can create a separate profile with its own settings for each child.

Creating an extra profile

When you are signed in with your Google Account, you can create multiple child profiles. Each profile has its own name, avatar and age category. Open the profile picker and tap 'Add profile'. Follow the steps to set the name and age.

Different settings per profile

Each profile can have its own settings. For example, you can turn off search and allow only approved content for your youngest child, while your older child gets more freedom. Switch between profiles by tapping the profile icon.

Tips for using YouTube Kids safely

YouTube Kids is a helpful tool, but it is no guarantee of 100% safe content. Here are some tips for parents.

Watch together with your child

Regularly take the time to watch videos together. This gives you insight into what your child finds interesting and opens the door to conversations about the content. Besides, watching together is often more fun than watching alone.

Check the settings regularly

Review from time to time whether the settings are still appropriate. As your child gets older, you can change the age category or turn on search. Also check whether there is any blocked content you can unblock.

Teach your child to judge videos

Help your child recognize for themselves when a video is not appropriate. Discuss what to do if they see something scary or upsetting: stop watching and tell you. This makes your child more resilient, also outside YouTube Kids.

Combine it with other measures

YouTube Kids works best in combination with broader screen time measures, such as Screen Time on iOS or Family Link on Android. That way you keep an eye not only on YouTube but on the entire use of the device.

YouTube Kids offers a safer environment for children to discover videos, but active involvement from parents remains essential. By choosing the right settings, checking them regularly and keeping the conversation going with your child, you make YouTube Kids a positive addition to raising your child in a digital world.

Frequently asked questions

Is YouTube Kids completely safe for children?

YouTube Kids is safer than regular YouTube, but not 100% watertight. Despite the filters, inappropriate content can sometimes slip through. That is why it is important to stay actively involved, check the content and teach your child to tell you when they see something upsetting.

Can I use YouTube Kids without a Google Account?

Yes, you can use YouTube Kids without signing in. However, without an account you can't create multiple profiles, the watch history is not kept between sessions and you can't sync settings with other devices. Signing in gives you more control.

How do I stop my child from switching to regular YouTube?

Install YouTube Kids as the only YouTube app and remove or block the regular YouTube app. On Android, you can block the YouTube app with Family Link. On iOS, you use Screen Time to restrict the app. That way your child only has access to the kid-friendly version.

What is the difference between the age categories in YouTube Kids?

Preschool (ages 4 and under) shows simple videos about play and learning. Younger (ages 5-8) gets a wider range of content with songs and cartoons. Older (ages 9-12) sees a more varied selection, including gaming and music. Choose the category that fits your child.

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