Skip to content
Living

Google’s popular YouTube Kids app is getting a ‘Preschool’ filter and web version

By Wei Zhang
1 min read
YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids
In this article (5)

Back when Google unveiled the YouTube Kids app for Android and iOS devices in 2015, its goal was pretty simple and so was the execution of the product itself. Roughly four and a half years later, the children-friendly, parentally controlled video platform naturally looks far more mature and versatile, meeting the specific needs of more age groups and user categories than ever.

After expanding its functionality to distinguish between “older” and “younger” users last year, YouTube Kids is now getting a third option to ensure even younger children can be kept protected from content deemed unsuitable for their age. We’re talking preschoolers aged 4 and under here, which will be served with videos that “promote creativity, playfulness, learning, & exploration” if their parents so choose.
Of course, just like before, you’ll still also be able to select an “approved content only” option under which the search feature will be blocked and your child will merely get access to videos, channels, and collections hand-picked and green-lighted by yourself. Speaking of, you should continue to keep in mind that not all YouTube Kids content is manually reviewed and carefully grouped in the right age category, so if you end up activating the “preschool”, “younger”, or “older” setting, you’ll definitely need to keep an eye out for inappropriate videos and immediately report them as such.
In other news, you might be happy to hear that after crossing 100 million installs through the Play Store alone, YouTube Kids will finally become available on the web as well. The app’s browser version is gearing up for an official launch “later this week”, although no further details are available at the moment.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the newest age-specific option being added to the YouTube Kids app?

A.

The app is gaining a 'Preschool' filter specifically for children aged 4 and under. This option aims to serve videos that encourage creativity, playfulness, learning, and exploration for very young users.

Q.

Will parents still be able to control content selection as before?

A.

Yes, parents can still select an 'approved content only' option. With this setting, the search feature is blocked, and children only access videos, channels, and collections manually chosen by the parent.

Q.

When will YouTube Kids become available for use on web browsers?

A.

The browser version of YouTube Kids is preparing for an official launch later this week. No further details about its availability on the web have been provided yet.

Q.

Does Google manually review all content available under the new age settings?

A.

No, not all content on YouTube Kids is manually reviewed and categorised. Parents activating the 'preschool', 'younger', or 'older' settings should still monitor for inappropriate videos and report them.

Reader pulse

Is this a good move for YouTube Kids?

24,395 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready