A new free app designed for kids will be launched by Google owned video service YouTube on 23 February. Called ‘YouTube Kids’, it will offer original episodes of TV shows for children apart from the existing kids-targeted videos available.
Reports suggest that the app will have a timer facility for parents to keep control on their tot’s viewing limit. At first, it will only be available on Android for users in the US. It is expected to have a different design with big icons and less scrolling to suit their tiny fingers. Content partners include DreamWorks TV, National Geographic and The Jim Henson.
The app will be released at the Kidscreen Summit since parents have long been requesting YouTube to make it a better place for kids to surf. The family entertainment channels have seen 200 per cent growth as compared to the overall 50 per cent growth in viewing time on YouTube.
Four sections will be available on the app – show, music, learning and explore and if kids type words such as ‘sex’ it will be redirected to a kids’ content.