Google Makes Kid Friendly YouTube App Official

Google has launched their very first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind, the YouTube Kids app!

The YouTube Kids app, available for free download on Android and iOS, is built with a fun friendly interface and contains family-friendly videos from children's favorites such as DreamWorks TV, Jim Henson TV, Mother Goose Club and Talking Tom and Friends. The app will also feature several additions that Google hopes will make it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

New app specific features will include a much more kid friendly user interface with larger images, bold icons and more, which should make it fast and simple for little thumbs to navigate. There will also be a voice search so that even if your little one can’t spell or type the name of their favorite videos, they can still speak the names or ask for videos related to things they’re curious about.

The YouTube Kids app will feature more family-focused content which Google has narrowed down and labeled as appropriate for kids. You can browse channels and playlists in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. Or search for videos of particular interest to your family, like how to build a model volcano, math tutorials, the amazing (and endless) world of trains—and everything in between.

For those even further concerned with the content available the app will feature several Parental controls with built in options into that help you control the experience for your kids:

• Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. ;) )
• Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while you catch a breather.
• Search settings: If you’d rather limit your children to just the pre-selected videos available on the home screen, you can turn off search.
• Product feedback: Our goal is to improve YouTube Kids all the time, so we’ve included a space for you to give us your feedback.

YouTube Kids is available for free starting today in the U.S. on Google Play and the App Store, and will soon be available on Kurio and nabi kids’ tablets.