YouTube Kids
Our age is 3. Caution because of the occasional video that slips past the filters.
Setup steps checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Caution
- Plays on
- iPhone, iPad, Android, Smart TV
Set up YouTube Kids with the right content level, enable Approved Content Only mode, manage screen time, and understand the platform's limitations.
Talk about it
- What's your favorite thing to watch on YouTube Kids?Shows you care about what they enjoy, not only the rules.
- Have you ever seen a video that felt scary or weird?Gives them an easy way to tell you when something slips through the filters.
- What could you do if a video makes you feel uncomfortable?Practices the plan: stop the video and come find you.
- How do you know when it's time to stop watching?Helps them notice the timer and their own tired feelings before a meltdown.
The full guide
YouTube Kids is a separate app from YouTube designed for children under 13. It offers a curated, filtered experience — but it's not perfect. Understanding how to configure it properly, and its limitations, will help you use it confidently.
Despite filtering, inappropriate content occasionally slips through YouTube Kids. Active parental involvement — including periodic content review — is always recommended.
Understanding YouTube Kids
How It Differs from YouTube
| Feature | YouTube | YouTube Kids |
|---|---|---|
| Content filtering | None (by default) | Algorithmic + human review |
| Interface | Adult | Child-friendly |
| Ads | Standard ads | Limited, child-directed ads |
| Comments | Open | Disabled |
| Search | Unrestricted | Can be disabled |
| Live content | Available | Limited |
Content Sources
YouTube Kids pulls content from:
- Verified children's channels
- Educational channels
- Popular family content creators
- Algorithmically filtered regular YouTube content
The last category is where occasional problems arise — automation isn't perfect.
Setting Up YouTube Kids
Download the App
Download YouTube Kids from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). It's a separate app from YouTube — make sure you're downloading the right one.
Sign In with Your Google Account
Sign in with your Google account (not your child's). This links the app to your parental settings and Family Link if you have it configured.
Create a Child Profile
Tap "Add Profile" and enter your child's name and birthday. The birthday determines which content level is offered.
Choose a Content Level
Select the content level appropriate for your child (see below). You can change this later.
Set a Custom Passcode
By default, parent settings open after a multiplication problem, which older kids can solve. Set your own passcode in the app's settings instead, and keep it separate from other PINs you use.
Content Levels
YouTube Kids offers four content filter levels based on age:
Preschool (Ages 4 and Under)
- Only approved, age-appropriate content
- Mostly educational and nursery rhyme content
- Search results limited to videos for ages 4 and under
- Very limited content library
Younger (Ages 5–8)
- Broader range of children's content
- Educational and entertainment shows
- Search available
- Still tightly filtered
Older (Ages 9–12)
- Wider range including YouTube's popular family channels
- More variety but also more risk
- Search available
- Closer to regular YouTube experience
Approve Content Yourself
- Manually approve every video and channel
- Most restrictive option
- Best for young or sensitive children
Always start with a more restrictive content level than you think necessary. You can loosen it as your child grows, but it's much harder to go in the other direction after they've seen more open content.
Approved Content Only Mode
This is the most controlled option and ideal for children under 7.
Enable Approved Content Only
Add Approved Channels
Browse channels and videos you want to allow. Tap the checkmark or approve button on any channel to add it.
Review Approved Content Periodically
As your child watches, they may want new content. Review their requests and add approved channels when appropriate.
Channels Worth Approving
Widely trusted channels for young children:
- Blippi
- Sesame Street
- National Geographic Kids
- PBS Kids
- CoComelon (ages 1–5)
- TED-Ed (ages 8–12)
- SciShow Kids
Search Controls
Disable Search
Toggle search OFF. Turning search off also clears that profile's watch and search history. Children won't be able to search for content — they can only watch what appears in their feed or what you've approved.
Even in YouTube Kids, search can surface content you don't expect. For children under 7, disabling search is strongly recommended.
Screen Time Limits
Built-in Timer
Use the slider to choose how long this viewing session lasts, then tap Start timer. The timer covers one session, so set it again each time you hand over the device.
What Happens at the Limit
A "Time's up!" message appears and the app locks. To unlock it, a parent enters the passcode (or solves the multiplication problem) and stops or restarts the timer. This creates a natural check-in opportunity.
The in-app timer is a great first layer, but also set an app time limit in iOS Screen Time or Android Family Link for belt-and-suspenders protection.
History and Watch Activity
See What Your Child Watched
Open your child's profile and look at the "Watch it again" row, which shows recent videos. Watching a few together is also a great way to start conversations about what your child enjoys.
Pause or Clear Watch History
Clearing history resets recommendations, which can be useful if the algorithm starts surfacing unwanted content.
Blocking Videos and Channels
Block a Video
While a video plays, tap the three-dot menu and select "Block this video."
Block a Channel
Once blocked, all content from that channel disappears. Blocking is permanent until you unblock it.
Report Inappropriate Content
Reporting sends the content to YouTube Kids review. It helps improve the platform for all families.
Family Link Integration
If your child has a Google account supervised in Family Link, you can manage YouTube Kids from your own phone:
- Change the content level and turn search on or off (Family Link > your child > Controls > Content restrictions > YouTube)
- See app usage and set app time limits on Android devices
- Approve or block content from the YouTube Kids app itself
If you have Android devices or Google accounts for your children, Google Family Link is the most comprehensive way to manage YouTube Kids alongside other apps.
Smart TV Setup
The separate YouTube Kids app was removed from smart TVs, streaming boxes and game consoles in July 2024. On a TV, your child now uses their kids profile inside the main YouTube app, with the same content levels and parent settings.
TV-Specific Note
On TVs, the passcode uses an on-screen keyboard. Make sure it isn't guessable from watching you enter it — children are observant.
Common Issues
Inappropriate Content Got Through
- Block the video and channel immediately
- Report it for YouTube review
- Consider switching to Approved Content Only mode
- Document it — patterns matter
Child Watching on Regular YouTube
If your child has access to a regular YouTube account, they may bypass Kids entirely. Use device parental controls to block the regular YouTube app.
Passcode Was Guessed or Shared
- Change the passcode immediately
- Review watch history from the past week
- Discuss why the passcode exists and why it matters
Age-Based Recommendations
Ages 3–4
- Preschool content level
- Approved Content Only
- Search disabled
- 30-minute daily limit
- Supervised viewing
Ages 5–8
- Younger content level
- Search disabled
- Approved channels + feed
- 45–60 minute daily limit
- Weekly watch history review
Ages 9–10
- Older content level
- Search enabled (monitor)
- 60–90 minute daily limit
- Monthly history review
Ages 11–12
- Consider supervised YouTube instead
- Open conversation about content choices
Quick Setup Checklist
Additional Resources
YouTube Kids is now configured with appropriate filters and time limits. Remember to check in periodically — a brief weekly review of watch history keeps you informed and opens great conversations with your child.