YouTube launches updated design and features for Kids app

After launching two years ago, YouTube Kids has received a makeover. YouTube has launched a new look for its YouTube Kids app as well as the option to create individual profiles for every kid.

Don Anderson, Head of Kids and Learning Partnership, YouTube APAC, told ETtech that now that parents have access to create their kid’s profile online wherein they can choose the type of content in their profile they would like to show.

As of now, users will be able to make up to 10 profiles from any single parent account. Plus, Kids can set their own passcode for their profile to keep it secure and private while parents, however, will have an access to override this passcode.

Each YouTube Kids profile will look different depending on the age of the child. Once the child enters their birthdate, YouTube Kids will display either less text and more icons for younger kids whereas more content will be available for the older kids.

The app was launched in 2015 and made its Indian debut in last November, currently operating in 37 countries. Collectively, users have racked up 70 billion views in the app. The company said that at present the app has more than 11 million weekly active viewers across the world and has witnessed an increase of 70 billion videos views till date.

Also Read: YouTube launches its pop-up space in Hyderabad, eyes India’s expansion

“We are still looking at the different ways as how to make it a better experience for families. Very soon we will be providing an opportunity to parents to bring more content to the app experience. Our whole team is figuring out the most relevant content categories for tweens to make the app more awesome for them,” YouTube Kids Engineering Director Balaji Srinivasan in an official blog post.

The app is also getting a new setup process, which will give parents “detailed information to help them make the right choices for the family before the kids use the app”, Srinivasan wrote.

The app will start rolling to its users today. Prior to this, the YouTube launched its first pop-up space in India at Hyderabad in October. The program looking to get a footfall of over 800 content creators at Ramoji Film City. The pop-up space was aimed to offer training to hands-on workshops to networking with other members of the YouTube community.