Top 5 Video Streaming Apps for Kids: Our Favorites Revealed

Many parents prioritize safe entertainment for their children. With the rise of mobile devices among children, finding kid-friendly video content has become increasingly important. Video streaming apps designed specifically for kids provide a solution by offering curated content that is both entertaining and educational.

Here are 5 of our favourite video streaming apps made just for kids:

1. YouTube Kids
2. PBS KIDS Video
3. Cartoon Network App
4. PlayKids
5. BrainPOP Jr.

Each app has unique features and benefits tailored to young audiences, making it easier for parents to choose the best option for their children.

Criteria for Selection

What Makes a Video Streaming App Suitable for Kids?

When choosing a video streaming app for kids, it’s important to look for certain features:

• Age-appropriate content: The app should have videos specifically designed for your child’s age group. This ensures that the content is both interesting and suitable.
• User-friendly interface: A simple and easy-to-use interface allows children to navigate the app independently without needing constant help.
• Variety of content: Many videos, including educational and entertainment options, keep kids entertained and learning.

Importance of Parental Controls in Streaming Apps

Parental control settings are crucial in popular kids’ video apps to provide a safe viewing environment. These settings allow you to:

• Filter content: Ensure only age-appropriate videos are accessible.
• Set time limits: Control how long your child can use the app daily.
• Monitor activity: Keep track of what your child watches and adjust as needed.

Educational vs. Entertainment Content

Balancing educational and entertainment content is key to a well-rounded viewing experience:

• Educational content: Apps like PlayKids and BrainPOP Jr. focus on learning through fun, offering videos on science, math, reading, and more.
• Entertainment content: Apps such as YouTube Kids and Cartoon Network offer fun shows that captivate children while providing some educational value.

Effective video streaming apps for kids combine these elements to create a safe, engaging, and enriching digital environment.

1. YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids is a top choice because it has strong parental controls and many videos suitable for children.

Features and Benefits of YouTube Kids

• Robust Parental Controls: You can set time limits, block specific content, and monitor your child’s viewing history to ensure they consume appropriate material.
• Content Filters: The app provides filters that categorize videos into different age groups, making finding suitable content for your child easier.
• Engaging User Interface: Designed with young users in mind, the interface is colourful and easy to navigate.

Age-Appropriate Content

The platform offers a wide array of videos tailored for various age groups. Whether your child is interested in educational content, cartoons, or music videos, YouTube Kids has something for everyone. The user interface is intuitive, enabling even younger children to navigate effortlessly.

Potential Risks and Importance of Setting Controls

While YouTube Kids aims to provide a safe environment, no system is foolproof. Some inappropriate content might slip through the filters. This makes setting robust parental controls essential. Regularly reviewing your child’s watch history and taking advantage of the app’s security features can mitigate these risks effectively.

In summary, YouTube Kids combines an engaging interface with extensive parental controls, making it a reliable choice for parents seeking a safe digital environment for their children.

2. PBS KIDS Video

PBS Kids offers a treasure trove of educational videos for kids. This app features beloved shows like Curious George and Sesame Street, making it a hit among younger audiences. With free access to a vast selection of content, it’s an excellent option for parents looking to provide both entertainment and education.

Key Features:

• Popular Shows: Access to well-known series such as Arthur, Dinosaur Train, and Wild Kratts. These programs are designed to be both engaging and informative, promoting learning through fun narratives.
• Free Access: Unlike many streaming services, PBS Kids doesn’t require a subscription for its primary content library. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families.
• Weekly Picks: The app curates a Weekly Picks section, highlighting educational videos that align with current events or seasonal themes. This feature ensures that children always have fresh, relevant content to enjoy.

“PBS Kids is not just about watching TV; it’s about learning while having fun,” says one parent.

The app’s user interface is designed with children in mind, featuring large icons and simple navigation. Parental controls add an extra layer of safety, allowing you to monitor viewing habits and ensure age-appropriate content.

PBS Kids stands out as a valuable resource for children’s video streaming by focusing on entertainment and education.

3. Cartoon Network App

The Cartoon Network app offers a wide range of animated series for kids. Popular shows like Adventure Time and The Amazing World of Gumball are just a tap away, providing hours of entertainment with beloved characters and engaging storylines.

How to Access

You’ll usually need to log in with your cable provider details to enjoy all the content. This allows users to watch more episodes and seasons of their favourite cartoons. But don’t worry if you don’t have a cable login—plenty of free episodes are available for free, making it accessible for non-subscribers too.

Viewing Experience and Ads

While the app offers top-notch animations and a variety of content, ads can be a downside. These ads might interrupt the viewing experience, which could annoy younger viewers who prefer uninterrupted screen time. Parents concerned about their children seeing too many ads must keep an eye on usage or have a conversation about acceptable viewing habits with their kids.

4. PlayKids

The PlayKids app stands out with its strong educational approach, providing a wealth of content geared towards young learners. It features popular shows like Super Why and Sid the Science Kid, both designed to engage and educate children. These shows are known for their interactive storytelling and educational value, making learning fun and effective.

Benefits of Ad-Free Experience

One of the significant advantages of PlayKids is its ad-free experience. Children can enjoy their favourite videos without interruptions, which is crucial for maintaining focus and ensuring an uninterrupted learning experience. This is particularly important for younger kids who might be easily distracted by advertisements.

Subscription Model

PlayKids offers a subscription model that provides access to a vast library of over 200+ videos, games, and books. Parents find this model valuable as it not only guarantees a safe and curated environment but also supports continuous learning with fresh content regularly added. The subscription also includes various activities that promote cognitive development, creativity, and motor skills.

PlayKids offers more than just entertainment; it provides a comprehensive platform for early childhood education, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking quality digital content for their kids.

5. BrainPOP Jr.

BrainPOP Jr. is a standout in educational content for children, offering animated learning videos that captivate young minds. The platform’s Movie of the Week feature provides a new educational video each week, focusing on various topics from science to social studies. This feature aims to foster curiosity and promote active learning among kids.

Accessibility is a key strength of BrainPOP Jr. Schools often provide access through institutional accounts, making it an excellent resource for classroom use. For home use, parents can opt for a subscription model that unlocks an extensive library of videos and interactive activities.

The platform’s engaging characters, Annie and Moby, play a significant role in enhancing the learning experience. Their charming interactions and relatable narratives make complex subjects more approachable for young learners.

• Educational Goals: Weekly updates focus on diverse subjects
• Access Options: School accounts or individual subscriptions
• Engaging Characters: Annie and Moby simplify learning

With its blend of entertainment and education, BrainPOP Jr. keeps children engaged while enriching their knowledge base.

Conclusion

Choosing the right video streaming app for your child depends on their interests and the safety features available. Here are some options to consider:

1. If you’re looking for educational content, BrainPOP Jr. and PlayKids are great choices with a wide range of learning materials.
2. For safe entertainment options, YouTube Kids and PBS KIDS Video have strong parental controls and a large collection of age-appropriate videos.
3. The Cartoon Network App focuses on entertainment, offering popular shows that can be accessed with a cable provider login.

When deciding which app to use, keep these factors in mind:

• Safety Features: Look for apps that offer parental controls, ad-free experiences, and content suitable for your child’s age.
• Content: Find a balance between educational videos and entertaining ones to keep your child engaged.
• Accessibility: Consider whether the app is free or requires a subscription.

Explore these options to find the perfect fit from our list of the 5 favorite video streaming apps made just for kids.