SAN FRANCISCO - YouTube on Thursday revealed plans for the US release of a mobile application built with children - and their parents’ concerns - in mind. A free YouTube Kids app tailored for Android-powered devices and ‘built from the ground up with little ones in mind’ is set to hit the Google Play store on Monday. The application is designed as a simple-to-use stage for age-appropriate videos, channels and playlists skewed toward content that promotes literacy, according to YouTube. It also boasts parental controls including a countdown clock to limit viewing time. YouTube Kids launch partners include Jim Henson, National Geographic and Talking Tom and Friends.
Google-owned YouTube said it will continue to expand the library of videos available through the application. ‘YouTube Kids is a parents’ best friend when it comes to helping kids discover and enjoy age-appropriate video,’ ConnectSafely.org co-director Larry Magid said in a release. ‘Nothing can replace an involved parent, but YouTube Kids makes parents’ job easier, more fun and more rewarding for them and their kids.’