YouTube (for) Kids

Do your kids love to watch YouTube videos? Are you concerned with ads, comments, or inappropriate content? If so, I've found a great solution for you! YouTube Kids is a free app created by Google that allows for safe, fun, kid friendly, video viewing.

When I opened the app, I was immediately greeted by the sweet sound of kids giggling and an inviting musical medley. The app is very easy to use and understand. You are welcomed to a home screen with various kid friendly videos. On the top bar there are 6 icons whose functions show a familiar photo resembling the action. These include :Recommended, Shows, Music, Learning, Explore and of course Search. There is a neat feature in the bottom right corner symbolized by a lock. After entering a "grownups only code" consisting of a code spelled out in numerical wording, you now have the option to apply a timer to your child's video watching privileges ranging from one minute through 2 hours. There is also a settings and feedback option, allowing the user to customize content control and privacy as well as leaving feedback with screenshots, allowing for  a user based experience.

Some video channels that are featured include, and not limited to: PBS KIDS, SESAME STREET, Thomas & Friends, and Strawberry Shortcake.

What I really liked about this app is how the videos appear. When you're viewing a video, it is free of ads and comments. There are no commercials or recommendations for inappropriate content. It is just pure content. When you're done viewing the video, below it are options for other videos in that channel. Pause and Play are available options when viewing your video. There are also back and forward buttons on the side of the video to allow you to toggle between other content in the channel. Should you have any concerns regarding the video you're child is watching, you can hit the 3 dots icon in the corner of the video and report the video.

Rest assure, if the content you're seeing isn't what you're looking for, the search tool is extremely helpful and provides the same great features mentioned above. Simply type in your search terms and it will perform a YouTube search for you. When you find a video or channel that fits your search just click on it and you'll see that the video is equally protected and viewable just as the recommended and suggested videos are.

This is sure to be a great tool to use at home and in school for safe, easy, fun video viewing!

Check out the Android App Here
Check out the iOS App Here

Shared With Me Is Back!!

Did you noticed when you upgraded to the new Google Drive something changed? Yup, the familiar Shared With Me section (where you find items shared with you) was renamed to "Incoming". Whose bright idea was that? Well I guess they listened and poof, take a look at your Google Drive, you'll see its changed back to Shared With Me. As usual, Google listened. If you ever want to leave feedback go to the Help menu drop down and select "Report An Issue". Trust me, they are checking!