Trying to find appropriate content on YouTube for kids can be a challenge. Because you know, YouTube isn’t always super kid-friendly — especially YouTube comments. Good news: we found two new kids’ channels on YouTube that I think parents will love too.
Related: 14 of the best (this means fun!) YouTube videos for kids
PBS Kids YouTube channel
PBS Kids has built a sturdy reputation over the years, becoming the top kids’ educational media brand. The TV shows, the apps, the videos — you just know your kids are in good hands. So when I heard about the launch of the PBS Kids YouTube channel (above) this week, I went in expecting a lot. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Geared toward children between the ages of 2 and 8, the channel features hundreds of clips and promo videos from PBS Kids shows we love, along with full length web originals. Plus, PBS Kids plans to add new content weekly, so that should keep kids and parents coming back for more. One of our favorites: The Cookie Monster Playlist. How can you resist a Star Wars parody called Sesame Street S’Mores featuring Luke Piewalker, Flan Solo, Only One Canoli, and Chewie…the cookie.
Also for slightly older kids, check out the Full-Time Kid video series, featuring a charismatic young host named Mya (at top) sharing fun educational tricks, songs, crafts, and other activities that actually get kids off the computer. Homemade ice cream recipe anyone?
DreamWorksTV YouTube channel
What do you get when you combine the reliable, global family entertainment of DreamWorks Animation with the digital savvy of AwesomenessTV? The very cool DreamWorksTV YouTube channel, that’s what. Created last summer, this channel is aimed at slightly older kids and features original, short-form, live action and animated web series with new episodes each day.
One particularly smart web series on the channel is called Life Hacks For Kids. It stars the delightful “master life-hacker” Sunny, who is basically a tween MacGyver. She’ll guide your kids through hacks for rainy day fun, make-your-own sandwiches, and even a tech segment that includes a trick for avoiding earphone cord spaghetti using a hair clip. I’m telling you, Sunny is on it.
Related: 10 questions parents should ask when writing a cell phone contract for kids
The one complaint with each of these channels — you don’t get something for nothing. Expect pre-roll ads before the segments start.
Be sure to also check out Cool Mom Tech’s picks for 14 of the best YouTube videos for kids.
