By Dan Price
Updated
It's hard to keep track of safe sites for kids. So, here are ten top video sites for kids will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
Today, there are more video sites online than ever. They cover a wide range of content—at the one end, you've got explicitly adult-themed content; at the other end are kids' video services and providers who cater to the entire family.
But how can you make sure your kids have the freedom to watch what they want on video sites that are safe for kids? Here is a list of sites that will make sure your kids' eyes don't stray onto inappropriate material.
1. YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a spinoff site from the main YouTube site. It has been created with behind-the-scenes filters that keep the worst excesses of YouTube away from the list of available content.
When you fire up the site (which is also available as an Android and iOS app), you can choose whether you want to see videos for preschoolers (under four), younger kids (five to eight), or older kids (nine to 12).
You also get the option to enable or disable the search feature. When turned off, content is limited to a select number of channels that YouTube has deemed to be age-appropriate.
Despite YouTube Kids being a standalone app, it is important to realize that the app is still pulling content from the main YouTube library. Video creators are not uploading the content to a separate service. That means there remains a chance, however small, that YouTube's filters will fail and something inappropriate will find its way through, especially if you allow the search feature.
2. KidzBop
The idea of well-known chart songs being sung by kids is nothing new. KidzBop, however, decided to offer a dedicated place for all the next Britney Spears and Justin Biebers to showcase their talents (or in some cases, lack of it!).
The KidzBop site has been online for more than a decade and remains as popular as ever. Adults can at least sing along to some songs they might know, while kids are sure to be entertained by the combination of music, flashy graphics, and occasional funny moments.
KidzBop has even released several CDs. Three new albums are released every year, and there is a Greatest Hits record for those who cannot get enough of it.
3. PBS Kids
PBS Kids is the child-centric portal from the US national broadcaster of the same name.
The site itself is divided into games and videos. In the video section, you will find full episodes from many of the most popular kids shows on the network at any given moment. At the time of writing, those episodes include Elinor Wonders Why, Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, Hero Elementary, Xavier Riddle, and many more.
Related: What Is a VPN and Why You Should Use One
PBS Kids is only available within the United States, though you can bypass the restrictions using a VPN.
4. KidTube
KidTube is a site focused on videos for children aged 12 and younger. It has one of the strictest policies for uploading kids' videos anywhere on the web. And to make sure that nothing is snuck past the already robust filters, every single video on the site is screened by a real person to make sure it is appropriate before it goes live.
Videos are typically at least moderately educational, with plenty of content centered on cooking, science, arts and crafts, language learning, and animals, and other similar topics. Though, there is still a healthy dose of cartoons and comedy shows for when your child needs a break.
5. Cartoon Network
Of course, most of the big kids' TV networks have their own websites that host videos. Cartoon Network is no different.
The site offers a mix of videos clips, full episodes, games, and even fan art. Many of the videos are available for free, even if you do not have a cable subscription. Those with a cable plan can tune into a live stream of the Cartoon Network TV channel.
6. Toddler Fun Learning
Toddler Fun Learning is an educational video learning site aimed at children under three. You can watch along via the website or the iOS app. Sadly, there is no Android app.
The videos usually put a fun character in the place of a real-life situation. For example, one of the most popular shows on the site at the time of writing sees a cartoon gecko and his buddies operator a car mechanic. Kids learn about the basic workings of a car along with the daily life of the characters who star in each episode. New videos are released every week.
Parents will also appreciate the 7PM section of the site. It includes videos to help you become a better father/mother.
7. Nickelodeon
Like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon has a video-packed site aimed at children of all ages. You can also watch the content via the accompanying smartphone app on Android and iOS.
You can use the Nickelodeon site to watch both full episodes and standalone clips. There are enough videos on there to keep your kid entertained for weeks.
8. Cakey Village
Cakey Village is a YouTube Kids alternative. It uses the main YouTube library to source its content, but its restrictions and list of approved channels is not quite as limited as the YouTube Kids app.
If your kids are a little older, or more internet savvy than a very young child, then Cakey Village is a good halfway house between the fully-fledged YouTube and the watered-down kids' version.
9. Netflix
We shouldn’t overlook the usual streaming apps. Netflix lets you create user profiles for kids, so they will not be able to access the adult-themed shows (as long as you make sure they are not sneakily hopping between profiles when your back is turned!).
One of the best aspects of Netflix from a kid's standpoint is the download feature. You can load up your device between a long car journey or plane flight when the signal might be spotty, and your kids will stay entertained—you won't hear a peep out of them until you arrive at your destination!
10. Amazon Prime Video
Like Netflix, Amazon Prime has a huge library of video content for kids. And again, like Netflix, you can choose to create a kid's profile, so they will be sandboxed from the adult shows on the platform.
Even if you don't go to the hassle of making a kids' profile (though you probably should), you can still easily navigate the site by genre to find content that is suitable.
More Video Choices for Kids Than Ever
The number of video services aimed at kids is growing exponentially every day. Just make sure you apply common sense and enable some basic parental controls before giving them free rein on your laptop or tablet.
