YouTube Kids is a NIGHTMARE and here's why

Nov 201 min read

So apparently YouTube Kids 'somehow' recommended my 6yo a video that was basically a knockoff FNAF game (and yeah, jump scares and spooky stuff). I thought YT Kids had actual moderation but apparently the algorithm is just... broken? Has anyone found an actually good alternative? We've tried Kidoodle but my daughter finds it boring. I don't want to cut him off entirely because the educational stuff is legit useful but geez this is frustrating.

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Comments(8)

TTony L.Regular1d ago

nailed it, youtube kids sucks

TTyler K.Regular1d ago

This is the way. Just use regular YouTube with parental controls instead - seriously. YT Kids algorithm is somehow worse than the regular one because it tries to "figure out" what's kid-friendly and fails. Regular YouTube lets you manually approve channels which takes 5 mins.

KKevin P.Regular1d ago

Same problem here last month. My solution has been mostly DVDs and streaming services where I pick the specific show/episode. Yeah it's "old school" but at least I'm not gambling with an algorithm. The trade-off is less variety but fewer 3am calls from a terrified kid so... worth it to me.

NNate C.New Dad1d ago

YouTube Kids recommended a FNAF knockoff?? That's wild. Yeah the moderation is basically nonexistent - it's all algorithmic which means garbage gets through constantly. We switched to Apple TV+ Kids mostly and honestly my kids complain less about "boring" content when there's literally nothing else to watch lol

MMitch R.Regular1d ago

Wait so you're saying the "for kids" version recommended horror game content to a 6 year old? That's actually insane. Have you reported it to YouTube? I've heard they don't care but at least documenting it might help others. Also curious - did your daughter have nightmares or was she just spooked?

PPhil K.Regular1d ago

My 6yo found Kidoodle boring too so I get why you're frustrated. BUT - and I say this as someone who got really mad at YT Kids - have you customized the channel list aggressively? Like remove EVERYTHING except PBS Kids, Crash Course Kids, TED-Ed? We whitelisted only stuff we'd personally watched and it made a huge difference. Takes like an hour to set up but worth it.

TTodd N.Regular1d ago

You mentioned the educational stuff is useful - which channels is your kid actually watching that work? Trying to find the sweet spot between educational and not-terrifying for my 7yo and would love specifics

DDan M.Regular1d ago

Have you tried Common Sense Media's filtering options? Not a whole service but they have a list of actually vetted channels and creators that won't give your kid nightmares at 2am