kweliTV
Impressive array of videos on Black culture and experiences.
Parents say
Based on 6 reviews
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kweliTV
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that kweliTV is a streaming platform app for iOS and Android devices. A subscription is required to access content on kweliTV. The basic version costs $5.99 a month. Parents can also opt to pay a $49.99 annual fee or choose a free registration option that features ads. The platform also offers a $2.99 one-day rental option for individual titles, and a 7-day free trial. Videos are listed under general subject headings, such as Suspense/Action and Animation, which can help kids identify potential viewing selections. There's also a section with videos specifically for kids and teens. Some viewing options show characters in bars drinking alcohol or mention using cocaine or other substances, and sex can come up, including unplanned pregnancy and one-night stands. Swear words, too, make an appearance in videos and written video descriptions. At least one viewing option has a plot that involves murder and guns.
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What’s It About?
KWELITV is an app featuring content from the streaming platform of the same name. Kweli means truth in Swahili -- which, according to the developer, represents the app's goal of providing movies, kids' shows, and other programming from North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa that accurately portray Black individuals' experiences. Videos are grouped by topic, such as Animation, History, and On the Come Up. One section has items chosen by actor Lil Rel Howery. Users can comment on videos or click on a heart to like them.
Is It Any Good?
The streaming service offers a solid selection of videos from numerous countries and genres. kweliTV offers lighthearted comedy options and items that involve social justice, the environment, and other more serious topics. Some examine subject matter through a cultural perspective -- the science fiction section header, for instance, is Sci-Fi/Afrofuturism/Fantasy. If kids are OK searching by general topic, they should easily be able to find content that involves broad subject matter like romance or history. There's also a section with videos specifically for kids and teens.
While the content spans an admirable number of areas, some sections are more robust than others. Only one show is listed under the Business header, for example, which has eight episodes, and each is less than 12 minutes long. The streaming service's live programming also seems to be somewhat moderate. One program that involves interviews with filmmakers is billed as being a live weekly offering, but the most recent episode appears to be from 2018. The text that's included with videos can be a bit inconsistent: Some items have detailed descriptions, but others are more brief. Plot summaries for individual show episodes generally aren't provided, which could make deciding what to watch challenging -- particularly if kids are trying to avoid some of the app's more adult content. They can come across swearing, drinking, and potentially even some sexual activity in videos. In "Black Girl in Paris," for example, the main character in the short film is shown having sex with someone who then gives her money. Although some items are marked with terms like "Adult Content," it's unclear if all videos have been screened for potentially objectionable elements. Because the content can touch on some themes that aren't particularly kid-friendly, parents may want to supervise and help select what kids are watching. With a little guidance, kweliTV can be a great resource for independent films, documentaries, and other programs that center on Black history and culture.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how much time you should spend watching shows on streaming platforms like kweliTV, even if they're educational. What limits can your family set to ensure everyone is also enjoying other activities?
How can kids tell if something is OK to watch on a streaming service? What elements -- such as movie ratings -- can indicate a video is meant for kids or adults?
Does your child understand the difference between downloading and watching (streaming) things on-screen -- and between owning and renting files?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Paid (The basic version costs $5.99 a month or a $49.99 annual fee. A free registration option is available that features ads. Individual titles can be rented for $2.99. A seven-day free trial is also available.)
- Release date: January 28, 2022
- Category: Entertainment
- Publisher: kweliTV, Inc
- Version: 3.4.5
- Minimum software requirements: Requires iOS 9.0 or later, macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with an Apple M1 chip, tvOS 10.0 or later, or Android 5.0 and up.
- Last updated: June 13, 2022
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