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YouTube Alternatives

YouTube is the largest video streaming site out there, but is it the best? Kids are obsessed with watching videos, but with all of YouTube's user-generated content, it's hard to know if they're watching the good stuff or the not-so-good stuff. Kids can be exposed to loads of inappropriate content, even when using the kid-specific YouTube Kids app. If you're looking for a site that's similar to YouTube but a bit more age-appropriate for your kids, we've got you covered. This list is full of kid-friendly alternative streaming sites that will have your kids watching, laughing, and even learning. And if your kid is ready to make the jump, our handy Parent's Ultimate Guide to YouTube will help you master the platform in no time.

And if you have kids 10 and under, you can also check out Sensical, a streaming service offering thousands of age-appropriate videos and podcasts for kids. Start by browsing our curated list of Sensical Select playlists, with all age-appropriate videos that explore a variety of different topics.

(Sensical is a free service from the for-profit Common Sense Networks; it's not reviewed here due to the potential for conflict of interest.)

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PBS-Kids-Video Website Poster Image
WEBSITE

PBS Kids Video

age 3+

Quality, ad-free PBS shows (but it's still screen time).

URL: http://pbskids.org/video (2009)
Noggin Preschool Learning App Poster Image
APP

Noggin Preschool Learning App

age 3+

Subscribe for fave shows; might want more parent control.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2023)
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APP

Nick Jr. App

age 3+

Tot-friendly interface for streaming Nick Jr. shows.

Devices: iPad (2014)
PlayKids - Cartoons and game‪s‬ Poster Image
APP

PlayKids - Cartoons and game‪s‬

age 3+

Content galore with shows, games; strong parent controls.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Hopster: Pre school Learning Poster Image
APP

Hopster: Pre school Learning

age 4+

Cute, curated content with monthly fee; only light learning.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Azoomee - Kids' Games & Videos Poster Image
APP

Azoomee - Kids' Games & Videos

age 6+

Fun, safe space to play, learn, communicate.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
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WEBSITE

The Kid Should See This

age 6+

Solid videos that aren't intended -- but are OK -- for kids.

URL: https://thekidshouldseethis.com (2019)
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APP

Boomerang - Cartoons & Movies

age 7+

Classic cartoons fun but reflect old stereotypes/behavior.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2018)
HooplaKidz Poster Image
WEBSITE

HooplaKidz

age 7+

Parental guidance best solution for kid-focused video site.

URL: http://www.hooplakidz.com (2015)
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WEBSITE

NBC Learn

age 7+

Curated news clips help clarify science, history, and tech.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/Nbclearn/videos (2014)
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WEBSITE

TED-Ed

age 8+

Inspiring, entertaining videos from the world's brightest.

URL: https://ed.ted.com/ (2013)
Brainfeed - Educational Videos for Kids Poster Image
APP

Brainfeed - Educational Videos for Kids

age 11+

Curated learning videos still best after parental preview.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2015)
Opening screen.
APP

kweliTV

age 13+

Impressive array of videos on Black culture and experiences.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac , Android (2022)