Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Yudt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Innovative video site puts users in charge.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
Named for its founder, Justin Kan, JUSTIN.TV began as a platform for "lifecasting" -- live video streaming shot from the perspective of the participant. Today, the site features a wider variety of video content, from ferret cams to movie clips to live news feeds. Users can become fans of channels, each of which includes a live chat. The site also has networks, which can encompass multiple channels dedicated to similar topics and forums that are moderated by network administrators.
Is It Any Good?
Like most sites featuring user-generated content, Justin.tv is hit or miss when it comes to videos -- but its community features are top-notch. YouTube commenting seems primitive compared to the chats and forums integrated into Justin.tv's networks. And users have plenty of tools to keep their networks clean and on-topic, such as banning users or filtering language. Also noteworthy is the site's Headlines section, which features user-penned stories on noteworthy Justin.tv broadcasters, including aspiring artists and musicians.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about potential drawbacks of posting videos online. Would teens feel uncomfortable knowing that thousands of people can see them? How do you know what's OK to post and what's not? Check out our tips on YouTube and video chatting to start a conversation about using video sites safely.
Website Details
- Genre : Video Sites
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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