VideoHerd
Why Would You Want To Post To YouTube Kids?
Category: YouTube Content Strategy
Upon completing the long and arduous process of editing your YouTube video, you can finally rest and let your efforts shine back on you. As you hit the upload button on YouTube, a rush of emotions—both excitement and trepidation—fills you. But something's different this time:
A new section questioning appears on the YouTube upload screen, asking whether the content is 'made for kids'. If you're taken aback by this, you're not alone. This change was introduced a while ago, and here’s why.
The Beginning of YouTube's 'Made for Kids' Declaration
As of 2018, YouTube witnessed a massive influx of young viewers. Kid-focused channels reaped significant benefits due to children’s binge-watching habits and high engagement levels. However, this success led some creators to exploit the system, producing content that may not have been in the best interests of the young audience but ensured steady AdSense revenue.
The real concern arose when advertisers started tailoring ads specifically for the under-13 demographic—a group YouTube claimed they didn't specifically target or have data on. Child protection groups, recognizing this disparity, raised the issue with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Post investigation, the FTC deduced that YouTube was indeed collecting data on viewers under 13. This practice violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), resulting in a hefty fine of $170 million for YouTube.
In response, YouTube introduced the age declaration in January 2019 for every video upload. It not only altered how it displayed ads but also the distribution and viewer notifications for kids' content. Additionally, YouTube launched the dedicated YouTube Kids App, providing children with a more controlled and secure viewing environment.
Distinguishing YouTube Kids from Regular YouTube
When you designate your video as 'made for kids', several features are either restricted or removed entirely. Here's a snapshot:
Notifications: Turned off.
Recommendation: Your videos are more likely to be recommended alongside other ‘Kids’ videos.
Autoplay: Disabled.
Interactivity Features: Cards, end screens, video watermarks, comments, and even the notification bell are removed.
Monetization Options: Features such as Live chat donations, Merchandise and ticketing, Super Chat, and Super Stickers are unavailable.
Personalized Experience: Personalized advertising, playback in the Miniplayer, likes and dislikes on YouTube Music, and Save options are restricted.
Furthermore, content creators focusing primarily on kids can set their entire channel as ‘Made for Kids’. Opting for this removes:
Live streaming
Channel Memberships
Notification bell
YouTube Posts
YouTube Stories
Why Opt for 'Made for Kids'?
Despite the limitations, there are valid reasons to target this demographic:
Monetization
Kid-friendly content can still generate substantial revenue on YouTube.
Engagement
Younger audiences tend to have longer viewing sessions, making them an attractive niche for advertisers.
Content Demand
The constant demand for children's content ensures a steady viewer base.
Planning Content for YouTube Kids
Crafting content for YouTube Kids requires a unique approach. If you're keen on tapping into this market but are unsure where to start, our team at Videoherd can assist. From brainstorming content ideas to defining your channel's direction, our Creative YouTube Consulting service equips you with all the tools to thrive in the YouTube Kids ecosystem. Reach out to kickstart your journey!
