YouTube launches kids service in the UK

YouTube is launching its kids app in the UK and Ireland, its first rollout outside the US.

Kids can watch a range of curated content via app, which is free from the Google Play and Apple’s App Store. The service is ad-supported.

Announcing the launch in a blog post, YouTube said the larger images and icons will make it easier for kids to navigate and discover content. It has also introduced a voice search function.

Content is split into four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore, and YouTube has built in parental control capabilities.

The Kids app launched in the US earlier this year, since when it has been downloaded over 10 million times.

“It’s our first step in reimagining YouTube for families and it’s now available to download for free,” said Greg Dray, head of kids and learning partnerships at YouTube, in a blog post

Dray added: “We’re so excited to bring YouTube Kids to the UK and Ireland, and look forward to your ideas too so that we can better help your family explore, learn and sing along.”