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For parents, the dilemma of whether or not to set up your children’s Google Account as a child account and suffer the consequences is real. Google finally recognizes that one of the biggest drawbacks of this experience is related to YouTube Kids. The company has just announced that it will soon begin testing “supervised experiences”, which will allow parents to let their tweens and teens access YouTube in a controlled manner.
What do “supervised experiences” offer on YouTube
Google says they’ll feel more like YouTube than YouTube Kids. Parents will have the option to choose from three different content settings: Explore, explore more, and Most of YouTube.
To explore will offer a wider range of videos suitable for viewers over the age of nine, including vlogs, music videos, educational content, and more. The second parameter, Explore more, will include more such videos which are generally suitable for viewers 13 years of age and older. Finally, Most of YouTube, will contain almost all videos except content subject to an age limit (18 and over), including sensitive topics.
Google says it will use a mix of user input, machine learning, and human review to determine which videos will be included in each content setting.
It is important to note that the experience will be limited and that the availability of features will differ depending on each content setting. For example, live broadcasts will be disabled in the Explore setting and features such as comments, live chat, all authoring options (channel, posts, stories, shorts, etc.) and channel memberships. will not be available.
In addition to content settings, parents will have access to viewing and search history, and will also be able to set screen timers through Google’s Family Link.
How to set up “supervised experiences” on YouTube
Unfortunately, you’ll still have to wait before you can try out the new experience, as it will only be available in “early beta” in the coming months. The beta will only be available for families with children under 13 in most countries (exceptions). Teenage parents will have to wait a little longer.
If your child already has a supervised Google account, you won’t have to take any additional steps to access this experience. You will likely be notified by email if you are selected to be part of the first beta.
What about YouTube Kids? Is it going away?
No, YouTube Kids won’t go away and Google still recommends the standalone app for younger kids which offers a simpler experience but a smaller collection of videos. There is also a promise to bring more features to the app, one of which is the much-requested option for parents to allow access to specific videos and channels.
If you are confused between “supervised experiences” and YouTube Kids, you should check out Google’s handy comparison chart.
What about YouTube Music for Kids?
The demise of Google Play Music has not worked well with users; they don’t think YouTube Music is a valid alternative. While there are many differences to discuss, the one that is relevant in this context is that, unlike GPM, YouTube Music is not available for children under the age of 13. This left some families with no choice but to switch to alternatives like Spotify.
Although YouTube Music is not supported when the beta launches, we are working to bring it in the future.
– TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) February 24, 2021
Fortunately, it looks like YouTube is working on fixing this issue. As mentioned in the tweet above, YouTube Music for Kids is expected to arrive when “Supervised Experiences” rolls out of beta – exactly when, though, we’re guessing.
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