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Visiting YouTube Kids Headquarters And Talking About What’s Next For Video

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to San Francisco to visit YouTube headquarters with the rest of the YouTube Kids Parents Panel. I’ve been part of the panel since it was created several years ago and have always enjoyed chatting about new features, what’s next for the brand, and thinking up new ways I can be involved as a creator.

Of course, it’s always nice to reconnect with the rest of the crew as well! We are from all over the country – truly from coast to coast. It’s very hard to see one another. So, these trips feel like somewhat of a reunion!

While hugging in real life is nice,  nothing feels like heading through the front doors of the YouTube building. I started my account in 2007 and have created over 1600 video since!!  Needless to say, it’s just something I love to do. In fact, this year, I decided to try to do one video a day Monday-Friday. A new move for me for SURE. I’ve always looked at YouTube as an extension to my blog. However, this year, I decided to look at YouTube as its own unique platform and audience… because it IS. LOL! I’ve NEVER searched for tags or worried about thumbnails or search terms in the past. Nowadays, it’s all that fills my days.

If you’d like to check out my channel, click here

And that’s not even where we are stopping. My husband is jumping on this pony ride and has committed to working with my boys on their very own gaming channel. We are searching for the best computers to purchase AS WE SPEAK. The plan is to set Liam up with his little space and make it very easy for him to record just about anything. Then Bill can go in and edit at leisure. I can’t handle another channel… but my husband certainly can! 😉

While in attendance with the YouTube Kids Panel team, we spoke about what’s next for the app and how it will affect how our families interact with it. I can’t talk about what I’ve learned, but I am excited to see some of what I saw come to fruition.

We all know that our children do not organically turn to television to watch their favorite shows. Their favorite shows are on their iPads. So, the fact that I am somewhat involved in the construction and design of these platforms is truly mindblowing. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be HEARD by the YouTube Kids panel. I feel like I speak for all parents when I voice my concerns or my praises. The company wants nothing but the best for its users and as a mom… I appreciate that.

Of course, it is an absolute pleasure that my best friend and business partner is also on the panel. Audrey McClelland and I are both part of very digital families. The kids love to keep up with one another through YouTube. We each film vlogs every now and then – so it’s a great way for them to connect even while we live so far away from one another.

 

YouTube Kids App Features:

  • Kid Profiles: Create up to eight kid profiles, each with their own viewing preferences, video recommendations, and settings.
  • Blocking: Find a video or channel you don’t want your kid to watch? Block it to automatically remove it from all of your kids’ profiles.
  • Watch History: Keep tabs on what your kids are watching in the app.
  • Search Control: Turn search on so kids can access more videos. Turn search off for a more contained experience.
  • Timer: Set up a timer to put limits on how long your kids can play with the app.
  • Video Reporting: Alert us immediately by reporting videos that shouldn’t be in the app. The video will be sent to us for fast review.
  • Watch On TV: Gather your family and enjoy YouTube Kids on select TVs

Have you downloaded the YouTube Kids app? If you haven’t, do so today! It’s great for families who travel. It’s great for families with little ones who cannot figure out how to navigate YouTube main without assistance. It’s also great for anyone who needs a little downtime. Click here to get started.

*YouTube invited me to their offices in San Francisco. Travel and accommodations were covered. All opinions are my own.

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