YouTube – the platform that has saved me on multiple occasions. Need to learn a new skill? YouTube. Need to get your cellphone to work? YouTube. Need to fix the state of our economy? Excessive prayer, YouTube can't help us there.
Point is, YouTube is a beautiful place filled with endless knowledge and entertainment, and children are hopping on the train, I mean just look at the numbers these videos are doing!
Are your kids avid YouTube users? What are some of their favourite channels? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
Older children increasingly have smartphones these days, so they’re able to access YouTube at any time they like (given they have internet access, of course). Tip: if you don't have WiFi at home but have access to free WiFi every now and then, you can save YouTube videos to watch offline. Alternatively, you could camp outside your friend or family member's house and use their WiFi, but don't tell them I sent you.
Kids' TV shows can often be streamed on YouTube, so they don’t have to wait for it to air any more; they can simply whip out their devices and watch on demand.
Another great thing about YouTube is they have certain policies, settings and age-restricted content to help make your children’s viewing safer. If any of the YouTubers share content that is harmful or inappropriate for children’s viewing, it gets demonetised, which essentially means no ads will show on the channel's videos so the owners often take it down.
- Also see: 5 tips for parents on YouTube safety
Here are some of the best YouTube channels for kids in their respective categories:
DIY channels
5 Minute Crafts Kids
Subscribers: 8,1M
5 Minute Crafts is wildly popular on YouTube and Instagram alike for its quick, easy and innovative DIY tips and "hacks." It sure will keep your child enticed and busy all day long.
Reviews, challenges and fun things
EvanTubeHD
Subscribers: 5,9M
This charming brother-sister duo is a ball of fun for the whole family. They're sure to get the giggles going.
Evan, star of the channel, posts reviews on things such as games and toys for those little inquisitive minds.
CookieSwirlC
Subscribers: 9,9M
Lots and lots of pink, this toy unboxing channel is filled with surprises and enthusiasm. Toy DIYs are prevalent on this channel too, even some nail art. Think a pretty unicorn fairy land in YouTube form. If your child can withstand the pressure of consumerism...
Educational
TED-Ed
Subscribers: 7,8M
These videos are well animated and informative, constantly teaching your kids a whole range of new and interesting things.
Comedy
Subscribers: 658K
I mean, who doesn't love the good-ol' Muppets every now and then? Their silly punch lines and quirky humour is perfect for kiddies.
Liza Koshy
Subscribers: 16M
A kooky, relatable and hilarious channel with accents, impersonations and loads of adventures.
More suited for older kids though, 10+
Animals and Wildlife
Houston Zoo
Subscribers: 25K
Animal content galore! Big ones, little ones, small ones, tall ones – you name it, it's there. A fun educational channel for all those animal lovers out there.
Brave Wilderness
Subscribers: 12M
Coyote Petersen – a wildly (pun intended) popular name among the kiddies. Get involved in all his animal Steve Irwin-esque adventures (RIP Legend).
Are your kids avid YouTube users? What are some of their favourite channels? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
Read More:
- Entertaining YouTube channels for kids
- WATCH: Here's what teens do on Instagram and YouTube
- Parent's guide: Making YouTube safer for your kids
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