A dedicated YouTube app for kids coming next week

BANGALORE, INDIA: YouTube is reportedly releasing a new app on Feb. 23 for kids. The app will be called YouTube Kids — and will offer video content aimed at kids and youngsters only.

Unlike the regular YouTube app, YouTube Kids will reportedly come with a few distinct features such as strong parental control, an easy-to-use interface for kids and voice searching option, etc.

The app will initially be available for Android devices only. Android users already have access to similar kind of  apps that allow parents to select videos from YouTube and also provide YouTube safety mode search to display kids safe videos in search results.

So, why is YouTube coming up with another dedicated app for kids now? Here's some quick facts for you.

The Google-owned online video sharing service has seen a booming growth despite stiff competitions from Facebook and others. A 200 percent YoY growth has been recorded for its family entertainment channels viewing time, compared to 50 percent on the rest of the site- which explains the company's focus in coming up with a separate app for kids altogether.

Addressing parental concerns about the content children are accessing online is also a compelling reason behind this initiative. "Parents were constantly asking us, can you make YouTube a better place for our kids," YouTube product manager Shimrit Ben-Yair told USA Today.