Late-night cartoons on TV drift into the past like a relic. After all, all the cool kids are watching YouTube! YouTube Kids app offers a safe environment for younger audiences. But being successful there and running ads sure are tricky with all the limitations in place. How can you do it? Find out here!
Understanding the YouTube Kids App
The YouTube Kids App is like an oasis of child-friendly content in the vast desert of the internet. You know how it goes on the regular app, right? Things can escalate quickly from cute cat videos to questionable conspiracy theories. Among these ‘nightmares’ for the parents, YouTube Kids looks like a superhero, providing their children with a safe, educational, and entertaining space. But, of course, with great power comes great responsibility. And getting on YouTube Kids requires quite a bit of preparation.
Limitations on YouTube Kids
The YouTube Kids app comes to the rescue, filtering out the ‘noise’ of prank videos that have gone wrong or dramatic breakup vlogs. Only age-appropriate content is allowed! With such tools as parental controls, such a great user-oriented experience with ad-free videos and age-appropriate content YouTube Kids is a dream come true for parents, but it might be the opposite for advertisers and YouTubers. The rules are strict, all for the sake of the young audience.
The COPPA Factor
Back in 2020, YouTube first introduced the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) rules, which fundamentally changed how ads worked on kids’ content. Gone were the days of personalized ads, because, surprisingly, parents did not appreciate it when ads makers were collecting personal data from their kids. The shift was aimed at protecting kids’ privacy, which was fantastic news, but it also meant a significant drop in revenue for many content creators.
Content Standards
YouTube isn’t playing around with its guidelines for kids’ content. If your channel doesn’t comply, expect it to be removed faster than you can say ‘unboxing toy review’. YouTube’s guidelines are clear:
- no inappropriate language;
- no mature themes;
- no excessive violence;
- and definitely no scary clowns or jumpscares (looking at you, Halloween enthusiasts).
It’s a wholesome place, where even the slightest hint of adult content will have your video sent to the naughty corner. The goal? To create a digital child-proof playground where parents can safely let their kids roam without fear of them stumbling onto anything that could lead to an awkward conversation. All must adhere to the rules if they want to stay, with no exceptions.
No Direct Sales Calls-to-Action
Hold your horses, dear marketers! If you think that YouTube Kids is an easy place to gain tons of potential customers, think again. YouTube Kids has strict rules against direct sales calls to action. No ‘Buy Now!’ or ‘Click here for your new toy!’. Sure, you can introduce your brand, but keep it subtle and child-friendly. The idea is to build trust and loyalty, not sell the latest gadget in a way that has kids nagging their parents into oblivion.
Parental Controls and Channel Classification
Parents set the rules here. They can set time limits, block certain channels for their kids, and even handpick what kids can watch. This means your content needs to be as squeaky clean as a brand-new rubber duck. And then there’s channel classification. YouTube lumps everyone under 13 into the ‘kids’ category, but for creators, it’s way more nuanced. Are you making content for toddlers or tweens? The classification can significantly impact how your ads are perceived and recommended. Get it right and you’re golden. Get it wrong and you’re lost.
Engagement Limitations and Surprises
Expect to bid adieu to some familiar features of YouTube. End screens? Gone. Community tabs? Nope. Comments? Forget about it. Makes sense if you think about the safety of kids, but for creators, it means that they have to get more inventive with how they engage their audience. Not to mention that the platform changes the policies quite often, so everything from sudden demonetizations to algorithm changes can be expected, and it’s a bit frustrating.
Getting your ads and general content into the YouTube Kids App isn’t a walk in the park. It’s more like an obstacle course that requires patience and, quite often, a guide who knows the ins and outs of the process. For most creators, this isn’t a solo mission; it’s a team effort requiring expert navigation (such as YouTube Certified Partners like AIR Media-Tech, who is always here to help you get there on the Kids app).
Tips for Running a Successful Ad Campaign on YouTube Kids
Phew, that’s a lot of limitations, isn’t it? That many limits on what you can and cannot post surely can make your journey crooked, confusing, and a tad frustrating. Fear not, however, because we are here to help! Here are some savvy tips to help you navigate this unique landscape and leave your mark:
Create Educational and Entertaining Content
Kids are sponges, they soak up every bit of information they find – good and bad. However, to be successful on YouTube Kids, you should make your content entertaining, and, most importantly, educational, just like the most popular channels for kids out there. Weave in some interactive elements, catchy tunes, and vibrant visuals.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun
Dive deep into their world of colorful cartoons, playful songs, and quirky characters. What makes kids happy? What stories interest them? The better you know your audience, the more your content will resonate. Remember, this isn’t the place for edgy humor or adult themes. YouTube Kids is all about innocence and joy. Keep your ads wholesome, positive, and age-appropriate.
You’re making content your current or potential kids should love! Encourage kids to explore, learn, and interact with your content, from simple puzzles to DIY crafts. Create a safe space where they can engage with your brand in a playful, educational manner.
Collaborate and Connect
In the world of YouTube Kids, collaboration is key. Partner with other creators, brands, or educators to increase your reach and bring fresh perspectives to your content. Meaningful connections within the community to grow together and inspire each other is something beautiful that the app sparks.
Partner Up with Those, Who Know More
Navigating the complexities of YouTube Kids can be challenging for both creators and advertisers. Partnering up with those who know more in the field can make this journey less bumpy and scary. AIR Media-Tech can provide the necessary support to get your content approved and featured on the app. We offer lots of services to ensure your ads meet all guidelines and reach the right audience. Our services include:
- Content Strategy and Recommendations: Our team provides expert advice on content strategy, niche analysis, and meeting YouTube’s requirements.
- Daily Content Moderation: We ensure all content is compliant and suitable for young audiences.
- Problem Solving: We assist with resolving issues related to content quality and compliance with YouTube’s guidelines.
- In-depth Analysis and Brainstorming: Our team conducts thorough analyses to help improve your channel’s performance.
- Content ID Protection: We protect your content from theft and ensure it remains unique to your channel.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous reminders and updates about YouTube’s requirements and best practices for content creation and promotion.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today!
