YouTube Kids launches in India

Unlocking an unparalleled library of kids and learning content, YouTube has announced the launch of YouTube Kids in India, an app built with parents and children in mind that makes it easier for kids to find videos on topics they want to explore. Since YouTube Kids launched in over 20 countries, it’s been downloaded tens of millions of times by families who rate it among the top five kids apps available. The standalone, family-friendly app makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore, and is available for free on Google Play and the App Store in India starting November 9, 2016.

Many top Indian YouTube kids and learning creators will be adding new shows exclusive to the YouTube platform on the occasion of YouTube Kids’ launch. These include new learning shows from Chu Chu TV and Kids TV, a new season of ‘Cat & Keet’ a popular chase comedy show by Toonz Animation, the Gummy Bear Song in Hindi, and a new season of ‘Appu – The Yogic Elephant’. YouTube will also be bringing in new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

Kids can browse channels and playlists in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. YouTube Kids can also be watched on the big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

Speaking at the launch, Malik Ducard, YouTube’s Global Head of Family and Learning, said, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100 per cent year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

Vinoth Chandar, CEO of ChuChuTV, one of India’s most popular kids YouTube channels, remarked, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids content creator, we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids.”

Sanjay Raheja, CEO, AppuSeries, added here, “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App.”

“Since its launch, YouTube Kids has redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible,” said Jayakumar P, CEO, Toonz Media Group. While Sashwati Banerjee, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop, said, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more, which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

Most watched Indian channels (top 10 by alphabetical order): 

• ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes
• ChuChu TV Surprise
• CVS 3D Rhymes
• Green Gold
• Infobells Hindi Rhymes
• Infobells Telugu Rhymes
• Kids Channel - Nursery Rhymes & Toy Trucks
• Kids TV Nursery Rhymes
• Videogyan 3D Rhymes
• Wow Kidz

Most watched International channels (top 10 by alphabetical order): 

• Big Baby Mouth
• Dave and Ava Nursery Rhymes
• Fun Toyz Collector
• Get Movies
• Little Baby Bum
• Masha & the Bear
• Oggy
• Ryan Toys Review
• TEDx Talks
• The Little Bus Tayo