-->
Save your FREE seat for Streaming Media Connect in November. Register Now!

YouTube Creates Vetting Policy to Safeguard Children's Videos

Article Featured Image

YouTube has announced a vetting procedure intended to keep disturbing and dark videos aimed at children out of its YouTube Kids app. It's also removing ads from this content.

For several months, articles have pointed out the large number of low-quality YouTube videos that use familiar characters from animation or comics to appeal to young viewers. Some channels spin out hundreds of these videos each week, using 3D or animation software to create variations based on viewing trends. Many videos include dark and disturbing elements, drawing bad press for YouTube when they appear on its supposedly safe YouTube Kids app.

Yesterday, YouTube announced a revised policy designed to keep these videos from young children and remove the financial incentive to create them. An algorithmic filter will first scan for inappropriate content. After that, kid videos flagged for content will be reviewed by YouTube employees. Offensive videos will be restricted so they won't appear in the YouTube Kids app. The Verge reports that YouTube employs thousands of people who screen videos for content. Since uploaded videos don't appear in the YouTube Kids app for a few days, this procedure should provide enough time for inappropriate content to be flagged.

Videos that have been flagged will only be available to registered account holders who are 18 or older through YouTube's main site, and they won't be eligible for advertising. There appears to be a lucrative business in churning out these low-quality videos, but this could remove the financial incentive for many studios. 

Streaming Covers
Free
for qualified subscribers
Subscribe Now Current Issue Past Issues
Related Articles

Facebook Open Sources Two Video- and Photo-Matching Tools

With the goal of preventing harmful content, Facebook offers technology that can identify and block photos and videos as quickly as they're uploaded.

YouTube Lists Monetization Suspension Steps for Problem Creators

Following yet another creator crisis, YouTube is getting tough with problem channels while promising faster decisions and communications.

YouTube Will Grow Video Moderation Team to Over 10,000 in 2018

The leading video destination was plagued by multiple content scandals this year. Will an increase in moderation assuage advertisers?

YouTube TV Expands to More Markets, Now Covers 50% of U.S.

With an additional 14 metropolitan areas, half the homes in the United States can now subscribe to YouTube TV. 17 more markets will soon follow.

YouTube Instructs Creators on Keeping Channels Ad-Friendly

After dealing with angry advertisers, YouTube had to deal with angry video creators. New guidelines help communicate what brands are looking for.

PBS Kids Intros Streaming Video Stick With an Offline Option

It's shaped like a race car and it comes with a kid-friendly remote. How cute is that? It also doesn't need Wi-Fi to entertain young viewers.