YouTube says US$100m children's content initiative will push 12 key points

Last year, YouTube initiated a US$100 million fund for investing in original children's programming over a period of three years for audiences aged three to eight. The content will be made available on the YouTube children's app and the move came shortly after Google paid US$170 million last year to the FTC for inappropriate data collection.

According to Bloomberg, YouTube stated in a note to its partners, which was later seen by its news team that its new programming will develop content which helps children unveil their unique strengths and passions. Moreover, YouTube is said to be funding videos that propels children to adopt the following character strengths: Courage, compassion, communication, gratitude, curiosity, humility, teamwork, integrity, perseverance, self-control, empathy and creativity.

Meanwhile, last year Google was accused of violating child privacy laws, by collecting data from children in the US. Moreover, YouTube has been struggling to combat child exploitation content. In 2019, brands such as Nestle, Walt Disney and Epic Games also halted their spend on YouTube after ads appear alongside suggestive videos of children doing activities such as Twister, yoga challenges and gymnastics.

To better ensure child safety, YouTube then committed to a “roadmap” and works on auto-moderation tools. In addition, YouTube also said it will be addressing feedback about reducing the discoverability of inappropriate videos, as well as fine-tuning how ads are placed on channels. The platform also disabled comments on videos with minors and allowed parental control over livestreaming by minors.