How to Start a Kids’ YouTube Channel: Expert Tips for Success

Understanding the Kids’ Entertainment Space on YouTube

Exploring the Popularity of Kids Content on YouTube

The realm of kids’ content on YouTube is vast and ever-growing, attracting millions of young viewers with a diverse array of videos tailored to children’s interests. 

Channels featuring animations, educational material, toy unboxing, and family vlogs have gained immense popularity, showcasing the demand for this kind of content. 

Recognizing the potential audience and understanding what captivates the young mind is key to starting a successful YouTube channel in this space. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a safe and engaging environment where kids can learn, play, and explore.

The Importance of Engagement and Safety for Young Audiences

When starting a YouTube channel for kids, keeping them engaged and safe is key. Kids need content that holds their attention. Short, colorful videos work well for this. 

Also, it’s important to create a safe space online. Follow YouTube’s policies for kids’ content to the letter. Avoid putting kids in risky or adult situations in videos. Safety comes first – always check and double-check your content. 

This makes sure kids have fun and learn without risks. Keep things simple and safe, and young viewers will love your channel.

Analyzing Successful Kids’ Channels on YouTube

To succeed in the kids’ YouTube space, study existing channels like the ones listed below. Look at popular kids’ channels like ‘Cocomelon’ and ‘Ryan’s World’. Note their content types, engagement levels, and visual styles. 

See how they handle topics, length, and pace for young viewers. Their strategies in education and fun balance are key. Check how they integrate learning with entertainment. See what characters or themes have lasting appeal. 

Analyze their branding consistency across episodes. Compare their upload frequencies and viewer interactions. Such analysis provides insights to help shape your channel.

Successful Kids’ YouTube Channels: What Makes Them Tick and What You Can Learn

In the vast world of YouTube, children’s content has become a booming niche. Let’s explore some standout channels and unpack the lessons they offer for aspiring creators.

1. Ryan’s World

Niche: Toy reviews, science experiments, and family vlogs

What Makes It Successful:

• Relatable child host (Ryan)
• Mix of educational and entertaining content
• High production value
• Brand partnerships and merchandise line

Lessons for Beginners:

• Authenticity is key – Ryan’s genuine excitement shines through
• Diversify your content within your niche
• Involve family to create a sense of warmth and relatability

My Take: Ryan’s World succeeded by tapping into kids’ love for toys and blending it with educational elements. While not every channel can reach this level of success, the core lesson is to focus on authentic, engaging content that resonates with both kids and parents.

2. Cocomelon

Niche: Animated nursery rhymes and original songs

What Makes It Successful:

• Bright, colorful 3D animations
• Catchy, educational songs
• Consistent uploads and long-form videos
• Multi-platform presence (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify)

Lessons for Beginners:

• Consistency in style and uploading schedule is crucial
• Music can be a powerful tool for engagement
• Consider how your content can extend beyond YouTube

My Take: Cocomelon’s success shows the power of combining familiar elements (nursery rhymes) with high-quality, modern animation. For beginners, the takeaway is that production quality matters, but so does tapping into timeless themes that appeal to young children.

3. SciShow Kids

Niche: Science education for children

What Makes It Successful:

• Engaging, age-appropriate explanations of scientific concepts
• Use of colorful graphics and simple experiments
• Host Jessi’s enthusiastic presentation style

Lessons for Beginners:

• Find ways to make complex topics accessible and fun
• Use visuals to support your explanations
• Develop a warm, enthusiastic on-camera presence

My Take: SciShow Kids proves that educational content can be wildly popular if presented in the right way. The key is to never talk down to your audience – explain complex ideas simply, but don’t shy away from introducing new concepts.

4. Brave Wilderness

Niche: Wildlife and adventure

What Makes It Successful:

• Charismatic host (Coyote Peterson)
• Exciting, sometimes intense animal encounters
• Educational content about animals and conservation
• High-quality cinematography

Lessons for Beginners:

• Passion for your subject matter is infectious
• Balance entertainment with education
• Invest in good camera equipment if your content is visually-driven

My Take: Brave Wilderness shows that kids’ content doesn’t have to be all rainbows and softness. There’s room for excitement and even mild intensity if it’s handled responsibly and paired with solid educational content.

5. Art for Kids Hub

Niche: Art tutorials for children

What Makes It Successful:

• Simple, easy-to-follow drawing lessons
• Family-centered approach with the host’s kids often participating
• Encourages creativity and family bonding

Lessons for Beginners:

• Break down complex skills into manageable steps
• Encourage audience participation
• Show the process, including mistakes, to make it more relatable

My Take: Art for Kids Hub succeeds by making art accessible and fun. The lesson here is that your content doesn’t need to be flashy or complex to be popular – sometimes, simplicity and encouragement are the winning formula.

6. Blippi

Niche: Educational videos for toddlers and preschoolers

What Makes It Unique:

• Energetic, colorful character (Blippi) exploring real-world locations
• Covers topics like vehicles, animals, and basic concepts
• Catchy educational songs

Lesson for Beginners: Creating a memorable character can help build a strong brand identity.

7. Numberphile

Niche: Mathematics for older kids and teens

What Makes It Unique:

• Explores complex math concepts in accessible ways
• Features interviews with mathematicians and experts
• Uses simple visuals and everyday objects to explain ideas

Lesson for Beginners: Don’t underestimate your audience – kids can engage with complex topics if presented well.

8. Crash Course Kids

Niche: Science education for upper elementary and middle school

What Makes It Unique:

• Fast-paced, humorous approach to science topics
• Uses a mix of animation and live-action explanations
• Covers a wide range of scientific disciplines

Lesson for Beginners: Humor can be a great tool for making educational content more engaging.

9. Cosmic Kids Yoga

Niche: Yoga and mindfulness for children

What Makes It Unique:

• Storytelling combined with yoga poses
• Colorful, animated backgrounds
• Themes based on popular movies and books

Lesson for Beginners: Combining physical activity with storytelling can create a unique, engaging format.

10. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell

Niche: Science and philosophy for older kids and teens

What Makes It Unique:

• High-quality, distinctive animation style
• Tackles complex topics like space, biology, and technology
• Balances serious topics with a touch of humor

Lesson for Beginners: Developing a unique visual style can help your channel stand out.

11. National Geographic Kids

Niche: Nature and wildlife for children

What Makes It Unique:

• Leverages National Geographic’s stunning wildlife footage
• Mixes fun facts with conservation messages
• Features both animals and different cultures around the world

Lesson for Beginners: If possible, partner with established brands or use high-quality source material to enhance your content.

12. Wonder Quest

Niche: Minecraft-based educational series

What Makes It Unique:

• Uses Minecraft to teach various educational concepts
• Storyline-driven episodes with recurring characters
• Combines gaming popularity with educational content

Lesson for Beginners: Leveraging popular games or media can be a great way to draw in an audience.

My Take: These channels demonstrate the diverse approaches creators can take to kids’ content on YouTube. The key to success seems to lie in finding a unique angle or presentation style for your chosen niche. Whether it’s through character creation, innovative teaching methods, or leveraging popular interests like gaming, the goal is to create content that’s both entertaining and valuable to young viewers.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Kids’ YouTube Channels

1. Find Your Niche: Each of these channels has a clear focus. Figure out what you’re passionate about and how you can present it in a kid-friendly way.
2. Prioritize Quality: Whether it’s production value, educational content, or entertainment factor, make sure your videos are high-quality.
3. Be Consistent: Regular uploads and a consistent style help build a loyal audience.
4. Engage Both Kids and Parents: Remember, parents often control what their kids watch. Create content that appeals to children but that parents also feel good about.
5. Be Authentic: Kids can spot insincerity a mile away. Let your genuine enthusiasm for your subject shine through.
6. Encourage Interaction: Whether it’s asking questions, suggesting activities, or encouraging kids to share their creations, find ways to make your audience feel involved.
7. Stay Safe and Responsible: Always prioritize child safety in your content and interactions. Be aware of platform guidelines and laws regarding children’s content.

Creating a successful kids’ YouTube channel is no small feat, but these examples show that with passion, creativity, and hard work, it’s possible to create content that entertains, educates, and inspires young viewers. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight – stay persistent, be willing to adapt, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Steps to Start a YouTube Channel for Kids

Defining Your Target Audience and Content Strategy

Starting a YouTube channel for kids requires a clear focus. Know the age range you’re aiming for. Choose content that suits their interests and learning needs. Safety and fun should guide your choices. 

Will it be educational or pure entertainment? Maybe both? Plan series or themes that’ll hook your young viewers. Use simple language and bright visuals. Remember, a good strategy evolves. 

Stay updated on kids’ trends. Keep asking: Will my young viewers love this?

Setting Up Your YouTube Channel

Setting up a YouTube channel for kids involves several key steps:

1. Choose a Channel Name: Select a catchy and memorable name that reflects the channel’s theme.
2. Create a Logo and Channel Art: Design visuals that appeal to kids and represent the channel’s brand. Use Canva
3. Setup Channel Features: Enable or disable specific features like comments and community posts based on the intended level of interaction and safety.
4. Define the Channel Description: Write a clear and fun channel description, highlighting what kids and parents can expect.
5. Configure Privacy Settings: Ensure the privacy settings are appropriate for a child audience and comply with YouTube’s policies.
6. Verify the Channel: Follow YouTube’s verification process to gain additional features and trust.

Each step is crucial to create a safe and inviting space for the young audience.

Creating Engaging and Appropriate Content for Kids

Creating content for a kids’ YouTube channel is vital. You want videos that engage and entertain. They must also be safe and age-appropriate. Here are some tips:

1. Know Your Audience: Understand the interests and age range of your viewers.
2. Educational Value: Add learning elements to entertain and teach.
3. Keep It Fun: Use bright colors, lively music, and interactive elements.
4. Consistent Themes: Stick to familiar characters and stories kids love.
5. Interactive Elements: Encourage kids to think and participate.
6. Safety First: Monitor comments and avoid sensitive topics.
7. Short and Sweet: Young kids have short attention spans. Keep videos concise.

These steps help make content kids will watch and love.

Advanced Tips for Growing Your Kids’ YouTube Channel

How to Leverage SEO for Increased Visibility

To grow your Kids’ YouTube channel, SEO is vital. It boosts your channel’s visibility online. Here are key SEO tips:

• Research keywords that relate to kids’ content. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner for this.
• Include relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Create custom thumbnails that are eye-catching and include keywords.
• Ensure your content is of high quality to increase its chances of ranking higher.
• Encourage viewers to like, share, and comment on your videos, as engagement can affect search rankings.
• Keep track of your video analytics to understand what works and refine your strategy.

By following these tips, your channel can reach more kids and parents who are looking for engaging content.

To optimize your YouTube channel and videos for search, consider using these top SEO tools:

1. TubeBuddy

• Key features: Keyword research, video optimization, analytics, A/B testing
• Unique selling point: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help you improve your YouTube channel’s performance.

2. VidIQ

• Key features: Keyword research, channel analytics, competitor analysis, video optimization
• Unique selling point: Provides valuable insights into your channel’s performance and helps you identify growth opportunities.

3. TubeRanker

• Key features: Keyword research, channel analytics, competitor analysis, video optimization
• Unique selling point: Offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features for optimizing your YouTube channel.

4. InVideo

• Key features: Video editing, templates, stock footage, music library
• Unique selling point: A great tool for creating high-quality videos quickly and easily.

These tools can help you optimize your YouTube videos for search, improve your channel’s visibility, and attract more viewers. Below is an extensive list of tools for different functions to help achieve excellence in your YouTube Journey.

To achieve success on YouTube, you’ll need a variety of tools besides SEO tools to help you create, optimize, and analyze your content. Here are some of the best tools for each key function:

1. Video Editing:

• Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional-grade video editing software with powerful features and a wide range of plugins.
• Final Cut Pro (Mac): A popular video editing software for Mac users, known for its intuitive interface and performance.
• DaVinci Resolve: A free and powerful video editing software with advanced features for professionals.

2. Thumbnail Creation:

• Canva: A user-friendly graphic design tool that offers a variety of templates and elements for creating eye-catching thumbnails.
• Adobe Photoshop: A professional-grade image editing software that can be used to create custom thumbnails.
• Pixlr: A free online photo editor that offers basic tools for creating thumbnails.

3. Audio Editing:

• Audacity: A free and open-source audio editing software with a wide range of features.
• Adobe Audition: A professional-grade audio editing software with advanced features and plugins.
• GarageBand (Mac): A user-friendly audio editing software for Mac users.

4. SEO Tools:

• TubeBuddy: A popular YouTube SEO tool that offers features like keyword research, video optimization, and analytics.
• VidIQ: Another powerful YouTube SEO tool with similar features to TubeBuddy.
• InVideo: A video editing tool that also offers SEO features, such as keyword suggestions and optimization.

5. Analytics Tools:

• YouTube Analytics: A built-in tool that provides detailed insights into your channel’s performance.
• Google Analytics: A powerful analytics tool that can track website traffic and user behavior.
• Social Blade: A social media analytics tool that provides insights into your YouTube channel’s growth and performance.

6. Scheduling Tools:

• Buffer: A social media scheduling tool that allows you to schedule your YouTube videos and other content.
• Hootsuite: A popular social media management platform that offers scheduling, analytics, and other features.
• Later: A visual social media planner that allows you to schedule your content and track your performance.

By using these tools, you can improve the quality and reach of your YouTube content, and ultimately achieve greater success on the platform.

The Use of Social Media to Connect with Young Viewers

To grow a child-focused YouTube channel, harness social media wisely. Here’s how:

• Know the Platforms: Different social sites attract varied age groups. Pick ones that parents and kids frequent.
• Create Kid-Friendly Profiles: Use fun, colorful designs and child-appropriate language for your profiles.
• Content Teasers: Share sneak peeks of upcoming YouTube content to draw interest.
• Engage Regularly: Post frequently and respond to comments to build a community.
• Parental Involvement: Encourage parental interaction. Run contests or Q&A sessions that require parent-child participation.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Share tips on responsible internet use.

By using these steps, you can build a loyal audience on social media that will boost your YouTube channel. 

Here is a list of platforms that offer a safe environment for kids but also provide various ways to promote and grow Kids’ YouTube channels. They come with robust parental controls:

1. YouTube Kids

Key Features:

• Curated Content: YouTube Kids offers a wide range of videos that are specifically curated for children, ensuring they are age-appropriate.
• Parental Controls: Parents can set time limits, block specific videos or channels, and monitor their child’s viewing history.
• Educational Content: The platform includes educational videos that can help with learning and development.

Why It Fits for Kids: YouTube Kids is designed to provide a safe environment for children to explore videos on their own. The parental controls allow parents to tailor the experience to their child’s needs, ensuring they only see content that is appropriate for their age

2. Kinzoo

Key Features:

• Safe Messaging: Kinzoo is a family-friendly messaging app that allows kids to communicate with approved contacts.
• No Ads or In-App Purchases: The app is free from advertisements and in-app purchases, ensuring a distraction-free experience.
• Parental Controls: Parents can approve contacts and monitor conversations to ensure safety.

Why It Fits for Kids: Kinzoo provides a secure environment for kids to chat with family and friends. The absence of ads and in-app purchases makes it a safe and focused platform for young users.

Promoting and Growing a Kids YouTube Channel:

• Direct Sharing: Share your YouTube videos directly with approved contacts.
• Engagement: Use the app to create a community around your channel by sharing updates and exclusive content.

3. Zigazoo

Key Features:

• Video Creation: Zigazoo allows kids to create and share short-form videos, similar to TikTok but with a focus on positive interactions.
• Parental Approval: Parents must approve all friend requests and can monitor activity.
• Educational Challenges: The app includes fun and educational challenges to inspire creativity.

Why It Fits for Kids: Zigazoo encourages creativity and positive interactions among kids. The parental approval feature ensures that children are interacting with trusted peers.

Promoting and Growing a Kids YouTube Channel:

• Creative Content: Use Zigazoo to create short, engaging videos that can drive traffic to your YouTube channel.
• Challenges: Participate in or create challenges that relate to your YouTube content to attract more viewers.

4. PopJam (Closed down on 8th March 2023)

Key Features:

• Creative Sharing: PopJam allows kids to create and share art, photos, and videos in a safe environment.
• Moderation: The platform is heavily moderated to ensure all content is appropriate for kids.
• Parental Controls: Parents can monitor their child’s activity and set restrictions.

Why It Fits for Kids: PopJam is designed to be a creative outlet for kids, with strong moderation to keep the environment safe. It encourages kids to express themselves through various forms of media.

Promoting and Growing a Kids YouTube Channel:

• Content Sharing: Share your YouTube videos on PopJam to reach a creative and engaged audience.
• Interactive Posts: Use interactive posts to engage with your audience and encourage them to visit your YouTube channel.

5. Kuddle

Key Features:

• Safe Photo Sharing: Kuddle is a photo-sharing app designed for kids, with strong privacy settings.
• Parental Approval: Parents must approve all photos before they are shared.
• Educational Content: The app includes educational content to help kids learn about online safety.

Why It Fits for Kids: Kuddle provides a safe platform for kids to share photos and learn about online safety. The parental approval feature ensures that all shared content is appropriate.

Promoting and Growing a Kids YouTube Channel:

• Visual Content: Share photos related to your YouTube videos to attract viewers.
• Safety Education: Use the platform to educate your audience about online safety, building trust with parents and kids alike.

These platforms not only offer a safe environment for kids but also provide various ways to promote and grow a Kids’ YouTube channel. By leveraging the unique features of each platform, you can effectively reach and engage your target audience.

Collaborations and Partnerships in the Kids’ Entertainment Industry

Expanding a YouTube channel for kids can benefit from smart partnerships. Joining with others in the industry spreads your reach. Seek out creators who share similar values and goals. 

Aim for co-creating content that caters to children’s interests. Brands focused on kids’ products can also offer support. They may sponsor your content or provide materials for reviews. Educational institutions are another great partner. 

They can lend credibility and open new content areas. Remember to vet partners for child-friendliness and reputability.

Conclusion

Launching a YouTube channel for kids can be a fulfilling endeavor. With the right approach, creators can inspire, educate, and entertain young minds. 

Remember to focus on producing content that is engaging and safe. Also, stay informed about YouTube’s guidelines for kids’ content. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a space where children can enjoy age-appropriate videos. And you’ll positively contribute to their growth. 

The journey requires effort and dedication. But the impact you can have on the youngest generation is invaluable. Keep learning, engage with your audience, and have fun along the way!

FAQ

Starting a YouTube channel for kids can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process:

1. What age should my child be to start a YouTube channel?

YouTube requires users to be at least 13 years old to create their account. For children under 13, parents can create and manage the account through YouTube Kids or by using a family account with parental controls^.

2. How do I ensure my child’s safety on YouTube?

• Parental Controls: Use YouTube’s parental control features to monitor and restrict content.
• Privacy Settings: Set the account to private and control who can comment on videos.
• Content Moderation: Regularly review the content your child is watching and creating.
• Education: Teach your child about online safety, including not sharing personal information.

3. What type of content is suitable for a kids’ YouTube channel?

Content should be age-appropriate, engaging, and educational. Popular categories include:

• Educational Videos: Science experiments, math tutorials, language learning.
• Entertainment: Toy reviews, unboxing videos, DIY crafts.
• Creative Content: Music, dance, storytelling, and art projects.

4. How can I help my child come up with video ideas?

• Interests and Hobbies: Focus on what your child loves to do.
• Trending Topics: Look at popular kids’ channels for inspiration.
• Educational Themes: Incorporate learning elements into fun activities.
• Seasonal Content: Create videos related to holidays and special events.

5. What equipment do we need to start?

• Camera: A smartphone with a good camera or a basic digital camera.
• Microphone: An external microphone for better audio quality.
• Lighting: Natural light or affordable ring lights.
• Editing Software: User-friendly software like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or free online editors.

6. How do we grow our YouTube channel?

• Consistency: Upload videos regularly to keep your audience engaged.
• Quality Content: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging videos.
• SEO: Use relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags to improve searchability.
• Engagement: Respond to comments and interact with your audience.
• Promotion: Share videos on social media and collaborate with other YouTubers.

7. Can we monetize a kids’ YouTube channel?

Yes, but there are specific guidelines and restrictions. YouTube has strict policies regarding monetization for content aimed at children. Ensure compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and YouTube’s monetization policies.

8. What are the legal considerations?

• COPPA Compliance: Ensure your channel complies with COPPA regulations to protect children’s privacy.
• Permissions: Obtain parental consent if featuring other children in videos.
• Copyright: Use royalty-free music and avoid copyrighted material.

9. How do we handle negative comments or cyberbullying?

• Moderation: Use YouTube’s comment moderation tools to filter and review comments.
• Reporting: Report any abusive or inappropriate comments to YouTube.
• Education: Teach your child how to handle negative feedback and the importance of positive online behavior.

10. What are some tips for creating engaging content?

• Storytelling: Use narratives to make videos more engaging.
• Visuals: Incorporate bright colors, animations, and fun graphics.
• Interactive Elements: Include questions, challenges, and calls to action to engage viewers.
• Authenticity: Encourage your child to be themselves and have fun.

Launching a successful YouTube channel for kids involves careful planning, creativity, and a focus on safety. By following these guidelines