YouTube’s rules for kids’ content (and other monetization options)

I do content marketing things at Vimeo. Quite keen on running, traveling, Only Connect, and a proper cup of tea.
Emily Gover
If you're looking for alternative options to YouTube for kids' content, read these 5 tips for finding success with launching a subscription kids' channel.

Changes to YouTube’s kids content policy

How YouTube’s kids content policies affect creators

1. The onus for compliance is on creators.

2. Targeted advertising is a thing of the past.

3. Certain features essential to subscriber growth are disabled.

How to make a successful subscription network for kids’ content

1. Start with content — and lots of it

How much content do I need to start a kids OTT channel?

At a minimum, a content library of 60-90 videos is a good starting point. Successful children’s SVOD channels on Vimeo OTT start with an average of 125 videos in their content library.

2. Mark your content as kid-friendly

Two mobile devices show screen shots from the Cosmic Kids mobile app.
There are a lot more regulations dealing with kids' channels, and that's one of the things you have to pay attention to.
Marshall Bex, CEO, Vooks

3. Goldilocks your price point

How much should I charge for my kids content monthly subscription?

The average monthly price for kids’ subscriptions on Vimeo is $6.97. That said, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the uniqueness of your content, the depth and breadth of your content library, and the cadence at which you launch new content.

4. Be savvy and seasonal about promotions

An image of a Prodigies Music promotion video, with music instructor Rob Young in an illustrated snowy landscape.

Small business, big reach.

Learn how the scrappy team at Prodigies built their own "mini Netflix."

5. Distribute your content everywhere

A woman in a blue onesie holds a yoga pose in a colorful fairy tale land in a Cosmic Kids video.

Wrap up to YouTube’s changes and other monetization options

If you're weighing your options on the right OTT platform or the right video editing platform, you can compare YouTube and Vimeo in creating, distributing, and organizing content with tools like screen capture, a video teleprompter, and advanced analytics.

  • YouTube kids content channels must mark their videos as “made for kids.” Failure to do so may result in penalties by the FTC, or deactivation by YouTube algorithms.
  • YouTube disabled many audience engagement features for kids content, including save to playlist, watch later, and commenting.
  • Targeted advertising on YouTube kids content is now disabled, sharply dropping creators’ ability to monetize their content effectively.

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