Last February, YouTube launched its first original content with more than two dozen movies and TV shows. The plan was to double that number in 2017, and, Monday, the video network announced four new original series.
The shows, which will be featured on YouTube Red, are aimed specifically at children, and were announced on the second anniversary of YouTube Kids. The child-focused app has more than 30 billion views to date and 8 million active viewers each week, YouTube said in Monday’s announcement. But, until now, the content hasn’t included original programming.
Four new series will roll out for YouTube Kids this spring, including two animated shows. More will launch throughout the year. YouTube is targeting different age groups with each series as well.
“Hyperlinked,” for example, will focus on five tween girls creating a website, and navigating “everyday tween issues involving friends and relationships.” Meanwhile, the animated series “The Kings of Atlantis” will tell the story of two monarchs trying to save an underwater city from a cruel ruler.
YouTube has been criticized in the past for the commercials that appear on the YouTube Kids app, and it’s unclear what those will look like with the original shows. The network did say, however, that the goal was to keep parents in charge of what their kids see.
“It’s important that kids are able to explore what they love in the app, while we also continue to put parents in the driver’s seat to choose what is right for their family,” the news release said.
The video network also announced on Monday that YouTube Kids will soon be available on smart LG and Samsung TVs.
