Brain-feed vs YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids recommends videos from its catalog. Brain-feed lists unwatched videos from the channels you add.
The short answer
YouTube Kids recommends videos unless you approve content on the child's device. Brain-feed uses the channels you select from your browser and supports limits for each channel.
Feature by feature
| Brain-feed | YouTube Kids | |
|---|---|---|
| Who picks what shows up | You do, channel by channel | The algorithm, unless you hand-approve on the kid's device |
| Recommended & autoplay | Only selected channels; watched videos leave the feed | Yes, except in its strictest mode |
| Per-channel time limits | Yes, plus a daily total | No, one on-device timer for everything |
| Shorts | Block them per channel | Shows them |
| Ads | YouTube may serve ads in the embedded player | Yes, unless you pay for Premium |
| Price | Free | Free, with ads |
Scroll to compare →
What it comes down to
- YouTube Kids' strictest mode ("Approve content yourself") is curated on the child's device, one item at a time. Brain-feed is curated from any browser you're signed in on.
- YouTube Kids has a single on-device timer for everything. Brain-feed has a limit per channel plus a daily total.
- YouTube Kids shows Shorts. Brain-feed lets you block Shorts channel by channel.
- YouTube may serve ads in both apps. Brain-feed uses YouTube's official embedded player.
- The child does not sign in to Google or YouTube on the paired device.
FAQ
Is Brain-feed safer than YouTube Kids?
They use different controls. YouTube Kids filters its catalog. Brain-feed shows unwatched videos from the channels you added.
Does YouTube Kids let me approve channels remotely?
YouTube Kids manages its "Approve content yourself" mode on the child's device. You can change Brain-feed's channel list from your laptop or phone.
Can I set a time limit per channel in YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids has one timer for the app. Brain-feed supports a limit for each channel and a daily total.
Do I need YouTube Premium with Brain-feed?
YouTube Premium is optional. YouTube may still serve ads in Brain-feed's embedded player.
Can I use both?
Yes. They are separate apps and can stay installed on the same device.
Try it on the iPad you already have
Pick the channels in your browser, pair the app, done. Free on iPhone & iPad.