Look, we're way past the "should kids watch screens at all?" debate. The reality is that streaming is just part of how kids consume content now—the question isn't if they'll watch, but what they're watching and how much control you have over it.
The streaming landscape for kids has gotten surprisingly sophisticated. We're not just talking about Netflix anymore. There are platforms specifically designed for young viewers, legacy services with robust parental controls, and a whole bunch of options that fall somewhere in between "educational goldmine" and "please stop asking for another episode of that annoying show."
Here's the thing: not all streaming apps are created equal when it comes to kids under 10. Some have legitimately thoughtful curation and controls. Others are basically just throwing content at the wall and hoping parents don't notice the weird stuff that slips through.
You already know screen time is a thing you're supposed to manage. But the quality of what kids are watching matters just as much as the quantity—maybe more.
A kid watching Bluey for 30 minutes is getting something fundamentally different than a kid watching random YouTube compilations or low-effort content mill shows. The former has emotional intelligence, creative play modeling, and actual storytelling. The latter is often designed purely to hold attention through rapid cuts and bright colors—what parents have started calling "brain rot."
The best streaming apps for kids do a few things well:
- They curate content intentionally, not just algorithmically
- They give parents actual control over what kids can access
- They're transparent about age ratings and content
- They don't constantly upsell or push kids toward inappropriate content
PBS Kids Video (Ages 2-8)
Honestly? This is the gold standard for younger kids. It's completely free, has zero ads, and everything on it is genuinely educational without being preachy. Shows like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Wild Kratts are designed by actual child development experts.
The catch: The selection is limited compared to paid services, and older kids will age out of it pretty quickly.
Disney+ (Ages 3-10)
Disney+ is the heavyweight champion for a reason. The content library is massive, the quality is consistently high, and the parental controls are solid. You can set up Kids Profiles that only show G and PG content, and you can pin-protect profile switching.
Shows like The Mandalorian might skew older, but you've also got the entire back catalog of Disney Channel shows, Pixar movies, and Marvel content that's appropriate for elementary schoolers.
The catch: Your kids will 100% become obsessed with something and want to buy every piece of merchandise. Also, some of the Marvel content can be surprisingly intense for sensitive kids—check individual title ratings before assuming it's all kid-friendly.
Apple TV+ Kids Section (Ages 4-10)
This is the underdog that more parents should know about. Apple has been quietly building a really strong kids' content library with shows like Stillwater (mindfulness), Ghostwriter (literacy), and Helpsters (problem-solving).
The parental controls are excellent—you can restrict content by rating, and the Kids profile is genuinely thoughtful about what it surfaces.
The catch: You need to be in the Apple ecosystem, and the library is smaller than Disney+ or Netflix.
Netflix Kids (Ages 3-10)
Netflix has gotten better at kids' content over the past few years, but it's still a mixed bag. The Kids profile does a decent job of filtering out adult content, but the algorithm is aggressive about pushing whatever is popular—which isn't always what's good.
That said, Netflix has some genuine gems: Ada Twist, Scientist, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, and The Magic School Bus Rides Again are all solid.
The catch: You need to actively curate what your kids watch. The autoplay feature is designed to keep kids watching indefinitely, and the "suggested for you" algorithm will absolutely lead them down rabbit holes. Learn how to set up Netflix parental controls properly.
Amazon Prime Video Kids (Ages 3-10)
Prime Video has a Kids mode that works... fine. It's not as polished as Disney+ or Apple TV+, but it has a decent selection including some Amazon Originals like Creative Galaxy and licensed content like Daniel Tiger.
The catch: The interface is clunky, and it's way too easy for kids to accidentally exit Kids mode and end up in the main Prime Video library. Also, Prime Video's content curation is just... not great. You'll find a lot of filler.
YouTube Kids (Ages 5-10)
Oh boy. YouTube Kids is technically a streaming app for kids, but it's in a completely different category. Unlike the curated services above, YouTube Kids uses algorithmic filtering to try to keep inappropriate content out—and it's not always successful.
The reality: Lots of kids use YouTube Kids, and there is good content on there (Crash Course Kids, SciShow Kids, Art for Kids Hub). But you need to use the "Approved Content Only" mode where you manually select what channels and videos your kid can watch. Otherwise, you're rolling the dice on what the algorithm serves up.
Read our full breakdown of YouTube vs. YouTube Kids if this is your primary streaming option.
These services have kids' sections, but they're not really built with young children as the primary audience. Max (formerly HBO Max) has some Sesame Street and Cartoon Network content. Paramount+ has Nick Jr. shows. Peacock has some DreamWorks content.
They're fine as additions if you already have them for other reasons, but I wouldn't subscribe specifically for kids' content—Disney+, Apple TV+, or even Netflix are better investments.
Ages 2-4: Stick with PBS Kids Video or highly curated Disney+ content. At this age, you want slow-paced, educational content with clear lessons. Avoid anything with rapid cuts or intense conflict.
Ages 5-7: Disney+ and Apple TV+ become really valuable here. Kids can start handling more complex narratives and emotional content. Netflix Kids is fine if you're actively involved in choosing what they watch.
Ages 8-10: Most of the services above work well, but you'll want to start having conversations about why you're setting limits. Kids this age are aware of what their friends are watching and will start advocating for access to more mature content. Here's how to talk about age ratings with elementary schoolers
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Parental controls are only as good as you set them up. Every service mentioned here has controls—but they're often buried in settings and not enabled by default. Take 10 minutes to set up Kids profiles, PIN-protect profile switching, and review the content filters.
Autoplay is the enemy. Almost every streaming service has autoplay enabled by default, which means kids will watch indefinitely unless you turn it off or set time limits. Most services let you disable autoplay in settings—do it.
"Educational" doesn't always mean good. Some streaming services slap "educational" labels on content that's really just edutainment fluff. Look for shows created by people with actual expertise—PBS Kids is the gold standard here, but Apple TV+ and Disney+ also have genuinely thoughtful educational content.
Your kids will want what their friends have. If everyone at school is talking about a show on Disney+, your kid will feel left out if they can't watch it. That's not a reason to automatically say yes, but it's worth considering as part of your decision-making. Here's how to handle FOMO around popular shows.
If I had to pick just one streaming service for kids under 10, Disney+ is the most well-rounded option for most families. The content library is huge, the quality is consistently high, and the parental controls actually work.
But honestly? The best approach is probably two services: a free option like PBS Kids Video for weekday viewing, and a paid service like Disney+ or Apple TV+ for weekend family movie nights.
And regardless of which service you choose, the most important thing is being involved in what your kids are watching. Co-viewing, talking about what they're seeing, and setting clear expectations about screen time will matter more than which app you choose.
- Audit what you already have. Check which streaming services you're already paying for and explore their kids' sections—you might be surprised at what's available.
- Set up parental controls today. Don't wait. It takes 10 minutes and will save you so much headache.
- Create a family viewing plan. Decide together what shows are on the "approved" list and how much daily screen time makes sense for your family.
- Check in regularly. What your 5-year-old can handle is different from what your 8-year-old can handle. Revisit your streaming setup every few months as your kids grow.
Want personalized recommendations based on your kids' ages and interests? Chat with our Screenwise assistant to get specific suggestions.