Trying to find a good video for your little ones to watch on YouTube can be a challenge. Even if you limit the search to YouTube Kids, there’s so much out there. How can you determine what’s good and what isn’t, what has educational value and what doesn’t, and what will have your kids pressing play over and over so you can take that quick rush shower or finish up dinner?
When it comes to older kids like teens, YouTube is an even more challenging subject. How can you ensure they’re watching valuable content if you allow them to watch? Let’s be real: most tweens and teens will watch brain-rot content, gameplay videos, and silly content from their favorite YouTubers. We can help you sneak in some valuable, educational, and insightful content. Here, we have compiled the 25 best YouTube videos for kids, with options ranging from videos for babies and toddlers to coming-of-age videos for older kids.
Head Shoulders Knees And Toes + More Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs | NuNu Tv
NuNu TV – Nursery Rhymes
Best for Ages 1-5
As babies grow into toddlers, they explore the world around them and learn things like colors, numbers, letters, body parts, and objects. “Head, shoulders, knees, and toes” is a popular tune that all kids learn at some point. This video walks little ones through this with an engaging animated guide. The characters point to each body part, repeating it over and over to help toddlers learn as they mimic the movements and try to say the words.
Halfway through the video, it switches to a new scene with additional nursery rhymes, including the longtime favorite of kids, “Baby Shark” (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo). At under five minutes long, it’s a video your toddlers will probably want to play again and again.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star | Nursery Rhymes for Kids | Super Simple Songs
Super Simple Songs
Best for Ages 1-4
It doesn’t get more classic than the tune Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Every parent has been with a little one and hoped they might take that much-needed nap to avoid crankiness later on. Maybe you want them to have a short siesta so you can have a relaxing conversation with your friend. At home, it might be a song that helps lull them to sleep for bedtime. Get a bit of help from this ultra-relaxing and calming video.
The child’s voice singing the tune along with the imagery of an owl looking up and flying into the sky will get them in the mood for naptime or bedtime at the end of a long day. The video is two-and-a-half minutes long with an instrumental song that is perfect to facilitate droopy eyes as they fall into a deep slumber.
Learn to Talk with Ms Rachel – Videos for Toddlers – Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs – Speech Practice
Ms Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos
Best for Ages 1-3
Language development is crucial as babies and toddlers grow. You want to expand their vocabulary as much as possible before they start preschool. Using common language development strategies, the jovial Ms Rachel walks toddlers through how to annunciate and recognize common first words. As she sings and repeats the word, Ms Rachel teaches about colors and animals and encourages toddlers to engage in fun gestures as well. Think of swimming like fish in the ocean.
She entertains with songs, movements, and colorful animations in the background that will keep toddlers’ eyes glued to the screen. With more than 250,000 views and running an hour long, you can enjoy 15 minutes a day with your toddler and still have plenty of material to go back to, over and over again.
Baby’s First Words – Colors, Clothes, Toys & More | When will my toddler speak?
Rock ‘N Learn
Best for Ages 1-3
The sooner you can introduce your babies and toddlers to letters, numbers, words, and colors, the better. Even though it might not seem like it’s sinking in, it might very well be. This adorable video begins with cartoon kids scuttling into a room one by one, showing a card with the image of a specific item on it, like a couch, table, door, and more. The word appears underneath, along with close-up images of lips annunciating these words to help toddlers imitate them.
Two images are shown for each item, meaning kids won’t think every truck is red or a ball is always blue. The video progresses to show different colors in a similar fashion. You can play it with your toddler daily for a short 12-minute learning session. With the repetition, your toddlers will pick things up and identify everything from cars to blocks and shoes in no time.
‘5 Monkeys’ by The Snack Town All-Stars
The Snack Town All-Stars
Best for Ages 1-5
The song Five Monkeys is an all-time classic and this version presents it with an animated image of the quintet of monkeys in a child’s bedroom. As they jump and play, the song plays and the lyrics appear at the top of the screen. While younger kids won’t be able to read them just yet, it will help with word and letter recognition. The colorful images, meanwhile, will hold a toddler’s attention.
It’s great for sing-a-long time with little ones. This popular song is just one of many featured on the Snack Town All-Stars YouTube channel. A tip while watching this one: pause the video and ask the child to identify different items, like books, balls, a lamp, a toy car, building blocks, a basket, and more.
Classical Music for Toddlers — Symphony of Fun
Baby Einstein
Best for Ages 1-3
As a parent or grandparent, you might be so tired of hearing the same nursery rhymes and cartoons over and over again. Plus, what parent doesn’t want their child to be intelligent and cultured? This video is fairly simplistic in nature but it will give adults a much needed break without forcing you to put in earplugs to get back some sanity. But most important, it will keep toddlers curious and engaged.
Alongside the classical music that plays throughout the video is a selection of images to stimulate kids. These range from other kids playing instruments, to toys, colorful motion images like mosaics, and puppet animals generally acting silly. The video is just over six minutes, just enough time for you to empty the dishwasher. It features three timeless classical tunes that’ll help you de-stress, too. Combining calming music with visual sensory images, your toddler won’t be able to avert their eyes for the entire time, and you’ll enjoy the quick daily interlude, too.
Sesame Street: Elmo’s Bedtime Story
Best for Ages 1-3
Sure, giving your kids screen time right before bed is not recommended. But this video is an exception. Toddlers might not be excited about tucking in for the night. But with the help of Elmo in this short, under two-minute video, the cuddly Sesame Street character can help get them in the right frame of mind.
Elmo runs through everything he does as part of his bedtime routine, including having dinner, bathing, putting on his pajamas, brushing his teeth, and singing a lullaby. He sings the song, and kids and parents can join in. He’s yawning and getting sleepy by the end, hopefully having toddlers feel just the same.
Cody’s Show & Tell Song! Confidence Songs for Kids | CoComelon Lane | Netflix Jr.
Netflix Jr.
Best for Ages 3-5
Netflix Jr. has tons of great content for kids, including full episodes of TV shows as well as short clips like this one featuring kid-favorite CoComelon. The setting is a classroom at Melon Patch Academy, where Cody is about to participate in Show & Tell. He starts to show his toy dinosaur but gets nervous, and the words won’t come out. He’s taken off to the side where the teacher helps him through his nerves and understands what it means to be nervous while letting other kids go first so Cody can gather his courage.
The video helps kids learn about the tingly feeling they get in the pit of their stomach when they are center stage and about overcoming shyness through practice. There’s even a musical number. It’s a wonderful video to help them build confidence and be ready to jump in front of the class and tell their stories. Kids will also learn about patience and facing their fears.
Daniel Tiger – Sharing with Your Sister
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Best for Ages 2-6
Sharing is caring, right? It’s a great lesson for kids to learn at any age, and this video is designed to show kids how sharing works and why it’s so fun. It’s the perfect video for a child who has just welcomed a new sibling or started daycare or school and is learning to share. Daniel Tiger interacts with his little sister, and while he’s protective of his precious stickers, Dad teaches him that it’s fun to play with toys together.
For any parent of a child who loves the word “mine,” this video will show them that being less territorial about their belongings can open up new possibilities and even bring in new friends.
‘Harry the Dirty Dog’ read by Betty White
Storyline Online
Best for Ages 2-6
Betty White may have passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, just shy of her 100th birthday. But she remains a national treasure. This video of her reading the story Harry the Dirty Dog to kids reminds you of her gentle soul and subtle humor. It’s just under five minutes long, but her love of animals and sweet voice will make kids feel like their grandma is reading them a bedtime story.
As she reads, kids see animated drawings that look like pages from the storybook. The video ends with Betty holding an adorable shelter puppy. Be warned, however, that your child might be asking for a dog after watching this video if you don’t already have one (and maybe even if you do).
Ocean Animals for Kids – Whales, Sea Otter, Orca, Sea Lion + more
Socratica Kids
Best for Ages 4-8
Lots of kids have a fascination with aquatic life. This educational video runs 13 minutes long and is perfect for kids who want to learn more, even older kids looking to research for a school project. See real-life footage with voiceover narration that provides details about all types of animals, from sea lions to the blue whale and manta ray.
Learn how to distinguish one type of animal from another that might look similar and key facts about each one. With both videos and still images, the video will keep kids engaged throughout. It’s similar to a video they might watch at school. But the advantage in watching from home is that they can check it out in their own time, pause to take notes, and go back any time they need a refresher.
Saying Hello and Making New Friends — Read the Book Bonjou! — Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids
Best for Ages 2-8
Online learning platform Khan Academy has its own YouTube channel filled with great resources for kids and parents. One of the recurring segments is called Circle Time, where kids are encouraged to play with others, learn about new topics, and read. These lessons can be combined with ones offered in the free Khan Academy Kids app.
This video in the series is about helping kids make new friends. The hosts read from the book Bonjou about a boy named Leo. He speaks Creole to a new student in the school, helping him feel welcome. You can also opt to display subtitles along with the audio reading and illustrations from the book pages. With these visual and audible options, kids can follow along in the way that’s most comfortable for them.
Very First Piano Lesson (2010) — Free Piano Lessons for Kids
Hoffman Academy
Best for Ages 4+
If you’re considering enrolling your child in lessons to learn how to play a musical instrument like piano, you might want to get a feel for how they like it before committing. There are tons of free online lessons, and this just under 8-minute video is perfect. Kids can follow along with the easy instruction provided by Joseph Hoffman. While the video quality is pretty rudimentary, it has the feel of having the teacher in your home with you. Prop the phone, tablet, or computer atop the piano and the child can follow along with his guidance.
He talks about patterns and groupings of keys, and then goes through reading basic sheet music and how to properly place your hands and fingers on the key sbefore starting with a simple tune, Hot Cross Buns. By the end, the child will feel accomplished and potentially ready to learn more. The YouTube channel has tons of other instructional videos, including some on how to play specific songs and even sight reading challenges to learn more about musical notes.
Kids Workout – 30 Min Home Exercise Class for Kids! | Cosmic Kids Sports
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Best for Ages 5+
Encourage your kids to get moving with this fun, half-hour workout you can do at home. Set it up on the TV, phone, or laptop in the backyard and do it with your grade school kids. The instructor walks through all the moves as she does them, starting with a light start-and-stop jog and progressing into moves like hip swings, big steps, leg stretches, and more.
It’s a great way to have children expend some energy with simple moves they can follow. For parents and caregivers, the moves are great for stretching out aching joints and getting active for adults, too. It’s a fun workout to do every morning or night a few times a week or on the weekends to keep your kids healthy and fit.
Kids Try Their Parents’ Favourite Childhood Foods | Kids Try | HiHo Kids
HiHo Kids
Best for Ages 5-12
This is a great video to watch along with your kids. Food and snacks have, of course, changed through the decades due to cultural differences. In this adorable four-and-a-half-minute video, kids are encouraged to try some of the foods their parents ate when they were younger. The best part is that the kids are unaware of what’s about to happen.
The foods introduce kids to different flavors as well as cultures. Watch a young boy try potatoes with sauce and peanuts, or view another wince at the idea of sardines on saltines with Tabasco sauce. Then, there’s something more palatable to a young kid, like milk and crushed-up graham crackers. As the most popular video on the channel with more than 70 million views, this video piques the curiosity of kids and parents alike. It might be the push you need to get your kids to finally eat vegetables. Why not make a game out of it? Besides, the kids don’t need to know you really had Fruit Loops and cheese strings as a kid.
How To Draw a Cute Cupcake Monster Folding Surprise
Art for Kids Hub
Best for Ages 6-10
Has your child ever Googled “how to draw” something? Plenty of kids are interested in the arts, and if yours falls into this space, the Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel is a great place to start. Not only does it feature step-by-step instructional videos of how to draw all types of objects, animals, and cute creations, but it also features kids themselves doing the work. Rob is a dad of four who walks viewers through the projects alongside his kids, making the channel a great one to promote family values as well.
One of the more popular videos on the channel is this one that involves drawing a cupcake creature and manipulating it to deliver a cool effect once folded. Rob is joined by his daughter as an overhead view shows his work side-by-side with hers. Seeing her draw alongside him shows how easy the process is for even young kids to follow. In just 15 minutes, your child will be mesmerized by what they just created.
We Built Our Own Minecraft Creeper!
Ryan’s World
Best for Ages 8+
With the Minecraft movie coming soon, kids who are fans of the game will love this video, and parents will appreciate how it encourages activity outside of screen time. Rather than just playing the game, kids can learn how to create their own Minecraft Creeper right at home. It’s a fun art project that they’ll enjoy with a tie-in to a game (and soon movie) that they love. Parents or another adult will have to help, though.
It’s 24 minutes long, though the construction part lasts four minutes. It walks you through step-by-step, from measuring and cutting (again, with adult assistance) to painting and then enjoying. Later, kids can watch Ryan play the game with his mom for the first time. Considering kids love watching others play online with commentary, this is a fun one that shows a parent trying to join in on the fun.
Bill Nye the Science Guy – S04E14 – Volcanoes
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Best for Ages 8-12
At some point, middle school children will have to make a volcano model for science class or at least learn and write about them. Who better to teach them than Bill Nye the Science Guy? In this 23-minute video, he walks you through how volcanoes are formed and how to make them at home.
Kids will love his animated, excitable style that has delighted young ones for generations. He also provides lots of information they can incorporate in their reports, including what volcanoes can do and details about volcanoes that have erupted throughout history.
Personal Hygiene
BrainPOP
Best for Ages 8+
It’s advisable to continue to help young kids, or at least monitor them, while they engage in personal hygiene tasks like brushing their teeth. But it’s also crucial for kids to understand the importance of personal hygiene, setting them up for their independence in this respect. This goes for not only teeth but also skin and hair, too. This short five-minute video incorporates something all kids love — robots — to help get its point across.
A young man helps the robots learn why keeping your body clean and maintaining a tidy appearance relates to your overall health, and is just as important as proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Viruses, bacteria, and germs are also discussed, giving kids all the tools and knowledge they need to stop skipping that hand-wash session after going to the bathroom or moaning and groaning when they’re told to hop in the shower. This quick refresher video and its educational material might just help your child avoid the dreaded cavity at the next dentist’s appointment, too.
How the Food You Eat Affects Your Brain — Mia Nacamulli
TED-Ed
Best for Ages 8-10
You are probably familiar with TED Talks conference sessions, which feature influential and inspiring people from all types of industries discussing topics about life, career, science, and more. TED-Ed is an extension of that, geared towards kids. The YouTube channel itself has content designed for kids from K-12, with a wide variety of videos designed to inspire curiosity and educate children about things that are valuable to them.
This video, suitable for older kids, including teens and tweens, is great to inform kids about how their food impacts them. Kids who love sugar and junk food will learn why good nutrition is important. It will hit differently when it isn’t mom and dad telling them to eat their veggies, but it’s coming from a trusted, scientific perspective. Sure, younger kids might get bored after a minute or two (the video is under five minutes long). But for older kids, this video could be a game-changer. Maybe they’ll even ask for another helping of vegetables at dinner (they’ll probably still want that cookie after, too, though!)
The Nervous System, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #8
CrashCourse
Best for Ages 10+
Follow along with this crash course on anatomy and the nervous system with Hank, whose voice bears a striking similarity to comedian John Mulaney. It feels like kids are sitting in science class, but they’ll be more engaged thanks to the video component. Users have the ability to pause, rewind, and re-watch as needed.
Running just over 10 minutes long, Hank outlines the fundamentals of the nervous system and how our bodies operate, including sensory input, integration, and motor output. Kids can pause, take notes, and supplement their education to help with upcoming school projects and tests. Offering relatable analogies with text and visuals on screen throughout, it’s like having a favorite teacher at home.
How Do Hot Air Balloons Steer? (+6 Other Science Mysteries)
Mark Rober
Best for Ages 12+
Even kids who aren’t interested in science can appreciate Mark Rober’s videos. With 67.7 million followers, he’s a popular influencer and content creator with the knowledge to back it up. As a former engineer for NASA, Rober is a pro at showing how things work. In this 18-minute video, Rober explains various scientific principles using examples kids would enjoy and understand. He walks you through how hot air balloons work, and some other interesting science mysteries as well. Why does regular Coke sink in a cooler filled with water while Diet Coke floats? He even films atop a moving train for a totally Tom Cruise moment.
If you have older tweens and teens and want to get them excited about science in a more relatable and engaging way, videos like this one, and many others in Rober’s library, are a great place to start.
10-Minute Meditation For Anxiety
Goodful
Best for Ages 12+
Kids are experiencing anxiety in bigger and bigger numbers, which some attribute to societal reliance on technology and social media. Every kid could use a moment of calm reflection every day, away from a screen. While a meditation like this does involve a screen, it’s a happy medium with healthier meditative guidance — a video that isn’t much of a video at all.
The 10-minute video that has garnered 17 million views begins by encouraging the viewer to close their eyes and take a nice, deep breath. A soothing male voice helps ground them as they relax and focus on giving their body and mind a much-needed break. The screen is actually just a blank pink one with the Goodful logo in the corner, so there’s nothing to see while the teen keeps their eyes closed and just listens, decompresses, and feels refreshed by the end.
How Things Work | Submarines, 3D Printers, Popcorn & MORE | Nat Geo Kids Compilation | @NatGeoKids
Nat Geo Kids
Best for Ages 12+
Curious kids are the best kinds of kids, soaking up knowledge any time they can. For those questions to which you don’t know the answers, Nat Geo Kids is a wonderful resource. There are cool videos about animals, insects, national parks, and more. This particular video is led by the young Kamri Noel, who speaks with four experts to learn how a handful of items work.
Learn how submarines dive and navigate, how and why popcorn kernels pop like they do, how fitness trackers track your movements, and how a 3D printer shapes items it makes. It’s useful information kids can apply to their studies, even provide inspiration for the next science or research project. The information is delivered in a fun, engaging, and easy-to-follow way with simple terminology, succinct explanations, and analogies to help provide clarity.
Math Antics — Long Division with 2-Digit Divisors
Mathantics
Best for Ages 12+
Any kid in school panics at the thought of the dreaded math class that introduces long division. It’s complicated, confusing, and a lot of kids have trouble grasping the concept. This video aims to explain how to do division problems by breaking them up into smaller steps. Before you resort to a tutor or get frustrated trying to help them solve the complex equations themselves, check out this 13-minute video.
The host helps kids work through problems in a simple-to-follow way with easy-to-read graphics. There’s even a downloadable transcript you can print for kids to use as reference while finishing up their homework. With 22 million views and counting along with close to 300,000 likes, it’s clear that parents and kids alike find this video tremendously helpful.
Teen Voices: Oversharing and Your Digital Footprint
Common Sense Education
Best for Ages 12+
Parents of tweens and teens are often faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to let them have their own social media profiles. Technically, most social media sites don’t allow kids to join until they are at least 13. But some parents give permission for kids to set up accounts using their credentials. There is some value in giving trustworthy kids the autonomy to go online. But in the end, they are still kids, and it’s important that they understand the risks along with the benefits, and how best to manage their time online and, most importantly, what they post.
This three-and-a-half-minute informational video helps kids understand the dangers of oversharing by using kids themselves to explain them in a relatable fashion. Kids will learn things they might not realize about how permanent things are on the internet. They’ll be informed about how people can screenshot their photos or even edit them, and how what they post could be forever accessible to anyone. The relatable selection of kids also provide advice about why you shouldn’t overshare, warning about things like false attention. This video should be mandatory viewing for any parent before handing their child a smartphone.
