US kids’ app ClockwiseTV launches in beta with creator-led educational content

ClockwiseTV was founded by YouTuber Hank Green

ClockwiseTV, a new content app for kids that’s designed to “put families in control,” has launched in LA in beta format.

Aimed at children aged 8-12, ClockwiseTV promises to “curate engaging content from creators kids love on a platform parents can trust,” with a focus on educational and STEAM videos.

Creators include Complexly, MinutePhysics, Odd Animal Specimens, Evan & Katelyn and American YouTuber and science communicator Hank Green, who founded the platform.

ClockwiseTV works by allowing parents and guardians to determine a session length with their kids. It then surfaces content that fits, without ads, autoplay or an infinite feed. When time is up, the session ends and the app closes.

Led by CEO Leslie Morgan, all content is reviewed by a human team for quality, age-appropriateness and educational value.

Green said: “I have a nine-year-old son and I am a YouTuber, so I do find myself being OK with him watching YouTube. I think watching videos is absolutely fine for kids, but I want my kid to do it in a way that feels good for both of us and doesn’t create a bunch of extra conflict. And I have to say, when the time is up and the app just turns off and my son puts it away and we get on with our day, it feels like a magic trick.”

Morgan added: “As a mum of a nine-year-old, I’ve noticed that this demo is largely underserved. Kids aged 8-12 have outgrown traditional kids’ apps but are not ready for the unpredictability of mainstream online video platforms. I wanted somewhere my kid could still watch things she loves without me having to watch over her shoulder the whole time.”

For the beta release, ClockwiseTV will be available on iPad or Android tablets for US$39.99 for the first year.