YouTube is an online video-hosting website that has gained popularity over the years. It is the second most visited website after Google Search. At first, YouTube operated independently but then Google acquired it for a hefty sum. Now, it works under Google and follows its rules and regulations. However, YouTube still retains some of its original policies and terms of service from earlier days. YouTube hosts a wide variety of videos from cat videos to cooking tutorials. It claims to be a family-friendly website so any kind of explicit adult material is generally not allowed. So, you and your family are safe from YouTube adult videos for the most part. However, some creators do find ways to bypass YouTube policies to stir up some controversy with provocative content. The following details will further expand your perspective on adult YouTube videos.
Is there an adults only YouTube video?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Since YouTube claims to be a family-friendly website, adult content is usually flagged and terminated for violating TOS. However, this does not mean that YouTube is totally free from adult content as there are some videos that may not be suitable for younger viewers. This is why YouTube has a kids mode and through this mode, children are shielded from any harmful mature content. YouTube has a range of videos some of which are only appropriate for adults. The theme/genre of these videos could be of mature nature such as strong language and violence or are related to adult topics like sexual health. To combat this, YouTube has restrictions on age, which can only be viewed if you’re above 18 years old.
YouTube generally bans nudity and pornographic content. They want to keep their brand identity as an all-ages website since it is illegal to distribute explicit content in most countries. YouTube has strict guidelines and policies that prohibit such content. This is why it is important to respect those guidelines and explore content that is safe and appropriate for all viewers.
It is also worth noting that YouTube is filled with illegal content like full-length movies and TV shows from major studios and albums from record labels. This platform can be a bit lenient when it comes to implied nudity in music videos and similar content. So, it is entirely likely that your child will stumble upon such content when looking up different songs on social media. All your kid needs to access such content is a simple Google account. The age verification system from YouTube is just there for the formalities, and even a toddler can bypass the restrictions on YouTube adult videos.
Types of adult content on YouTube video
Adult content on YouTube comprises several different categories. YouTube’s version of adult content doesn’t contain explicit scenes but instead, it has content of other mature nature catered for adults only. Some of those categories are listed below:
Educational and informative adult content
These videos consist of a variety of educational and informative content. It covers topics like sexual education, mental health, or tutorials on various life skills suitable for adults only. Such type of content is very important as it provides valuable information and resources that adults can benefit from. Still, YouTube moderates such videos closely to make sure that they remain informative and appropriate while being available to those who need them.
Artistic and mature themes
There’s some content of an artistic nature with mature themes available on YouTube. It includes films, music, and other artistic expressions. They deal with themes like violence, psychological depth, or complicated human relationships. This type of content is usually not explicit but it certainly does require a mature person to watch. These often include several music channels on YouTube like VEVO and T-Series.
Age restricted on YouTube videos
YouTube takes age restrictions seriously because it wants to make sure that younger audiences are protected from viewing inappropriate content. YouTube has a complex system in place that puts age restrictions. Sometimes, the content doesn’t violate Google’s community guidelines but it may not be compatible with YouTube’s ToS or appropriate for viewers under 18. In such cases, YouTube places an age restriction on the video. Mentioned below are some types of videos on which YouTube might place age restrictions.
- Child Safety: A video containing adults participating in dangerous activities. Since minors are very impressionable, they might try to copy those activities. It could be stuff like explosives or something that may cause bodily injury.
- Harmful & Dangerous Activities: Videos about fake harmful pranks that seem real and in which the younger audience can’t tell the difference. Or, it could be videos regarding drug usage.
- Nudity & Sexuality: A video that contains sexual activity like provocative dancing or fondling which is intended to arouse the viewer or it could be a video in which the person is wearing a skimpy dress.
- Violent & Graphic Content: Videos showing graphic content like injuries or focused on gory imagery or it could be the graphically violent part of a film or video game.
- Vulgar Language: A video focused on the use of profanities such as compilations or clips taken out of context.
The purpose of age restricted YouTube videos is to create a safer environment for younger viewers while allowing mature content for adults. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t take an expert to bypass YouTube age restrictions. It is pretty easy for a kid to fake their age on a Google account and then access the adult content on YouTube without any verification.
How does YouTube enforce age restrictions?
YouTube uses several methods to enforce age restrictions:
- Reporting: Content creators can specify if their videos are suitable for all ages or not when uploading the videos on their channel.
- Flagging: Viewers can flag inappropriate content. By doing so, YouTube’s review team will assess and put an age restriction if need be.
- Automation: YouTube’s algorithm analyzes videos to detect adult content and applies age restrictions automatically.
- Verification: To view age-restricted content, users need to verify their age by signing into a Google account. Sometimes, additional verification like ID or credit card may be required. However, that is very rare and it is pretty easy for a kid to fake their age to access the mature content.
Despite the above-mentioned efforts, there are certain challenges for the whole system such as:
- False Reporting: Sometimes, creators might mislabel their content. It makes inappropriate videos available to everyone.
- Algorithm Errors: Automated systems sometimes mistakenly flag content. In such cases, the creator can contact support to remove the age restriction.
These age restrictions on YouTube help maintain a safe environment for both children and adults. Furthermore, utilizing third-party apps can make an additional layer of security for parents to protect their children from inappropriate content.
How can I restrict what my child watches on YouTube?
Fortunately, YouTube offers several tools to help parents manage what their children watch. You can directly access the account settings or the YouTube app settings to make it safer for your kids. Here are some options.
YouTube Kids app: This app is specifically designed for children. It offers curated content appropriate for children. It also includes parental controls that allow parents to set time limits and filter content.
Native parental controls on the official YouTube App: For parents who allow their children to use the main app, there are still certain options they can use to control what they watch. This includes restricted mode. However, this mode is not as effective as compared to the YouTube Kids app.
Third-party solutions: There is a last resort that parents can rely on with full confidence and that is third-party apps like FlashGet Kids. With this app, you can safeguard your kids in every possible way. It offers the following features:
- Live Monitoring: Real-time monitoring lets you see it all.
- Remote Camera: See your child’s environment from your phone instantly.
- One-way Audio: Monitor the sound of your child’s mobile phone environment.
- Screen Mirroring: Capture every moment that you missed via screenshots.
- Notifications Tracker: Receive notifications from your child’s phone.
- Location Tracker: Track your kids anywhere and at any time.
- Location History: Helps create the timeline and location of your kids.
- Screen Time: Set time limits for your kids’ screen usage.
- App Blocker: Block harmful apps.
Rest assured, with this app, parents can have peace of mind by staying updated with all of their children’s activities both offline and online. All you have to do is set up this application, and you’ll be able to remotely monitor your child’s YouTube activities from any place.
Conclusion
While it’s true that YouTube doesn’t host any explicit adult content, it certainly has some videos that cater to its mature audience. From educational and informative to artistic works. This platform hosts a wide variety of video content. YouTube’s restrictions, YouTube kids, and third-party apps are some of the measures parents can take to control their child’s viewing. It’s a platform for all ages but some corners are reserved for the grown-ups. Whether you’re looking for an educational, artistic, or mature viewing experience, YouTube is the site for you.
