How to See What You're Child is Watching on YouTube
How to See What You're Child is Watching on YouTube
If you're a parent trying to keep track of what videos your child is watching on YouTube, there are several options that you can consider. While YouTube Kids might block most videos that aren't appropriate for younger viewers, it might not catch everything. That's why it's important to have some way to review your child's watch history instead.
Unfortunately, monitoring a child's YouTube watch history isn't straightforward, and it might require you to combine multiple approaches.
Supervised YouTube Accounts
It's easy to open YouTube app and go to a signed-in YouTube profile to view the "history" section that has the list of recently watched videos. However, when it comes to monitoring a child's YouTube activity, you'll likely need to use a different strategy.
It's also possible to set up a supervised YouTube account , which will allow a parent to remotely view a child's YouTube watch history. This requires setting up Google Family Link, so this might be an option to consider if you're child is using an Android smartphone. If your child is using an iPhone, Google Family is just not as effective.
Frustratingly, as seen in this community post , there is no way to prevent a child from deleting YouTube video watch history (even if using a Supervised YouTube account). As a result, it may be a better idea to block YouTube instead or enable YouTube restricted mode to filter content on YouTube.
Monitor Browser History
If you and your child use a shared computer (or even separate ones), another option is to use browsing activity to view YouTube search and video history, without requiring Family Link.
This does have some of its own challenges, but it's especially ideal if you both share a computer. If you have separate smartphones, your setup might look a bit different.
Force the use of the browser version of YouTube
This is more relevant if your child is using a smartphone to view YouTube. You can block YouTube's app on their device and force them to use the browser version of YouTube instead.
A browser will collect all browsing history from that device, and can be combined with Family Link, depending on what approach for blocking apps you decide to use.
Prevent browsing history from being deleted
This isn't an option on smartphones, but on a computer (such as a Mac or Windows laptop or desktop), it's usually possible to remove the ability to delete browsing history, add new profiles, browse in incognito mode, and browse with the guest account.
See our dedicated guide about how to disable incognito mode and private browsing features.
Filter browsing history results
Most web browsers will allow you to filter history results by a keyword, like youtube or youtube.com.
History can be accessed on most browsers by going to Settings > History.
You can also visit this link manually if you're on Chrome: chrome://history
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child be prevented from deleting YouTube watch history?
Surprisingly, YouTube and Google do not provide a way to prevent a child from deleting watch history, even when using the YouTube kids app. In fact, a child can even pause watch history from being recorded, which makes a Supervised YouTube account useless for monitoring. Furthermore, a child can use YouTube anonymously through a web browser private browsing window.
Are there any browsing extensions that can help block YouTube videos?
Yes!