Pop quiz: Have more YouTube users watched Wheels on the Bus (yes, that classic kids song) or Psy’s viral smash hit Gangnam Style?
Answer: Though Psy's video has racked up more than 2 billion views on YouTube since being released in July of 2012, Wheels On The Bus has actually been watched more by users (and has nearly a billion views of its own).
The statistic is the latest figure to underscore the growth of kids videos on YouTube. The Google-owned video giant announced Tuesday evening that its Kids App has been downloaded more than 10 million times since launching 10 months ago in February.
The app is free on Android and iOS devices, with advertisements — which run in between videos — helping drive revenue.
The ads initially ignited backlash from a handful of of children's advocacy groups who filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission in April asking it to investigate whether the app exposes young users to unwanted commercials.
The coalition called on the FTC to "stop these and any other deceptive or unfair practices uncovered as a result of its investigation." But since the complaints were filed, YouTube has ramped up its efforts to make the app more family friendly.
The platform unveiled new features in October, designed to help parents better navigate the app.
Parents were given the opportunity to "make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore — turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set."
YouTube said many of the changes were result of user feedback.
Riding on the recent success, YouTube said it will expand the app overseas to the UK & Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Some users of the app highlighted their enthusiasm on Twitter.
1. youtube kids app is awesome
2. i love watching kids use technology pic.twitter.com/iTDHv4ka4H
— lena (@lenamasek) August 29, 2015
Have you downloaded the new youtube kids app? I love the learning tab (lightbulb icon). Check out the videos...great homework helper!
— Michelle Keegan (@SpecEduc8or) March 15, 2015
I love sharing with the pre-K moms about the @youtube kids app! Such positive feedback! #youtubekids
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