Family Link lets parents manage a child's Google account and Android device. For YouTube specifically, it offers supervised account controls including content levels and a daily Shorts limit.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised YouTube account | Content levels (Explore, Explore More, Most of YouTube) for the child. |
| Daily Shorts limit | Set daily Shorts feed time including 0 minutes (effectively disables Shorts). |
| App management | Approve or block app installs. Set time limits per app. |
| Screen time | Daily screen time limits and bedtime schedule. |
| Location | See child's device location. |
| Chrome filtering | Block or allow specific websites. |
Platforms
Android, Chromebook (device management); iOS (parent app only)
Pricing
Free
Limitations
- YouTube content levels use age-based categories, not parent-chosen channels
- Limited control on iOS — child must use Android
- Cannot hide comments or block downloads within YouTube
- No channel-level whitelisting on main YouTube
- Less effective on shared devices or TVs
- Child can potentially bypass by signing into different account
Our verdict
Family Link is essential for Android families — it's the device-level foundation. But for YouTube-specific channel control, its content levels are broad categories, not a parent-picked channel list. Pair it with a YouTube-specific tool for tighter content control.