# How to Build a Kids Streaming App (COPPA-Safe) **Source:** https://vodlix.com/blog/build-kids-streaming-app-coppa-safe **Summary:** Learn how to build a kids streaming app with COPPA privacy safeguards, parental controls, age-appropriate content, monetization, and OTT technology. **Published:** 2026-10-29 **Publisher:** Vodlix --- ## Key takeaways A kids streaming app works when content, parental controls and privacy are designed together from the start, not added after launch. - Define the age group and business model first: they shape your content, navigation and the data you need. - The amended COPPA Rule has required full compliance since April 22, 2026, including separate parental consent for third-party disclosures such as targeted advertising. - A parental gate stops children reaching purchases and links out of the app, but it is not verifiable parental consent. - Audit every analytics, advertising and crash-reporting SDK against COPPA, Apple's Kids Category and Google Play's Families policies. - A white-label OTT platform can supply streaming, apps and parental controls, but the operator stays responsible for compliance. Children's streaming is a growing opportunity for OTT businesses, media companies, broadcasters, and content owners looking to build dedicated digital entertainment services. From animated series and educational videos to children's movies and interactive learning programs, a kids streaming app can become a valuable destination for families seeking age-appropriate content. **The short answer:** to build a kids streaming app, define your target age group and business model, choose your streaming technology (custom build, open source, or a [white-label OTT platform](https://vodlix.com/features/white-label)), design a simple child-facing interface with [parental controls](https://vodlix.com/features/parental-controls) and age-rated content, build COPPA safeguards such as parental notice, verifiable parental consent, and data minimization into the product, audit every third-party SDK, then test against Apple and Google Play's children's policies before launch. Building a streaming app for children takes more than a video library and a friendly interface. Businesses must consider children's privacy, parental controls, content moderation, advertising restrictions, app store policies, and secure video delivery from the beginning. In the United States, the [Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)](https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa) sets requirements for online services directed to children under 13 that collect personal information, and for services with actual knowledge that they collect personal information from children. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) [amended the COPPA Rule in 2025](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-05904/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule), strengthening protections around children's data and third-party disclosures. The amendments took effect on June 23, 2025, and most operators had until April 22, 2026 to comply. This guide explains how to build a kids streaming app in 10 steps, which features to prioritize, how to approach COPPA compliance, and how to choose an OTT platform that supports your business goals. ## What Is a Kids Streaming App? {#what-is-a-kids-streaming-app} A kids streaming app is a video-on-demand service designed to give children age-appropriate entertainment, educational programming, or other curated video content, with controls that let parents decide what their children can watch. Unlike general-purpose streaming services, children's streaming apps emphasize content suitability, simple navigation, parental supervision, and privacy-conscious product design. A kids streaming platform may include: - Animated movies and television series - Educational videos and learning programs - Nursery rhymes and preschool content - Storytelling and read-along videos - Science, nature, and discovery programs - Age-specific content collections - Downloadable videos for offline viewing, where supported - Parent-managed profiles and viewing restrictions Businesses can launch a standalone children's streaming service or add a dedicated kids section to a broader OTT platform. The right approach depends on the target age group, content catalog, monetization strategy, and the markets in which the service will operate. ## Why Build a Dedicated Kids Streaming Platform? {#why-build-a-dedicated-kids-streaming-platform} A dedicated kids streaming app lets media businesses create a focused viewing experience while setting clear policies for content, privacy, and parental supervision. ### 1. Serve a Clearly Defined Audience {#1-serve-a-clearly-defined-audience} Children of different ages have different entertainment and learning needs. A preschool audience may prefer songs, colors, and simple stories, while older children may enjoy animated adventures, science programs, and educational series. Organizing content by age suitability and topic helps families find appropriate programming more easily. ### 2. Build a Recognizable Streaming Brand {#2-build-a-recognizable-streaming-brand} A dedicated app gives content owners greater control over branding, programming, distribution, and the overall viewing experience. Instead of relying only on third-party services, businesses can build a destination around their own catalog and audience. ### 3. Create Recurring Revenue Opportunities {#3-create-recurring-revenue-opportunities} Depending on the audience and business model, a kids streaming service can generate revenue through subscriptions, licensed distribution, sponsorships, or carefully designed advertising. Advertising and data practices need particular scrutiny in children's products, so the monetization strategy must be compatible with applicable privacy laws and app store policies. ### 4. Expand Distribution Across Devices {#4-expand-distribution-across-devices} Families watch children's content on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers. Supporting several devices makes the service more convenient, although each additional app brings its own testing, maintenance, and policy requirements. ## Step 1: Define Your Target Audience and Business Model {#step-1-define-your-target-audience-and-business-model} Before development begins, identify the audience you intend to serve. A streaming service for children aged two to five needs a different content strategy and navigation system from a service aimed at children aged eight to twelve. Consider whether your platform will focus on: - Preschool entertainment and learning - Animated movies and series - Educational programming - Faith-based or culturally specific children's content - Licensed children's entertainment - Original productions from independent creators Once you have chosen your niche, select a business model. Our guide to [how OTT platforms make money](https://vodlix.com/blog/how-ott-platforms-make-money) covers each model in more depth. ### Subscription-Based Streaming (SVOD) {#subscription-based-streaming-svod} Subscription video on demand lets families pay a recurring fee for access to a content library. It suits platforms with exclusive programming, original productions, or a substantial collection of licensed content. [Packages and subscriptions](https://vodlix.com/features/packages-subscriptions) let you sell monthly or yearly plans billed to the parent's account. ### Advertising-Based Streaming (AVOD) {#advertising-based-streaming-avod} Advertising-based video on demand offers free content supported by advertising revenue. For children's services, this model needs careful review of ad suitability, data collection, tracking, and consent requirements. Some distribution channels impose stricter advertising restrictions than the general legal framework. ### Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) {#transactional-video-on-demand-tvod} Transactional video on demand lets users pay for individual titles, rentals, or purchases. A parent-managed purchasing flow can support premium movies or special educational programs. ### Hybrid Monetization {#hybrid-monetization} A hybrid model combines revenue sources, such as a subscription library alongside paid special releases or a [kids bundle](https://vodlix.com/features/content-bundles-bouquets) sold on its own. Evaluate each model against your audience, licensing agreements, payment rules, and privacy requirements before you implement it. See [OTT monetization models](https://vodlix.com/features/ott-monetization-models) for how SVOD, AVOD and TVOD can run side by side. ## Step 2: Choose the Right Streaming Technology {#step-2-choose-the-right-streaming-technology} The technology behind your app determines how efficiently you can manage content, deliver video, support devices, and maintain the service as the audience grows. There are three common approaches, compared in detail in [DIY vs. white-label OTT](https://vodlix.com/blog/diy-white-label-ott). ### Custom App Development {#custom-app-development} Building a custom platform gives you flexibility over the interface, backend architecture, and business logic. However, your team must manage video infrastructure, user authentication, content management, security, payments, analytics, and ongoing maintenance, and must implement and verify the privacy controls your service requires. Custom development suits businesses with specialized requirements and the resources to maintain their own technology. ### Open-Source Streaming Infrastructure {#open-source-streaming-infrastructure} Open-source tools can provide building blocks for video processing, playback, and app development. They may reduce some licensing costs, but integration, testing, hosting, security, and compliance remain your responsibility. ### White-Label OTT Platform {#white-label-ott-platform} A [white-label streaming platform](https://vodlix.com/blog/white-label-streaming-platform) provides existing streaming technology that you customize with your own branding. Depending on the provider and configuration, it may cover content management, video delivery, multi-device apps, subscription workflows, and analytics, which reduces the infrastructure you need to build from scratch. When you evaluate a white-label solution for children, the key question is whether it can support the privacy architecture, parental controls, advertising restrictions, and app store requirements you need, not simply whether it can stream video. ## Step 3: Design the Essential Kids Streaming App Features {#step-3-design-the-essential-kids-streaming-app-features} A successful kids streaming app is easy for children to navigate while giving parents meaningful control over account settings and viewing access. ### Child-Friendly Interface {#child-friendly-interface} Design the interface around the age and abilities of your audience. Younger children benefit from large visuals, recognizable icons, few navigation choices, and minimal reading. Older children may be comfortable with categories, search, and more detailed episode information. Avoid unnecessary links, confusing menus, and anything that encourages accidental purchases. ### Age-Appropriate Content Categories {#age-appropriate-content-categories} Organize videos into clear categories, such as cartoons, stories, learning, music, and science. Age labels help parents make informed choices, but the review process behind them must be reliable: a category label alone does not guarantee that every video is suitable. Rating every title with a maturity level lets a Kids profile show only the titles rated for it. ### Parent Dashboard {#parent-dashboard} A parent dashboard gives adults one place to manage the child's viewing experience. Useful controls include: - Profile and account management - Age or maturity restrictions per profile - Content access settings - Viewing history, where appropriate - Subscription and billing management - Privacy preferences and consent settings - Data access and deletion requests Keep adult account functions separate from the child-facing interface. [Viewer profiles](https://vodlix.com/features/profile-selection) with their own maturity level, and a PIN on adult profiles, let one family share an account without handing children the whole catalog. ### Parental Gates {#parental-gates} Parental gates stop children from entering adult areas, opening external links, or starting purchases without a parent. [Apple's guidance for kids apps](https://developer.apple.com/kids/) requires parental gates in the Kids Category for in-app purchases and links that leave the app. An adult-level task, such as a multi-step math question, can work as a gate. However, a parental gate is not the same as legally valid parental consent to collect personal information. ### Secure Video Player {#secure-video-player} A [streaming video player](https://vodlix.com/features/customizable-video-player) should offer reliable playback, suitable resolution options, [subtitles and captions](https://vodlix.com/features/subtitles-and-captions), and controls that work across supported devices. For younger viewers, keep controls simple and avoid placing promotions or external links beside the player. ### Watchlists and Continue Watching {#watchlists-and-continue-watching} Parent-managed watchlists and viewing history make it easier to resume episodes and organize family viewing. Before adding these features, decide what information must be stored, whether it is linked to a child, and how long it needs to be kept. ### Offline Viewing {#offline-viewing} Offline playback is valuable for travel and places with poor connectivity. If you support downloads, plan for encrypted storage, expiry rules, device limits, and [DRM](https://vodlix.com/features/drm) that prevents unauthorized access to licensed content. ## Step 4: Build COPPA Compliance Into the App {#step-4-build-coppa-compliance-into-the-app} COPPA compliance should shape product architecture, data collection, third-party integrations, and operational policies from day one. The law generally applies to child-directed online services that collect personal information from children under 13, and to other services with actual knowledge of such collection. Whether a service is child-directed depends on factors including its subject matter, visual content, intended audience, and other evidence. The FTC's [COPPA frequently asked questions](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions) explain how these factors are assessed. Here are the main areas to address. ### Create a Clear Children's Privacy Policy {#create-a-clear-children-s-privacy-policy} Your privacy policy should explain what personal information the service collects, how it is used, whether it is disclosed to third parties, how it is protected, and how parents can exercise their rights. It must accurately reflect the app's actual practices: a generic policy that does not match the product's data flows is not sufficient. ### Obtain Verifiable Parental Consent Where Required {#obtain-verifiable-parental-consent-where-required} Covered services generally must give parents direct notice and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing children's personal information, subject to limited exceptions. The FTC lists accepted [verifiable parental consent methods](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/verifiable-parental-consent-childrens-online-privacy-rule), such as a signed consent form, a payment card transaction, a government ID check, or a video call with trained staff. The right method depends on the information involved and how it will be used or disclosed. Design onboarding so the required notice and consent happen before the relevant collection begins. Do not assume that a child ticking a box or entering a birth date establishes valid parental consent. ### Minimize Data Collection {#minimize-data-collection} Collect only the information needed to provide the service. A basic video player, for example, may not need a child's full name, precise location, contact details, or access to the device microphone. Review the information collected by analytics SDKs, crash-reporting tools, advertising systems, push notification services, and other third-party integrations. Persistent identifiers can also fall within COPPA's definition of personal information, depending on the circumstances and use. ### Give Parents Access and Deletion Controls {#give-parents-access-and-deletion-controls} Parents must have a way to review their child's personal information, request deletion, and stop further collection or use where required. Build workflows for receiving, verifying, tracking, and completing those requests. ### Establish Data Retention and Security Rules {#establish-data-retention-and-security-rules} Define how long each category of personal information is kept and when it is deleted. Use access controls, encryption, secure authentication, and vendor oversight to protect information against unauthorized access or disclosure. The 2025 COPPA amendments require a written data retention policy, a written information security program, and separate parental consent for certain third-party disclosures. Review the [current rule (16 CFR Part 312)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312) before launch. > **Important:** COPPA is a US federal privacy framework. If you operate internationally, also assess other requirements, such as the children's consent provisions of the [EU GDPR](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj) (Article 8), the UK [Children's code](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/), and local data protection laws. Our overview of [GDPR, COPPA, and HIPAA for streaming platforms](https://vodlix.com/blog/navigating-gdpr-coppa-and-hipaa-compliances-in-the-streaming-industry) is a useful starting point. Get qualified legal advice for each market your app will serve. ## Step 5: Review Advertising, Analytics, and Third-Party SDKs {#step-5-review-advertising-analytics-and-third-party-sdks} Third-party integrations are a frequent source of privacy risk in children's apps. An app may appear privacy-conscious while an embedded SDK collects device identifiers, usage data, or other information behind the scenes. Create an inventory of every third-party service in the app and record: - What information it collects - Why it collects that information - Whether it shares information with other parties - Whether parental consent is required - How long the information is retained - Whether the integration is permitted under each target app store's rules ### Avoid Behavioral Advertising Without the Required Protections {#avoid-behavioral-advertising-without-the-required-protections} The 2025 COPPA amendments require separate verifiable parental consent for certain disclosures of children's personal information to third parties, including disclosures for targeted advertising. The [FTC's announcement of the final rule](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-finalizes-changes-childrens-privacy-rule-limiting-companies-ability-monetize-kids-data) summarizes these changes. Contextual advertising, based on the content being watched rather than a child's behavioral profile, may be a more appropriate model in some cases. It still needs a careful review of data collection, ad technology, and platform policies, and every campaign should be limited to the age range it was made for. ### Review Analytics Tools {#review-analytics-tools} Analytics can measure playback errors and overall platform performance, but configure the tools to avoid unnecessary personal data collection. Apple's [App Review Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/) (section 1.3, Kids Category) say Kids Category apps should not include third-party analytics or third-party advertising, with limited exceptions. Google Play sets its own requirements for apps that target children through its [Families policies](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9893335). Check the rules for each distribution channel rather than assuming the same integration is allowed everywhere. ## Step 6: Make Content Safety a Core Operational Process {#step-6-make-content-safety-a-core-operational-process} Privacy is only one part of a safe children's streaming experience. The content itself must suit the intended audience, so document a content review process before you publish videos. ### Review Every Title {#review-every-title} Assess each movie, series, and episode for age suitability, language, violence, frightening scenes, and sensitive topics. Where appropriate, create maturity levels and explain the criteria to parents. Consistent [metadata management](https://vodlix.com/features/metadata-management) keeps ratings, descriptions, and categories accurate across the catalog. ### Verify Content Rights {#verify-content-rights} Obtain licenses that cover your territories, devices, and subscription or advertising models. Confirm whether agreements allow offline downloads, promotional clips, subtitles, and distribution through connected-TV apps. [Geo-fencing](https://vodlix.com/features/geo-fencing) helps you respect territorial rights title by title. ### Control User-Generated Content {#control-user-generated-content} Comments, uploads, messaging, and community features increase risk significantly. They can expose children to inappropriate material, unwanted contact, or disclosure of personal information. For a first launch, a curated, professionally managed library is simpler to secure and operate than an open platform. ### Maintain Reporting and Escalation Procedures {#maintain-reporting-and-escalation-procedures} Give parents a way to report unsuitable content or privacy concerns. Assign responsibility for reviewing reports, restricting access when needed, investigating incidents, and documenting corrective action. ## Step 7: Develop for iOS, Android, Web, and Smart TVs {#step-7-develop-for-ios-android-web-and-smart-tvs} Decide which devices to support at launch. A web app is a cost-effective way to validate demand, [mobile apps](https://vodlix.com/features/mobile-apps) add convenience, and [smart TV apps](https://vodlix.com/features/tv-apps) make the service easier for family viewing. Each channel has its own technical and policy considerations. ### Apple App Store {#apple-app-store} To distribute through Apple's Kids Category, select an age band in App Store Connect and review the privacy, advertising, parental gate, and external-link requirements. Apple's Kids Category age bands are 5 and under, 6 to 8, and 9 to 11. ### Google Play {#google-play} If children are in your app's target audience, review Google Play's Families policies, target audience declaration, content requirements, Data safety disclosures, and advertising rules. The app must meet the requirements for both its declared audience and its actual functionality. ### Smart TV Apps {#smart-tv-apps} Smart TV apps, including a [Roku channel](https://vodlix.com/features/roku-tv-app), give families a comfortable experience for longer viewing. Test remote-control navigation, playback stability, screen readability, account management, and the separation between child and parent settings. Approval on one platform does not guarantee approval on another. ## Step 8: Test the App Before Launch {#step-8-test-the-app-before-launch} Before release, validate both the viewing experience and its privacy protections. Your test plan should cover: - Video playback across supported devices and network conditions - Content categorization and access restrictions - Parental gates and purchase flows - Parental consent and privacy settings - Data access and deletion requests - Third-party SDK behavior - Authentication and account security - Accessibility and child-friendly navigation - App store compliance - Backup, recovery, and incident response Use test accounts and controlled environments to confirm the app does not collect information earlier than intended. Where possible, have independent security and privacy specialists review the implementation before launch. ## Step 9: Plan Your Kids Streaming App Budget {#step-9-plan-your-kids-streaming-app-budget} The total cost of building a kids streaming app depends on its features, supported devices, catalog size, licensing agreements, and compliance requirements. | Cost area | What affects the cost | | --- | --- | | Platform development | Custom development, white-label licensing, and customization | | Content acquisition | Licensing fees, original productions, and distribution rights | | Video infrastructure | Storage, encoding, bandwidth, and delivery | | Apps | Web, iOS, Android, and smart TV support | | Privacy and security | Legal review, security testing, consent workflows, and vendor assessment | | Monetization | Subscriptions, payments, and approved advertising integrations | | Operations | Content review, customer support, maintenance, and updates | | Marketing | Audience acquisition, partnerships, and launch campaigns | A white-label solution can reduce the streaming infrastructure you need to develop, but it does not remove the cost of content, compliance, customization, or ongoing operations. When comparing vendors, ask for a full breakdown of licensing, usage limits, supported devices, integrations, privacy controls, support, and contract terms. The [OTT pricing calculator](https://vodlix.com/ott-pricing-calculator) and [Vodlix pricing](https://vodlix.com/pricing) pages help you estimate the platform side. ## Step 10: Launch and Grow Your Audience {#step-10-launch-and-grow-your-audience} A successful launch needs a clear audience proposition and a plan for reaching parents and caregivers. For broader tactics, see [how to market your OTT platform](https://vodlix.com/blog/how-to-market-your-ott-platform-proven-strategies). ### Build a Parent-Focused Website {#build-a-parent-focused-website} Explain the content offering, intended age groups, pricing, supported devices, and privacy practices. Parents should understand what the app offers and how their children's viewing is managed before they subscribe. ### Use Search Engine Optimization {#use-search-engine-optimization} Create useful landing pages for content categories such as preschool learning videos, children's animated series, educational cartoons, and family-friendly movies. Use descriptive metadata and accurate episode descriptions, and avoid unsupported claims about educational outcomes or safety. ### Partner With Content Owners {#partner-with-content-owners} Work with children's content producers, educators, publishers, and licensed distributors to build a relevant catalog. A recognizable collection of quality content is a stronger reason to subscribe than a large but poorly organized library. ### Measure Business Performance Responsibly {#measure-business-performance-responsibly} Track aggregate metrics such as subscriptions, churn, playback errors, and overall viewing trends. Configure analytics to comply with privacy rules and platform restrictions, and avoid building unnecessary behavioral profiles of children. ## How Vodlix Can Help Build a Kids Streaming App {#how-vodlix-can-help-build-a-kids-streaming-app} Building a children's streaming app combines video delivery, content management, app development, and privacy-conscious product design. Vodlix is a [white-label OTT platform](https://vodlix.com/features/white-label) for businesses launching branded streaming services on the web, mobile, and TV, and it includes several controls that matter for a kids service: - **Age ratings on every title:** a maturity level (All, 7+, 13+, 16+ or 18+), an MPAA rating, and content rating tags such as Violence or Language, set in the admin with [parental controls and content ratings](https://vodlix.com/features/parental-controls). - **Kids profiles:** each profile has its own maturity level, so a child's 7+ profile only shows titles rated All or 7+, and adult profiles can be locked with a 4-digit PIN on the web, mobile, and TV apps. - **A minimum signup age:** add a date of birth field to signup and refuse accounts below the age you set, or [restrict signup](https://vodlix.com/features/restrict-signup) to people you approve. - **Age-appropriate ads:** each ad campaign can carry its own maturity range, for example All to 7 for a family sponsor. - **A Kids & Family template:** one of the [platform templates](https://vodlix.com/features/platform-templates) that set up your menus and labels for the service you run. - **Flexible monetization and protection:** SVOD, TVOD and AVOD, kids bundles, and multi-DRM with Widevine, FairPlay and PlayReady. Before choosing any provider, check how well it supports: - Organizing children's content by category and age suitability - Delivering video across the devices you need - Managing subscriptions and parent-account workflows - Integrating suitable, privacy-conscious analytics - Controlling third-party integrations - Secure playback and access restrictions Do not assume that a streaming platform is COPPA-compliant simply because it offers parental controls or privacy features. A date of birth check at signup is an age gate, not verifiable parental consent, and the service operator remains responsible for its overall data practices and legal obligations. Ready to see whether Vodlix fits your children's streaming plans? [Start a free 14-day trial](https://app.vodlix.cloud/cloud/signup) or [talk to our team](https://vodlix.com/contact) about your requirements. ## Final Thoughts {#final-thoughts} Building a kids streaming app is both a technology project and a responsibility to protect young viewers. A successful service combines age-appropriate content, a simple viewing experience, reliable streaming, meaningful parental controls, and privacy safeguards that work throughout the product. Start by defining your audience, choosing a sustainable content and monetization model, and mapping the data your service will collect. Select technology that supports those requirements, verify the privacy and app store rules that apply, and test the whole experience before release. The right OTT infrastructure simplifies video distribution and app development, alongside a dedicated privacy and compliance review. **Disclaimer:** *This article provides general information, not legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel to assess COPPA and other requirements for your specific service.* ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How do I build a kids streaming app?** Define your target age group and business model, choose your technology (custom, open source or a white-label OTT platform), design a simple child-facing interface with parental controls and age-rated content, build COPPA safeguards such as parental notice, verifiable parental consent and data minimization into the product, audit every third-party SDK, test against Apple and Google Play children's policies, then launch with a parent-focused website. **Q: What is a COPPA-safe kids streaming app?** A COPPA-safe app is designed and operated to meet the applicable requirements of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule. Depending on the service, this can involve parental notice and consent, data minimization, access and deletion rights, security safeguards, retention limits, and controls over third-party disclosures. Compliance depends on actual practices, not just the presence of specific features. **Q: Does every kids streaming app need parental consent?** Not every data collection activity requires consent in every circumstance. However, covered operators generally must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing children's personal information, subject to specific exceptions. The exact requirements depend on the information, the purpose, and the applicable rule. **Q: Is a parental gate enough to make an app COPPA-compliant?** No. A parental gate helps stop children reaching functions such as purchases or external links without an adult. It does not satisfy COPPA's separate requirements for parental notice and consent, privacy, data security, and deletion. **Q: When did the amended COPPA Rule take effect?** The FTC's amended COPPA Rule was published on April 22, 2025 and took effect on June 23, 2025. Most operators had until April 22, 2026 to comply with the new requirements, which include separate parental consent for certain third-party disclosures, a written data retention policy and a written information security program. **Q: Can a kids streaming app use advertising?** Potentially, but the advertising model must be reviewed against COPPA, consent requirements, app store policies, and other relevant laws. Behavioral advertising and third-party data disclosures need particular scrutiny, and some children's app categories, such as Apple's Kids Category, impose stricter limits on third-party advertising. **Q: What age bands does Apple's Kids Category use?** Apple's Kids Category uses three age bands, selected in App Store Connect: 5 and under, 6 to 8, and 9 to 11. Kids Category apps must also follow Apple's App Review Guidelines on privacy, advertising, parental gates and links out of the app. **Q: Can I build a kids streaming app using a white-label OTT platform?** Yes. A white-label OTT platform can provide the streaming infrastructure and app capabilities. You must still verify that your configuration supports your requirements for privacy, parental controls, content restrictions, data handling, and app store approval. **Q: What features should a kids streaming app include?** Core features include child-friendly navigation, age-appropriate content categories, reliable video playback, parent-managed settings and profiles, secure account management, and appropriate privacy controls. Additional features may include watchlists, offline viewing, subscriptions, and smart TV apps. **Q: Does COPPA apply to apps outside the United States?** COPPA is a US law, but businesses outside the United States may still need to consider it when their services fall within its scope, for example when they are directed to children in the US. Other jurisdictions, such as the EU and UK, have separate children's privacy requirements, so determine the rules that apply to your users and target markets. **Q: How much does it cost to build a kids streaming app?** The cost depends on the technology approach, content rights, supported devices, video delivery, privacy safeguards, and ongoing operations. A white-label platform can reduce custom development work, while a highly customized service needs a larger engineering and maintenance budget.