Netflix Launches Just for Kids Streaming Service
By rdemott2
Created 08/16/2011 - 10:27
files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Netflix
LOS GATOS, Calif., Aug. 16, 2011 -- Netflix has made it easier and more fun for kids and families to instantly watch a huge range of kid-friendly TV shows and movies with its new "Just for Kids" experience.
Members can now click on the "Just for Kids" tab at the top of the Netflix home page and find a newly-designed section featuring content that's perfect for children 12 and under. Kids will now be able to click on icons of their favorite characters – from "SpongeBob SquarePants" to "Dora The Explorer", and from "Phineas and Ferb" to "Big Bird" – and find a deep selection of great TV shows and movies featuring that character.
Kids, parents and caregivers will also be able to scan through row after row of movies and shows organized by easy-to-understand genres like superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs and girl power, featuring clear and simple descriptions of the plot of each title. To develop these selections, Netflix used ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media, a leading non-profit that provides independent, trustworthy ratings, reviews, and information to help parents make great media choices.
"Kids discover and categorize movies and TV shows differently than adults," said Todd Yellin, Netflix Vice President of Product Innovation. "Just as we have revolutionized the way people find the movies and shows they want to watch when and how they want to, we're making it easier for kids and parents alike to have the best possible Netflix experience."
Netflix designed the "Just for Kids" experience in recognition that kids are among the most ardent consumers of TV shows and movies. Almost half of the 25 million Netflix members in the United States and Canada have instantly watched at least two movies or shows made for kids in the last 90 days.
"Family movie night is a great way for parents to connect with their kids in our 24/7 media culture, and over the last few years, Netflix has recreated the concept, bringing kids and parents together around great, quality entertainment on multiple platforms," said Amy Guggenheim Shenkan, president and COO, Common Sense Media. "We've partnered with Netflix for many years and our work informs the overall quality and scope of the "Just for Kids" experience, helping parents to make great media choices for the entire family."
Currently, the "Just for Kids" experience is available via the Netflix website, with similar functionality to come on the Wii, iPad, Xbox, Playstation and many other devices over the next year.
