See what Sky TV customers think about the Sky Kids app NOW CLOSED

[PoppyMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the MN testers who have been trying the Sky Kids app.

What is the Sky Kids app?
Sky say the Sky Kids app is - "a tablet app just for the kids and full of their favourite TV shows like Paw Patrol, Scooby Doo, Octonauts, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, SpongeBob SquarePants and more – all available to watch on demand. The app lets you set up a personalised profile for each of your DCs with shows tailored to their age and their very own homepage with their name on it. And you and your DPs can set time limits and put the app to sleep whenever you want – YWBU not to!"
Find out more here

Testers, please download the Sky Kids app on your Apple or Android tablets and share your views on the following:

• How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
• What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
• What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
• Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
• How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
• What did you like most about the app?
• Would you recommend it to other parents and why?

Also, please add a review of the app in the Mumsnet reviews section. Please follow the review guidelines here.

Everyone who takes part and adds feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list - including Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, Mothercare, Argos, Debenhams, Tesco and loads more!).

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

How easy did you find it to use the Sky Kids app?
I found it very easy to use the app, as did my children (3 and 6 years).

What was your DC's favourite show and what did they like about the app?
Their favourite shows are paw patrol, peppa pig, little charmers and many more. They liked watching various different shows on the app.

What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
I think there was a great selection of shows available on the app and it kept my children entertained for a while.

Which shows did your DC's enjoy watching?
My children liked watching Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Shimmer and Shine and many others.

How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky buddies did you and your DC's choose?
The personalisation is ok but very basic. I was very disappointed that there was only 2 child options as I have 3 children so one would be left out. But my eldest chose the blue girl one blowing bubblegum and my middle girl chose the orange one with headphones.

What did you like the most about the app?
I liked the option to add child names (even if it means families of 3 or more may miss out) and the range of shows available.

Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
I think it's a good app for children. And would probably recommend it to others who have Sky. It's a shame it's only available on iPads and not iPhones though and that you can only have a max of 2 children on it.

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?

I found the Sky app really easy to use and my 3 year old also found his way around it really quickly too. It was pretty self explanatory and you could navigate from section to section without any problem.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?

DS enjoyed watching Peppa and Thomas and Friends He liked being able to chop and change between the different programmes and being allowed to use it himself as I knew it was safe.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?

I think there is a really wide range of content on the app, lots of favourite programmes plus some ones to explore that DS hasn't really watched on TV before too so it's an ice treat when he gets to watchtower he extras!

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?

He enjoyed things like Peppa, Thomas, Ben and Holly, Fireman Sam but he ask loved the Babybum videos and really enjoyed singing and dancing to the different songs.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?

The personalisation options were fun and DS loked choosing different eyes, mouth etc, although I wouldn't say it was a main feature of the app.

•What did you like most about the app?

I liked that everything was there in one place, lots of his favourite programmes as well as some new ones. I loved that you could set time limits on it too, which is really useful when you know you're going out or you want to limit how long they watch for. I also liked that you could download programmes so you could watch them when you were out and about too.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?

I would definitely reccomend the app to other parents, it was good to see lots of choice, full programmes and the handy feature like the timer make it parent friendly too!

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?

Really easy, surprisingly so. It's rare you get an app as easy to use and fluid.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
DD loves Ben and Holly and Octonauts as well as Peppa Pig. She liked being able to use the app alone without having to ask me to do things for her.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
I was really impressed with the range of programmes and that they were so suited to DD who is 3.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Peppa Pig, Octonauts and Ben & Holly and Miles from tomorrow.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
Thought they were a great idea and it made it easy for DD to pick herself out and only watch things appropriate for her.

•What did you like most about the app?
It was easy for DD to locate the app, it being bright and colourful so easily located on the tablet. I liked that she could only view programmes appropriate to her age and understanding as previously she has watched things on YouTube and I've caught her watching countless eggs being unwrapped or people playing inappropriate jokes on each other.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Yes, most certainly for the above reasons, accessibility and age appropriateness and ease of use for little ones.

All in all a fantastic app that covers most of the programmes DD likes to watch, ease of use and the fact that there are only a few of each programme definitely means DD has expanded her TV repertoire which means she's broadened her interests and understanding of things.

How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Very easy. My 6 y/o understood how to navigate through the different options.
•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
She loves Charlie and Lola and horrid Henry. She liked being able to choose what she wanted to watch at that time.
•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Good range of programmes available.
•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
As above - horrid Henry and Charlie and Lola
•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
She wasn't too fussed about being able to personalize it. I ended up just choosing for her.
•What did you like most about the app?
Easy to use for children (and adults!)
•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
I'd probably recommend. . It's a good app. Easy to use, good content and we didn't have any technical issues when using it.

I don't have the box sets or bundles so was unable to partake in the testing. Not very good when signing up it had no mention of that.

Thundercats was my favourite show as a child, along with my little pony and care bears oddly.

Can't test it as don't have the right subscription package :(

How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?

Very easy, my dc mastered it straight away!

What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?

Dd aged 9 loves Yo-Kai Watch and she says she likes that the app is "suitable to watch and doesn't have to worry about checking with mum and dad so I dont have to bother them" Dd aged 6 loves Lion Guard and says that the app is "fun and I can change my buddy"

What did you think about the range of content available in the app?

Very pleased.

Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?

Dd9 enjoys Yo-Kai Watch, Adventure Time and Horrible Histories. Dd6 likes Paw Patrol, Lion Guard and has recently discovered Seseme Street!

How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?

The girls were really happy to be able to change characters and dress them up, at the moment one has a pink character and one has a blue one (I have no idea who they are!)

What did you like most about the app?

Variety of different channels and shows, easy to use and feel confident of the safety of the content.

Would you recommend it to other parents and why?

Yes, for the same reasons as outlined above.

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Very - my DC is only 3 and can navigate around very easily.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
Paw Patrol! (Especially the new Tracker episode). The choice is very good and there's lots to view.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
As above, good choice of content and age appropriate.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Paw Patrol and Blaze and the Monster Machines are his favourite.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
He chose a blue buddy and liked being able to control and change this himself.

•What did you like most about the app?
It's age appropriate and you can trust that he won't accidentally navigate onto a show that will give him nightmares!

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
As above, it's safe and secure and very easy to navigate.

The app is extremely easy to use, my 3 year old had no problem what so ever navigating through the app to find her favourite shows. She loves watching peppa and paw patrol both of which have lots of episodes to choose from. She liked that it had lots of paw patrol episodes. The app has 1000's of different episodes to watch, from many different shows, its like a portable tv. The personalisation options are a great feature, maisie had lots of fun changing what they looked like! i love the fact you can have different profiles on it, so each child can find the shows they like quickly. I would recommend this app if you would like your tv back, even if its only for half and hour! ;)
•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?

Late feedback because as I wanted my boy to use it for some time before writing this

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
It was fairly easy with search. I mistakenly searched in mumsnet though and could not find it there.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
Weirdly, Miles from tomorrow. I think it's for more older kids but he loves it so what do I know? My boy loves the theme music of Miles from tomorrow. Because the slider is made up of the chunky buddy he is able to rewind and play the theme music repeatedly which he normally is not able to do. The other buttons are chunky as well and he loves that.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Quite a wide range of content so excellent. I am not sure if they change though as I seem to noticed my LO watching the same show over and over.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Miles from tomorrow, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
I liked it a lot but I am not sure apart from the naming and budding what difference they make in the app. My boy choose the red buddy with a cap. The buddies should have names each.

•What did you like most about the app?
Lots of content, fast streaming, no buffering issue. Ability to discover new shows. I loved the fact that my boy can discover new shows in the app which otherwise he may have missed. Ability to add multiple profiles seemed very useful if you have more than one kid.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Definitely but only if they have Sky as that seems to be the requirements.

Other observations:
The first page says "Arshan's Home" which is a nice touch.
No way to personalize and select which shows my boy loves most and they should come up at top
Top video bar takes too much space, should have room for 2 of the show lines below that but can accommodate only 1.2 now,
No offline viewing/download option
Sleep mode? What does it do?
Adult mode requires typing the entire username/password again which is inconvenient.

Non-tester. I loved Button Moon. Managed to find a DVD in a charity shop for DD, she isn't as enchanted as she should be! Maybe it's because you can see the strings...

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
I couldn't use the link provided but was simple enough to find from google play

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
Scooby Do and Morph! Easy to use, easy to know what show is what

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
a lot available, very good choice and programs my son watches

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Morph and Scooby kept his attention the most. But did scoot through quite a few programs.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
Not too much choice but this didn't bother my son

•What did you like most about the app?
Quick and easy to load and select a show

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Yes for quick and easy use, mobility purposes and has programs the kids enjoy

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Really easy to use, very straightforward and intuitive and clearly laid out.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
DD loves Peppa Pig. She loved how many choices there were too choose from.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Really great range of content suited to a wide age group.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching? Peppa Pig, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Horrid Henry

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose? The personalisation options were great, DD loved the heart glasses so much that I ended up buying her a similar pair in real life.

•What did you like most about the app?
The great range of content, and how easy it was to use

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Definitely, because it's reassuring to know that all the content is age appropriate, it was smooth and loaded fast, and easy to use

Easy to find and download.
Unfortunately because already a user of Sky Go, I couldn't download fully.
Very disappointing as does look like a good app for kids.

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Very easy
•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
DD loves Paw Patrol and Peter Rabbit so loved the fact that she could watch them when she wants and even when we are not at home.
•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Seemed pretty good. It had a good choice of programs for DD to pick from.
•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Paw Patrol and Peter Rabbit
•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
The personalisation options were relatively easy to choose from but to be honest DD (2) was a little too young to care.
•What did you like most about the app?
It is easy to use
•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Yes. It is easy to use and is helpful for keeping DD quiet when she's getting bored.

How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app? Very.
•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app PJ Masks and Team Umizoomi. She liked being able to style her buddy.
•What did you think about the range of content available in the app? good range of content. Made us aware of shows we haven't seen before.
Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching? PJ Masks and Team Umizoomi
How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose? They were good, and DD really enjoyed dressing her buddy. She chose the red one then changed it to the dark blue one. She was disappointed that the changes she made didn't show up throughout the app.
•What did you like most about the app? No adverts.
•Would you recommend it to other parents and why? Yes, I'd recommend it as a way of controlling viewing and reducing exposure to advertising.

Tester here

How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
I found the app easy to use and easy to

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
My DS's favourite shows are Octonauts, Go jetters, paw patrol, Blaze and Monster Machines and scooby doo. He liked being able to flick through lots of different channels and programmes for his age group

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Great range to choose from- lots of channels and programmes, including CBeebies

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
paw patrol and he discovered PJ Masks (which he is now obsessed with!)

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
More options would be better . Can't remember which buddy

•What did you like most about the app?
My DS was able to use it on his own and I didn't need to worry about him watching anything inappropriate

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Would recommend it for the same reasons as above really

How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Very easy to find and download

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
Paw patrol. Liked that she was able to use it herself to choose her own programs

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app? Good range for all children
•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching? Pj's mask, sofia the first and lion guard

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose? Easy to use and DD chose the one with heart glasses.

•What did you like most about the app? It was easy to use and child friendly so DD could use it herself

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
It's safe so you know they aren't going to navigate onto anything inappropriate.

Don't have the requisit packages

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
• very easy. Download, log in and we were away.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
•Blaze on Nickjr
He likes the ease of use, he's three and can work things better than me already!!

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
• wonderful and vast.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
• Blaze, Ben and Holly, Peppa. We only watch a bit of milkshake and cbeebies currently so he likes what he knows at the moment. But having all the pictures to click on means that he looks at other things too.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
• He chose the one with headphones and likes having his own home with name.

•What did you like most about the app?
• being able to limit time is good. But having the ability to watch things anywhere gives more freedom to them, and me.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
• very much. Everyone has a favourite thing to watch and having it on tap, and mobile is the best thing I can think of to help prevent meltdowns 😄

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
I found it really easy, no glitches or problems with downloading, for my tech savvy 4 and 7yos it was a doodle. App is very user friendly and design is great

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?

They liked all of them but my dd (4) most liked paw patrol and my ds(7) enjoyed horrid Henry

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?

I was impressed, there was lots of choice for both children and lots that they were happy to watch together which was a real bonus

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?

To be honest there wasn't anything they didn't like but scooby do was a hit with both of them

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?

They didn't use a sky buddy as they both wanted the same one 🙄 But we like the name facility

•What did you like most about the app?

For me, no adverts especially as it is near Xmas and I was worried there may be last minute additions to Santa lists
For the children, the fact that everything was suitable and that they were allowed to control it as I was happy nothing age inappropriate could be selected

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why

Yes, yes ,yes and yes again!
No adverts, no worrying what they have selected, plenty of choice and kept both children occupied through the others dance classes/rugby training so saved my sanity

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
I didn't find it that intuitive but my DS found it easy to use so that's all that matters.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
He likes something different every time - he tends to binge watch every episode of a show but then never watch it again. He liked the lack of adverts on the app compared to YouTube.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
It was very good - better than I expected and better than BBC iPlayer.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Disney XD shows.

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
My DS liked having his name on the app but wasn't too fussed about the Sky Buddies, I don't think any particular one stood out for him.

•What did you like most about the app?
Very handy for keeping the kids entertained. If you have a tablet with mobile internet access then it would be great for, e.g. waiting for appointments.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Probably not because I found that it made my kids much more likely to want to play with my iPad - no good when I want to use it myself!

onky slight hiccup with downloading was it wouldn't work on the 1st gen ipad we have which is the one my youngest daughter uses however I guess that is nothing different from many other apps. It was easy to download although I found it via sky website not via the App Store. It seemed nice and easy for my 2 daughters to navigate and they liked the little characters with their names. It's great to have all the channels on one app. The oldest loves things like Liv and Maddie and KC Undercover. Although will still watch princess Sofia! The youngest likes Sofia, pj masks and winx club. Youngest especially likes watching tv on a tablet and I think she will discover some new shows using this app.

•How easy did you find it to use Sky Kids app?
Very easy, my son picked it up in no time. I would say is it felt a little cumbersome as an adult but I think that's because it was bright and bold for children.

•What was your DC’s favourite show and what did they like about the app?
TMNT and he liked that he could easily scroll through the episodes and series.

•What did you think about the range of content available in the app?
Very good, but it was cumbersome to get to.

•Which shows did your DCs enjoy watching?
Paw patrol, TMNT, gruffalo

•How did you find the personalisation options and which Sky Buddies did you and the DCs choose?
I thought they were a bit limited to be honest, I was expecting to be able to customise more - such as the shows that would appear, and not have assumptions made based on the child's age. At the very least I'd have expected recognisable characters as avatars.

•What did you like most about the app?
Colourful and easy for little ones to scroll and select.

•Would you recommend it to other parents and why?
Not really and actually I'd had this app before and deleted it. It needs to up the customisation levels to compete with the Netflix and YouTube kids apps.