Watchly or Google Family Link?
Family Link manages a child’s Google account and device settings. The YouTube controls depend on the experience you choose.
7-day free trial · No-card trials include up to 20 family videos. See your offer at signup.
Watchly Player vs Google Family Link: feature by feature
| Feature | Watchly Player | Google Family Link |
|---|---|---|
| Control model | Library + optional discovery | Account and device supervision |
| Per-video approval | Available; discovery is optional | YouTube Kids Approved content only mode |
| Removes ads | No ads added by Watchly | No |
| Removes recommendations | Yes | Depends on YouTube experience |
| Removes comments | Yes | Depends on YouTube experience |
| AI review before adding | Transcript findings; parent judgement | Not part of the described controls |
| Time limits | Daily limits + intermission breaks | Yes |
| Watch reports for parents | Yes | Partial |
| No install (web) | Yes | No |
| Price | $10/mo · $100/yr | See provider’s current plans |
Features depend on platform, plan and settings. Watchly controls apply inside its player. Check the linked provider guidance.
Current Watchly plans · Google Family Link plans and availability
Explore the comparison in detail
How Google Family Link handles viewing
Family Link can help manage YouTube Kids or a supervised YouTube experience. YouTube Kids includes Approved content only mode; supervised YouTube uses content settings and channel blocking. Compare the mode your family actually uses.
How Watchly handles new videos
Keep discovery off for viewing from the library you build. If you enable discovery, videos that meet your rules can be added automatically; flagged or incomplete requests wait for your review.
Watchly’s AI reviews available transcripts. It can miss visual content or context, so use the findings to guide your own review.
7-day free trial · No-card trials include up to 20 family videos. See your offer at signup.
Check your Google Family Link setup
Use the linked provider instructions for current settings.
Review access and controls
Open the child’s YouTube settings and check whether they use YouTube Kids or supervised YouTube. Review the relevant content mode and app limits.
Try the child’s usual device
Check the actual child view, available content and how a viewing session ends. Review access to other apps separately.
Watchly’s controls apply inside Watchly. Use device settings separately to manage access to regular YouTube, browsers and other apps.
What you get instead
Tap any screen to try the real thing.
Different kids. Different libraries.
Give each child their own videos and limits. See what they’re watching and pause playback from your phone.
- ✓Libraries and limits for each child
- ✓Live viewing and remote pause
- ✓Optional profile PINs
Review videos without previewing every minute.
AI checks video transcripts for 21 themes, including bullying, language and sales pressure. Read the flags, then decide.
- ✓Clear ratings and reasons
- ✓Add videos, playlists or a starter library
- ✓Transcript review can miss visual content
When Google Family Link fits
Start with Family Link for Google account and device supervision. Compare Watchly when you want its library workflow, transcript reviews and viewing controls..
What Watchly adds
A browser-based YouTube library for children ages 5–12, with transcript reviews, daily limits and intermission breaks. Watchly adds no ads.
Try the routine that matters
Use a few videos your child already enjoys. Compare the selection workflow, child view and stopping point on the devices your family uses.
Why I built Watchly.
Oshri Cohen – Father and co-founder of Watchly Player
Watchly vs Google Family Link: your questions
How does Google Family Link handle YouTube?
How does Watchly decide which videos can be added?
Where can I check prices, profile limits and trial terms?
Compare other apps
Check current plans, limits and availability with each provider. · Source review recorded 2026-07-03.
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