Customer Reviews (100)

Whitney Bengson • 2025-03-23T16:09:54.190Z

love it my kids watch it every morning

Daniel Omoighe • 2025-03-20T23:20:15.739Z

When I download the app, the app kept freezing. Edit: Issue resolved.

Andrew Kelly • 2025-03-20T13:04:26.630Z

no longer working. this app isn't working anymore on my sons tablet. I deleted and reinstalled it's still not working. my network is fine. why isn't this working all.of a sudden????????? I need someone to fix this ASAP

Summary of Key Insights

The PBS KIDS Video app is generally well-received, with a strong emphasis on its educational value and free content. Users appreciate the ability to download episodes for offline viewing and the wide variety of shows available. However, several pain points emerge, including technical issues (freezing, crashing), usability concerns (difficult navigation in recent updates, autoplay), and feature requests (screen lock, more older shows). Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, but addressing the recurring technical and usability issues is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction.

  • Overall Sentiment: Positive
  • Key Strengths: Educational content, free access, offline viewing, variety of shows.
  • Key Weaknesses: Technical issues (freezing, crashing, loading problems), usability issues (navigation, autoplay), missing older shows, lack of screen lock.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
    • 5-Star Reviews: 64%
    • 4-Star Reviews: 11%
    • 3-Star Reviews: 5%
    • 2-Star Reviews: 6%
    • 1-Star Reviews: 14%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (7.1.3) and update references within the reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned issues and features). The star rating distribution was used for quantitative assessment.

Key User Pain Points

  • Technical Issues (Freezing, Crashing, Loading Problems): Several users reported the app freezing, crashing, or experiencing loading issues, especially on certain devices (e.g., Samsung S9 FE tablet). This significantly disrupts the viewing experience.
  • Usability Issues with New Updates: Multiple reviews mention that recent updates have made the app harder to navigate, especially for children. The new layout is confusing, and finding shows has become more difficult.
  • Autoplay: Users find the automatic playing of episodes upon opening the app or finishing an episode annoying and lacking a disable option.
  • Download Restrictions and Content Availability: Users are frustrated that not all shows are available for download and that older shows (e.g., Between the Lions, older Clifford the Big Red Dog episodes) are missing. Content also "expires" after a while.
  • Lack of Screen Lock: Parents frequently request a screen lock feature to prevent children from accidentally exiting the app or interrupting playback.
  • Geographic Restrictions: Users outside the US cannot use the app.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Screen Lock: A feature to prevent accidental exits from the app.
  • More Older Shows: Users want access to classic PBS KIDS shows.
  • Disable Autoplay: An option to turn off automatic episode playback.
  • Schedule of Upcoming Shows: A list or schedule of shows coming online.
  • Full Screen Mode Fix: Resolve issues with running the app in full screen mode.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Educational Content: Users consistently praise the app's educational value for children.
  • Free Access: The availability of free episodes and live streaming is highly appreciated.
  • Offline Viewing: The ability to download episodes for offline viewing is a major advantage for travel and situations without internet access.
  • Variety of Shows: The app offers a wide selection of PBS KIDS shows.
  • Family-Friendly: The app is considered safe and suitable for children.
  • English and Spanish Language Options: The availability of content in both English and Spanish is a plus.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:

    • Address Technical Issues: Investigate and fix the reported freezing, crashing, and loading problems. Prioritize testing on various devices, including those mentioned in the reviews (e.g., Samsung S9 FE tablet).
    • Improve Usability: Re-evaluate the recent updates and simplify the navigation, especially for children. Consider A/B testing different layouts to determine the most user-friendly design.
    • Implement Screen Lock: Add a screen lock feature to prevent accidental exits and interruptions.
    • Provide Autoplay Control: Add an option to disable autoplay.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Expand Download Availability: Increase the number of shows available for download.
    • Add More Older Shows: Explore licensing options to include more classic PBS KIDS shows.
    • Content Expiration Transparency: Inform users how long downloaded content is available.
    • Fix Full Screen Mode: Resolve issues with running the app in full screen mode.
    • Address the auto-playing PBS affiliate station announcement at startup.

  • Low Priority:

    • Schedule of Upcoming Shows: Add a feature to display a schedule of upcoming shows.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Educational Content Aggregator with Advanced Parental Controls: A platform that aggregates educational videos from various sources (not just PBS), with highly customizable parental controls, including screen time limits, content filtering, and autoplay management.
  • Offline Learning Subscription Box: A subscription service that provides curated educational content (videos, games, activities) for offline use, tailored to a child's age and interests.
  • Interactive Storytelling App with PBS KIDS Characters: An app that allows children to interact with their favorite PBS KIDS characters in engaging stories and games.

Trends and Observations

  • Usability Concerns After Updates: A recurring theme is that updates, while intended to improve the app, sometimes introduce usability issues, particularly for younger users.
  • Nostalgia for Older Shows: There is a clear demand for classic PBS KIDS content, suggesting a potential market for older shows.
  • Importance of Offline Access: The ability to download content is a key differentiator and a highly valued feature.

Conclusion

The PBS KIDS Video app is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking high-quality, educational content for children. By addressing the identified pain points, particularly the technical and usability issues, and by considering the requested features, PBS KIDS can further enhance the user experience and maintain its position as a leading educational media brand. Prioritizing technical stability and ease of use is crucial, as is listening to user feedback regarding content availability and desired features like a screen lock.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pbskids.video