GoCaboodle is a child‑safe video curation and parental‑control platform designed to let parents, caregivers, and educators hand‑select online video content for kids. Instead of kids browsing YouTube freely, GoCaboodle lets adults build organized, restricted playlists called “Caboodles.” It’s essentially a manually curated mini‑YouTube controlled entirely by adults.
The platform aims to create a safer, more intentional digital environment for children by allowing adults—not algorithms—to decide what kids can watch.
Gocaboodle was created by Galen Dow, a father from St. Albans, Vermont, who developed the platform after encountering inappropriate content on YouTube Kids (part of the “Elsagate” issue) while his daughter was watching videos.
Dow wanted a way for parents to completely control what their children viewed, leading him to build GoCaboodle as a safer, curated alternative.
He describes GoCaboodle as a way for adults to “take back control” over children’s online experiences and ensure the content aligns with family values.
It’s free, designed to be easy for busy parents, and intentionally minimizes maintenance time (10–20 minutes every few weeks).
How It Works
- Parents create an account and access a dashboard.
- Add junior accounts (each child gets their own PIN‑protected profile).
- Browse or search Caboodles (organized playlists) based on age and interest.
- Create your own Caboodles if something isn’t available.
- Kids use the mobile app, logging in only to view adult‑approved videos.
Kids cannot navigate outside the assigned content, which is the primary safety feature.
Apps & Extensions
iOS App
- Create custom curated video playlists.
- Set time limits and viewing schedules.
- Add videos through Chrome extension or website.
Chrome Extension
- Allows quick addition of YouTube videos into Caboodles.
- Designed to support fast playlist management.
Who It’s For
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Caregivers
Anyone who needs a way to ensure kids see only vetted, handpicked content.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| Curated Kids’ Playlists | Adults choose exactly what kids can watch. |
| Multiple Child Accounts | PIN‑protected profiles for different ages. |
| Chrome Extension | Add videos from YouTube directly. |
| Time Limits / Scheduling | Manage when and how long kids can watch. |
| Community Content Sharing | Parents can share Caboodles with others. |
| Free to Use | No subscription required. |
What Makes GoCaboodle Different
- No algorithmic autoplay — all content is manually chosen by parents.
- No browsing freedom — kids cannot navigate into unsafe areas.
- Collaborative oversight — grandparents/teachers can help curate.
GoCaboodle vs. YouTube Kids
GoCaboodle
- Parents hand‑select every video their child can watch — nothing appears automatically.
Adults create “Caboodles,” curated playlists built manually or chosen from other users’ collections. - Kids cannot browse beyond content assigned by parents.
YouTube Kids
- Uses algorithmic recommendations, similar to the main YouTube platform (but filtered).
- Parents can choose age groups and block specific videos/channels, but YouTube still decides what to surface within those limits.
- MYNBC5.COM
Website created by Vt. dad gives parents control over kids’ contentMSN.COM
Vt. father creates app to protect kids from inappropriate online content
Deliver David's Tech Talk to my inbox
We'll send David's weekly Tech Talk to your inbox - including the MP3 of the actual radio spot. You'll never miss a valuable tip again!
