KidCast

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A simple, safe TV for your child, built from the videos you already own.

What KidCast is

KidCast plays video that is already yours, from a shared folder on your own network. There is no catalogue, no recommendations, no advertising and no account. Your child sees the shows you chose and nothing else.

What you need

• An iPad running iPadOS 16 or later.
• Video files on a shared network folder (SMB) your iPad can reach - a NAS, a Mac, or a PC.
• The folder structure you already have: a folder per show, with optional season folders inside.

Getting started

1. Set a parent passcode

The first time KidCast opens, it asks you to choose a four-digit passcode. This is what keeps your child out of the parent area.

2. Add your server

In the parent area, open Sources and add the address of your shared folder along with its username and password. KidCast verifies the connection before saving it.

3. Star the folders that should become channels

Browse your server and star a folder to turn it into a channel. KidCast reads the episodes inside, including season folders, and builds the grid your child sees.

4. Set the limits

In Time Controls, set a daily cap and the hours KidCast is available. In Channels, set how many episodes per day each channel allows.

5. Choose the mode that fits your child

In App Controls, pick Minimal (ages 2-4, play and pause only), Channel Pick (5-7, choose a channel), or Full Control (8-10, choose channels, seasons and episodes).

Common questions

My server does not appear, or the connection fails

Check that the iPad is on the same network as the server, that the share is reachable, and that the username and password are correct. The first time KidCast connects, iPadOS asks for permission to find devices on your local network. If you declined that prompt, enable it in Settings › KidCast › Local Network.

Some videos do not appear

KidCast lists video files and ignores everything else, including the hidden companion files macOS writes to network shares. If a file is missing, check that it is a video container KidCast recognises and that its name does not begin with a dot.

Does a time limit stop an episode part-way?

No. An episode that has already started is always allowed to finish. Limits decide what may start, which is the whole point: no child is ever cut off mid-story.

I forgot the parent passcode

The passcode is stored in the iOS Keychain and cannot be recovered by us or by anyone else. Deleting and reinstalling KidCast clears it, along with the app's library and settings.

Does KidCast collect any data?

No. There is no account, no analytics, no advertising and no tracking. See the privacy policy.