The toughest entertainment critics are not “The Academy” or Rolling Stone magazine. They are toddlers in the three to eight age bracket, who will quickly let you know whether they enjoy what they’re listening to. Which is what made my little nephews – Leo and Luca – the perfect candidates to share their thoughts on the Yoto Player. Here’s what these two tiny testers had to say about this kiddy-controlled audio device that promises to deliver fun screen-free entertainment for kids (with responses edited for clarity and to avoid repeated reference to arguments about who’s turn was next …)
First impressions from the fussy critics
Leo and Luca were intrigued from the moment they saw the Yoto Player. Its boxy, retro design and bright orange knobs caught their attention immediately. They’re used to the sleek iPad interface, so the Yoto’s physical buttons and cards were a novelty. Luca took the lead, pressing buttons and turning dials while Leo’s main focus was the pixelated screen display, which lights up with images and icons that correspond to the story or music playing.
Luca thought it was a new TV, while Leo just wanted to know how where the charger was. But, soon enough, they realised this wasn’t a screen-based device. The Yoto Player doesn’t play videos, and while I had a moment of panic wondering if that would lead to a toddler mutiny, they quickly got into the groove of it. The colourful audio cards were an instant hit – each one linked to different stories, songs, or activities. Luca took charge of the storytelling, picking up cards and sliding them into the slot to start a new adventure.
Dinosaur dramas
I stocked up on a few audio cards from Yoto’s website (which I found super easy to navigate as a busy aunty). We started with The Lion King and Winnie The Pooh, classic tales I knew the boys had heard before but hadn’t exactly shown an interest in when read from a book. To my delight, the narrated versions had them captivated! Luca, who is usually bouncing off the walls, sat still listening to the soothing voice of the narrator, while Leo turned the volume dial up to avoid missing any important moments.
They quickly developed a few favourites. Luca couldn’t get enough of Thomas and Friends come bedtime, while Leo insisted on replaying Monsters Inc over again, loving the opportunity to relive the magic of one of his favourite movies. There’s something about the audio-only experience that really fuels their imaginations. They became more engaged in the stories, asking questions and making predictions about what would happen next. Leo’s favourite moment? “Dinosaurs!” he shouted, referring to the library of options dedicated to the pre-historic creatures.
H(app)y kids, happy aunt
One of the best parts about the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini (the smaller portable version) is the accompanying Yoto App. The app lets you control what’s playing on the device remotely (perfect for setting up a bedtime story from another room!) and gives access to an expansive library of audio content. From stories to music to educational content, there’s a wide range of choices that suit any child’s interest. Luca even found a playlist of kids’ yoga music, which, though short-lived, made for a peaceful five minutes!
The Yoto App also offers a Make Your Own Cards feature, where you can upload your own stories, songs, or recordings, adding a personalised touch. This means I could record their favourite stories in my voice or even let their parents record something special. Leo was especially excited about this idea, repeatedly asking, “Can I hear your voice tell the Witches’ story?”
Screen-free entertainment: So, did they miss the iPad?
Ultimately, one of my main goals with introducing the Yoto Player was to give the boys a break from screens, and it actually worked! In a world where YouTube tends to dominate their attention spans, it was a nice change to see them enjoying something that didn’t involve staring at a screen. Leo didn’t even ask for his iPad once during the first week of using the Yoto Player. A potential record.
What I also loved was how independent the Yoto Player made them feel. Once I showed them how to insert the audio cards, they were able to pick what they wanted to listen to all by themselves. Luca was particularly proud of his newfound ability to control his own entertainment, turning the volume up and flipping through cards to find his favourites.
A Final Verdict from My Little Critics
Both Leo and Luca gave the Yoto Player two enthusiastic thumbs up, with Luca slobbering me with kisses and Leo asking if we could get more cards for his next birthday. For parents (or aunties like me) who are trying to balance entertainment and learning, the Yoto Player is a wonderful solution. It’s screen-free, engaging, and educational, all without the sensory overload that comes with Kids YouTube.
Would these two tiny testers choose Yoto over YouTube every single time? Probably not. But as a healthy alternative, it’s become a firm favourite in our house.