David Farnor | On 12, Dec 2014

The BBC has launched a CBBC app to give children free access to content relating to popular programmes.

GO CBBC contains interactive content, from games and clips to full episodes of shows, as well as behind the scenes snippets from the channel’s TV series. The app is refreshed daily to give children the very latest bulletins from unique CBBC news service Newsround, as well as access to BBC iPlayer favourites.

The app also includes a range of new games featuring CBBC’s award-winning series, including The Dumping Ground, Wolfblood and Horrible Histories. In fact, the BBC says the slide and scroll interface is designed to be like a game in itself, with achievements and unlockable goodies.

Each CBBC programme in the app has its own dedicated show page, so children can explore and enjoy more from their favourite brands. They can also create their own GO CBBC profile, where they get to choose an identity and check out their game achievements. Up to four profiles can be created per app.

Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC, says: “This is a big milestone for us – we wanted to create an app that complements our channel by opening up a diverse and inspiring world of content for our broad 6 -12 audience. GO CBBC is a ‘one-stop-shop’ – a portal with access to endless opportunities for playful entertainment – the modern day equivalent to Willy Wonka’s everlasting gobstopper. The new games are brilliant fun and with breaking news and video clips, whether you’re a Blue Peter or Strange Hill High fan, GO CBBC has something for everyone to get enthusiastic about.”

The launch of the app follows reports of the growing number of young viewers engaging with online video content, particularly short clips found on services such as YouTube. Indeed, according to Ofcom research earlier this autumn, the majority of children in the UK own a mobile phone and now also have access to a tablet at home.

“Increasingly, we’re seeing our youth audiences interacting with their favourite CBBC brands online and GO CBBC is an extension of this,” says Patrick Healy, Head of Product for BBC Children’s. “It offers our audiences the opportunity to discover more from their favourite shows and characters, wherever and whenever they are.”

The app is available for free on Android, iOS and Kindle devices.

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