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Reading aloud is one of the best ways to help kids develop vocabulary, imagination, and a lifelong love of books. But when parents need a break—or when kids want to hear their favorite story again—Read to Me videos and apps come to the rescue.
From YouTube channels to streaming apps, there are now hundreds of hours of storytime content online. To save you time, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best platforms where your child can enjoy quality stories read aloud, adding up to over 100 hours of educational fun.
YouTube: Brightly Storytime
Brightly Storytime is one of YouTube’s most trusted read-aloud channels for kids. Backed by Penguin Random House, it features professional narrators and authors reading picture books right from the pages.
- Why parents love it: Wide selection of popular children’s books, diverse characters, and polished production.
- Best for ages: 3–8.
- Sample books: Uni the Unicorn, Giraffes Can’t Dance, and other modern classics.
YouTube: Story Time Out Loud
Story Time Out Loud is another great channel with real teachers and storytellers reading children’s books aloud. The warm voices and colorful pages make kids feel like they’re sitting at circle time in preschool.
- Why parents love it: Simple, calm, classroom-like storytime.
- Best for ages: 2–6.
- Sample books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and other preschool favorites.
Amazon Kids+ App: Read to Me Books
The Amazon Kids+ App (formerly FreeTime Unlimited) includes a large selection of “Read to Me” books. These digital books highlight the words on-screen while narrating them aloud—helping kids follow along and build reading skills.
- Why parents love it: Interactive reading experience with word highlighting.
- Best for ages: 3–9.
- Bonus: It’s ad-free and part of a subscription that also includes games and educational shows.
Netflix: Vooks
If your child has a Netflix account or tablet, you can find Vooks (also available as a standalone app). Vooks turns picture books into animated read-alouds, combining illustrations, gentle narration, and motion.
- Why parents love it: Engaging animations that keep kids’ attention.
- Best for ages: 2–8.
- Sample stories: The Snowy Day and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
YouTube: Vooks
You can also find a curated selection of Vooks Read-Alouds directly on YouTube. While the full library is in the app, the YouTube channel is a great free introduction.
- Why parents love it: Quick access without subscriptions.
- Best for ages: Preschool and early elementary.
- Extra perk: Perfect for road trips or travel with WiFi.
Why Read to Me Videos Help
“Read to Me” videos are not just entertainment—they’re early literacy tools. Children who hear more stories read aloud gain:
- Better vocabulary and comprehension.
- Improved listening skills and attention spans.
- A love of storytelling and imagination.
Parents can also use these videos as backup storytime when life gets busy, or as a way to introduce kids to new books before buying them.
Making the Most of 100+ Hours of Storytime
To get the best out of these resources:
- Mix screen time with real reading. Use videos to supplement—not replace—reading together.
- Follow your child’s interests. Dinosaurs, animals, bedtime stories—there’s a video for every mood.
- Create a routine. Add “video storytime” before nap or bedtime, just like reading aloud.
With so many platforms, families can access hours of engaging Read to Me videos that blend fun, literacy, and learning. It’s the perfect balance of screen time you can actually feel good about.
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