Audio Blockbusters. Original Scripted Podcasts.
Yet another article on the booming kids podcast business. Unfortunate it is so tough for people to seem to figure out a way to make kids scripted podcasts here in Canada. Here's hoping we figure this out.
Nearly Half of U.S. Children Ages 3-12 Listen to or Watch Podcasts Weekly
Yet another article on how big and booming the kids podcast space is. Nice to know - but still finding the podcast space here in Canada pretty unfriendly to investments in kids scripted content. Here's hoping to a change.
Nearly Half of U.S. Children Ages 3-12 Listen to or Watch Podcasts Weekly
The kids' audio space is an interesting place. You hear a lot about how hard it is to crack it, how's there no way to make money in it and then you read an article like this and you think, you know, maybe it'll all be ok. There certainly are a lot of people betting on this area. Count PodSqod among them.
Wondery Kids & Family and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have revealed brand-new upcoming podcast programming.
Great breakdown by PodPod in this article of major takeaways from the recent ABF Creative Inc. Sounds of Self Esteem study. A lot to digest, but the big one for PodSqod would probably be the appetite for more kids' podcasts that combine educational elements in an entertaining structure. Message received. We're currently in development on two projects aimed directly at that space so good to know we're on track. The article also provides a link to the study itself. Looking forward to digging in.
70% of parents feel need for more kids audio content, according to ABF Creative
This Kidscreen article about the dearth of kid-focused podcasts being the biggest issue to adoption amongst kids is both concerning and a little surprising - it seems everyone agrees this is an important growth area in entertainment, so how come the lack of content? PodSqod is doing its part to create intriguing youth-focused content but it is hard to make inroads with some of the more established players. Let's hope articles like this change the game soon.
A new Edison Research study reveals that while 63% of kids are aware of podcasts, 20% don't listen to them because they can't find any titles they like.
Breaking into the children’s podcast market with the acquisition, Realm has also set up a new kids content studio and closed two major ad sales deals.
A Kidscreen article on another player geared to have kids listen to podcasts off screen, Storybutton. Interested to hear where this goes.
https://kidscreen.com/2023/07/24/storybutton-preps-originals-acquisitions-to-move-listening-off-of-screens/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=storybutton-preps-originals-acquisitions-to-move-listening-off-of-screens&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
Inspiring Kidscreen article on how Wonkybot's podcast-first kids fiction show, Tara Tremendous, has grown and now is entering into a graphic novel publishing deal with Andrews McMeel. A great story of how new IP can launch on audio and move into new formats. They have two spin off shows and even have a live-action musical in development. Wow. Literally PodSqod's newest heroes.
Andrews McMeel Publishing will tap into the podcast brand for three titles that are due out in 2024 and 2025.
Excited to have our scripted kids podcast Talking Time represented by The Story Division.
http://www.tsdcatalog.com/
What's old is new again: Radio Plays for kids and Families? Interesting Kidscreen article on how Kiddinx Entertainment GmbH is leveraging its original IP in radio plays into today's international market. It's not easy but they have a deep catalogue and are playing the long game. We found it especially interesting that families are interested in longer, quality programming and , while more expensive, the company makes the point that audio doesn't age as fast as video content and so has a longer life (and time to make money, supposedly).
The German company is looking to capitalize on the popularity of podcasts by going global with a long-overlooked kid-friendly format—audio plays.
This announcement in Kidscreen about the licencing dealbetween interactive audio player tonies and Warner Brothers Discovery and their DC comics characters is an interesting development of the kids' audio space, especially for those of us interested in scripted audio and podcasts for kids.
Tonies has inked its first licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which will see Batman and Wonder Woman figures hit US and UK retailers in June.
This article on the deal between CANADALAND and eOne is a positive sign that the podcast to broadcast path is still alive and well. https://www.c21media.net/news/eone-tunes-into-first-look-podcast-adaptation-deal-with-canadaland/
Entertainment One has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Canadian podcasting network and online news publication Canadaland.
PodSqod writer and co-conspirator, Christopher Sweeney, will be attending this year's HotDocs Podcast Festival. Looking forward to meeting new folks and learning stuff. If you're also attending, reach out and let him know. Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Very interesting insights in the Kids Listen recent survey on . Amazed at how popular and trusted this format remains for kids and families and that there is still room to grow especially on YouTubeYouTube.
The most recent study conducted by Kids Listen provides a valuable understanding of how families with children consume and engage with audio and visual content. Highlights in this report include:
Curious about the future of on YouTube? This article in The Hollywood Reporter gives a state of the union overview but many questions still remain. That said, having YouTube put more resources into this area suggests that podcasting remains an area of growth.
Kai Chuk, YouTube's head of podcasting, revealed more details about the video giant's plans for audio creators — but questions still remain around monetization and usability.
This The Hollywood Reporter article starts out a little doom and gloomy about a slower ad market and deals for podcasters but a complete read suggests this is likely a minor bump in an overall strong future for podcasts and an opportunity for more innovative and original work. Let's hope so.
Megadeals were driven by major players’ ambitions to build big libraries fast, but now the market is maturing and belt-tightening is becoming the norm.
As we approach the longest night of the year, PodSqod would like to scare the bejeezus out of you with a concept trailer of our latest narrative podcast: Scary AF Campfire Stories.
A linked horror anthology series, against the backdrop of a mysterious northern camp, where a group of teens tell each other terrifying and uncanny stories… that just might be true.
Snuggle up and give it a listen. Wear your best headphones for an immersive spatial audio experience.
The Faces behind the Voices of Talking Time. Hard to believe they sound better than they look.
This Kidscreen article on the Kiddinx Entertainment GmbH Bibi & Tina audio juggernaut makes for inspiring reading. From a radio series starting in Germany in the 90s to an international podcast brand that now encompasses movies, merchandize, an animated series on Amazon, and maybe even a theme park someday? Whew. And we'd never even heard of it before. It's an amazing time to be in the kids podcast space.
Kiddinx Media has closed several new deals for the podcast brand, including a Warner Music Group partnership and a Berlin theme park.
A fun and informative article in Vulture on via discussions with parents and creators. Some good useful intel for us here at . https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/best-kids-podcasts-conversation.html
https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/best-kids-podcasts-conversation.html
They’re a great alternative to screen time — if you can find them.
In response to demand, Wondery Kids has re-upped three kids podcasts aimed at meeting the growing audience. As the Kidscreen article mentions, most kids listen to podcasts with a parent. This is music to 's ears - we love making colistening podcasts, like so are excited to see the recognition this space is getting. Wondery Amazon.com
https://kidscreen.com/2022/08/24/wondery-reups-three-kids-podcasts/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wondery-reups-three-kids-podcasts&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
EXCLUSIVE: The studio is focused on growth in the co-listening space, and has put new seasons of Whose Amazing Life?, The Adventures of Cairo and Melon's House Party in the pipeline to achieve it.
This Kidscreen article on the Lingokids new podcast series aimed at building real world skills is interesting to us here at for two main reasons: 1) the use of of its audience to determine what they want and creating content to match that; and 2) the use of and to make suggestions to its customers on what they might like to listen to. Two sides of the coin but we wonder how the second intersects with kids' privacy concerns.
https://kidscreen.com/2022/08/26/lingokids-leans-into-skill-building-with-its-kids-podcasts/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lingokids-leans-into-skill-building-with-its-kids-podcasts&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d # #
EXCLUSIVE: The app-maker shares details on its strategy to use audio content to give kids advice and tools for real-life needs like early career planning and self-care.
A little late to jump on this but it will be interesting to see how incorporates into its offerings. As the TechCrunch article discusses, 's recent shutdown of its audio offerings gives Twitter an opportunity to get a good foothold in the audio space if it can figure out a way to make it work. The podcast space continues to evolve in interesting and unpredictable ways ways. .
https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/25/twitter-is-officially-adding-podcasts-to-its-platform/
"UTA also surveyed a population of 1,000 US caregivers with kids ages three to 12... Half of these parents reported that their children listen to podcasts, and 32% do so at least weekly. One-third of parents said they wish there were more kids podcasts or audio stories available... And nearly half of parents said they would like to see more music-based products and content for children overall."
PodSqod hears and obeys. More kids podcasts? More music based offerings? Gotcha. Looking forward to revealing some plans in the next few months. Kidscreen United Talent Agency
https://kidscreen.com/2022/08/18/report-top-kids-youtube-channel-views-up-15-this-year/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=report-top-kids-youtube-channel-views-up-15-this-year&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
A new survey from United Talent Agency shows kids content is outpacing all other genres when it comes to YouTube watch-time—and parents want more podcasts in the market.
Exciting developments as companies invest in scripted kids podcasts as a great IP development opportunity.
"The kids podcast space has been attracting a lot of industry interest in 2022, fuelled by pandemic-spurred interest in non-screen activities on the consumer side and a desire to expand franchises across mediums on the business side."
Kidscreen Gokidgo
https://kidscreen.com/2022/06/07/happynest-invests-in-podcast-company-gokidgo/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=happynest-invests-in-podcast-company-gokidgo&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
The move gives the prodco an opportunity to develop short-form and long-form animated series featuring GoKidGo's catalogue of original characters and a new R.L. Stine franchise.
Let's go!
Pinna Submission Manager Powered By Submittable - Accept and Curate Digital Content
"Podcasts in the kids and family category have seen a 20% increase in audience size since 2019."
Great snapshot of what's going on in kids podcasts now and potentially in the future. are the big takeaways. Kidscreen Wonkybot
https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/25/whats-next-for-kids-podcasting/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=whats-next-for-kids-podcasting&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
As more companies mine the audio entertainment space for brand extensions, execs from Wonkybot, Tinkercast and Soundsington weigh in on whether it's primed to be the industry's next great franchise well.
Mattel jumps into the kids podcast space with a spate of shows centred on its American Girl doll empire. Another example of big companies leveraging existing brands in the kids/family podcast space. Among the offerings is a scripted fiction series of 0 minute mysteries. Kidscreen Mattel
https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/24/mattel-launches-family-friendly-american-girl-podcast-network/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mattel-launches-family-friendly-american-girl-podcast-network&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
Targeted at the doll brand’s multi-generational fanbase of young girls and moms, the podcast network will launch with three original shows ranging from mysteries to advice.
What a great initiative. It would be awesome to have a similar kids' podcast accelerator here in Canada. As well, we're highly impressed with some of the heavy duty topics being taken on in an effort to communicate important information to kids in an accessible way.
PBS KIDS PRX Kidscreen Corporation for Public Broadcasting
https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/03/five-us-pubcasters-join-year-two-podcast-accelerator/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=five-us-pubcasters-join-year-two-podcast-accelerator&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
EXCLUSIVE: PRX, PBS KIDS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will provide funding and training for kids audio series focused on work and life skills.
If parents want to know more about whether podcasts are suitable for their kids, Common Sense Media will now be providing ratings for kids and family shows. The Hollywood Reporter
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/common-sense-media-kids-podcast-ratings-1235126369/
The ratings will look at categories like educational value and co-listening quality and outline whether topics that may not be appropriate for children — such as violence, drugs, and alcohol — are present in the show.
The screen-free entertainment for kids trend, which took off in the pandemic, shows no signs of abating. Marvel has launched yet another scripted podcast aimed at younger audiences with the Squirrel Girl podcast. The scripted audio space keeps growing in exciting ways. Some might say it's Ear-ly days yet. Some people who like puns, anyway.
PodSqod Kidscreen Marvel SiriusXM
https://kidscreen.com/2022/04/18/marvel-siriusxm-launch-new-squirrel-girl-podcast/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marvel-siriusxm-launch-new-squirrel-girl-podcast&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
The superhero powerhouse continues to build out the audio entertainment side of its business with a six-ep series for kids and family listeners.
Kidscreen lists cool new kids podcasts on their radar here: Note what seems to either make them cool or put them on the radar seems to be the possibility of these properties makign the jump to TV, books or other platforms
https://kidscreen.com/2022/03/24/cool-new-podcasts-on-our-radar/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cool-new-podcasts-on-our-radar&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
As the kids audio market grows, more and more podcast producers are looking to move their IPs into TV and publishing in order to build franchises and improve sustainability. Here are a couple of upcoming audio-first titles that could have expansion potential.
Great news on finding out who is listening to your podcast. Hollywoodreporter.com
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/apple-podcasts-follower-metrics-1235116033/ =29a7b98fecbe4eeda619567fab026b65ecb3ea345018de79e44f47ea4d863c6c
Podcast creators will be able to see how many followers their shows have earned over specific time spans, as well as data on time spent listening based on those who do or do not follow the show.
Have Podcast, will travel.
This is an inspiring article on how an Australian scripted podcast for kids and families, , has morphed into a live stage musical, with a live action movie being developed, and with two spin-off series being launched a la the . It is also the centrepiece of Wonkybot's own podcast channel on . Wow. It's proof indeed of how podcasts can not only be successful entertainment vehicles in their own right, but as springboards to even bigger phenomena.
Kidscreen
https://kidscreen.com/2022/03/09/wonkybot-expands-tara-tremendous-universe/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wonkybot-expands-tara-tremendous-universe&_u=MoaYgXvrlfg%3d
EXCLUSIVE: The podcast company's Marvel-esque strategy behind its popular kids superhero property is finally coming to fruition, says founder/creator Stewart St. John.
PodSqod would love to hear your thoughts on the first minute of , our scripted comedy podcast for tweens and their families. Link can be found in the comments.
PodSqod has completed its first Podcast Pilot for Talking Time, a scripted comedy podcast for tweens and their families. We don't want to say too much yet but, if you click on the link below, you can hear a sneak peek of the first minute
(Q: What is the audio equivalent of a sneak peek? A Squeek?).
Have a listen and let us know what you think about the teaser (and about what you'd call an audio sneak peek).
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rj3g7cnch2c6fzx/AACgKwvKN2L5x4kqNJNLVxKHa?dl=0&preview=Talking+Time+-+60s+Preview+-+V1.0.wav
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