Exciting Collaboration: Moonbug Entertainment Teams Up with Sanrio for ‘CoComelon’ and ‘Hello Kitty’ Project
In a thrilling announcement during the APOS “Future of Storytelling” session, Kevin Mayer, co-CEO of Candle Media, unveiled a groundbreaking partnership between Moonbug Entertainment and Sanrio. Set to launch next year, this collaboration will merge the beloved worlds of ‘CoComelon’ and ‘Hello Kitty,’ promising an unforgettable experience for children and teens globally.
Mayer expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration will be a joyous moment for kids and teens around the world who adore both ‘CoComelon’ and ‘Hello Kitty.’” This partnership marks a significant milestone for both brands, combining the charm of Hello Kitty with the vibrant energy of CoComelon.
In addition to this exciting news, Mayer shared impressive statistics about Moonbug’s impact in the music industry. Last year, Moonbug’s music streams exceeded those of global superstar Taylor Swift, demonstrating the growing popularity of their content among young audiences and their families. “Kids are listening, and their parents are tuning in to our music,” he noted.
The success of “CoComelon” is undeniable, with its YouTube subscriber count skyrocketing from 60 million at the time of Candle Media’s acquisition five years ago to an astounding 200 million today. In January alone, “CoComelon” and other Moonbug properties garnered a staggering 10 billion views, highlighting the brand’s extensive reach.
During the session, Mayer explained the strategic move of “CoComelon” from Netflix to Disney+. He clarified that this transition reflects a multi-platform strategy rather than a broader industry trend. Originally created by a South Korean couple in Los Angeles, “CoComelon” began as YouTube content before finding success on traditional streaming platforms. Mayer emphasized the importance of social media in storytelling, stating, “YouTube is the most fertile area for professionally produced IP in the social sphere.”
Since its debut on Netflix in 2021, “CoComelon” has consistently ranked as the platform’s top global show. The initial Netflix offering simply compiled YouTube seasons into hour-long episodes, but the franchise has since expanded into games, consumer products, and a thriving music business.
Mayer, who has a rich background at Disney, views the partnership with Disney+ as a natural progression. “Disney is a perfect home for kids and family content,” he remarked, emphasizing Moonbug’s intention to strategically position its properties across various streaming platforms.
Mayer also discussed the evolving media landscape, particularly among younger audiences. While older demographics still favor traditional film and TV, Gen Z is shifting toward social media, short-form content, and gaming, consuming only 25-30% of their media from traditional platforms. “There has been a significant shift in preferences, especially among younger audiences,” he noted, acknowledging the declining use of traditional media across demographics.
However, Mayer remains optimistic about long-form content. In addition to the ‘Hello Kitty’ collaboration, Moonbug is developing a “CoComelon” movie with Universal, set for release in 2027, which he describes as “the apex of the ‘CoComelon’ story.”
On the topic of AI in storytelling, Mayer sees it as a valuable tool for enhancing creativity, akin to CGI or video game engines. “AI doesn’t replace human creativity; it’s a tool to help tell better stories,” he stated. Mayer believes that audiences will benefit from improved storytelling and visuals, thanks to advancements in AI.
Looking ahead, Mayer concluded, “We don’t just create shows; we build enduring franchises with multi-platform capabilities that engage audiences across various touchpoints.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration and what’s next for Moonbug Entertainment!
