mastering child-focused content distribution in 5 key steps
Licensing and Distributing Kids Content Globally: A Guide for Independent Producers
In the dynamic world of kids content production, independent producers are increasingly looking to expand their reach on a global scale. Here's a comprehensive guide to effectively license and distribute kids content worldwide.
- Develop Strong, Multi-Platform IP Create compelling, emotionally rich, and age-appropriate content that resonates globally. Learn from leading studios like Moonbug Entertainment, which monetize preschool IPs across various platforms, boosting reach and licensing potential.
- Secure Rights and Set Clear Licensing Terms Protect your intellectual property with robust licensing agreements. Define territorial rights, platforms, duration, exclusivity, and revenue share. Use standard industry licenses and consult legal expertise to ensure compliance with diverse global regulations.
- Target Strategic Partners and Markets Identify suitable global and local broadcasters, OTT platforms, and distributors specializing in children’s content. Tailor your licensing pitch, emphasizing localization, cultural adaptation, and educational or entertaining value.
- Leverage Digital and OTT Distribution Consider building or partnering with OTT platforms to reach end audiences directly, offering greater control over distribution and monetization. Start with essential platforms and expand support after validating demand.
- Comply with Global Safety and Content Regulations Stay updated on child safety and content classification regulations worldwide. Ensure your content and licensing comply with these requirements to avoid legal risks.
- Implement a Data-Driven Licensing Strategy Use market data, content performance analytics, and pipeline tracking to optimize deal-making. Monitor which territories and formats bring the best returns to refine your slate and licensing focus.
- Expand Beyond Content: Merchandising and EdTech Capitalize on licensing beyond screen content through toys, games, learning apps, and merchandise. Vertically integrated models demonstrate how licensing IP for toys and educational products amplifies revenue and brand presence.
- Maintain Freshness and Engagement Keep audiences engaged by regularly releasing new content and updates, and use analytics to improve user experience and content strategy continuously.
By following these steps, independent producers can successfully license and distribute kids content on a global scale, emulating strategies from leading players and best practices outlined in recent industry insights.
Remember to craft personalized outreach, develop a systematic follow-up process, and budget for deliverables, dubbing, and localization. A professional network can help connect with decision-makers directly, and a B2B marketplace can centralize market research and networking. The demand for high-quality kids' content is currently high, and streaming giants and niche platforms are looking for fresh shows to capture young audiences.
- To increase the appeal of their content, independent producers could explore incorporating elements of popular lifestyle categories, such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and relationships, into their children's programming.
- When deciding on potential partners, producers should consider collaborating with companies that specialize in areas beyond just children's content, like pets, travel, cars, and shopping, as these partnerships could offer cross-promotion opportunities and expand their global reach.
- In order to maintain engagement with audiences, producers could integrate interactive features into their content, such as quizzes, games, or opportunities to personalize the viewing experience, based on popular trends in the gaming and interactive entertainment industries.
- By hosting virtual meet-and-greets or Q&A sessions with popular characters, producers could engage with their audience on a deeper level and create unique, memory-making experiences that bridge the gap between on-screen and real-life relationships.
