Moonbug Entertainment and Sanrio have announced a major collaboration between “CoComelon” and “Hello Kitty” that is set to launch next year. This exciting partnership was revealed by Kevin Mayer, founder and co-CEO of Candle Media, Moonbug’s parent company, during the APOS “Future of Storytelling” session.
Mayer expressed his belief that the collaboration between “CoComelon” and “Hello Kitty” will bring joy to kids and teens worldwide who are fans of both franchises. This partnership is expected to create a unique and delightful experience for audiences.
In addition to the collaboration announcement, Mayer shared some impressive statistics about Moonbug’s success. He revealed that Moonbug’s music streams across all platforms surpassed those of global superstar Taylor Swift last year. This demonstrates the widespread popularity of Moonbug’s content among kids and parents alike.
One of Moonbug’s most successful properties, “CoComelon,” has seen tremendous growth over the years. Since Candle acquired the show five years ago, its YouTube subscribers have grown from 60 million to 200 million. In January alone, “CoComelon” and other Moonbug properties generated a staggering 10 billion views.
Mayer also discussed the recent migration of “CoComelon” from Netflix to Disney+, emphasizing that it was part of a multi-platform strategy rather than a response to industry shifts. He highlighted the importance of social media storytelling and YouTube as a valuable platform for creating and sharing content.
With the move to Disney+, “CoComelon” has become the platform’s number one show globally. The franchise has expanded beyond streaming into games, consumer product licensing, and a successful music business.
Looking ahead, Moonbug is working on a “CoComelon” movie with Universal scheduled for release in 2027. Mayer sees this as the culmination of the “CoComelon” story and a significant milestone for the franchise.
Addressing the role of AI in storytelling, Mayer emphasized that it is a tool to enhance creativity rather than replace it. He compared AI to CGI or video game engines, stating that it can help improve storytelling, graphics, and efficiency.
In conclusion, Mayer highlighted Moonbug’s commitment to creating long-lasting franchises with multi-platform capabilities. This approach allows them to engage audiences across various touchpoints and create memorable experiences for viewers. The collaboration between “CoComelon” and “Hello Kitty” is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for both franchises and their fans.
