The world of children’s media has undergone a major transformation, with YouTube becoming a central hub for kids’ content, closely followed by gaming platforms. Content creators like Rachel Griffin-Accurso, also known as Ms. Rachel, have found great success on YouTube, catering to young children with interactive and educational shows.
Rachel Griffin-Accurso’s journey on YouTube started as an experiment. As a preschool teacher, she decided to create language-development-focused videos for her son, who had a speech delay. With no prior experience in content creation, she began recording videos with a simple setup and gradually improved her show over time. Her husband and other talented individuals joined the team, and they crafted an interactive, educational, and entertaining show for young kids.
YouTube’s popularity in children’s programming is due to its accessibility, vast content library, and algorithm that keeps viewers engaged with a constant stream of videos. It has overtaken traditional TV channels and streaming platforms in terms of time spent by children watching content. Children’s media has seen a massive influx of content on various streaming platforms, with over a third of Disney+ most in-demand shows being children’s programs.
Cocomelon is one of the most popular children’s programs on YouTube, amassing billions of views and millions of subscribers. Moonbug, a British media startup, has achieved great success by acquiring popular YouTube channels and turning them into multi-platform brands. YouTube’s dominance has led traditional media companies to embrace the platform, and some have even created exclusive spin-off programs based on YouTube content.
While YouTube’s popularity is undeniable, it also faces challenges with content moderation due to its open nature, as some users have posted inappropriate or disturbing videos targeting children. However, YouTube has made efforts to address this issue and improve content safety.
PBS, a long-standing player in children’s television, has also adapted to the digital era by embracing YouTube and incorporating gaming as an essential component of its programming. The blending of children’s television and gaming is becoming more prevalent, and experts predict it will play an even more prominent role in the future.
Overall, the category of “children’s television” is evolving as online platforms like YouTube and gaming platforms become kids’ go-to sources of entertainment. Despite the changing landscape, the fundamental aspects of captivating and educational content for children remain constant. Kids will always be drawn to engaging shows, regardless of their platform.
