CBBC, Nick Jr. launch kids content apps

Cheryl TaylorThe BBC has launched a channel-focused app for its children’s network CBBC, which will house many of CBBC’s most popular brands, while Nickelodeon has also lined up one for its Nick Jr. channel.

GO CBBC, which is available for free on Android, iOS and Kindle devices, will feature a range of new games featuring CBBC characters from shows including The Dumping Ground, Wolfblood and Horrible Histories.

In related news, Nickelodeon has launched a Nick Jr. App to sit alongside its popular Nick App.

The CBBC app will include programme clips and behind-the scenes footage, full episodes taken from the BBC’s catch-up service iPlayer, and news bulletins from CBBC’s news service, Newsround.

Each CBBC programme in the app has its own dedicated show page, and users can create their own GO CBBC profile, which will store their game achievements.

“This is a big milestone for us – we wanted to create an app that complements our channel by opening up a diverse and inspiring world of content for our broad 6-12 audience. GO CBBC is a ‘one-stop-shop’ – a portal with access to endless opportunities for playful entertainment – the modern day equivalent to Willy Wonka’s everlasting gobstopper,” said CBBC controller, Cheryl Taylor (pictured).

Patrick Healy, head of product for BBC Children’s, added: “GO CBBC is full of new ways for our audience to enjoy the things they love. According to Ofcom research, earlier this autumn the majority of children in the UK own a mobile phone and now also have access to a tablet at home. Increasingly, we’re seeing our youth audiences interacting with their favourite CBBC brands online and GO CBBC is an extension of this.”

Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. App, meanwhile, will offers offers a variety of educational activities, alphabet buttons that trigger pop-ups, live simulcast streaming of the Nick Jr. channel and on-demand episodes via the TV Everywhere initiative.

Furthermore, it will include more than 100 pieces of short-form content including mash-ups, first-looks and curriculum-based content.

“The Nick Jr. App deepens the connection preschoolers have with their favorite shows and characters through a highly engaging and interactive play-and-learn experience,” said Matthew Evans, senior VP, digital, Nickelodeon. “The app demonstrates Nickelodeon’s ongoing innovation in the digital space and commitment to super-serving our audience with the content they crave, wherever they go and at any time they want it.”

The Nick App has bee downloaded 11 million times since launch last year.

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