Zodiak launches kids YouTube channels

The kids division of Zodiak Media will launch two YouTube channels later this year.

ZeeKay and ZeeKay Junior will target the kids and preschool sectors respectively and launch as part of YouTube’s recent kids initiatives.

Zodiak said there will be original online pilots as well as established Zodiak Kids shows including Mister Maker (pictured), Waybuloo, Zack & Quack on ZeeKay Junior and as Totally Spies (pictured, bottom), Team Galaxy and Martin Mystery on ZeeKay. There will also be tween content from CiTV’s weekend kids block Scrambled!

The channels will be managed by Zodiak Kids’ digital channel manager, Natalie Walmsley, who said: “We recognise the need for on demand and readily accessible content that younger audiences are already accustomed to and that provides a safe and age-appropriate environment for parents to let their children discover.”

“These channels will also be syndicated to other online platforms as a result, and are the perfect spaces to pilot new content and acquire real time analytical data to back new commissions directly from online audience reactions.”

Zodiak said it already has 100,000 YouTube subs for its kids brands and its shows have accumulated 1.6 billion hits on the video platform.

Zodiak recently consolidated its kids production interests – including Marathon Media and Tele Images Productions and The Foundation – under Zodiak Kids Studio brand.

Jean-Philippe Randisi, CEO, Zodiak Kids, said this morning: “We are excited to be launching these new channels as we strengthen our production position with Zodiak Kids Studios.

“Zodiak Kids content has been reaching kids online through various outlets for a number of years and these new channels present a fantastic family hub that we can cross promote our content within.”