MIPJunior 2024 was packed with practical insights for kids content creators. We’ve been there digging for the most actionable takeaways from creators, platforms, and industry leaders. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best trends that kids content creators can tap into.
What’s MIPJunior?
MIPJunior is the go-to event for anyone serious about kids' content creation. Every year, the event brings together content creators, distributors, and buyers from around the globe to explore the latest insights, ideas, and partnerships in kids' entertainment.
It’s a space where you can network directly with decision-makers from traditional media giants and the digital world alike. Whether you're looking to expand into new markets, or understand the changing behavior of young audiences, MIPJunior is the right place for that. Plus, it’s a good spot to pitch your ideas, learn what’s working across regions, and discover fresh ways to expand your reach.
Now, let's jump into the insights from MIPJunior 2024 and see how you can use them to level up your kids' content strategy!
1. Cross-Cultural Stories and Translations
One of the key trends highlighted at MIPJunior was the global reach of kids' content and how creators are increasingly adapting their stories for audiences across different cultures. More and more creators are turning to specialized translation services to localize their content effectively for diverse markets.
Grab some ideas on how you can use this trend:
- It’s not just about translating the words—it's about ensuring the story, tone, and humor feel authentic to the target culture.
- Focus on universal themes that work across different cultures—like family, friendship, or adventure.
- Use turn-key content translation services tailored for YouTube creators. Many top kids' channels are doing this. Just look at the success of Kids Diana Show after translating their content with AIR Media-Tech.
Tip: Consider embedding cultural references or language-specific elements into your content that feel authentic to the region you're targeting. For example, adapting voiceovers with native speakers who understand the cultural nuances can make the content feel more relatable and localized without needing a full rework of the story.
As a YouTube recommended vendor, AIR Media-Tech has helped kids' channels expand globally with precise translation and localization. From dubbing with voice actors to fully localized channel management, we have strategies that work. Reach out for a consultation to find the right approach for your channel.
2. AI in Kids Content Translation
One trend to watch is AI’s role in content adaptation for international markets. If you're not ready to commit to full-scale translation and professional dubbing services, AI dubbing tools can be a great starting point to ease into the trend.
YouTube’s also promising to expand their auto-dubbing feature to help creators automatically add dubbed audio tracks in multiple languages, which is particularly important for kids' content where cultural sensitivity matters.
Tip: Don’t stop at translation. Use AI to tailor your content with regional dialects and culturally specific references. This makes your content more engaging for local viewers, increasing its appeal in different markets.
3. Creativity and Diversity are Key
Another takeaway from MIPJunior was the emphasis on creativity and diversity in kids' content. This year’s pitch competition highlighted how projects that explore new ideas and reflect diverse voices are standing out. Whether it’s showing different cultures, tackling important topics like mental health, or simply offering fresh, creative storytelling, these are the kinds of projects that are making waves.
What this means for you: Don’t be afraid to get creative and tell stories that reflect the real world. Whether it’s focusing on diverse characters, meaningful themes, or just thinking outside the box, this approach resonates with both kids and parents. It’s not just about fun—it’s about relevance.
4. Cross-Platform Expansion
Successful creators are no longer staying siloed on YouTube alone. They’re distributing their content across different platforms. This multi-platform approach lets them expand their audience without being overly dependent on YouTube’s algorithms.
Pro move: Start thinking beyond YouTube. Can your content fit into other platforms? For instance, consider distributing to Microsoft Start. It is your gateway to reach millions of users across Windows, Bing, and Edge, while earning from day one. Contact us to learn more and get global exposure across Microsoft’s feed-driven platforms, where your content is instantly visible to a wide audience without waiting for algorithmic boosts.
Did you know? Distributing kids' content on Chinese platforms is on the rise, with major creators like MrBeast already there. Platforms like Youku and Tencent Video are seeing a huge increase in young viewers. Want to reach those young viewers? AIR Media-Tech can help you get there, handling everything from localization to distribution. Contact us to learn more!
5. Monetization is Moving Beyond Ads
Creators are increasingly finding ways to earn revenue outside of traditional ads. New income streams like product placements, toy collaborations, and memberships are gaining traction as they allow for more stable, scalable income. These models provide more control over revenue, making it easier to grow without depending solely on fluctuating ad rates.
Next Step: Start exploring how to diversify your income. Consider partnering with brands for product placements or launching memberships for exclusive content. Relying solely on ad revenue limits growth—explore other monetization options to future-proof your channel.
6. YouTube Kids Content is Booming on TV Screens
Another key trend is the rise of kids' content on TV screens. For many creators, TV has become the dominant platform for kids' content consumption. It’s no longer just a secondary screen—TV is now the main stage, with revenue from TV viewership growing every year. Kids and families are sitting down for longer viewing sessions, making high-quality, long-form content more critical than ever.
If your content isn’t optimized for big screens, now’s the time to adjust. Make sure your visuals are crisp and consider producing longer, more engaging videos to capture the attention of families watching together in the living room.
7. Niche is Where the Growth Is
Creators targeting hyper-niche audiences are seeing faster growth. Certain categories have seen an explosion in kids' interest, with some even doubling in engagement. These include:
- Foodie
- Jokes
- Puzzles
- Comics
While it’s tempting to try to appeal to everyone, the real growth is happening for creators who dive deep into specific niches.
What to do: Find a niche and focus on it. Whether it’s educational content, arts and crafts, or gaming, creators who go deep into one area are building more loyalty and engagement. Parents especially love niche content that offers something unique or educational for their kids.
8. Cartoons and Animation Reign Supreme on YouTube Kids
Cartoons and animation continue to dominate YouTube Kids, holding a significant portion of viewership. Younger children show a clear preference for animated content, with a strong interest in play-based videos as well.
Right behind animation, toy-related content is also highly engaging for this age group, followed closely by music and song videos. These trends highlight the importance of creating or curating animations and play-based content for kids' channels.
Tip: If you’re producing kids’ content, leaning into animation and toy-related videos can give your channel a major boost. Diversifying with these content types could help capture more viewers and expand your reach in this ever-growing space.
9. Shorts Aren’t Killing Long-Form Content
There’s been a lot of talk about how YouTube Shorts could hurt long-form videos and the conclusion is that Shorts and long-form content actually work together. Shorts act like trailers — quick, snackable teasers that get kids excited for the longer content on your channel. Kids see a fun clip and want to dive into the full episode.
Starting from October 15, 2024, YouTube has announced the option for 3-minute Shorts, giving you more room to experiment. Not everyone has access yet, but it’s already looking promising!
Tip: Use Shorts to preview your long-form content. Show the most exciting moments or a quick punchline. This can direct traffic to your full episodes without taking away from your main content.
10. Understanding Kids’ Core Motivations for Watching Content
Kids are drawn to content that meets core emotional needs. There are six key motivations behind kids and tweens’ content consumption:
- Fun: Kids seek joy and stress relief through entertaining, fun videos.
- A Safe Space: Younger viewers gravitate towards content that offers comfort and a sense of routine.
- Social Learning: Videos help them stay connected with their peers, both online and offline.
- Curiosity: Engaging content teaches them new things, sparking their curiosity in topics like animals, science, and more.
- Self-Identity: Kids use videos to understand how to interact with the world, learning social cues and how to respond to different situations.
- Staying Connected: Kids are looking for communities where they feel a sense of belonging.
Tip: If your content taps into these emotional drivers—like fun, learning, and social connection—you’ll form a stronger bond with young viewers. Crafting content that speaks to these needs can elevate engagement and loyalty.
What’s Next for Kids’ Content?
The future of kids’ content is all about adapting and staying flexible. Trends like AI localization, going beyond YouTube, and creating more meaningful, diverse stories are shaping where things are headed.
If you’re feeling like you could use some help keeping up with all these changes, AIR Media-Tech has your back. We’ve helped hundreds of YouTube channels in the kids’ space, from small creators to those with over 100 million subscribers. With over 30 tools and expert support, we’re here to help you succeed in this rapidly changing industry. Contact us and let’s unlock your channel’s potential and discover new growth opportunities!
