8 Lions & SAMG Announce YouTube Distribution Deal

South Korean animation studio SAMG Entertainment and U.K.-based 8 Lions Entertainment have signed a YouTube distribution services agreement to expand the reach of their animated franchises.

“We’re seeing a growing global appetite for Asian characters and storytelling driven by kids and teenagers, particularly from Southeast and East Asia,” said Jiella Esmat, founder and CEO of 8 Lions. “Audiences are seeking diverse characters, stories and animation styles. YouTube is playing a central role in that shift. We see strong potential in expanding Asian-origin or inspired IPs on the platform using a data-led cross-platform distribution strategy that helps our partner brands travel internationally and connect with new audiences at scale and speed.”

Under the agreement, 8 Lions will manage and monetize a slate of SAMG Entertainment’s flagship animated franchises on YouTube worldwide, applying a data-led digital distribution strategy to accelerate audience growth, to strengthen fan engagement and support long-term franchise development. 8 Lions will take over the English YouTube channels, with additional languages rolled out as part of a phased international growth plan.

SAMG Entertainment is behind the globally recognized animated properties such as Catch! Teenieping, Miniforce and Metal Cardbot.

A SAMG Entertainment representative said, “We see YouTube as a critical platform for building long-term engagement with global audiences. Working with 8 Lions allows us to apply a focused, data-informed distribution strategy to our brands as we expand their international reach.”