DHX Launches Multiplatform Kids’ Network WildBrain

HALIFAX: DHX Media has officially launched Wild Brain Family International Limited (WildBrain), a wholly owned subsidiary of DHX that has been an incubator project since 2012.

WildBrain operates a multiplatform kids’ network that connects content owners with advertisers on such platforms as YouTube and Dailymotion. It offers videos for children between the ages of 2 and 10, generating around 4 billion minutes of watch time each month. A number of properties are available on WildBrain, including Mattel’s Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Little People and Polly Pocket; Iconix’s Strawberry Shortcake; Turner’s Lazy Town; 9 Story’s Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts and Arthur; and DHX’s Caillou, Rosie and Jim and Brum. There are also videos featuring Play-Doh, Minecraft and Hachette, among other brands.

“We are very pleased to propel WildBrain out of its incubator phase as we continue to execute on our strategy of delivering content to kids on the platforms they prefer,” said Dana Landry, the CEO of DHX Media. “The WildBrain team, led by Managing Director John Robson, has done a tremendous job building the business into an additional revenue stream to complement our core distribution business. As more and more kids move to consuming content on mobile devices, we believe WildBrain represents a significant growth opportunity for DHX. Content owners are looking for ways to reach these audiences through networks that span across multiple online video platforms such as YouTube and others. The WildBrain network allows us to leverage the expertise and scale we have gained in monetizing our own library on such platforms, to team up with others and help them achieve their goals.”

Robson added: “Platforms such as YouTube are where we are increasingly seeing the new generation of children consume content. YouTube is the leading global video platform, and kids’ content is its fastest growing category. At WildBrain, we believe we are the leading experts specializing in delivering content to that audience. Not only are we able to successfully match content with advertisers, but we are also well positioned to create new, original videos to help brand owners extend and further monetize their presence online.”