{"id":31382,"date":"2026-02-20T11:16:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T20:56:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T01:56:57","slug":"whats-next-2026-trend-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s Next?: 2026 Trend Watch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leading distributors and producers tell <\/em>TV Kids how they are tackling the challenges of discoverability and funding and the trends they predict will come out ahead in 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leading up to last year, we all heard \u201csurvive till \u201925,\u201d as if the year would bring a correction that would set the industry back to how it was before. Alas, no such correction came. Instead, economic uncertainty continues, budgets remain tight, commissioning is down and buyers are still risk averse. Producers and distributors are coming to terms with the fact that the industry will never quite be the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing across the kids\u2019 sector is more of a structural reset than a short-term correction,\u201d says Gia DeLaney, senior VP of global sales and content for kids and family at Boat Rocker Studios. \u201cThe \u2018survive till \u201925\u2019 mindset was really a checkpoint, not a finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the year was widely anticipated as a recovery point for the industry, in reality, the most significant developments throughout 2025 were the continued recalibration of the kids\u2019 content marketplace and the transition toward new business models,\u201d notes Olivier Bernard, COO and co-founder of Kedoo Entertainment.<\/p>\n

This continued recalibration has forced companies to adapt, leading to more innovative approaches to getting shows made and making sure they get in front of kids. Where there is change, there is opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of negativity out there, but as Churchill said, \u2018Never waste a good crisis,\u2019\u201d says Genevieve Dexter, CEO and founder of Serious Kids. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to think: What opportunities does this [disruption] throw up for your company? That\u2019s really what you have to analyze, rather than just closing your eyes, crossing your fingers and hoping something\u2019s going to fall in your lap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discoverability Dilemma<\/strong>
\nIn a fragmented market with programming spread across a plethora of platforms, it can be difficult for kids to actually find content. Discoverability remains \u201cthe biggest challenge of all,\u201d says Emmanu\u00e8le P\u00e9try, producer and head of international at Dandelooo.<\/p>\n

It is imperative to be everywhere kids consume content to make sure they actually find your programming. This means companies must have a deep understanding of kids\u2019 behavior and ensure that a multiplatform rollout is part of the strategy from the very beginning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe rely heavily on data, analytics and fast iteration to optimize content for each platform,\u201d explains Miguel Aldasoro, international sales and co-productions director at \u00c1nima Kitchent. \u201cIt is essential to be where families are actually consuming content today, creating what they enjoy and how they like to watch it in order to capture attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

How<\/em>\u00a0they like to watch is just as important as\u00a0where<\/em>. \u201cWe\u2019re actively exploring new short-form and interactive formats, ensuring our IPs meet young audiences where and how they consume media today,\u201d explains Kedoo\u2019s Bernard. \u201cWe make sure our content is optimized using real-time data analytics, allowing us to tailor production and distribution to audience behavior and preference.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both \u00c1nima Kitchent and Kedoo have found particular success with launching IPs through a digital-first strategy. \u00c1nima Kitchent reintroduced its flagship IP\u00a0Cleo & Cuqu\u00edn<\/em>\u00a0with exclusive content for YouTube, which caught the attention of kids and other platforms. HBO Max commissioned a second season of\u00a0Cuqu\u00edn<\/em>\u00a0as a result. The company is prepping the new series\u00a0Howly & Wooly\u00a0<\/em>for digital as well.<\/p>\n

Kedoo, meanwhile, debuted\u00a0Booba<\/em>\u00a0on YouTube as a three-minute short. As it captured eyeballs and grew its fan base, the series was extended to five minutes and eventually seven and landed on Disney+.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe clear winner for discoverability is YouTube,\u201d asserts Albie Hecht, chief content officer at pocket.watch, which noticed the power of YouTube very early on and was launched to expand creators\u2019 brands. Since the company operates \u201cat the intersection of the creator economy and traditional entertainment, we\u2019re able to develop shows that already resonate with kids before they ever hit a TV or streaming platform.\u201d<\/p>\n

While YouTube has emerged as a key way to get an IP in front of kids, some distributors have their reservations. Dandelooo\u2019s P\u00e9try says, \u201cThe YouTube situation in the kids\u2019 sector is becoming extremely problematic fundamentally because it\u2019s based on an unfair economic model. YouTube is not only capturing a major chunk of the advertising budget without investing a penny into the production of children\u2019s programming, but they are also keeping the majority of the revenue as a \u2018distributor.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Those who do regularly make use of YouTube, however, acknowledge that it has its downsides. \u201cYouTube and other digital platforms do not allow impactful revenues from the start,\u201d Bernard notes. But putting content on there is still vital, as it allows \u201cstudios to build recurring revenue streams over time to fund future episodes or projects rather than depending solely on sales.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finding Funding<\/strong>
\nAnd finding new monetization and funding models is vitally important in this day and age. Collaboration is a key part in pulling together a financial plan and getting projects over the line.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinancing is now being shared more widely and strategically,\u201d notes Boat Rocker\u2019s DeLaney. \u201cCo-productions increasingly involve multiple partners\u2014producers, commissioners, distributors and even brands\u2014often across several territories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFunding models are becoming increasingly hybrid and performance driven,\u201d says \u00c1nima\u2019s Aldasoro. \u201cAdvances, when available, are smaller and more selective and are often linked to clear metrics and proven traction. This shift is pushing producers to build smarter financial structures that combine co-productions, public funding and tax incentives.\u201d<\/p>\n

P\u00e9try acknowledges the advantage of being part of the European framework and having access to the Creative Europe model. \u201cIt continues to help us create connections between production studios across countries, both large and small. In the current climate of global economic uncertainty, this is a haven\u2014one we hope will continue to support our creative ambition and sustain our culture against the broader media turmoil.\u201d<\/p>\n

While markets like MIP LONDON remain important for making in-person connections, Serious Kids\u2019 Dexter hopes to \u201csee the return of territory visits\u201d to forge stronger bonds and strengthen cross-border collaboration. \u201cWe always used to go visit one another in each other\u2019s countries,\u201d she remarks. \u201cThat does increase understanding between cultures. You\u2019ll never forget the time you went to go and see SVT in Stockholm or TVO in Ontario. You never forget it, and neither do your clients.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Engagement Game<\/strong>
\nWhile funding and discoverability are major parts of an IP\u2019s life cycle, another important step is finding ways to engage with kids outside of the main content, through gaming, toys, publishing and live events.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, this comes back to [the importance of] building and managing an ecosystem around each piece of IP,\u201d says Boat Rocker\u2019s DeLaney.<\/p>\n

Aldasoro notes that \u00c1nima is working on consolidating its \u201cbrands beyond audiovisual content, expanding into consumer products and other touchpoints that reinforce long-term engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hecht mentions that pocket.watch is exploring more opportunities for live events, a growing category in L&M strategies.<\/p>\n

\u201cLive experiences are incredibly important,\u201d DeLaney says. \u201cThey give fans a personal connection to a brand while creating organic marketing and PR moments.\u201d Boat Rocker\u2019s\u00a0The Next Step\u00a0<\/em>is going on tour this year, visiting Australia, Canada and the U.K. The company has also partnered with Pineapple Dance Studios for dance-based workshops tied to the choreography of the tour.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, it is imperative to stay nimble with your strategy for engaging with kids. While YouTube and other online platforms like Roblox have been a boon for the discoverability (and engagement) conundrum, \u201cwith increased regulatory focus on age-appropriate protections and platform accountability, changes could significantly affect how kids discover, interact with and engage with content and brands,\u201d DeLaney cautions. \u201cThis will likely influence everything from creative strategies to monetization.\u201d<\/p>\n

But companies have weathered this storm before. The last few years have been difficult, but if there is any lesson to be learned, it\u2019s that flexibility is possible. \u201cThe industry has always faced challenges, and we\u2019ve always adapted,\u201d DeLaney says. \u201cOften, those challenges push us to be more creative and thoughtful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Up Next<\/strong>
\nThere are plenty of new directions the industry may go this year. One new trend \u201cis going to be more closely examining the role of AI in our lives and see where we feel it can be demonstrably productive in the field of distribution,\u201d notes Serious Kids\u2019 Dexter.<\/p>\n

Hecht notes that pocket.watch has already \u201cembraced AI through proprietary tools that help us analyze themes and engagement across thousands of hours of content, as well as AI-enabled animation workflows that allow our best-in-the-business artists to bring their creative vision to life faster and more efficiently.\u201d He predicts that \u201cAI will play an increasingly important role, not as a replacement for creativity but as a powerful accelerator.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dandelooo\u2019s P\u00e9try notes the \u201cgrowing emergence and importance of \u2018sound.\u2019 For example, we are seeing more radio stations dedicated to kids and a rise in podcasts. Some people are realizing that screens are overwhelming and erasing their children\u2019s imagination. They are now turning toward the \u2018open your ears, dear,\u2019 approach.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the constant introduction of new technology, AI rapidly becoming more advanced and kids continuously finding and turning to new forms of media platforms, there is plenty of opportunity for growth and expansion in 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom all the way back in my early years in this industry, I\u2019ve always heard the negativity\u2014people thinking that our business would collapse within five years and joking that we should start thinking about a new career and maybe go and raise sheep,\u201d P\u00e9try says. \u201cThe fact that we stayed optimistic despite the bad news helped us survive and keep our head above water during the hardest years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me most is how much opportunity still exists,\u201d adds Hecht. \u201cThe talent we are partnering with and the incredible ability to entertain, inform and communicate with audiences is expanding, not contracting. And so kids\u2019 entertainment is evolving, not disappearing.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, \u201ckids\u2019 content really matters\u2014it shapes how young audiences see the world and helps build empathy, confidence, creativity and understanding,\u201d DeLaney says. \u201cThe industry\u2019s ability to adapt, collaborate and keep that sense of play alive is what makes it such a rewarding space. It\u2019s also filled with incredibly passionate, creative people who genuinely care about delighting young audiences, and I\u2019m excited to continue working alongside friends and partners as we navigate this next phase together.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Leading distributors and producers tell TV Kids how they are tackling the challenges of discoverability and funding and the trends they predict will come out ahead in 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1412,"featured_media":31385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,21],"tags":[3160,446,1033,4636,8805,1581,4953,8514,10587,10455,2567,6163],"class_list":["post-31382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-features","category-top-stories","tag-albie-hecht","tag-anima-kitchent","tag-boat-rocker-studios","tag-dandelooo","tag-emmanuele-petry","tag-genevieve-dexter","tag-gia-delaney","tag-kedoo-entertainment","tag-miguel-aldasoro","tag-olivier-bernard","tag-pocket-watch","tag-serious-kids","pmpro-has-access"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat\u2019s Next?: 2026 Trend Watch - TVKIDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What\u2019s Next?: 2026 Trend Watch - TVKIDS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Leading distributors and producers tell TV Kids how they are tackling the challenges of discoverability and funding and the trends they predict will come out ahead in 2026.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TVKIDS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-20T16:16:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-25T01:56:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/KedooEntertainment-Booba.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"394\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jamie Stalcup\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jamie Stalcup\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/\",\"name\":\"What\u2019s Next?: 2026 Trend Watch - TVKIDS\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-20T16:16:25+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-25T01:56:57+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/#\/schema\/person\/0da12602224807cc7b179b8405018deb\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/whats-next-2026-trend-watch\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What\u2019s Next?: 2026 Trend Watch\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/\",\"name\":\"TVKIDS\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvkids\/#\/schema\/person\/0da12602224807cc7b179b8405018deb\",\"name\":\"Jamie Stalcup\",\"description\":\"Jamie Stalcup is the executive editor of World Screen. 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