Tag: ChuChuTV

  • Do kids of today prefer OTT over TV?

    Do kids of today prefer OTT over TV?

    MUMBAI: There’s a tug of war going on today with both parties equally strong. On the one side, we have linear TV singing its praises and OTT on the other side glorifying its advantages.

    No matter which side you pick, you’ll notice that kids’ content has always been sidelined. In its initial TV phase, kids’ content was loaded with syndicated programmes and it is only now that home-grown content is a part of it. This is because producing local content is more expensive than producing Hindi GECs. As per the 2018 KPMG report, the importance of the kids’ audience in Indian TV in the age group of 2-14 years accounted for 20 per cent of all TV impressions in 2017 with a high stickiness for the above mentioned target audience, with average time spent ranging from 35-60 minutes. Moreover, as per reports, industry experts believe that owning IPs and localisation of content is going to be a way forward for the category which is expected to grow by 10-14 per cent in 2018.

    As per Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data, 29 per cent of kids like watching Hindi GECs, followed by 18 per cent for Hindi movies and only 11 per cent kids consume kids’ channels. This could be due to parallel viewing that is done by kids while parents watch other channels. But, in the last two years, kids’ channels have observed a hike in the time spent by kids despite the fact that kids spend 26 per cent of their time on Hindi GECs. Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Malayalam are the regional languages that work quite well in the kids' segment.

    Coming back to digital trends, as per the report, 57 per cent of parents say that their child prefers a device other than the TV to watch video content. Mobile devices offer versatility, simple user interface and a ‘personal’ viewing experience. Also, nearly 50 per cent of parents say that when their kids misbehave, to punish them, they take away their tablet and make them just ‘watch TV instead’– creating a generation of kids for whom ‘TV is punishment.’ When the parents’ favourite shows are on such as the IPL, the remotes are automatically snatched away from kids and replaced with smartphones. These phones hold a wider world of content for kids right from Netflix to Amazon to YouTube Kids.

    Kids’ eagerness has also fuelled the digital content market with new dedicated platforms being launched for them. In 2016, nexGTv launched ‘nexGTv Kids’ app with videos and infotainment for kids. Later on, Viacom18’s Voot built a strong vertical around kids followed by YouTube’s YouTube Kids in partnership with ChuChuTV, Toonz Animation, Sesame Workshop and Appu Series in India. Sony LIV too introduced its new platform LIV Kids in Hindi and English.

    However, as per the KPMG report, 97 per cent of children still prefer television over other digital media. As compared to kids’ TV channels, digital has emerged stronger in the past few years due to convenience and availability. So, the tug of war goes on for now with both sides tugging equally.

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

  • nexGTV launches kids only app; plans to produce original content

    nexGTV launches kids only app; plans to produce original content

    MUMBAI: The OTT space has been growing denser with the mushrooming of more and more players. Players are vying for eyeballs and advertisers are looking to differentiate their content, and shifting focus to unexplored areas. nexGTV has launched its new OTT app that targets kids between 2 to 10 years of age with specially tailored content, with an aim to expand business reach and grow subscriber base.

    Explaining the demand for kids’ content in India, nexGTV COO Abhesh Verma says, “I have noticed that despite the fact that there is good kids’ content in the country, it is not easily accessible for them.   Moreover we realised that kids content can’t be piled up with everything else. There is a need for a kids’ friendly app that will give proper showcase to the content, and parents can let their kids on it without worrying about insensitive content.”

    nexGTV is also playing on the fact that parents and guardians of kids these days are concerned about the ‘freeness’ of the internet and worried about the objectionable content that their child may be exposed to. Therefore curating a library strictly for the little ones was of prime importance when strategizing for the kids’ only OTT app. “Our editorial team has been extremely careful while curating content for this app. Every single content is been screened by our team to keep it kids friendly with the age group in mind. Our content is a blend of learning and entertainment for kids. Whether its craft, art, nursery rhymes and moral science through fun content, parents can be rest assured that through fun and frolic their kids are learning something.”  Between Akbar Birbal, Stories of Panchtantra, Vikram & Betal, Ducktales, Malgudi Days and Champak World, the app already has a vibrant library of shows for the tiny tots to enjoy this summer.

    The app can downloaded from Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple store for iPhones or other apple devices.  Others can shoot a missed call to 0120-4848222 to get nexGTv Kids app.

    As a matter of fact, going by international standards, there is only ‘E’ for ‘everyone’, and ‘G’ for ‘general audience’ rated programming in the content library for nexGTV Kids. “We haven’t kept shows that need parental guidance as we want the kids and parents to have a stress free streaming experience,” says Verma.

    Currently available in a ‘freemium’ model with no advertisements to interrupt seamless viewing, the content beyond the subscription wall is priced at Rs 125 a month, which coincides with what it costs to subscribe to nexGTV. “As part of the promotion for this launch we are currently allowing any nexGTV subscriber to access nexGTV Kids content and vice versa. Depending on the nature of consumption, content strategy etc., we will take a call to separate the two apps for subscribers or offer it to them in a bundle for a viable price that works for both – the consumers and us,” said Verma as he explains the pricing.

    As a business model, the revenue for the new app will depend highly on the subscription. Kids’ content also opens up a vista of monetising prospects for the OTT player.

    For starters, nexgTV has gone the VOOT way and acquired kids content from existing content partners  who are regular contributors to nexGTV’s library such as Shemaroo, Rajshri Productions etc. But the OTT player’s ambitious plans for their new kids app doesn’t stop there — from producing branded content for advertisers, to commissioning and featuring content from independent content creators, to licensing and merchandising rights sales — nexGTV is eyeing a big chunk of the kids content pie.

    “Currently we are getting content from partners who are working with us for the last four – five years. At the same time we are looking to create original content going forward that will be made by our production team for our app. We are also welcoming everyone who can creating content for kids. We want to showcase their content to our user base provided it goes past our editorial guidelines for the kids’ app. There are many who may not have a platform, but have the right talent, whom we plan to feature through our app as long as the content is within our guidelines,” Abhesh reveals.

    Keeping lts options open, nexgTV is ready to explore all kinds of partnerships, whether it allows it to own the content’s full IP or it is commissioning for production or co-owning the IP and sharing its IP rights with another content producer. Verma also hints that the OTT player is already in talks with some major production houses to produce exclusive kids’ content for nexgTV.

    With a few deals under discussions already under way, be they for content creation with other production houses or with brands, currently the player is weighing its options carefully for the right content strategy.

    “We want to make sure that we have the product out there first and some audience on it. And then based on the consumption pattern we want to invest in the programming. It will be like shooting in the dark if we produce a show which we don’t have an audience for,” Verma states frankly.

    Given the fact that the target audience of the content isn’t the device owners who can facilitate the consumption, a smart marketing strategy is needed to reach the guardians first, Verma shares.  While kids can be the key to reach the parents, the equation flows the other way round when it comes to marketing for kids.

    “We have three key aspects to our marketing initiative for this new app.  Firstly, on the digital front we are running targeted campaigns towards parents on Facebook to make the app more visible. Secondly, the current subscribers of nexGTV are getting the new app as part of their package. We have 14 million installs (1.4 crore) and within which we have close to a million (10 lakh) subscribers who will get this app with their regular nexGTV apps.”

    Apart from this, the OTT player will promote through radio and few other traditional modes of communication as well. With more on the marketing platter that nexGTV plans to surprise audience with in due time, Verma shared that so far the company hasn’t set an upper ceiling to its marketing spends for the new app.

    “Honestly this is our first big launch since the launch of our new app and we are heavily promoting it. We are not restricting it to 20 to 30 per cent of marketing spends but instead going by ‘returns on the hours’ basis. If a particular campaign is giving us the returns we want we are strengthening it,” Verma shares while refraining from commenting on the actual marketing spends on the new project.

     

  • nexGTV launches kids only app; plans to produce original content

    nexGTV launches kids only app; plans to produce original content

    MUMBAI: The OTT space has been growing denser with the mushrooming of more and more players. Players are vying for eyeballs and advertisers are looking to differentiate their content, and shifting focus to unexplored areas. nexGTV has launched its new OTT app that targets kids between 2 to 10 years of age with specially tailored content, with an aim to expand business reach and grow subscriber base.

    Explaining the demand for kids’ content in India, nexGTV COO Abhesh Verma says, “I have noticed that despite the fact that there is good kids’ content in the country, it is not easily accessible for them.   Moreover we realised that kids content can’t be piled up with everything else. There is a need for a kids’ friendly app that will give proper showcase to the content, and parents can let their kids on it without worrying about insensitive content.”

    nexGTV is also playing on the fact that parents and guardians of kids these days are concerned about the ‘freeness’ of the internet and worried about the objectionable content that their child may be exposed to. Therefore curating a library strictly for the little ones was of prime importance when strategizing for the kids’ only OTT app. “Our editorial team has been extremely careful while curating content for this app. Every single content is been screened by our team to keep it kids friendly with the age group in mind. Our content is a blend of learning and entertainment for kids. Whether its craft, art, nursery rhymes and moral science through fun content, parents can be rest assured that through fun and frolic their kids are learning something.”  Between Akbar Birbal, Stories of Panchtantra, Vikram & Betal, Ducktales, Malgudi Days and Champak World, the app already has a vibrant library of shows for the tiny tots to enjoy this summer.

    The app can downloaded from Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple store for iPhones or other apple devices.  Others can shoot a missed call to 0120-4848222 to get nexGTv Kids app.

    As a matter of fact, going by international standards, there is only ‘E’ for ‘everyone’, and ‘G’ for ‘general audience’ rated programming in the content library for nexGTV Kids. “We haven’t kept shows that need parental guidance as we want the kids and parents to have a stress free streaming experience,” says Verma.

    Currently available in a ‘freemium’ model with no advertisements to interrupt seamless viewing, the content beyond the subscription wall is priced at Rs 125 a month, which coincides with what it costs to subscribe to nexGTV. “As part of the promotion for this launch we are currently allowing any nexGTV subscriber to access nexGTV Kids content and vice versa. Depending on the nature of consumption, content strategy etc., we will take a call to separate the two apps for subscribers or offer it to them in a bundle for a viable price that works for both – the consumers and us,” said Verma as he explains the pricing.

    As a business model, the revenue for the new app will depend highly on the subscription. Kids’ content also opens up a vista of monetising prospects for the OTT player.

    For starters, nexgTV has gone the VOOT way and acquired kids content from existing content partners  who are regular contributors to nexGTV’s library such as Shemaroo, Rajshri Productions etc. But the OTT player’s ambitious plans for their new kids app doesn’t stop there — from producing branded content for advertisers, to commissioning and featuring content from independent content creators, to licensing and merchandising rights sales — nexGTV is eyeing a big chunk of the kids content pie.

    “Currently we are getting content from partners who are working with us for the last four – five years. At the same time we are looking to create original content going forward that will be made by our production team for our app. We are also welcoming everyone who can creating content for kids. We want to showcase their content to our user base provided it goes past our editorial guidelines for the kids’ app. There are many who may not have a platform, but have the right talent, whom we plan to feature through our app as long as the content is within our guidelines,” Abhesh reveals.

    Keeping lts options open, nexgTV is ready to explore all kinds of partnerships, whether it allows it to own the content’s full IP or it is commissioning for production or co-owning the IP and sharing its IP rights with another content producer. Verma also hints that the OTT player is already in talks with some major production houses to produce exclusive kids’ content for nexgTV.

    With a few deals under discussions already under way, be they for content creation with other production houses or with brands, currently the player is weighing its options carefully for the right content strategy.

    “We want to make sure that we have the product out there first and some audience on it. And then based on the consumption pattern we want to invest in the programming. It will be like shooting in the dark if we produce a show which we don’t have an audience for,” Verma states frankly.

    Given the fact that the target audience of the content isn’t the device owners who can facilitate the consumption, a smart marketing strategy is needed to reach the guardians first, Verma shares.  While kids can be the key to reach the parents, the equation flows the other way round when it comes to marketing for kids.

    “We have three key aspects to our marketing initiative for this new app.  Firstly, on the digital front we are running targeted campaigns towards parents on Facebook to make the app more visible. Secondly, the current subscribers of nexGTV are getting the new app as part of their package. We have 14 million installs (1.4 crore) and within which we have close to a million (10 lakh) subscribers who will get this app with their regular nexGTV apps.”

    Apart from this, the OTT player will promote through radio and few other traditional modes of communication as well. With more on the marketing platter that nexGTV plans to surprise audience with in due time, Verma shared that so far the company hasn’t set an upper ceiling to its marketing spends for the new app.

    “Honestly this is our first big launch since the launch of our new app and we are heavily promoting it. We are not restricting it to 20 to 30 per cent of marketing spends but instead going by ‘returns on the hours’ basis. If a particular campaign is giving us the returns we want we are strengthening it,” Verma shares while refraining from commenting on the actual marketing spends on the new project.