In a significant development for the children's entertainment landscape, Kevin Mayer, CEO of Candle Media, provided insights into the much-discussed transition of the globally popular animated series 'Cocomelon' from Netflix to Disney+. Speaking at the APOS media and entertainment conference in Bali, Indonesia, Mayer addressed the strategic implications of this move, underscoring his company's innovative approach to content distribution. He clarified that this change, while notable, does not necessarily signify a broader shift in the streaming ecosystem but rather reflects Moonbug Entertainment's unique model.

Mayer elaborated on Moonbug's content strategy, emphasizing that intellectual property (IP) like 'Cocomelon' often originates and gains significant traction on YouTube. He highlighted 'Cocomelon's journey from a substantial YouTube presence, acquired five years ago with 60 million subscribers, to becoming a multiplatform phenomenon boasting 200 million subscribers and billions of views across its library. This success story, according to Mayer, demonstrates the strength of YouTube as a fertile ground for professionally produced IP before its strategic deployment across various streaming services. He acknowledged 'Cocomelon's successful tenure on Netflix, where it held the top spot globally, and expressed enthusiasm for its new home on Disney+, a platform naturally suited for children's and family content. Candle Media's overarching goal is to leverage multiple streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+, to maximize the reach of its properties, also venturing into games, licensing, and music, notably surpassing Taylor Swift in music streams last year.

As a final flourish to his address, Mayer unveiled an exciting cross-brand collaboration: 'Cocomelon' will partner with Sanrio's iconic global pop culture character, 'Hello Kitty.' While specific details regarding the collaboration's content or platforms were not disclosed, Mayer confirmed the partnership's launch in 2026, promising a 'joyous moment' for young audiences worldwide. This alliance signifies a bold expansion of the 'Cocomelon' universe and demonstrates Candle Media's commitment to creating expansive, engaging entertainment experiences for children globally.

This strategic migration and the innovative collaboration exemplify a forward-thinking approach to intellectual property management and content distribution in the dynamic digital age. By diversifying platforms and forging creative partnerships, Candle Media is not only securing the future of its beloved franchises but also expanding their cultural footprint, bringing joy and enriching experiences to countless children and families across the globe. This proactive strategy showcases how vision and adaptability can lead to sustained growth and positive impact in the entertainment industry.