For a kids brand that has achieved an astonishing 20 billion views on YouTube, Booba has somewhat flown under the radar. However, with new broadcast deals in place and updated animated show formats rolling out, this brand is emerging as a significant player in the children's entertainment arena.
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Children's Entertainment
Booba's YouTube Success and Global Reach
Booba initially launched on YouTube, consisting of seven-minute non-dialog comedy episodes. Season 5 takes viewers on a thrilling journey as the furry, inquisitive animated character meets dinosaurs from the prehistoric world and a robot in a futuristic world. This unique content has hit Netflix's top 10 charts and aired in 45 countries worldwide. Kedoo's in-house studio, 3D Sparrow, is behind the show's production, ensuring its high quality.Moreover, Kedoo is not stopping there. They are launching a four-part education live action series called The Booba Show to assist children with social skills. In this series, the Booba character enters the real world for the first time alongside a child host, showing young viewers how to make friends. Just like their other shows, it will debut on YouTube.
Booba's Licensing and Merchandising Partnership
Booba counts Endeavor's IMG as its licensing and merchandising partner. With more than 40,000 plush toys sold and 19 million YouTube subscribers, it has become a prominent player among emerging global kids brands. While some children's entertainment characters struggle to make a mark, Booba has managed to capture the hearts of audiences and consumers.Bernard, the COO and co-founder of Kedoo Entertainment, attributes Booba's success to several factors. It is not a copycat of other brands, with its cute and fast-paced comedy designed empathically. The non-dialog element allows it to connect with audiences worldwide without language barriers. Additionally, the slapstick comedy has a timeless appeal, similar to Tom and Jerry. It shows children how to take care, be inclusive, and have empathy for others.
Kedoo's Business Model and Expansion
As a privately-held company, Kedoo doesn't disclose its financials. However, Bernard emphasizes the importance of steady revenue streams in helping the business navigate through tough economic climates. Since its launch, the Dubai-headquartered company has expanded to London, Cairo, Kiev, and Moscow, showing its global reach.They were early adopters of FAST channels, which are proving to be a lucrative market. Overall, Kedoo's brands have around 120 million subscribers on YouTube and collect 1.5+ billion views every month.Bernard believes the digital-first approach has given Kedoo an advantage. With a recurring revenue model on a monthly basis and a diverse content portfolio, they are well-positioned in the industry.
Reinventing Booba for a Changing Market
In a difficult market, creating new children's properties is challenging. Bernard emphasizes the need for more investment in the kids TV industry. At 3D Sparrow, the Creative Director, Debbie MacDonald, continuously tracks market trends to ensure the brand remains relevant. Season by season, they make editorial tweaks and create new live-action series to keep Booba fresh.Booba will continue to work in the foreseeable future, adapting to the evolving online consumption patterns.
