Tag: kids

New Year, New You: Audiobook Picks To Help You Start 2024 on the Right Foot

January 15, 2024

Whether it’s New Year’s resolutions or a post-holiday reset, there’s always extra motivation to adopt a few healthy habits each January. But sometimes deciding which ones to embrace can be the biggest challenge. 

Lucky for you, our audiobooks editorial team has created a series of themed playlists that speak to different areas of self-improvement. So if you’re looking to give your brain more of a workout, wrangle your finances, or strengthen the bond with those closest to you, we have a treasure trove of standout audiobooks on Spotify to get you started.

Spotify’s Sound Up Program Seeks Aspiring Podcasters To Create Shows Geared Toward Kids and Families

March 8, 2022

Since 2018, Spotify’s Sound Up program has worked with underrepresented creators to help them develop their podcasting skills and grow audiences. To date, Sound Up has launched in 12 markets—including Japan, Italy, the U.S., U.S. LatinX, India, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and Argentina—and has offered participants educational resources, technical support, and opportunities to build relationships with fellow podcasters. 

Along the way, Sound Up alumni have gone on to create award-winning shows while Dope Labs, FOGO, Search Engine Sex, and You Heard Me Write have all ranked on Spotify’s podcast charts. 

For its latest iteration, Sound Up will be working with 10 up-and-coming podcasters in the U.S. who create high-quality content geared toward kids, families, and co-listening experiences. With the U.S. population growing ever more diverse, family content from underrepresented creators is needed now more than ever. Sound Up is on a mission to discover and elevate those voices.

So what can you expect from Sound Up Us: Kids & Family 2022 edition? Check out these four fast facts:  

1. Up to 10 underrepresented creators will be part of the program for five months

Those selected for the program will go through a three-phase immersive experience where they will hone their storytelling, get more experience in audio production, and workshop their ideas around creating high-quality content for families. Along the way, they’ll receive support and guidance through in-person training and virtual workshops while also having access to all of the technology and tools needed to succeed. 

2. This is the first family-focused iteration of Sound Up

After launching a sports-focused program in the U.K. earlier this year, Sound Up is now turning its attention to families. Why? Simply put, co-listening is an increasingly great way for kids and their families to spend quality time together while enjoying content that is educational and entertaining. Sound Up wants to continue to support this trend by allowing underrepresented creators with fresh perspectives to deliver more content to listeners in this space.

“We are so excited to launch our very first genre-specific programs this year. We are always adapting the program to reflect the changes in the medium and with our focus internally on Kids & Family it just made sense to expand our curriculum,” said Natalie Tulloch, Global Lead of Sound Up at Spotify.

3. Creators will work with top professionals

Sound Up’s longtime partner and collaborator Rekha Murthy, an independent podcast strategist, along with Dawn J. Fraser, a professional storyteller and communications coach, will be facilitating this program, giving participants the chance to collaborate closely with some of the best in the industry. 

“Our hope is that we will be able to bring experts from the field of childhood development in conjunction with our amazing facilitators and podcast experts into the classroom to help participants tell stories that connect with their audience,” Natalie explained.  

4. Participants will create their own pilot episodes 

In order for participants to put what they’ve learned about the art and strategy of podcast creation and development to the test, they will create their own fiction or nonfiction pilot episode that accounts for kids’ intellectual and emotional well-being, and allows families to listen together.

Sound Up is accepting applications for this program now through April 8. On March 24 at 3 p.m. EST, Dawn, along with Spotify Head of Kids Audio Content Verdell Walker, will host a Q&A session on Spotify Greenroom to answer any questions applicants may have. For more on application requirements, be sure to click here.

For more information on Sound Up, and to check out the incredible podcasts that Sound Up alumni have created so far, check out the official Sound Up website.

Head of Kids Audio Content Verdell Walker Explains Spotify’s Partnership With CoComelon—and Introduces Four Exciting New Shows for Families

January 18, 2022

Image credit: Moonbug Entertainment

You’ve definitely heard of CoComelon if you have a toddler. (It’s the number one kids channel on YouTube, for those without kiddos.) CoComelon videos are filled with catchy songs and energetic, colorful stories featuring a kid named J.J. and his friends on various adventures—from show-and-tell to bedtime and beyond. Now, the brand is venturing into the audio medium as CoComelon comes together with Spotify in an exclusive multiyear agreement. 

Spotify will partner with CoComelon producer Moonbug Entertainment for a new podcast, CoComelon Story Time, as well as a mix of other original and exclusive “homegrown” shows. Bringing Moonbug Entertainment’s shows to Spotify provides an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience their favorite characters in a brand-new way. 

Image credit: Moonbug Entertainment

Since the launch of our stand-alone Spotify Kids app, Spotify has offered compelling and age-appropriate audio content for parents and their children. Through this new partnership, we’re releasing unique podcast content specifically created for families to enjoy together. An array of exciting stories will debut to parents within the Family and Kids Hub on the main Spotify app, as well as on the Spotify Kids app, exclusive to Spotify Premium Family subscribers.

As Head of Kids Audio Content at Spotify, Verdell Walker is responsible for establishing and managing the audio content that serves families. “We have a mission of being the number one audio platform in the world, and a big part of that is making sure that we have something for everyone,” she explained to For the Record. “No matter how old or young you are.”

Read on for more from our conversation.

Why is it so important for Spotify to create content that appeals to families?

There’s so much empty space in the world of spoken word audio for families. There’s a lot of kids music, yes, and audiobook versions of kids books, but there’s a dearth of high-quality audio content out there for parents to enjoy with their children. 

With homegrown shows for families, we have an opportunity to create a gold standard for audio that parents will turn to when it comes to playing podcasts with their children. We know that parents are often looking for ways to reduce screen time, so we want to elevate audio to a place where parents will think of it as an option alongside other forms of entertaining and educational media. 

There is so much flexibility in this audio experience in terms of stories, characters, formats, narrative structures—and we can really push the envelope when it comes to what spoken word audio can mean. It’s a happy medium between entertainment and education, and it’s a way to engage together.

How will working with CoComelon and Moonbug Entertainment help Spotify grow these content offerings? 

CoComelon is one of the most recognizable IPs on earth. This partnership with Moonbug allows us to leverage really beloved stories that delight families, and it also signals to the broader world, to parents, to creators, that we are serious in this space. We are working with recognizable brands and making a splash with names that parents recognize and trust. This partnership and these stories are a new way for new and existing CoComelon fans to interact with this brand in a creative way. 

Tell us a bit about the upcoming homegrown shows.

CoComelon Story Time, which is launching on January 24, includes 42 beloved storybook classics with a CoComelon twist. The stories teach positive life lessons and provide families with playful and educational content that they can enjoy together. It’s going to be available in four languages, including U.S. and U.K. English, Spanish, German, and Brazilian Portuguese.   

Gardenkeeper Gus, probably my favorite show in the slate, is launching on January 31. It’s designed for families with younger children, and it’s a quiet and contemplative preschool podcast that follows six-year-old Gus and his squirrel best friend, Rel, as they explore and understand the endless and larger-than-life garden behind his family home. 

100 Cinderellas, launching on February 14 and designed for families with younger children, is an anthology series of Cinderella stories from around the world and is suitable for bedtime. If you have children or know someone who has children, you know bedtime is a particular source of pain and frustration! We’re releasing this story in two different formats—one that is 30-minutes all the way through, and the other is in shorter parts so you can listen to it over a number of nights and choose which is best for your bedtime.  

Deep Blue Sea, launching on February 28, is a fun underwater adventure with two characters named Marina and Reef. Listeners will visit an underwater, oceanic laboratory, Sea Lab Alpha, with an impeccable view of sea life and get to learn about sharks, whales, and more. I’m excited for listeners to learn how to protect the ocean and be good stewards of the ocean.

What are some of your favorite stories from when you were a child? 

I loved the Redwall series. Catherine, Called Birdy. I was also into Masters of the Universe, particularly She-Ra. When I was a kid, I would run around the house with a toy sword announcing, “I have the power of the universe; I am She-Ra!” It was so empowering to me. I have watched every episode of the revival and it is incredible. When I got older I loved Totally Spies, Kim Possible . . . you can sense a trend—I love stories with powerful women. 

Can’t wait for new CoComelon spoken word audio content to come to Spotify? Catch the trailer below.

And in the meantime, get your fill with CoComelon songs, all in one place.

At D.C.’s National Children’s Museum, Music Inspires Family-Friendly Fun

September 24, 2021

For kids, few things are more fun than dancing it out. That’s why Spotify teamed up with National Children’s Museum to create an unforgettable Dance Party Pod experience, which debuted in Washington, D.C., this month. Together, we combined kid-friendly fun and musical know-how to design an experience that’s dedicated to wiggling and giggling.

Photo Credit: Dan Swartz Photography

 Kids and families can enter the space, located at the museum’s plaza/entrance level, and listen to a Spotify-curated dance party playlist. The Dance Party Pod experience stimulates the imagination as young visitors explore new genres of sound while discovering how different music inspires different movements. It also taps into the arts, an invaluable component of the museum’s science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programming.

“As an entirely STEAM-focused institution, the arts act as a unifying thread through all of the museum’s experiences,” said Crystal Bowyer, president and CEO of National Children’s Museum. “The music inside the Spotify Dance Party Pod captures young visitors’ imaginations, gives them the opportunity to personalize their own experiences, and helps transport them to a world where they can dream of the impossible.”

Photo Credit: Dan Swartz Photography

While the most important goal of the dance party is to have fun, parents, caregivers, and loved ones can also use the time to connect with their youngsters as they learn and laugh. Kids love to explore sound, and a 2020 Spotify survey found that a whopping 98% of parents listen to music with their kids, with nearly 59% indicating they listen together daily. Of those parents listening to music with their kids, 72% use music to relax and 69% use music to have fun together. It’s clear that music is a core part of many families’ routines, which is all the more reason to incorporate some new tunes and dance moves.

The playlist itself, curated by Spotify music programmer Hilary Giumara, features upbeat party songs from a range of genres and artists that appeal to both parents and kids. Since some of the beats might surprise attendees, the songs will offer plenty of learning opportunities. This is especially important, as the same Spotify study found that nearly 60% of parents say music is an important part of their child’s life, and 65% of parents agree it’s important to them that their child listens to and/or learns about music.

“I like to think I can help change the world by connecting fans and listeners to the music they love!” said Hilary. “I often imagine a kid out there discovering music through a playlist I helped to program. It’s so cool that we get the opportunity to help our users discover their next favorite songs or artists. It’s really rewarding.”

Photo Credit: Dan Swartz Photography

There’s no doubt that music can play an important role in connecting children and their families, enriching education, and making lifelong memories. To better understand the thought and process behind creating musical magic, hosts A.J. and kid interviewer Olivia caught up with Hilary on STEAM Daydream with National Children’s Museum in the episode “The Magic of Music.” Together, they had a can’t-miss kid-friendly discussion about Hilary’s role as a music programmer, the power of music, and the process of building a playlist. 

Tune into the conversation with Hilary and kid interviewer Olivia, and learn more about the playlist featured in the museum experience on the STEAM Daydream with National Children’s Museum podcast below. And if you’re in the D.C. area, don’t forget to put your dancing shoes on and head over to National Children Museum’s Dance Party Pod experience, presented by Spotify—or follow along from home with our dance party playlist.

‘Spotify: For the Record’ Explores the Art—and Science—of Lullabies

May 7, 2021

What is it about a lullaby that gently nudges a fussy newborn or rambunctious toddler into a slumber? On the latest episode of our podcast, Spotify: For the Record, we’re on a mission to find out.

Sleep playlists on Spotify attract millions of followers, and some of the top lullaby playlists have hundreds of thousands of listeners. In fact, there are almost 1.5 million playlists on Spotify containing a lullaby.

So how does one go about creating the perfect lullaby? In the episode, hear how Swedish artists Mapei and Timbuktu partner up with Grammy Award-winning producer Pontus Winnberg and sleep expert Helena Kubicek Boye to combine music and science for the perfect tune. In our episode, we find that there are four key steps.

How to Share Your Favorite Songs with Your Child Through Shared Playlists on the Spotify Kids App

January 11, 2021

Since we first unveiled the Spotfy Kids app in October 2019 for Spotify Premium Family subscribers, young listeners have been able to explore a playground of sound and begin a lifelong love of music through a standalone app designed just for them. We’ve also been listening to parents during this time and have been committed to providing increased customization within the app. We started by giving parents the ability to block individual songs or audio stories in the app as well as giving them access to their kids’ “Listening History.” Now, we’re making it possible for parents to share the music they love—from the songs they grew up playing to the family’s dance party playlist—and further curate their child’s audio experience with Shared Playlists on Spotify Kids.

Being able to share your love of music with your children may feel as essential as teaching them to ride a bike. Shared Playlists—a highly-requested and pin-protected parental settings feature—lets parents share music playlists they’ve created in their Spotify account directly with their child in Spotify Kids, allowing them to further curate their child’s listening experience.  

We know that parents often have their own views on which content is and is not appropriate for their kids. The Shared Playlists feature gives parents more control, supplementing the growing library of more than 300,000 kid-friendly tracks and 1,300 playlists on Spotify Kids—all handpicked by our experienced team of editors.

Here’s how to share playlists with your little one using the Spotify Kids app:

  1. Create a playlist of your family’s favorite tunes on the Spotify app (or choose one you made in the past). Make sure to review the lyrics, album cover artwork, and any possible explicit tracks (which will be marked with an ‘E’).
  2. If there are individual songs within the playlist you don’t want to share with your kid, remove them from your playlist in the Spotify app. 
  3. Next, head to the parental settings section of the Spotify Kids app and enter your four-digit pin. 
  4. Tap the “Shared Playlists” section in your kids’ profile. Then, you’ll be able to see your Spotify playlists and select the ones you want to share with each child.
  5. The first time you do this, a pop-up screen will appear to confirm that you want to share the playlist. After, the child can access the playlist on their homepage from a new “Shared with You” section.

Note that if you update the playlist in the Spotify app, the playlist in Spotify Kids will be automatically updated too. Plus, you can revisit the PIN-protected parental settings on Spotify Kids at any time to remove a playlist, access your child’s listening history, and block or unblock tracks.

 

Not sure where to begin? Check out some of the top-shared songs in family playlists on Spotify: 

Ready to jump into Spotify Kids? Sign up for Spotify Premium Family and then download the app here.

Here’s What Families Streamed Most in 2020 on Spotify Kids

December 7, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we can’t help but recognize that it was a year unlike any other—especially for families. Remote learning and virtual birthday parties became the new normal as families developed new routines and ways to keep kids engaged. From lullabies for bedtime to beloved film and TV soundtracks for playtime, this year families around the world turned to Spotify Kids, our stand-alone app designed for kids ages 3+ and exclusive to Spotify Premium Family subscribers, for entertainment and even distraction.

For parents, this means reclaiming their own Spotify libraries and all the personalization that they enjoy, while their kids can develop a love for music and stories through an experience that’s meant just for them. This means your end-of-year Wrapped no longer has to include your children’s favorite hits instead of yours.

Today, we’re unveiling for the first time Spotify Kids’ top tracks, artists, and even stories that families have been enjoying the most throughout the year. Here’s what got kids (and their parents) excited to press play:

2020’s top track in the U.S. was Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey.” The love for this catchy, upbeat hit makes sense: a global Spotify survey* revealed that parents said their kids’ favorite genre was pop. Other pop artists also ranked among the top 10 in the U.S., including Dove Cameron from The Descendants (also the top artist in Canada) and JoJo Siwa. The top artist in Sweden this year was Dolly Style, while in New Zealand it was The Wiggles.

When it comes to the top artist in the U.S., that honor goes to KIDZ BOP Kids. “It’s been amazing to see how music has helped bring people together this year,” said the group (Alana, Ayden, Egan, and Layla) when they heard the news. “We’ve loved seeing kids singing and dancing along to their favorite KIDZ BOP songs at home with their families—just like us!”

This year, we also saw movie soundtracks dominate the top spots on Spotify Kids. Here are some of the hits that kids put on repeat in the U.S.:

Parents turned to Spotify Kids for dreamy lullabies to soothe. In our global survey, 44% of U.S. parents said lullabies are a big part of raising their children. It’s no surprise, then, that several of the top Spotify Kids playlists this year focused on relaxing, dreamy tunes. 

But once nap time ends, storytime begins. The Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, LEGO Ninjago, and Peter Pan all came out on top for Spotify Kids listeners—an audience riveted by tales of adventure.  

This year, we updated the amount of content on Spotify Kids to ensure your children aren’t stuck humming the same tune over and over. We now have more than 300,000 kid-friendly tracks and more than 1,300 playlists to accompany moods, moments, activities, and everything in between. 

From pop tunes to bedtime stories, Spotify Kids engaged families in a whole new way this year. Ready for more? Head to the Kids & Family hub to finish this year on a high note.

*Spotify conducted a global online survey among 10,200 music-streaming parents with at least one child under the age of 19 in the household. Responses were collected across 11 key markets in March 2020. 

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

April 3, 2020

Welcome to This Week in Podcasts, where we share what’s new in the podcast world. Here you’ll find a roundup of series debuts, can’t-miss episodes, and so much more—all available to stream on Spotify. Whether you fancy yourself a content connoisseur or an audio amateur, you’re sure to discover something worth listening to. Keep scrolling to check out the latest and greatest in podcasts this week—including Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith, Heavyweight, Kids & Family Podcast Hub.

Spotify Kids Is Now Available in the U.S., Canada, and France

March 31, 2020

Last year, we helped bring families together with Spotify Kids—our stand-alone app in beta  designed specifically for kids ages three and older. The app, which has been exclusive to Spotify Premium Family subscribers in select countries, was developed with safety and privacy in mind. It’s an ad-free experience where young listeners can explore sing-alongs, soundtracks, and stories on their own or with their families. Now, at a time when so many kids are home from school, we’re bringing the experience to even more people as the app rolls out in the U.S., Canada, and France—and we hope parents there will find it useful as well.

This comes off our initial launch of Spotify Kids in beta in Ireland, followed by Sweden, Denmark, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. With more than 125 playlists, Spotify Kids makes it easy for families to listen to their favorite songs and stories while also discovering new ones. Everything on Spotify Kids has been hand selected by our editors, so you can be sure that the content is both kid friendly and—most importantly—fun!

 

We’re constantly working on ways to make the Kids experience even better, and we had the opportunity to take into consideration the ideas and feedback from parents who have already used the app with their kids. So here’s what’s new and launching soon on the app:

More to love

  • In the U.S. and Canada, there are now more than 8,000 songs available in the Kids app—that’s 30% more than when we first launched. And because variety is the spice of life, every day we’re adding more songs in all markets. We’ve also added more audiobooks and stories to the library, including Disney Music Group Stories, fairytales, classics, and short stories. 

Bedtime is even better

  • Parents told us that they love using Kids around bedtime, so we’ve added more lullabies, calming music and sounds, and bedtime stories to help lull your little ones to sleep. Sweet dreams!

A more customized experience

  • Parenting is personal. That’s why we’re working on giving parents more control over what kids can (and can’t) listen to and new features that will allow parents to further customize the experience. In addition, half of the content you’ll find in Kids is based on what’s popular in the country you live in.

Even more educational content

  • There has always been a focus on educational musical content for kids on the app, including a playlist hub called Learning that features songs that teach kids about counting, the ABC’s, science, and more. Recently, we also added a new global playlist with songs to help kids learn general hygiene best practices, like how to wash their hands and cough and sneeze properly into their elbows. This playlist features the newly released song from Pinkfong, “Wash Your Hands with Baby Shark.” Plus, relevant educational content on the app will continue to grow.

We even have some new offerings specifically for our U.S. users. Here are some of the unique features U.S. families can expect:

Diverse content

  • The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, and the music our listeners stream reflects that. So in addition to all the core favorites you’d expect, the U.S. Kids app also includes Spanish-language, country, Christian, Motown, and soul dance party playlists.

Pop culture crazy

  • Just like the main Spotify app, Kids taps into the big cultural moments listeners love. For example, we know that movies and music go hand in hand, which is why you’ll find the Trolls World Tour playlist and an official Frozen playlist featured in the app.

Because two heads are better…

  • We’re working alongside children’s brands like Disney Music Group, KIDZ BOP, and Nickelodeon to create totally unique Spotify Kids content and experiences. Stay tuned: we think you’ll like what you hear.

 

The Spotify Kids app is available exclusively for Spotify Premium Family subscribers at no additional charge and can be downloaded on iOS or Android devices. New Premium subscribers are also eligible for one month free of Premium Family—just visit spotify.com/family.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

March 20, 2020

Welcome to This Week in Podcasts, where we share what’s new in the podcast world. Here you’ll find a roundup of series debuts, can’t-miss episodes, and so much more—all available to stream on Spotify. Whether you fancy yourself a content connoisseur or an audio amateur, you’re sure to discover something worth listening to. Keep scrolling to check out the latest and greatest in podcasts this week—including Story Pirates, Reply All, and Science Vs. 

How the Story Pirates Team Uses Kids’ Imaginations to Create Audio Magic

November 14, 2019

What happens when you take story ideas straight from a child’s imagination and put them in the hands of some equally creative, fun-loving, musically inclined adults? You get Story Pirates—a children’s media company turned podcast with stories by kids, for kids.

According to creative director Lee Overtree and CEO Benjamin Salka (a.k.a. Jamie), Story Pirates started off performing children-inspired musicals in schools and theaters as a live touring group in 2004 and eventually evolved into a radio show, bringing heartwarming and engaging stories to even more listeners. More recently, the company transitioned into a podcast that has spawned several music albums.

So how does it work? Youngsters from all over the world submit their ideas to the Story Pirates website, then the creative team (comprised of world-class actors, comedians, improvisors, and musicians) selects and adapts them into podcast episodes filled with sketch comedy and musical theater. Episodes even have special celebrity guests each week.

Kids (and parents!) love the original songs sprinkled throughout the show. So, to give fans more of what they love, Story Pirates released two albums—Backstroke Raptor and Nothing Is Impossible—which take the best songs and remix them into standalone versions that are easy to find and play in album format on Spotify.

We sat down with Lee and Jamie to talk about what makes the Story Pirates podcast and albums such a beloved phenomenon.

What do you think it is about podcasts that makes them a great storytelling medium for kids?

Lee: Well, audio amplifies imagination, right? It allows the listener to engage in a way that a visual medium doesn’t. You have to be involved, and for kids who are eager to live in a participatory world, a medium like podcasting is very natural for them.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned since embarking on this podcast and album journey?

Jamie: The thing that surprised me most is just how authentically people are responding to what we’re putting out there. Story Pirates has been a slow, steady build—the live show started in 2004. But the last couple of years have been astronomical in terms of the growth. We hear from people who drove eight hours to see us in person or even flew in from Australia. I think it’s because families are responding to what’s different about what we’re doing. I think it feels more playful, more connected, and more joyful than what they expected.

How do you differentiate between the albums and podcast?

Jamie: One of the things people love so much about our podcast is the music. But the podcast runs anywhere between 22 minutes and a half hour, and the songs are wrapped up in the whole show. So if you get obsessed [with a song], you have to rewind and fast-forward to find your favorite part, whereas with the album, you just get right to it.

Lee: The albums that we put out through Gimlet are the best songs from the podcast remixed and remastered. So most of the songs on the album are ones you’ve heard in a different form on the podcast. For example, Lin-Manuel Miranda wasn’t on the podcast version of “The Wizard Who Could Just Go Poof,” but he was on the album version.

Speaking of Lin-Manuel, who are some of the other guests that you’ve had on the show, and who are your favorites that you’ve worked with so far?

Lee: We’ve been really lucky, and it’s sort of gone from us reaching out to our contacts in the comedy community to people reaching out to ask to be on the show because their kids listen. We’ve had lots of great people, like John Oliver, Claire Danes, Dax Shephard, and David Schwimmer. And we have some more really exciting guests coming soon.