Tag: kidz bop

Celebrating Central Park With Spotify and KIDZ BOP

May 25, 2023

Photo credit: BFA/Darian DiCianno/Deonte Lee/Matteo Prandoni

New York City residents and visitors alike have made countless memories in each of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. While climbing the Egypt-themed jungle gym near the Met or swinging to the sound of hooting monkeys near the zoo, anyone can delight in the beauty and magic of the park, and kids can do what they do best: play. 

Keeping the playgrounds clean and safe is an important task, one that the Central Park Conservancy’s Playground Partners takes on with pride. Yesterday, the Playground Partners hosted their Annual Family Party at Heckscher Playground, the largest in the park. Kids and families flocked to games, sports, a magic show, arts and crafts, and much more. And since you can’t have a party without great music, Spotify was in attendance as the Family Party Main Stage Sponsor to entertain the next generation of listeners and their families.  

The family-friendly musical performances included a DJ set from 14-year-old Annie Red, the award-winning resident DJ for the Brooklyn Nets. PAW Patrol’s Skye and Rubble were on a roll leading the “Pup Pup Boogie” and a PAWsome game of freeze dance. 

KIDZ BOP, the most popular artist on Spotify for families, headlined. Since 2002, KIDZ BOP has recorded kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids. 

“KIDZ BOP has been an established brand that families love for years—before Spotify even existed!” noted Dustee Jenkins, Head of Public Affairs at Spotify. “Even putting on this event, many of our employees who are twenty- and thirtysomething have been so excited about partnering with them because it’s the music they grew up on. Today, KIDZ BOP is the most popular music on Spotify for families.” 

Annual Family Party Co-Chairs Sarah Johnson, Dustee Jenkins, Paige Betz, Sugie Hong Bruttomesso, and Sayuri Ganepola-Kaczynski

“I think KIDZ BOP is such a fantastic example of a group embracing streaming to meet their audiences where they are,” said Dustee. “But I also see it as a reflection of Spotify’s ability to cater to a wide-ranging audience and be a platform that they can grow up on. Music is such a powerful means of connection, especially for young families, where we’ve seen Spotify become a natural fixture in car rides and birthday parties, but also in education and generational connection.” 

The KIDZ BOP Kids Live Tour is the first concert experience for many. The group’s most-streamed song on Spotify is “Shake It Off,” followed by “Uptown Funk.” Another popular track is “Dance Monkey,” which the group performed live along with “Never Stop,” “About That Time,” “Good 4 U,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “Break My Soul,” and “Made You Look.” 

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. 

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.

Here’s What Parents Around the World Have Been Playing for Their Kids at Home

March 27, 2020

With schools and workplaces closed around the world, parents are facing a new challenge: getting work done while keeping their kids safe and entertained—and maybe even helping them learn something. Many are turning to Spotify for all things audio, whether that be soothing songs or suspenseful stories to stream for their little ones.

We took a look at music and podcasts streaming around the world for the week of March 17–23, when many adults and children stayed home. We found that parents have been playing everything from lullabies to help their children sleep to podcasts that spark curiosity.

Read on for audio inspiration—as well as some of our own recommendations for out-of-the-[boom]-box entertainment ideas.

Music for every moment

For the most part, parents have been turning to music to help keep their children calm and put them to sleep—and maybe even get themselves down for a nap as well! Rest-related playlists like Baby Sleep, Music Box Lullabies, and Baby Sleep Aid: Rain Sounds are some of the top-streamed Kids & Family playlists globally. In Germany, Disney zum Mitsingen is high in the rankings, and in France, Comptines & Chansons scores as well. Additionally, Disney Favorites, universal to families around the world, is a top choice.

It’s clear that soothing sounds for sleep win among parents, but families are filling waking hours with plenty of music too. Soundtracks like High School Musical and Frozen 2, as well as Disney Sing-Alongs, have seen an increase in streams compared to a week prior. Older kids are likely enjoying Kidz Bop’s takes on recent pop songs, with “Old Town Road,” “Señorita,” and “Dance Monkey” being streamed the most. 

Of course, your children may also enjoy non-kid-specific playlists—we know, it’s a surprise to us too. Take this opportunity to have them experience the magic (and sometimes silliness) that are The Beatles and Queen with our This Is The Beatles and This Is Queen playlists.

If excess screen time is something you’re trying to avoid, introduce kids to the best music from beloved shows, including Peppa Pig and Sesame Street. Or, play some of the best Movie Theme Songs for Kids and ask them to act out the action and adventure themselves. Finally, if they need to blow off some steam, try Hip-Hopscotch and Reggae Recess on for size.

Podcasts for playtime

Podcasts aren’t just for parents—there are plenty of specially made shows for kids, with storytelling and child-like curiosity in mind. Looking for an age-appropriate podcast for your child? Below are a few recommendations for shows for kids, arranged by age.

Story Pirates (Ages 3+)

The Story Pirates—an especially popular pick for listeners in the past week—aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold, pillage villages, or claim land; they’re searching for a different kind of treasure: kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. Each week, the crew aboard the Story Pirates’ ship—including world-class actors, comedians, improvisers, and musicians—takes original stories from real kids around the country and turns them into a wildly funny comedy podcast for kids.

Chompers (Ages 3-7)

Make tooth time easy with this morning and night tooth-brushing show for kids. Kids will hear jokes, riddles, stories, fun facts, silly songs, and more that’ll keep them giggling while they brush for the full two minutes that dentists recommend. To help your family build good brushing habits—something that is especially important as dentist trips in the near future may be limited—Chompers counts the times you brush and celebrates your streaks.

Every Little Thing (Ranges by episode, 7+)

Who invented pants? How did “pink for girls” and “blue for boys” happen? What do dogs say when they bark? Every Little Thing is here to answer your kids’ (and your own) burning questions. Recent episodes include “Is It Weird to Be Nice to Alexa?,” “Symphony Secrets: Dirt from the Pit,” and “Anesthesia and a Mysterious Chili Cheese Fry Craving.”

The Two Princes (Preteens and teens)

Another top podcast from the past week: The Two Princes. When Prince Rupert sets out to break the mysterious curse that’s destroying his kingdom, he’s ready to face whatever dastardly villain or vile monster stands in his way. What he isn’t prepared for are the bewildering new emotions he feels when he meets the handsome Amir, a rival prince on a quest to save his own realm. Forced to team up, the two princes soon discover that the only thing more difficult than saving their kingdoms is following their hearts. Plus, there are even more adventures in Season 2.

For more content for kids, head to the Kids & Family hub.

Five Ways Music Can Help You Keep the Kids Entertained this Winter

January 15, 2019

If you’re a parent in the grips of cold winter weather, you may be feeling the strain of keeping kids happy, especially when they’re forced to be inside. But there’s no need to pull your hair out just yet—here are five ideas for using music to keep kids entertained when they’re feeling cooped up:

Make a Playlist (or ten)!

From as young as age one, kids tend to be exposed to popular music in some form or another, whether through lively Kidz Bop covers, TV shows, viral videos, or what their parents are listening to. And it doesn’t take long for your little ones to figure out—and express—what they like and don’t like. Building a playlist with your kids is not only a great way to keep up with what they’re into, but it also lets them know that their preferences count. Make an afternoon of creating multiple playlists to suit different occasions—commuting to school, baking, tidying up, dancing, homework—and let your kids drive the song choices.

You may need to dip into various playlists to throw out recommendations and help guide them, and be sure to include your own song picks, especially if the playlist will be streamed for everyone in the household. This is a great way to subtly teach your kids about songs or artists that are iconic or matter to you. Don’t underestimate even the youngest of kids; The Beatles’ “Blackbird” can be interesting to a four-year-old.

Make a Musical

Bring out the budding Andrew Lloyd Webbers and Lin-Manuel Mirandas in your household by having the kids come up with their own musical. Select a group of songs the kids can link together by acting out a scene or two in between tracks.

If your kids have seen Moana twenty-eight times and love it, maybe they’d love to recreate the movie by following the film’s soundtrack (incidentally, the most-streamed songs in Spotify’s popular Disney Hits playlist are Moana songs “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go.”) (Tip: Dining chairs pushed together make a great boat.) But it doesn’t have to be a familiar plot; you can also choose four to five random, unrelated songs and challenge them to stitch the tracks together.

Raid the Kitchen; Make Some Noise

We admit this is a noisy one, but it’s fun. Dig out kitchen objects that could work as percussive instruments: pots and pans and wooden spoons, a sealed container filled with rice … you get the idea. Have the kids play around with the different sounds they can make— beating an overturned wooden salad bowl like a bongo is a good one—and when they have the idea, encourage them to play their kitchen instruments along to music. Lean on instrumental pieces for this one: There’s some great African drum music for inspiration, and a track like “Sing, Sing, Sing” from legendary bandleader Benny Goodman is on point. Not only does this (sometimes deafening!) activity help kids identify rhythm and beat, it gives them a sense of what it’s like to actually make music rather than just listen to it.

Paint by Music

Music gets the creative juices flowing, as does painting. So why not pair the two art forms together? Set up a dedicated area and have the kids expressively paint to music. Whether finger painting, splattering Jackson Pollock-style or using a good, old-fashioned paintbrush, let the tunes act as a guide to inform and inspire your kids’ artwork. And if your place winds up looking like a musical festival rolled into town, turn to the “Cleanup Song” to encourage the kids to help tidy up. (Good luck!)   

Throw a Dance Party

Little kids love to dance, so get them to work off some energy or get “the sillies” out with a dance party at home. Start by setting up: move the coffee table out of the way for more space, and set up a snack area. Maybe the kids could even make posters revealing the name or theme of the party, as well as invitations for friends and neighbors. Dress up! Work together on what music everyone will boogie to by making a dance-themed playlist, then crank it. For inspo: The most popular Kidz Bop songs on Spotify are “Shake It Off,” “Uptown Funk,” and “Havana”—all good songs to move to. Playing freeze dance is always a great way to keep kids on their toes. You could also deejay and take song requests from everyone to keep them engaged.

Ready to get started? Check out Spotify’s Sing Along playlist for some kid-friendly tunes that’ll have your little ones belting out in no time.