Audio platform introduces kids to popular music
Yoto, the audio platform for kids behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning screen-free Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, is thrilled to announce an industry first agreement with Universal Music Group to bring iconic music titles and artists from its labels and catalogues, alongside contemporary frontline hits to the platform for the first time. The new distribution partnership will improve the opportunities for children to experience and interact with music and artistry from an early age, fostering true independence putting children as young as three in control of exploring their favorite music.
Yoto has been making waves in the audio industry since 2020. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, Yoto is the brainchild of digital music pioneers Ben Drury and Filip Denker, who created a device that enables young children to access the best kids’ audio, without being exposed to adverts, unsuitable content or racking up too much screen time. Yoto provides children with fun and educational audio content with a library of over one thousand audiobooks, activities and music that enhance development and spark curiosity.
“Research consistently shows that music plays a crucial role in a child’s development, stimulating their creativity, enhancing cognitive abilities, teaching language and creating social bonds,” shares Yoto Co-Founder and CEO Ben Drury. “This new partnership with Universal Music Group helps up access their extraordinary catalogue so we can now offer kids an even richer and more diverse audio experience. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire children through the power of audio, and we can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces and watch kitchen dance floors fill up as Yoto families explore the magic of music.”
“We’re delighted to bring UMG’s unparalleled roster of artists and labels to Yoto’s growing global audience of kids and family listeners for the first time,” adds Andrew Kronfeld, Executive Vice President, International and Label & Artist Ventures at Universal Music Group.
Available worldwide with major markets in the UK, France and North America, Yoto launched Yoto Player 3rd Generation in June 2023. The new-and-improved model of Yoto’s award-winning audio player retains all the features that families love but boasts improved immersive stereo sound which makes it the perfect kids player for the world’s best music.
Yoto and UMG’s new partnership kicks off this month with the launch of the UK’s best-selling album of all time, Queen’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 becoming available as a Yoto Card and will be followed in the coming months by releases from some of the world’s most beloved and respected artists and labels including: Bob Marley & the Wailers and partner labels including Motown Records & Disney Music Group, as well as the first contemporary compilation of current hits for the platform with many more releases to be announced in the coming months.
The cards will be available on Yoto webstores in the US, UK, Canada and Europe alongside Yoto Amazon stores in US, UK and Canada and also via the Queen store at queenonline.com.
