Kids

UK-based kids and teens IP studio 8 Lions Entertainment has entered into a YouTube distribution services agreement with South Korean global content company SAMG Entertainment, the studio behind internationally recognised animated properties "Catch! Teenieping", "Miniforce", and "Metal Cardbot."

As part of the deal, 8 Lions will oversee the management and monetisation of a slate of SAMG Entertainment’s flagship animated franchises on YouTube worldwide. The strategy will be driven by data-led digital distribution, with the aim of accelerating audience growth, deepening fan engagement and supporting the long-term development of each franchise.

The agreement sees 8 Lions taking charge of YouTube channel management, audience analytics, optimisation and monetisation across SAMG’s portfolio. The collaboration also includes the creation of new compilations and short-form packages tailored to audience behaviour and platform performance insights.

“We’re seeing a growing global appetite for Asian characters and storytelling driven by kids and teenagers, particularly from Southeast and East Asia. Audiences are seeking diverse characters, stories and animation styles.” said Jiella Esmat, Founder and CEO of 8 Lions. “YouTube is playing a central role in that shift. We see strong potential in expanding Asian-origin or inspired IPs on the platform using a data-led cross-platform distribution strategy that helps our partner brands travel internationally and connect with new audiences at scale and speed.”

A SAMG Entertainment representative said, “We see YouTube as a critical platform for building long-term engagement with global audiences” adding “Working with 8 Lions allows us to apply a
focused, data-informed distribution strategy to our brands as we expand their international reach.”

Among the properties included in the agreement, "Catch! Teenieping" stands out as one of SAMG Entertainment’s flagship IPs, built around multi-season storytelling that blends fantasy, friendship and adventure, and has resonated strongly with preschool and school-age audiences. The franchise has generated significant digital viewership and expanded through cross-platform distribution and character-led merchandising.

"Miniforce", which centers on a team of heroic animal agents working together to protect peace, has also achieved broad international reach. The series boasts a strong YouTube subscriber base and a steadily expanding global fan community.

Meanwhile, "Metal Cardbot" continues to gain momentum as a fast-growing action-adventure series following intergalactic robots disguised as cards. The franchise has attracted both primary school viewers and ‘kidult’ collectors, drawn by its collectible components, intricate robot mechanics and high-quality CGI animation.