In an era where streaming platforms are becoming increasingly competitive, pocket.watch, a leading distributor of children's programming, is making significant strides by expanding its creator-based content to premium services like Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Kids+. Founded in 2018 by Chris Williams, the company has established itself as a powerhouse with over 53 creator brands reaching 1.2 billion subscribers and generating 855 billion lifetime views. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for pocket.watch as it leverages its vast network of popular creators to tap into new audiences on premium platforms.
In the vibrant world of digital media, pocket.watch has been diligently working to bring its robust library of creator-driven content to premium streaming services. The company, led by CEO Chris Williams, who previously held executive positions at Disney and co-founded Maker Studios, has seen remarkable success since its inception in 2018. With a portfolio of 53 creator brands, pocket.watch has amassed an impressive audience base of 1.2 billion subscribers and garnered 855 billion lifetime views.
Recently, pocket.watch has intensified its presence on platforms such as Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Kids+. Notably, Hulu, now integrated into Disney+, has nearly doubled its collection of pocket.watch titles since 2023, adding six new shows in early February. These include engaging titles like "Diana’s Popstar Princess Adventure!" and "Daniel LaBelle: Full Body Funny." Similarly, Peacock has witnessed a fivefold increase in watch time compared to the previous year, while Amazon Kids+ has premiered content from "Love, Diana," opening up a substantial new platform with over 10 million subscribers.
The company's strategy revolves around transforming high-quality, kid-safe, and enriching content for premium services. David B. Williams, SVP/GM Channels at pocket.watch, emphasizes the significance of this audience segment. "Kids and families drive engagement, subscriber growth, and retention more powerfully than any other content type," he notes. Pocket.watch ensures rigorous vetting processes to maintain safety standards, focusing primarily on YouTube due to its accommodations for under-13 audiences.
Despite concerns about inappropriate content online, pocket.watch remains committed to providing safe and engaging experiences. "We have stringent measures to ensure all content meets the highest safety standards for kids," says Chris Williams. Additionally, the company uses platforms like TikTok and Reels mainly for promotional purposes, targeting parents rather than children, adhering to legal guidelines.
The company's collaboration with major partners like Paramount Pictures exemplifies its growing influence. Ryan’s World, one of its most popular channels with 38.7 million subscribers, even ventured into feature films last summer. This expansion underscores pocket.watch's ability to bridge traditional media with the streaming age, ensuring continued trust from reputable partners.
From a broader perspective, the leadership team's deep experience in kids' programming, including Albie Hecht's influential role at Nickelodeon, positions pocket.watch to navigate the evolving media landscape successfully. As they continue to expand, pocket.watch aims to remain a trusted source of engaging, safe, and high-quality content for young audiences.
This strategic move by pocket.watch not only diversifies its distribution channels but also highlights the growing importance of creator content in the streaming era. For both creators and viewers, this expansion means more opportunities and richer experiences. It demonstrates that with careful curation and strong partnerships, content designed for kids can thrive in premium environments, setting new standards for family entertainment.
An 18-year-old individual from Miami-Dade County has been apprehended in connection with a daring vehicle theft that occurred last month. The incident, which involved two young children and a significant cargo of smartphones, sparked a widespread search effort. Authorities successfully recovered the stolen vehicle and reunited the children with their mother, though the valuable shipment was not found. Surveillance footage and GPS tracking played crucial roles in identifying and locating the suspect.
A series of unfortunate events led to the arrest of Jorge Casola-Martinez on charges related to a high-profile vehicle theft. On January 22nd, the victim had just collected an important shipment and momentarily left her vehicle unattended outside a cargo facility. Within moments, Casola-Martinez seized the opportunity, driving off with the car and its young occupants. Despite the alarming situation, both children were safely recovered shortly after the theft. However, the package of iPhones worth nearly $78,000 went missing.
Detailed investigation revealed that a silver Hyundai Palisade was closely following the victim’s vehicle prior to the theft. Surveillance cameras captured this vehicle pulling up beside the Mitsubishi Outlander just before the incident. Witnesses observed Casola-Martinez exiting the rear passenger side of the Hyundai and quickly taking control of the victim's car. Investigators traced the rental agreement of the Hyundai back to Casola-Martinez, who used his own credit card for the booking. GPS data confirmed the presence of the rental vehicle at all critical locations associated with the crime.
Local law enforcement agencies acted swiftly following the theft, issuing alerts and conducting a thorough search. Officers from the Virginia Gardens Police Department located the abandoned SUV within a mile of the crime scene. Both children were found safe inside the vehicle and promptly returned to their mother. Despite recovering the vehicle, the expensive shipment remained missing. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of securing vehicles, especially when children are present.
On February 3rd, during an unrelated auto theft investigation, detectives spotted Casola-Martinez driving another vehicle. After a routine traffic stop, he was arrested without resistance. A subsequent search of his car uncovered items matching those seen in surveillance footage from the day of the theft. Upon questioning, Casola-Martinez admitted to his involvement in the crime. He now faces multiple serious charges including kidnapping and grand theft. Authorities urge anyone with further information to come forward, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to community safety.