Let’s be real: the world of kids’ animation has hit a major turning point, and if you’re a screenwriter or animator—especially from a marginalized community—you’ve probably felt it.
Once packed with huge opportunities from giants like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Netflix, the industry is now seeing big-budget cuts, with doors closing on pitches faster than ever.
But here’s the inspiring flip side: independent creators are rewriting the rules, turning YouTube into a major player for kids’ animation, and doing it all without traditional industry gatekeepers. You could be next.
Why Traditional Animation Opportunities Are Drying Up
Let’s break it down:
Disney’s Budget Cuts
Disney, the entertainment giant, spent around $33 billion on content in fiscal 2022. But by fiscal 2023, they trimmed that down to about $27 billion, with plans to reduce it further to $25 billion by the end of 2024. This tightening of the purse strings means fewer chances for fresh and diverse animation projects to get the green light.
Netflix’s Spending Freeze
Netflix hit a bump in the road with a subscriber loss in Q2 2022, leading them to rethink their spending habits. In 2023, they spent approximately $13 billion on content, influenced by industry strikes, and projections suggest that spending may stabilize around $17 billion by 2024.
This cautious approach means fewer new projects across all genres, including the animated ones we love.
The Ripple Effect on Creators
With these budget cuts, even top-tier animation pros are finding it tough to land steady gigs. And for newcomers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, breaking into the industry feels like an uphill battle. The focus on tried-and-true franchises and cost-effective productions is squeezing out room for innovative and diverse stories.
In a nutshell, as big players like Disney and Netflix tighten their belts, the animation world is feeling the squeeze, making it harder for new and unique projects to see the light of day.
Why YouTube is Your New Best Friend
YouTube has become a powerhouse for kids’ animation content. According to a report from United Talent Agency, the top 10 kids’ channels on YouTube saw a 15% increase in viewership during the first half of 2022, now it’s even higher.
This surge indicates a significant shift in how audiences consume animated content, presenting a valuable opportunity for creators.
Unlike traditional studios that often require lengthy approval processes, YouTube empowers creators to develop and share their content directly with viewers. This platform offers unparalleled creative freedom, allowing animators to build their shows, introduce new characters, and engage with audiences on their own terms. For many, YouTube represents a more accessible and flexible avenue to showcase their work without the constraints typically associated with traditional animation studios.
In 2024, YouTube is still the go-to spot for kids’ animation. “Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes” is leading the charge with 178 million subscribers, and “Kids Diana Show” isn’t far behind with about 123 million.
These massive numbers show just how crucial YouTube is for reaching young viewers.
What’s great about YouTube is that it lets creators skip the usual studio red tape. Animators can craft and share their stories directly with fans, bringing fresh ideas and characters to life without any gatekeepers. This setup means more diverse and exciting content for everyone.
Plus, YouTube’s money-making options, like ad revenue sharing and channel memberships, give creators solid ways to earn a living. This support makes it easier for both new and seasoned animators to keep creating and connecting with audiences around the world.
From Zero to Animation Empire: Your Roadmap Begins
Discover how everyday creators turned Hollywood rejection into million-dollar YouTube channels. We’ll reveal the secret sauce of animation rebels who built empires from their laptops—no studio backing required.
Want to know how Cocomelon-level success stories started? We’re pulling back the curtain on their journey from bedroom studios to streaming deals. You’ll learn how to:
Build a loyal fanbase that pays you directly
Partner with top indie animators worldwide
Create stunning animation from just your phone
Protect your intellectual property like a pro
Leverage AI tools to speed up production (while keeping full ownership)
The gatekeepers are gone. The tools are in your hands. And in our next segment, we’re revealing the exact blueprint that transformed rejected pitches into YouTube gold mines.
The animation revolution doesn’t wait for permission. It starts with you.
