Maka Streaming Platform Launches to Counter AI Slop in Kids' Content
Today marks the debut of Maka, a subscription-based streaming service designed for children from birth to age 6. The platform features 25 programs, such as Franklin, The Wiggles, Pocoyo, Vida the Vet, and Sesame Street. Co-founded by CEO Isabel Sheinman and Chief Product Officer Tanyella Leta, Maka provides an ad-free experience with no autoplay and algorithms that prioritize quality over watch time, available for $15 per month or $107 per year. Each episode is assessed by child development specialists through Imprint, created in collaboration with the Yale Child Study Center. This launch responds to concerns over AI-generated content on YouTube, where 75% of videos for young children lack educational merit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against AI content, stressing the importance of quality and co-viewing. Maka also features a timer set by parents and a character named Scoot.
Key facts
- Maka launched today as a subscription streaming app for kids aged 0 to 6.
- The platform offers 25 shows, including Franklin, The Wiggles, Pocoyo, Vida the Vet, and Sesame Street.
- It has zero ads, no autoplay, no endless scrolling, and algorithms that do not maximize watch time.
- Subscription costs $15 per month or $107 per year.
- Every episode is evaluated by child development experts via the Imprint framework, created with Yale Child Study Center researchers.
- A 2020 Common Sense Media study found 75 percent of YouTube videos watched by young kids had weak or no educational value.
- In April, Fairplay and over 200 organizations asked YouTube to address AI videos harming children's development.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics updated guidance this year to urge children to avoid AI-generated content, AI chatbots, short-form videos, and clickbait.
Entities
Artists
- Tanyella Leta
- Isabel Sheinman
- Michael Robb
- Tiffany Munzer
- Yalda Uhls
- Fred Rogers
Institutions
- Maka
- YouTube
- YouTube Kids
- WIRED
- Yale Child Study Center
- Common Sense Media
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- University of Michigan
- Fairplay
- Sony
- MGM
- UCLA
Locations
- United States