Ms. Rachel’s moving to Netflix. The YouTube star toddlers love is part of a revolution in kids’ TV

Move over Hollywood flicks and sitcom faves, there’s a new player in the world of streaming and she’s bringing her trademark overalls and pink headband. Children’s YouTube star Ms. Rachel has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Netflix. Beginning on January 27, the streaming giant will debut a four-part series featuring the beloved content creator. The initial four episodes will feature a “curated compilation” of Ms. Rachel’s most popular YouTube videos, with more episodes set to be released throughout the year.

With a whopping 13 million subscribers, Ms. Rachel, also known as Rachel Accurso, has captured the hearts of toddlers and preschoolers around the world. A former preschool music teacher, Ms. Rachel connects with her young audience through catchy songs, entertaining skits, and lovable puppets. Her collaboration with Netflix is just the latest example of independent YouTubers making waves in the children’s media landscape.

Josh Grimley, the co-creator of The Singing Walrus, an animated YouTube channel featuring music for children, lauds the accessibility of the platform for creators like himself. He emphasizes the creative freedom and ownership that independent creators enjoy on YouTube, allowing them to bring their unique vision to life without external interference.

Alyson Court, best known for her role as Loonette the Clown on the Canadian children’s series The Big Comfy Couch, highlights the opportunities that platforms like YouTube offer to independent creators. She notes that once creators have built a loyal audience, they can explore collaborations with broadcasters or streaming services, trading some creative freedom for the security of a larger platform.

Reb Stevenson, the co-creator of the popular YouTube channel Pancake Manor, echoes the sentiment of wanting to expand beyond YouTube. With aspirations to land on a streaming service or traditional broadcaster, Stevenson and her partner Billy Reid aim to reach a broader audience while maintaining their creative integrity.

The trend of YouTubers transitioning to streaming platforms reflects a desire for greater reach and resources. Grimley and Oh from The Singing Walrus express their interest in collaborating on larger productions, while Court sees Ms. Rachel’s Netflix deal as a positive sign for independent creators seeking broader recognition.

Blippi, another children’s content creator with a massive following, has successfully made the leap to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The evolution of Blippi’s content demonstrates the potential for YouTube creators to expand their reach and diversify their offerings on streaming services.

While YouTube provides creators with unparalleled creative freedom, Kim Wilson from the Children’s Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University raises concerns about the quality of content produced for children. Wilson emphasizes the rigorous research and expert input that traditional children’s shows receive, contrasting it with the more informal support available to YouTubers.

As Ms. Rachel embarks on her Netflix journey, the future of her content remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear – she remains committed to her loyal fan base on YouTube. Court emphasizes the importance of considering how audiences consume content and the financial constraints that parents face when choosing streaming services for their children.

In a rapidly evolving media landscape, the partnership between Ms. Rachel and Netflix represents a new chapter in the world of children’s entertainment. With independent creators like Ms. Rachel and Blippi making waves on streaming platforms, the future of children’s media looks bright and full of possibilities.