The Enduring Appeal of Super Simple Learning: A History of Simplicity and Success
Super Simple Learning has become a household name for parents and educators seeking engaging and effective learning resources for young children. But the story of Super Simple is more than just catchy tunes and colorful animations; it's a tale of innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to making learning accessible and fun.
The Genesis: From Classroom to YouTube
The seeds of Super Simple were sown in Japan, where two English teachers, Devon Thagard and Troy McDonald, observed a common challenge in their preschool ESL classrooms. Existing children's songs were often too fast and complex for their young students to grasp. Recognizing this need, they embarked on a mission to create their own original and simplified versions of classic songs. Their creations were paced just right and easy to learn through gestures and movement. The approach worked wonders, laying the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon.
Early Days and Organic Growth
Super Simple Songs officially began in September 8, 2006. Initially, the founders created their own songs in place of children's songs that were too complex and difficult to be used in teaching. After increasing in popularity from other teachers, they released their first CD. At some point, Super Simple Songs began uploading videos to YouTube. They originally uploaded videos of teaching tips for teachers on how to use their songs in the classroom.
In 2006, Thagard and McDonald co-founded the Super Simple Songs brand and began posting videos on YouTube. Four years later, in 2010, they started monetizing their content, marking a significant step in the company's evolution.
A Philosophy of Simplicity
The core philosophy of Super Simple Learning revolves around the idea that learning should be "super simple." Their songs and shows are intentionally designed to be clear, well-paced, and fun, ensuring an engaging learning experience for children. This commitment to simplicity is not just an aesthetic choice; it's a pedagogical one, aimed at maximizing learning outcomes for young audiences.
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YouTube Success and Global Reach
Super Simple Songs quickly gained traction on YouTube, becoming a hit with youngsters, their teachers, and parents alike. Teachers embraced it as an educational resource and a curriculum supplement. The channel's popularity soared, with new videos commonly racking up millions of views. As of now, Super Simple has over 12 billion views and 13+ million subscribers on YouTube.
The company was in at the ground floor of what today is referred to as the ‘creator economy.’ Skyship’s strategy has evolved over the past eight years. In 2016, it was focused solely on producing, releasing and monetising its YouTube videos.
Skyship Entertainment: The Powerhouse Behind the Brand
Skyship Entertainment, a Toronto-based family entertainment company, is the driving force behind Super Simple Learning. With a decade of experience, Skyship develops, produces, distributes, and licenses content for the global market. Their artist-driven studio utilizes a range of animation techniques, including 2D/3D animation, stop motion, live action, and puppetry, to create characters and content that resonate with children, parents, and teachers worldwide.
Morghan Fortier, CEO of Skyship Entertainment, emphasizes the company's dedication to making learning and teaching simple and fun. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of Super Simple's content, from the catchy songs to the engaging animations.
Financial Independence and Creative Control
Skyship Entertainment operates on a self-financed model, without outside loans or external financing. This independence allows the company to retain 100% ownership of its intellectual property (IP) and maintain creative control over its content. Fortier explains that this approach enables Skyship to build out its model without being burdened by distribution requirements or restrictions.
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Driven by revenue generated from YouTube, Fortier said Skyship is “more of an entertainment company today than we were in 2016,” but the foundations of the company remain very similar to eight years ago. “We are, at our heart, a production company. If you walk through the doors of our offices, there’s animators, designers, board artists.
Expanding Beyond YouTube: Diversification and Innovation
While YouTube remains a central platform for Super Simple Learning, Skyship Entertainment has been exploring other avenues to expand its reach and impact. Given that music is the foundation of everything it does, it is also investing in live touring and consumer products.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Super Simple has also engaged in exciting collaborations with other prominent figures in children's entertainment. A notable example is the collaboration between Super Simple and The Wiggles, Australia's award-winning children's entertainment superstars. This collaboration featured guest appearances, contests, a special playlist of The Wiggles and Super Simple Songs, and the release of a new tune, "The Toilet Song," sung by The Wiggles with animation by Skyship Entertainment.
Mobile Applications
Super Simple Learning has also ventured into the realm of mobile applications, offering interactive learning experiences for preschoolers. These apps, such as Super Simple Learning is a mobile application that helps preschoolers to learn and practice basic education, feature a variety of activities designed to reinforce basic education concepts.
Data-Driven Insights and Adaptability
Skyship Entertainment understands the importance of data in informing its business decisions and strategic direction. By analyzing data gleaned from YouTube, the company gains valuable insights into what resonates with its audience. However, Fortier emphasizes that ultimately, the success of a show or brand comes down to its ability to connect with viewers.
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The model the company has built also doesn’t preclude it from pursuing traditional network or streamer commissions, she noted. “It’s not an either/or model,” Fortier claimed.
The Super Simple App: Interactive Learning on the Go
Super Simple also offers a mobile application designed to help preschoolers learn and practice basic education. This app features a range of activities, including counting bubbles, running Carl’s Car Wash, playing sports, collecting food for a picnic, and matching pictures. The app is designed to be easy for little ones to navigate and provides an ad-free learning environment.
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