Yoto Announces Universal Music Group Partnership

Yoto has announced an agreement with Universal Music Group to bring music titles and artists from its labels and catalogs, alongside contemporary frontline hits, to the platform for the first time.

The new distribution partnership will improve the opportunities for children to experience and interact with music and artists from an early age, fostering independence and putting children as young as three in control of exploring their favorite music.

The partnership kicks off this month with the launch of the U.K.’s best-selling album of all time, “Queen’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1,” becoming available as a Yoto Card and will be followed in the coming months by releases from artists and labels, including Bob Marley & the Wailers and partner labels, including Motown Records and Disney Music Group, as well as the first contemporary compilation of current hits for the platform with many more releases to be announced in the coming months.

The cards will be available on Yoto webstores in the U.S., U.K., Canada and EU alongside Yoto Amazon stores in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada and also via the Queen store at Queenonline.com.

“Research consistently shows that music plays a crucial role in a child’s development, stimulating their creativity, enhancing cognitive abilities, teaching language and creating social bonds,” says Ben Drury, co-founder, chief executive officer, Yoto. “This new partnership with Universal Music Group helps up access their extraordinary catalog so we can now offer kids an even richer and more diverse audio experience. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire children through the power of audio, and we can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces and watch kitchen dance floors fill up as Yoto families explore the magic of music.”

“With Universal Music Group on board, Yoto is poised to take its musical offerings to a whole new level,” says Dom Hodge, head, music and sound, Yoto. “We are thrilled that by joining forces with the world’s largest music group, kids across the globe will be in control of experiencing the songs from the world’s best artists at the twist of a button. This partnership allows us to curate exceptional music content tailored specifically for young audiences, helping create the next generation of music lovers.”

“By collaborating with Yoto, we offer a great new opportunity to introduce children to music that has influenced and shaped fans around the world,” says Bruce Resnikoff, president, chief executive officer, Universal Music Group. “Music is an intrinsic part of people’s lives and it’s a great introduction to the most iconic artists in music history.”