Licensing agency will bring the stop-motion toy brand into categories such as publishing, apparel, home décor and more.

Zing has appointed The Joester Loria Group to serve as the exclusive licensing agent for its stop-motion animated toy brand Stikbot in the U.S. and Canada.

Through the partnership, JLG will create a licensing and merchandising program that extends Stikbot and storylines from Stikbot animations into categories such as remote control vehicles and “take along” Stikbot characters. The licensing program will also include graphic novels, audio and electronic accessories, apparel, home décor, costumes and snacks.

“We are delighted to partner with Zing in extending the Stikbot brand,” says Debra Joester, president, JLG. “The Stikbot fan base of makers and loyal viewers is a testament to the extraordinary appeal of the property and the dynamic content that Zing posts weekly.  We are excited to bring new ways to experience Stikbot to this growing community of fans.”

Launched in 2015, the Stikbot brand currently boasts nearly 600,000 subscribers on YouTube and drove 1 billion impressions last year, according to Zing.

“With over 100,000 fan-made Stikbot animations uploaded to social media, Stikbot boasts one of the most engaged community of ‘makers’ and online fans,” says Josh Loerzel, vice president, sales and marketing, Zing. “This brand resonates with what kids are doing now and how they’re communicating with each other on social media. With JLG’s experience, we’re looking forward to introducing cool new product extensions to Stikbot fans and customers next year.”