iHeartMedia announced the launch of a new standalone app called iHeartRadio Family. This new property targets families with children aged 4 to 11, with kid-friendly music from today’s pop performers and from the stars of shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, and PBS. This app also has a colorful and easy-to-use interface that kids can engage with. iHeartMedia partnered on this project with Build-A-Bear Workshop, a well-known children’s toy brand that will host its own branded radio station on the app. The program was the result of a hackathon hosted by iHeartRadio that identified kids and families as an audience niche. iHeartRadio Family is available for free on the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon Appstore.
“We know music is already a big part of family life, so we’ve hand selected the music and stations we know kids will love and put it all in one app designed for kids,” said Chris Williams, iHeartRadio’s chief product officer.
Separate music features for children have become increasingly popular. Rhapsody added a Kids section to its mobile app, and the BBC’s digital roadmap included some plans for child-focused content.