Story button, a new audio player for kids, aims to be the perfect alternative to devices pitched to kids 12 and under. Created by kid-friendly podcaster Jim Jacob (“Mr. Jim“), Storybutton wants to improve the way kids listen by taking the podcast experience from phones and tablets.
The Storybutton costs $99.99 and has an easy-to-use design with an internal rechargeable battery that lasts about a day, and a headphone jack so kids can listen quietly throughout the house. The device comes in three styles: green/black, purple, and white. Wi-Fi connection required.
The company began shipping its devices in August, and has sold 1,500 units across the United States and Canada. The company will expand to Australia and the UK in 2024. Customers can only purchase Storybutton through its website, however, the company is in talks with several retailers, Jacob revealed to TechCrunch during an interview.
The device offers more than 10,000 stories designed for children ages 5 to 12, ranging from audio books and bedtime stories to educational stories, animal content, and more. There is also an option for kids to create their own playlist of favorite episodes.
Storybutton can appeal to parents who want their children to have a screen-less device to control and entertain themselves with. The company found that 85% of kids use their parents’ mobile devices to listen to their favorite podcasts.
Unlike other audio players for kids, such as you too And tonesStorybutton content is completely free. Meanwhile, Yoto requires customers to purchase separate cards to insert into its devices, and Tonies sells small figurines that users place on top of the box (similar to Nintendo Amiibos).
Most of Storybutton’s content can be found on popular digital music services, however, the company has recently invested in exclusive original shows. Storybutton plans to produce nine original podcasts over the next year and a half. While the first two seasons of each original show will be available everywhere, all third seasons will be exclusive to Storybutton.
Storybutton also recently partnered with iHeartMedia to launch a new kids-focused podcast network to help creators monetize their shows. Includes podcasts that have already been recorded on the network”Koala Moon“”Unicorn bedtime stories“And so does Mr. Jim Portfolio of offers— “Bedtime Stories with Mr. Jim,” “Spy Squad,” “Short Stories for Children,” and “Animal Stories for Children.”
The iHeartMedia partnership is noteworthy because the media giant will benefit creators of kid-friendly audio content who want to promote their shows to a wider audience. As part of the deal, iHeartMedia will provide promotional media, ad sales and operational support for all children’s podcasts that Storybutton signs on its network.
The new network enables the company to “bring on other kids’ podcasts to safely grow and monetize their shows,” Jacob told us. “This is one of the big challenges in kids’ podcasting today; A lot of creators and studios have really great offerings, but monetizing them in a compliant and secure way is very difficult.
Separately, Storybutton has also signed 25 successful children’s podcasts to distribution deals, including shows from GoKidGo, ABF Creative, Lingokids and many more. The company says it is investing $500,000 in the children’s podcast economy.
Looking to the future, Storybutton plans to launch an app called Storybutton Plus for parents that will allow them to upload or remove podcasts, audiobook files, and music on the Storybutton audio player directly from their phone. Parents will also be able to record their own stories or book readings to make available on Storybutton. The app will also give access to ad-free versions of Storybutton Network shows. Storybutton Plus will launch in November.
Also on the long-term roadmap, the company is exploring other features to bring to future versions of the device, such as Bluetooth capability and a notifications feature that tells users when a new episode of their favorite show appears. Storybutton is also working on AI-powered features that will enable users to create content. For example, a Choose Your Own Adventure option where kids can interact with content through the device.
“Over the next five years, we aim to make Storybutton the go-to platform for audio content globally beyond the screen,” Jacob said. “With continuous product improvements and content partnerships, we envision a future where everyone has access to a world of imagination, education and wellness through Storybutton.”