YouTube Partners With Sesame Workshop To Expand Kids’ Educational Content

YouTube is expanding their partnership with the most iconic brand in children’s educational programming, Sesame Street. The digital platform has continued cornering the streaming TV market, with recent reports showing the service comprised 13.4% of all streaming viewership (47.3%) on television screens, beating out Netflix (8.8%) and the rest of its competitors.

More people watch YouTube than any other platform, mainly because it’s free and available on multiple devices. Its use doesn’t require a subscription, though plans are available. That’s why the video hosting site has become a major resource for parents interested in supplementing their child’s education through edutainment.

The draw of channels like Ms. Rachel’s toddler learning videos and Gracie’s Corner have pushed YouTube to grow and support their offering of kids programming. It’s because of their success in this field that they’ve struck a deal with Sesame Workshop that will see the platform become the largest digital library of Sesame Street content.

Starting January 2026, YouTube will give viewers access to hundreds of full episodes of Sesame Street. The show’s audience can also anticipate content made exclusively for the platform. The partnership will extend beyond programming, as YouTube creators will have the opportunity to participate in a series of courses put on by Sesame Workshop.

The non-profit is seeking to share best practices on how to create content that’s educational and entertaining. They’ll be drawing from their 50+ years producing accessible, research-driven, and curriculum-backed children’s media to support this endeavor.

Sesame Workshop’s deal with YouTube is not exclusive, as new episodes of Sesame Street premiere November 10 on Netflix along with 90 hours of previous episodes. The new season will be available to watch on PBS stations and stream on PBS digital platforms on the same day-and-date as their Netflix release, while HBO Max will still retain the series’ overall library rights until 2027. Check out the announcement below:

What Sesame Workshop’s Deal With YouTube Means For Parents

By 2026, parents who don’t have Netflix or HBO Max subscriptions will be able to view even more Sesame Street content online for free. Sesame Workshop’s partnership with YouTube was expanded because of the demand for the children’s program on the platform.

With more than 5 billion views in the past year, there’s been a 130% increase in viewership year over year on Sesame Street YouTube channels. Over half of the official YouTube channel’s watch time is happening on a television screen. The non-profit is responding to how their audience is seeking their content, and they’re ensuring the future of their brand.

Our Take On Sesame Workshop’s Deal With YouTube

Sesame Workshop is meeting the challenge of the streaming era while maintaining their commitment to providing free, educational early learning programming. With multiple platforms available for parents and children to watch Sesame Street, they’re expanding the show’s reach and continuing to bring it to new audiences and generations.

The loss of their deal with Warner Bros. Discovery hasn’t hindered the non-profit’s ability to produce invaluable resources for educators and families. Their partnership with YouTube, like their deal with Netflix, is a sign that they’re listening to their viewers and addressing their needs, marking a promising future for Sesame Street.