Sony Music Labels has made its first foray into animated character content material with the acquisition of full rights to “Spookiz,” the globally common non-verbal animation collection that has amassed 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3.1 billion whole views.

The deal marks a big strategic shift for the Tokyo-based music firm, which has primarily centered on recording enterprise all through its historical past.

“Spookiz” facilities on 5 lovely monsters who come to life at an elementary college in the course of the night time. The characters embody Cula (a boastful Dracula), Frankie (a kindhearted Frankenstein obsessive about meals), Kebbi (an brisk Goblin), Kongkong (a barely devious Chinese language Ghost), and Zizi (an enthralling zombie with a scent).

The short-form content material, that includes 1-3 minute episodes, has constructed a considerable worldwide fanbase throughout the U.S., Asia (together with the Philippines, Singapore, India, and Japan), Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), and Europe (notably the U.Okay.).

The corporate plans to leverage its music trade experience to create new “Spookiz” content material that comes with musical components, focusing on a broader age demographic. Sony Music Labels will produce new animations and launch a brand new season whereas creating extra characters.

The acquisition features a partnership with Keyring Co., Ltd., the South Korea-based animation studio behind the unique content material, recognized for its inventive prowess and manufacturing capabilities.

Sony Music Labels goals to boost the property’s international attain by means of what it calls “revolutionary advertising” and content material “stuffed with originality.” The corporate’s technique entails treating the animated characters equally to the way it develops musical artists, creating “heartfelt actions by means of animation, music, and different mediums.”

“Sony Music Labels is embarking on a brand new problem,” stated consultant director and president Manabu Tsujino. “As a document firm, Sony Music Labels has acquired the globally beloved ‘Spookiz.’ Constructing on the experience cultivated within the music enterprise and with the help of creators and companions, Sony Music Labels will intention to remodel these monsters into stars, very like the way in which artists are developed.”

The “Spookiz” model maintains lively social media presence throughout a number of platforms, together with Instagram, TikTok, X (previously Twitter), and Fb, along with its major YouTube distribution channel and official web site at spookizworld.com.