PocketWatch, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital media, Entertainment |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Chris M. Williams |
| Headquarters | Culver City , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Chris M. Williams (Founder), Albie Hecht (Chief Content Officer), Kerry Tucker (Chief Marketing Officer) |
| Products | Digital media content, children's entertainment franchises, consumer merchandise, mobile and console games |
| Website | pocket |
PocketWatch, Inc. (branded as pocket.watch) operates as a digital media company dedicated to transforming young YouTube personalities into worldwide entertainment franchises. Based in Culver City, California, the firm was established in 2017 by Chris M. Williams. Its financial backing comes from Third Wave Digital along with investors such as Jon Landau, UTA Ventures (the investment division of United Talent Agency), Robert Downey Jr. (Downey Ventures), and Chris Jacquemin (Partner and Head of Digital Media at WME).
History
Originating from the Social media influencer era, PocketWatch focuses on Generation Alpha (children born post-2013), who primarily engage with digital content on platforms like YouTube. Allen DeBevoise of Third Wave Digital described the company’s mission as revolutionizing the digital entertainment landscape for children.
Chris M. Williams, the founder, previously held the position of Chief Audience Officer at Maker Studios and General Manager of Disney Online Originals. He was honored by Variety as a Digital Innovator in 2019 and was shortlisted for the 2019 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The leadership team features seasoned professionals including Albie Hecht, former head of Nickelodeon Studios, serving as Chief Content Officer; Kerry Tucker, formerly CEO of Hello Sunshine and marketing executive at Martha Stewart Living and Victoria's Secret, acting as Chief Marketing Officer; alongside prominent Hollywood figures Brian Robbins, President of Kids and Family Entertainment at Paramount Global, and Beatriz Acevedo, founder of digital video network Mitu, both contributing as Board Members.
2017
In April 2017, PocketWatch onboarded HobbyKidsTV as its inaugural creator partner. HobbyKidsTV produces family-friendly content focused on toy play and outdoor activities across ten YouTube channels amassing 7.5 billion views.
By August 2017, PocketWatch teamed up with Viacom and Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson to create Skoogle, a live-action scripted comedy series for children. Additionally, that year saw a collaboration with Butch Hartman, creator of The Fairly OddParents, to develop three original animated shows, one inspired by HobbyKidsTV.
Also during August 2017, the company signed CaptainSparklez, a gaming and entertainment channel led by YouTube influencer Jordan Maron.
In September 2017, PocketWatch secured a long-term deal with Ryan ToysReview, one of the leading U.S. kids and family YouTube channels and recognized by Forbes in 2018 as YouTube’s top-earning influencer. In the same month, EvanTubeHD and his family joined PocketWatch; their content evolved from toy unboxing to include challenges and gameplay featuring siblings Evan and Jillian.
Expanding its footprint beyond YouTube, PocketWatch ventured into publishing, television, film, and consumer merchandise. November 2017 marked a partnership with Simon & Schuster to introduce a PocketWatch-branded children’s book imprint, launching titles such as Watch this Book! and Meet Ryan! in early 2018.
2018
In February 2018, PocketWatch collaborated with Ryan ToysReview to establish Ryan's World, a consumer product line centered on Ryan and characters developed by him and his parents. Early licensees included The Bentex Group and Bonkers Toys. The brand extended internationally through licensing agreements in markets including the U.K. and Australia.
In August 2018, Ryan's World debuted exclusively at Walmart, featuring a large golden mystery egg that sold out within ten minutes on Black Friday.
October 2018 saw PocketWatch release 90 repackaged episodes from its YouTube creators on streaming platforms Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, while partnering with Paramount Pictures to license content to distributors worldwide.
2019
During 2019, PocketWatch significantly broadened Ryan's World's licensing portfolio by securing over 40 new partnerships, including collaborations with Just Play, Jada Toys, Kids Preferred, American Greetings, and Zak Designs. The expansion introduced a variety of new product lines such as Halloween costumes, party supplies, sleepwear, backpacks, lunch containers, hydration accessories, furniture, and household items.
In January 2019, PocketWatch unveiled its gaming branch, P.W Games, debuting with Tag With Ryan, a complimentary mobile game developed in partnership with WildWorks. This title has surpassed 5 million downloads to date.
April 2019 saw PocketWatch premiere the live-action preschool series Ryan's Mystery Playdate on Nickelodeon. The show garnered impressive viewership figures and was renewed for a second season just five days after its initial broadcast. It has since become the leading preschool program on U.S. television.
In May 2019, PocketWatch entered into agreements with YouTube creators MarMar and Onyx Family to produce fresh content.
June 2019 marked the launch of HobbyKids Adventures, an animated series developed by Butch Hartman inspired by their partners HobbyKidsTV, which premiered on YouTube. That same month, PocketWatch collaborated with Hardee's to reintroduce their Star Pals kids meals featuring Ryan's World-themed food items and toys.
In July 2019, P.W Games teamed up with Outright Games to release Race With Ryan, the franchise's first console game, which was made available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC in November 2019.
2020
February 2020 saw PocketWatch establish Clock.work, an advertising firm dedicated to campaigns targeting children across platforms such as YouTube, mobile gaming, and OTT services.
Revenue
Viacom led a $15 million Series B investment round for PocketWatch in July 2018.
Creative partners
- HobbyFamilyTV
- EvanTubeHD
- JillianTubeHD
- Lilly Singh