In the following interview with ttvnews, Migdalis Silva, VP, Brand Head for Nickelodeon Latin America, talks about the group’s priorities when it comes to generating content; a commitment to high-quality productions with engaging and diverse stories that resonate with many cultures, which has led them to become one of the most iconic groups in the children’s entertainment industry today.
Present in more than 180 countries and 350 million homes, Nickelodeon owns some of the most recognized children’s brands and characters worldwide, a milestone they have achieved through a strong commitment to high-quality content that responds to the demands and needs of young viewers.
From iconic franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, DORA, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Smurfs; to more recent productions like Thundermans Undercover, Super Duper Bunny League, and Time Rex, Nickelodeon is synonymous with fun and learning.
In the following interview with ttvnews, Migdalis Silva, VP, Brand Head for Nickelodeon Latin America, explains the group’s mission to seek universal content with the potential to expand to other markets and resonate with different cultures, prioritizing projects with compelling stories, positive impact, and that authentically reflect diversity.
What is your current vision for the children’s content industry? What do you think will be the main trends in terms of genres and productions for 2025?
The children’s content industry is evolving rapidly, driven by changes in consumer habits and the development of new technologies. Children are seeking dynamic entertainment, short formats, and interactive experiences, which has led to a growing emphasis on educational content, especially in areas such as STEM, language learning, and values like inclusion and sustainability. We also see a growing demand for diverse stories, with characters that reflect different cultures and realities. Multiplatform productions, which combine series with video games and digital experiences, are setting the pace. By 2025, we expect a boom in genres such as adventure, science fiction, comedy, and ecology, always with an innovative approach that combines entertainment and learning.
What are the main challenges of producing children’s content today? What do you look for when selecting projects for your catalog?
The main challenge is balancing creativity, quality, and responsibility. Parents and educators seek safe and educational content, but at the same time, we must compete in a saturated market where children have multiple options and prefer short, interactive formats. We also face monetization challenges due to advertising and data protection regulations, which leads us to explore models such as subscriptions or licensing. At Nickelodeon, we prioritize projects with compelling stories, positive impact, and that authentically reflect diversity. We seek universal content with the potential to expand to other markets and resonate across different cultures, always ensuring high quality and relevance.
What are the star titles in your current catalog for the international market?
Our star titles include iconic franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, DORA, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Smurfs. Other notable new productions include Thundermans Undercover, which follows the adventures of Phoebe, Max, and Chloe as they face new threats in Secret Shores; Super Duper Bunny League; and Time Rex. To celebrate 20 years of Avatar, we will launch the new animated series Avatar: Seven Havens, which will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated releases.
How do you think the evolution of streaming has changed the business of distributing children’s content?
Streaming has radically transformed the way children consume content, giving them immediate and personalized access. This change has driven more flexible business models, such as combinations of subscription-based (SVOD) and advertising-based (AVOD), and has taken children’s franchises beyond the screen, expanding into video games, toys, and interactive experiences. The ability to distribute content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has increased competition, demanding innovation with short-form and multi-platform formats. Furthermore, simultaneous global releases have changed the game, making content go viral in a matter of hours.
What platforms and territories do you currently work with? In which regions do you see the greatest potential for growth for your content?
Nickelodeon is present in more than 180 countries and 349 million homes, demonstrating the strong connection we’ve built with our audience. Our distribution strategy encompasses linear platforms, social media, SVOD (Paramount+), and AVOD (Pluto TV), allowing us to efficiently reach different audiences. In terms of growth potential, Latin America is key, especially in markets like Brazil and Mexico, where we see significant dynamism and opportunities for expansion.
How do you see the evolution of children’s content and younger audiences in the coming years?
The evolution of children’s content is moving toward increasingly interactive and personalized experiences. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and short-form formats will dominate consumption, while multi-platform franchises will continue to grow, integrating series, video games, and social media. Educational content will also continue to expand, with a focus on STEM, diversity, and emotional well-being. With increasing competition between platforms, hybrid subscription and advertising models will become more established, and there will be a growing emphasis on digital security and content regulation to ensure safe and appropriate experiences.
A major short-term challenge will be the regulation of artificial intelligence in content creation, especially regarding copyright and brand protection. AI is already transforming the way stories, animations, and characters are created, but there is still uncertainty about its use without affecting the original creators. Finding a balance between innovation and legal protection will be crucial to maintaining the authenticity and safety of children’s brands and content.
