YouTube Sensation The McCartys Launch Animated Series and Competition Show

YouTube stars The McCartys are expanding their creative universe with new projects that include an animated series and an unscripted competition show. Announced during the Mipcom industry event in France, these ventures follow their live interactive show, the Spooky Special, highlighting their innovative approach to content creation. As Paul Telner from Viral Nation stated, “We are looking for really innovative ways to expand the brand.”

The McCartys have carved a unique niche on YouTube, capturing audiences with their “scary, Halloween content.” The family established an e-commerce site to complement their brand, all within the cohesive universe of Camp McCarthy. Stephanie McCarthy elaborated on their growth, stating, “We are building a massive brand,” emphasizing the integration of various media formats.

Reflecting on their journey, Kevin McCarthy shared insights into their beginnings. Once a high school history teacher, Kevin pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic when he began creating videos to entertain his children. “To keep our sanity, we started making goofy videos, and those videos started to become popular,” he explained. They quickly transitioned from TikTok, where they first gained traction, to focusing on their YouTube channel, which has now amassed over 16.1 million subscribers and more than 22 billion views.

The McCartys’ rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. “This is some of the quirkiest, funniest, weirdest stuff I’ve seen on YouTube and socials in years,” noted Winder, who praised their storytelling approach, which diverges from the typical influencer model. Their content, she said, features characters and narratives akin to traditional productions, making it appealing for a wide audience.

As the family develops their animated series, they plan to draw on their established fanbase. “One of the great things about social media is you get all of that data in real time,” Stephanie highlighted. This immediate feedback allows them to adapt and refine their content accordingly. Characters like Jingle Jangle, who has appeared in their live-action videos, will now transition into animation, creating a seamless experience for viewers.

Kevin McCarthy described a successful collaboration with Winder’s studio, where they animated Jingle Jangle using motion-capture technology. Their experimental approach has led to substantial viewer engagement, with videos featuring the animated character garnering nearly 200 million views and contributing to an increase of over 3.3 million subscribers.

The McCartys aim to create content that resonates with audiences of all ages. “Kevin is not necessarily writing for kids. He’s writing what he finds funny,” Stephanie explained, emphasizing the relatability of their content. Their family dynamics also play a significant role in shaping their narratives. The concept of Demon Mom emerged from audience curiosity about Stephanie’s absence in earlier videos, which Kevin humorously addressed. “I said: ‘Why not make her a demon?’ It exploded and she got millions of views,” he recalled.

With plans for an animated series that expands their universe, the McCartys are committed to long-term success. “We are in the business of long-term careers,” Telner stated, while Winder added, “Animation is timeless and crosses global borders.” This strategic move allows them to maintain relevance in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

As they continue to innovate within their genre, the McCartys are poised to solidify their position as a leading brand in family entertainment. The family’s ability to blend humor, creativity, and engagement places them at the forefront of a new era of content creation on YouTube and beyond.