PODCASTS

How global toy brands are embracing and driving podcast popularity

By our News Team | 2022

American Girl, a premium toy and publishing brand for girls, recently unveiled its own podcast network. It joins the likes of Barbie.

This website has previously reported on the growth in popularity of podcasts in Africa and elsewhere. So much so, that now even children’s toy brands are climbing on the podcast bandwagon.

American Girl, a premium toy and publishing brand for girls – and part of the global Mattel toy company – recently unveiled its own podcast network which, it says, “is rooted in the brand’s popular stories, characters, and real-world advice to connect and entertain girls, their parents and the entire fan community”.

Photo courtesy of American Girl

In embracing the podcast genre, the company joins several other toy brands that have gone this route. Among them are international doll brand Barbie, and Thomas and Friends. The latter offers books, TV programming and merchandise about a talking steam engine called Thomas the Tank Engine.

The American Girl Podcast Network is ad-free and launches with three original shows—one scripted and adapted from the brand’s fan-favourite published content for young readers, followed by two non-fiction podcasts with a mix of guest interviews, real-life advice, and behind-the-scenes exclusives.

Podcasting is a natural evolution of the brand

“With storytelling an intrinsic part of our DNA, the American Girl Podcast Network is a natural evolution for the brand, allowing us to tap into our vast collection of diverse content, as well as our numerous authors and subject-matter experts, to enrich and entertain our fans,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl.

Distribution partner for the new initiative is Cloud10 Media, a full-service network that provides listeners with an outlet for best-in-class podcasts, while offering development, promotion, marketing and sales support.

“We know that podcast listenership among kids and teens continues to grow exponentially, and we are so excited to help American Girl bring their stories and inspired conversations to the next generation,” said Sim Sarna, Founder and CEO of Cloud10 Media.

The podcasts are available on all streaming platforms, on American Girl’s social channels, and on YouTube, which includes a video component.

Conference stage with a woman in a patterned dress speaking to an audience large screens display '' logos and banners for a marketers conference with 'institute of marketing in malawi' branding on stage panels and backdrop

Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession

Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.

Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan

Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.

We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?

Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.

Hotel receptionist assisting a guest at the check in counter with a gray suitcase nearby behind the desk

Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers

Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.

Three people in formal attire pose for a photo at an awards event a woman in a pink dress holds a trophy while two men in suits stand beside her against a gold confetti backdrop

FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards

South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.

Portrait of a man with short black hair and a beard wearing a black button down shirt against a light gray background

Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths

Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.

Yellow humanoid robot at a bakery counter inspecting a display of donuts on display in front of glass cases

Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI

Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.

Top african marketing voices confirmed for amc

Top African marketing voices confirmed for AMC 2026

Explore the 2026 AMC Conference speaker line-up. Top African marketing voices gather in Zambia to tackle AI, AfCFTA, and brand power. Register today.

Person holding two smartphones with app icons visible on their screens a large tv screen in the background shows colorful app icons

Broadcast Research Council confirms launch of total video measurement

New industry currency will bring South African television and online video audiences together in a single measurement system.

Dj performing on a brightly lit stage as colorful lights shine over a dancing crowd

Sense of belonging and atmosphere are key to attracting event-goers

Making people feel that an event space reflects their values leads to long-term loyalty and spending. FOMO also plays its part.

Smiling woman with curly hair in a yellow and white striped shirt holds a red can and points to the text 'what makes some ai ads creepy '

Researchers examine why some AI ads fail while others succeed

Norms may change, but right now it’s better to err on the side of caution when using AI in advertisements, study finds.