The Spanish animation studio combines production for TV and digital platforms, using YouTube performance to develop new IPs and secure international broadcast deals.
During Mipcom, Ánima Kitchent outlined its growth strategy focused on both television and digital production, with a special emphasis on YouTube as a testing ground and expansion tool for its properties.
According to Miguel Aldasoro, Director of International Sales and Co-Productions, YouTube has become an indispensable “laboratory.” “Since 2014 we’ve been working with YouTube. The barrier to entry is minimal — you publish content and see how it performs, without rights restrictions or distribution limits,” he explained. The studio produces roughly 300 new minutes of animation each year for its channels, achieving 9.4 billion views in 2024 and projecting 11 billion views in 2025.
Aldasoro highlighted how YouTube data is used as a negotiation tool for international deals. A notable example is Cuquín, a historic character from the studio, adapted into an original series for HBO Max after its success on digital platforms and TV. The production included 20 five-minute episodes, with another 20 episodes commissioned due to its strong performance. Additionally, Ánima Kitchent is developing the feature film Cuquín: Bahía Dragón, an 80-minute movie scheduled for completion in Q4 2026.
The studio also introduced its new IP, Howly Woolly, planned for 52 seven-minute episodes. “We first test new ideas digitally to validate audience reception before deciding on the expansion strategy,” Aldasoro said. The series will launch with vertical content and 14 shorts in January, taking advantage of high engagement in short-form formats.
Among recent updates, Ánima Kitchent renewed its agreement with Minika, extending the distribution of Cleo & Cuquín in Turkey with 33 new episodes of 4-5 minutes, initially produced for YouTube and now moving to television. Aldasoro emphasized that this approach demonstrates that “quality content can travel across platforms regardless of where it starts,” confirming the studio’s digital-first strategy as a key driver for global growth.
