history button, a new audio player for children, aims to be the preferred alternative to screen devices for children under 12 years of age. Created by children’s podcaster Jim Jacob (“Mr. Jim), Storybutton wants to improve the way kids listen by moving the podcast experience off of phones and tablets.
Storybutton costs $99.99 and features an easy-to-use design with an internal rechargeable battery that lasts about a day and a headphone jack so kids can listen quietly at home. The device comes in three styles: green/black, purple, and white. A Wi-Fi connection is required.
The company began shipping its devices in August and sold 1,500 units in the United States and Canada. The company will expand to Australia and the United Kingdom in 2024. Customers can only purchase Storybutton through its website; However, the company is in talks with several retailers, Jacob revealed to TechCrunch during an interview.
The device offers more than 10,000 stories designed for children ages 5 to 12, from audiobooks and bedtime stories to educational stories, animal content and more. There is also an option for kids to create their own playlist of their favorite episodes.
Storybutton could appeal to parents who want their children to have a screenless device to control themselves and entertain themselves. The company found that 85% of children use their parents’ mobile devices to listen to their favorite podcasts.
Unlike other children’s audio players, such as yoto and Tonys, Storybutton content is completely free. Meanwhile, Yoto requires customers to purchase separate cards to insert into their device, and Tonies sells figures that users place on top of the box (similar to Nintendo’s Amiibos).
Image credits: history button
Most of Storybutton’s content can be found on popular digital music services; However, the company has recently been investing in exclusive original programs. Storybutton plans to produce nine original podcasts over the next year and a half. While the first two seasons of each original show will be available everywhere, the third seasons will be exclusive to Storybutton.
Storybutton also recently partnered with iHeartMedia to launch a new kids-focused podcast network to help creators monetize their shows. Podcasts already signed to the network include “koala moon“, “Unicorn bedtime stories”, as well as Mr. Jim’s shows portfolio— “Bedtime Stories with Mr. Jim,” “Spy Squad,” “Short Stories for Children,” and “Animal Stories for Children.”
The partnership with iHeartMedia is notable as the massive media corporation will benefit children’s audio creators who want to promote their shows to a broader audience. As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia provides promotional media, advertising sales and operational support to all children’s podcasts that Storybutton is signing to its network.
The new network allows the company to “incorporate other kids’ podcasts to safely grow and monetize their shows,” Jacob told us. “That is one of the great challenges of children’s podcasting today; “A lot of creators and studios have really great shows, but monetizing them safely and compliantly is very difficult.”
Furthermore, Storybutton has also signed distribution deals with 25 successful children’s podcasts, including shows from GoKidGo, ABF Creative, Lingokids and many others. The company says it is investing $500,000 in the kids’ podcast economy.
Storybutton Founder and CEO Jim Jacob (and family)
Looking ahead, Storybutton plans to launch an app called Storybutton Plus for parents that allows them to upload or delete podcasts, audiobook files, and music to the Storybutton audio player right from their phone. Parents will also be able to record their own stories or book readings to make them available on Storybutton. The app will also grant access to ad-free versions of Storybutton Network shows. Storybutton Plus will launch in November.
Also on the long-term roadmap, the company is exploring other features to add to future versions of the device, such as Bluetooth capability and a notification feature that informs users when a new episode of their favorite show has just been released. Storybutton is also working on ai-powered features that will allow users to create content. For example, a choose your own adventure option where children can interact with the content through the device.
“Over the next five years, our goal is to make Storybutton the off-screen platform for audio content globally,” Jacob said. “With continued product improvements and content partnerships, we envision a future where everyone has access to a world of imagination, education and well-being through Storybutton.”
