8 Lions Entertainment, a UK-based kids and teens IP strategy and growth studio, has announced a YouTube distribution agreement with SAMG Entertainment, the South Korean IP company behind animated properties Catch! Teenieping, Miniforce, and Metal Cardbot.
Under the agreement, 8 Lions will manage and monetise a slate of SAMG Entertainment’s animated franchises on YouTube worldwide, applying a data-led digital distribution strategy to accelerate audience growth, strengthening fan engagement and supporting long-term franchise development.
8 Lions will lead YouTube channel management, audience analytics, optimisation and monetisation for SAMG properties. The collaboration also includes new compilations and short-form packaging that aligns with viewing behaviour and platform insights.
According to 8 Lions, Catch! Teenieping (pictured) has achieved significant digital viewership and expanded its presence through cross-platform distribution and character-driven merchandising. Miniforce also enjoys broad international engagement, strong YouTube subscriber base and a steadily growing fan community.
The collaboration positions 8 Lions as a strategic accelerator for SAMG Entertainment’s Western market expansion. By establishing strong digital performance the partnership aims to create a scalable foundation to support future global licensing, gaming, and theatrical opportunities.
“We’re seeing a growing global appetite for Asian characters and storytelling driven by kids and teenagers, particularly from Southeast and East Asia,” said Jiella Esmat, Founder and CEO of 8 Lions. “YouTube is playing a central role in that shift. We see strong potential in expanding Asian-origin or inspired IPs on the platform using a data-led cross-platform distribution strategy that helps our partner brands travel internationally and connect with new audiences at scale and speed.”
8 Lions is initially taking over the English YouTube channels, with additional languages rolled out as part of a phased growth plan. An SAMG Entertainment representative said: “We see YouTube as a critical platform for building long-term engagement with global audiences. Working with 8 Lions allows us to apply a focused, data-informed distribution strategy to our brands as we expand their international reach.”
Founded in 2024 by Jiella Esmat, a former Moonbug Entertainment executive, 8 Lions is a London-based kids and teens IP growth and monetisation studio focused on building and scaling digital-first franchises.
