8 Lions has partnered with SAMG on YouTube distribution.
8 Lions Entertainment, UK-based kids and teens IP strategy and growth studio, today announced YouTube Distribution Services Agreement with SAMG Entertainment, South Korean global content IP company behind globally recognised animated properties Catch! Teenieping, Miniforce, and Metal Cardbot. Under the agreement, 8 Lions will manage and monetise a slate of SAMG Entertainment’s flagship 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 designed to align with viewing behaviour and platform performance insights.
Catch! Teenieping has emerged as one of SAMG Entertainment’s flagship IPs, with multi-season storytelling rooted in fantasy, friendship and adventure that resonates strongly with preschool and school age kids. The franchise has achieved significant digital viewership and expanded its presence through cross-platform distribution and character-driven merchandising. Miniforce is a series featuring heroic animal agents united to protect peace – similarly enjoys broad international engagement, strong YouTube subscriber base and a steadily growing fan community.
These properties represent key pillars of SAMG’s global content ecosystem. Metal Cardbot is a fast-growing action-adventure series that follows the journey of intergalactic robots disguised as cards, combining high-stakes transformation with engaging human-robot storytelling. The franchise has quickly gained momentum among primary school audiences and ‘kidult’ collectors alike, drawn to the series’ unique collectible elements, detailed robot mechanics, and high-quality CGI animation. With a rapidly expanding global footprint and a robust toy line that integrates physical play with digital narratives, Metal Cardbot stands as a key strategic pillar in SAMG’s diverse portfolio of high-performance IPs.
The collaboration positions 8 Lions as a strategic accelerator for SAMG Entertainment’s Western market expansion, providing a data-led bridgehead through YouTube and new media platforms. 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. Audiences are seeking diverse characters, stories and animation styles.” 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 initially takes over the English YouTube channels, with additional languages rolled out as part of a phased international growth plan.
A SAMG Entertainment representative said, “We see YouTube as a critical platform for building long-term engagement with global audiences” adding “Working with 8 Lions allows us to apply a focused, data-informed distribution strategy to our brands as we expand their international reach.”
About 8 Lions:
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. The company works with studios, creators and rights holders to drive audience growth, optimise monetisation and unlock long-term franchise value with YouTube acting as a central growth engine supercharging broader distribution, licensing and merchandise, and combining content strategy, data analytics and hands-on channel management.
About SAMG:
SAMG Entertainment is a global content IP company and the home of Korea’s largest 3D animation studio. Since its inception in 2000, SAMG Entertainment has built a diverse portfolio of globally beloved 3D animated franchises—including Catch! Teenieping, Metal Cardbot, Miniforce, and Wishcat. Beyond the screen, the company expands the value and reach of its intellectual properties through a comprehensive ecosystem spanning media distribution, consumer products, licensing, and immersive experiences. As a leader in the K-content revolution, SAMG Entertainment is committed to shaping the future of global entertainment by creating stories that inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
