Disney has acquired global streaming rights to “Gracie’s Corner,” an animated preschool series with more than 6.3 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 10 billion lifetime views, bringing the creator-built brand to Disney+ and Disney Jr.

The deal covers more than 120 shorts and 18 themed compilations and includes an agreement for the Hollingsworth family to develop new original content with Disney. The series debuted on Disney+ on June 15 in the U.S. and select international markets, with 68 shorts and seven compilations available at launch. Additional content will roll out globally through 2026. The series also premiered the same day on Disney Jr. 

“‘Gracie’s Corner’ reflects so much of what families already love about our preschool lineup, music, heart, playful learning, and characters that kids want to engage with again and again,” said Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, in the announcement. 

The acquisition adds the series to Disney Jr.’s preschool lineup alongside “Bluey,” “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “SuperKitties,” and the recently launched “Sofia the First: Royal Magic.”

Creator Origins and YouTube Growth

Dr. Javoris Hollingsworth and Dr. Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, both university professors, created the series in 2020 after noticing a lack of Black characters in the educational videos their children watched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their daughter, Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth, 13, serves as the inspiration for the show’s animated protagonist.

The series reimagines nursery rhymes and pairs original educational lyrics with music drawing from hip-hop, R&B, and other contemporary styles. The channel’s earliest videos drew only a few hundred views before a phonics-focused song helped accelerate growth. The series has since won four NAACP Image Awards, secured a book deal with HarperCollins, and completed a national live tour with multiple sold-out dates in 2025.

“When we started Gracie’s Corner six years ago, we never imagined this journey would lead to collaborating with Disney on original content,” the co-creators said in a statement.

Accessibility Preserved in Deal Structure

Unlike many traditional licensing arrangements, “Gracie’s Corner” will continue to be available on YouTube while expanding to Disney’s platforms, according to The Washington Post. Javoris Hollingsworth said maintaining the series’ accessibility was central to negotiations.

“We always wanted to make sure that our content is accessible and available to those who may not have access to some of the things that others have,” he said. “Disney respected that.”

Davis framed the deal as part of Disney’s broader strategy of working with digital creators as preschool viewing habits shift. “As the ways preschool audiences engage with content continue to evolve, we see an opportunity to work with creators who understand the kinds of music-driven, participatory experiences kids return to again and again,” she said.

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