Influencer

YouTube Franchise Spy Ninjas Commits $25 Million to Content Expansion, Hires Former Jubilee Media COO

Published on May 27, 2026

Qlay Co., the parent company behind the YouTube franchise “Spy Ninjas,” announced it is investing $25 million to scale its content pipeline and production capabilities as it rebrands as Spy Ninjas Entertainment.

The Las Vegas-based company has appointed Shelly Soriano, former Chief Operating Officer of Jubilee Media, as President of Spy Ninjas Studios. Soriano will partner with CEO Vy Qwaint and Chief Creative Officer Chad Wild Clay to lead expansion into scripted and unscripted series, animation, FAST channels, and digital and traditional entertainment, while developing new revenue streams through acquisitions and brand partnerships.

“We’re entering a new era where digital-born franchises can stand shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood’s most iconic IP,” Soriano said. “The next generation of blockbusters is being built not just in Hollywood, but by creators directly in conversation with their fans.”

Hiring and Production Plans

The company plans to hire 50 employees in 2026, with a focus on candidates with experience in serialized narrative storytelling and entertainment production. The investment will also fund expanded use of the company’s 65,000-square-foot production facility in Las Vegas.

As part of the initiative, Spy Ninjas Entertainment is launching a “Spy Ninjas Creative Class” program to recruit and train creators and storytellers across the Creator Economy.

Franchise Scope

“Spy Ninjas” launched in 2018 and has accumulated more than 47 million subscribers and 18 billion lifetime views across its YouTube channels, including more than one billion views in 2025. The company reports reaching nearly 100 million fans per month across its content, live entertainment, and brand extension properties.

The franchise has existing partnerships with Scholastic, Roblox, Playmates, Target, Epic Games, and Walmart, and has expanded into publishing, gaming, consumer products, and experiential entertainment.

“With Shelly at the helm, what excites us now is scaling that relationship into a true franchise,” said co-founders Qwaint and Clay, “one that spans digital platforms, consumer products, and real-world experiences.”

The company cited streaming’s share of TV viewership, which it placed at nearly 45%, as context for its expansion.