What Are Yoto Independent Creators?
They’re independent audio makers (authors, musicians, storytellers, teachers, parents) creating original content. Content can include stories, games, songs, language learning, and interactive adventures for kids and families. This post will tell you more about Yoto Independent Creators. A perfect read for those interested in becoming Yoto Independent Creators or those looking to benefit from the Independent Creator content.
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This is part of Yoto’s Independent Creators (or “Creator Marketplace”) program described as “Etsy for kids audio”. It launched in 2024 as a pilot alongside the Open Mic community section (we’ll go into this more later in the post)
Where to Buy Yoto Players and Yoto discount codes
I frequently (several times a week) update offers – click on the button below to head to the dedicated page. You will also find year-round discount codes.
Last Chance Yoto Section – Yoto Discounted Card Deals
If the page defaults to the full library then click on the top right ‘clearance’ block.
How Creator Cards Work
These creations are sold as fully-fledged Yoto Cards (physical credit‑card sized). They function exactly like any other card: slot into a Yoto Player or Yoto Mini, trigger playback, auto‑display icons. There is no difference in format to a standard Yoto card.
Content is vetted by Yoto for quality and age‑appropriateness, ensuring it meets Yoto guidelines.
The Journey: From Open Mic to Published Card
Open Mic on Yoto Space
Creators can upload digital audio for free to test waters, gather community feedback, and build a following. You can find out more about Open Mic and upload your audio content here. Open Mic is a great space to discover new, free content for your Yoto Players. It has the additional bonus of being verified through Yoto’s submission procedure to ensure content meets strict guidelines. If you are looking for more free content options check out this post.
Follow the Yoto Creator Guidelines
Yoto provides detailed format guidance for creators. This guide is very useful, comprehensive yet simple in going through every aspect you need to consider if you would like to create your own content for Yoto. I really do love how visual this guide is!
Register & Apply
Once ready, creators must submit an application form to gain further information. A deposit needs to be paid when you are looking to create cards and more information about this is sent once your have submitted your application. This is why using the Open Mic forum is a good way to ‘test the waters’ and see if there is an audience for your content.
Review & Launch
The Yoto Creators team reviews submissions, ensures alignment with standards, then approves for production and sale – either digitally or on printed cards or both.
Earn Royalties
After the upfront fee, creators receive royalties for each card sold on Yoto’s official store – and optionally, sales via their own channels.
What Content Is Available?
You can find Independent Creator content here. This is a growing library of audio content designed for children and I feel this is an area that is only set to expand in the future.
Examples include:
- Story Adventures, like the Book of Arralan seasons by Morwenna Rose
- Interactive Cards such as the hugely popular Cat-tastrophe
- Song collections, e.g. Truck Tunes
- Games and educational titles, such as Momma Bear Audio options
- Many creators add extended previews on the store so you can listen before buying
- Yoto have recently launched content from Aussie and Kiwi Independent Creators that you can discover more about here.
Have you discovered any of the Independent Creators content. I’d love to know what you think. Do drop a comment to tell me what you thought.
Why Yoto Launched This
- Talent overlooked by big publishers – fresh, own voices undiscovered storytellers, authors, teachers, parents.
- They liken it to Etsy for kids audio – leaning into their community-first model while retaining editorial moderation and giving parents/ caregivers and teachers confidence in what children are listening to.
- The initiative builds on Open Mic’s success since 2023, turning popular free content into monetised card formats. It’s a great way to support independent creators and keep brilliant, fresh content coming to the Yoto platform.
How to Become an Independent Creator
- Head to Yoto Space → Open Mic. Upload free content, gather feedback, and engage with families. Other users of Yoto Space can add comments which will help you get a sense of how your content has been received. You can also respond to comments and open a dialogue with listeners so you can hone your skills.
- Review the Yoto Creator Guidelines – this covers technical specifications, storytelling tips, age-appropriate tone and much more. You need to ensure you have pixel art and card design in place.
- Once you’re confident, register interest via the Creators form.
- Be prepared for an upfront manufacturing deposit, then await selection and approval.
- Upon acceptance, your card goes live. This is distributed through Yoto’s store (and optionally, your own ‘store’), earning royalties on each sale.
How This Differs from Normal Yoto Cards
- Same format and playback: No technical difference – cards slot and play just like any other.
- Independent origin: Created by individuals/small studios – not major publishers. Go Indies!
- Discovery path: Often starts free in Open Mic, then professionalised through submission & review process.
- Expanded content diversity: More niche themes, voices, cultural topics, language learning, faith content, and experimental interactivity.
Final Take
Yoto Independent Creators opens up the Yoto ecosystem. It gives everyday creators the chance to share their imaginations with families worldwide, while maintaining quality and trust.
For parents/ caregivers: more variety in a reliable format and the opportunity to feedback to creators.
For creators: a path from sharing your first digital snippet to earning royalties on physical/ digital cards.
Useful Links
- Explore Creators Collection on the Yoto Store
- Join Open Mic on Yoto Space
- Download Creators’ Guidelines on Yoto Space
- Submit your interest via Yoto’s Creators form
Where to Buy Yoto Players and Yoto discount codes
I frequently (several times a week) update offers – click on the button below to head to the dedicated page. You will also find year-round discount codes.
Last Chance Yoto Section – Yoto Discounted Card Deals
If the page defaults to the full library then click on the top right ‘clearance’ block.