Cocomelon is one of the most iconic children’s YouTube channels ever created. Known for its colorful 3D animation, catchy nursery rhymes, and original songs, it has grown into a global entertainment brand with billions of monthly views, Netflix shows, merchandise, and more. With over 175 million subscribers, it ranks among the most-subscribed channels worldwide.
Early Life of the Channel – From “ThatsMEonTV” to “Cocomelon”
- Cocomelon began in 2006, originally founded by Jay Jeon (a Korean-American filmmaker) and his wife, together with a small animation team.
- It first launched as ThatsMEonTV, uploading simple educational videos.
- Later renamed ABCkidTV, the channel focused on animated nursery rhymes and learning songs for toddlers.
- In 2018, the brand became Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes, with polished 3D animation and a consistent cast of characters.
The upgrade in animation and storytelling skyrocketed its growth, and soon Cocomelon became a household name in family-friendly entertainment.
Professional Life – From YouTube to Netflix
- YouTube: Today, Cocomelon’s main channel has 175M+ subscribers and over 175 billion views.
- Global Reach: The brand runs dozens of language-specific channels including Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Arabic.
- Netflix: In 2020, “Cocomelon” launched on Netflix, becoming one of the most-watched kids’ series on the platform.
- Acquisition: In 2020, Cocomelon was acquired by Moonbug Entertainment, which is now owned by Candle Media (a company backed by Blackstone).
- Merchandise: Toys, apparel, books, and even live shows are now part of the Cocomelon empire.
Characters – The “Family” Inside Cocomelon
While there aren’t “real children” like Nastya or Vlad & Niki, the animated family in Cocomelon has become iconic:
- JJ – The main toddler character (blonde hair, blue eyes, always cheerful).
- YoYo – JJ’s sister, known for her pigtails and playful spirit.
- TomTom – JJ’s older brother, often protective and adventurous.
- Mom & Dad – The animated parents of JJ, YoYo, and TomTom.
- Animal Friends – Characters like Bingo the Dog appear in many songs.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Channel Name | Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes |
| Founded By | Jay Jeon & Team (later acquired by Moonbug Entertainment) |
| Launch Year | 2006 (as ThatsMEonTV) |
| Current Owner | Moonbug Entertainment / Candle Media |
| Genre | Kids’ Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Educational Content |
| Subscribers | ~175 million (2025) |
| Total Views | 175+ billion |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA |
| Main Characters | JJ, YoYo, TomTom, Mom, Dad, Bingo |
| Global Presence | 40+ channels in different languages |
| Platforms | YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Merch Stores |
| Estimated Net Worth | $700M – $1B+ (brand valuation) |
Fun Facts
- Cocomelon is the most-watched kids’ channel on YouTube.
- It was the second most-viewed YouTube channel worldwide for years, only behind T-Series.
- Each month, the channel earns billions of views, often more than traditional TV networks.
- The main character, JJ, has become as iconic as Mickey Mouse for today’s toddlers.
- Cocomelon’s videos use bright primary colors, proven to capture children’s attention.
- Parents often joke that kids “get hypnotized” by Cocomelon.
- The channel’s growth was organic—starting with a couple making videos at home.
- Cocomelon songs are available on Spotify and Apple Music, streamed millions of times.
- The show “Cocomelon Lane” premiered on Netflix in 2022.
- Cocomelon holds a Guinness World Record for being one of the most-subscribed family channels.
- The company employs a large animation team to produce multiple videos weekly.
- Even celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen have said their kids are “addicted” to Cocomelon.
🔥 What People Ask About Cocomelon
Q: Who created Cocomelon?
👉 It was originally created by Jay Jeon and his wife in California in 2006.
Q: Who owns Cocomelon now?
👉 It is owned by Moonbug Entertainment, part of Candle Media.
Q: Who are the real parents of Cocomelon kids?
👉 JJ, YoYo, and TomTom are animated characters. Their creators (Jay Jeon’s family) inspired them, but they are not real children like Nastya or Vlad.
Q: How old is JJ from Cocomelon?
👉 JJ is portrayed as a toddler around 2–3 years old.
Q: How much does Cocomelon make?
👉 Estimated $100M+ annually from YouTube ads, streaming rights, merchandise, and licensing.
Q: Is Cocomelon American or Russian?
👉 It was created in the USA by a Korean-American family, but today it’s a global brand.
Why Cocomelon Matters
Cocomelon is more than nursery rhymes—it’s a global parenting tool. For busy parents, it entertains and educates kids at the same time. For children, it builds early language, rhythm, and imagination skills.
Its story reminds us that:
- A small idea, nurtured with love, can grow into a worldwide phenomenon.
- Creativity mixed with technology can inspire an entire generation.
- Even in the digital age, music and storytelling remain timeless.
🌟 Cocomelon proves that a family’s simple idea to teach their child can become the soundtrack of childhood for millions around the world.
The Real People Behind Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Cocomelon wasn’t born in a studio—it was born in a family living room. Behind the animations and cheerful songs are Jay Jeon, his wife, and their kids, who inspired the characters that now entertain billions.
🧑 Jay Jeon – The Founder
- Full Name: Jay Jeon
- Born: 1970s (exact year not widely public)
- Age (2025): Estimated late 40s to early 50s
- Birthplace: South Korea
- Nationality: Korean-American
- Profession Before Cocomelon: Filmmaker, video editor, and storyteller
- Role in Cocomelon: Co-creator, animator, and director of the brand’s vision
Jay moved to the United States and worked in film and creative industries before starting YouTube. He wanted to create something educational and joyful for his own children, blending his filmmaking background with parenthood.
👩 Mrs. Jeon – The Creative Partner
- Name: Not widely disclosed (kept private)
- Nationality: American (of Korean heritage)
- Profession Before Cocomelon: Illustrator & designer
- Role in Cocomelon: Designed the early graphics, characters, and visuals for the channel
She worked alongside Jay from day one, helping animate, design characters, and ensure the bright, child-friendly visuals that later defined Cocomelon.
👧 The Jeon Children – The Inspiration
- The Jeons’ kids were the inspiration for JJ, YoYo, and TomTom, the animated siblings in Cocomelon.
- They served as the “test audience,” with early videos made just to entertain and educate them at home.
👵 Parents / Family Background
- Jay Jeon has not publicly revealed his parents’ names or details—the family maintains privacy despite Cocomelon’s fame.
- His own children’s personalities inspired much of the channel’s storytelling.
Personal Quick Facts About the Founders
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jay Jeon |
| Wife | Name private (co-founder, designer) |
| Kids | Inspired JJ, YoYo, and TomTom |
| Nationality | Korean-American |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession Before | Filmmaking, Video Production, Illustration |
| Year Founded | 2006 |
| Ownership Today | Moonbug Entertainment (Candle Media) |
🎉 Fun Human Facts About the Creators
- Jay and his wife started Cocomelon as a side project while working other jobs.
- Their first channel name was ThatsMEonTV.
- They nearly gave up in the early years, as videos got only a few hundred views.
- Their breakthrough came with the ABC Song animation, which millions of parents shared.
- They worked late nights while raising kids, balancing parenthood with animation.
- At first, they did everything themselves—voiceovers, music, animation, design.
- They stayed anonymous for years, letting the brand speak louder than their personal fame.
- Jay once said Cocomelon was made “to help kids, including our own, learn through joy.”
- They lived in Orange County, California when the channel took off.
- Even after selling the brand to Moonbug, Jay and his wife still serve as creative consultants.
🔥 What People Ask About the Creators of Cocomelon
Q: Who is the real creator of Cocomelon?
👉 Jay Jeon, a Korean-American filmmaker, along with his wife (a designer/illustrator).
Q: How old is the founder of Cocomelon?
👉 Jay Jeon is believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s as of 2025.
Q: Where do the creators live?
👉 They live in Los Angeles, California.
Q: Do the creators have kids?
👉 Yes, their kids inspired the characters JJ, YoYo, and TomTom.
Q: Are the creators still involved after selling to Moonbug?
👉 Yes, but in a consulting and creative guidance role—the large-scale production is now handled by Moonbug Entertainment.
💡Motivation – Why the Jeons’ Story Inspires
The Jeons’ journey shows the power of parents’ love. What began as a project to help their children learn letters and songs became a global phenomenon—now shaping childhoods everywhere.
They remind us:
- A small family dream can transform into a global legacy.
- Consistency and love matter more than flashy beginnings.
- True creativity is born from caring for the ones you love most.
🌟 Cocomelon isn’t just animation—it’s a story of a mom, a dad, and their kids, whose bedtime songs became the soundtrack of millions of families worldwide.
Also See: Rob Lipsett
