Maka launches in the US with expert-curated, AI-assisted content for young children

On Oct. 16, streaming app Maka launched in the US for children aged 0-6, featuring a library curated by child development experts using an assessment framework developed with researchers from the Yale Child Study Center. The service includes familiar programs such as Sesame Street, Franklin, and Pocoyo, alongside original content.

Parents can cast shows to a TV using AirPlay from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and set viewing-time limits for each child's profile. When a session is about to end, characters in the app remind the child.

Maka combines AI-assisted screening with human review: education research institute SRI has licensed its APPROVE AI video analysis technology to Maka to identify early math and literacy content in videos. AI flags candidates first, then child development experts evaluate each episode. Maka says its library currently has more than 500 episodes.

The service is available only in the US for now, with a 14-day free trial followed by $14.99 per month or $107 per year.