Children’s shows such as the classic Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, and Barney have had a positive and profound impact on generations born before 1995. With both kids and adults going on adventures while learning their ABC’s, 123’s, manners, and even the importance of fruits & vegetables has helped parents and teachers educate our society’s youth.
Today, one of those shows catering to the preschool demographic is YouTube’s Award-Winning and number one channel for boys, “Vlad & Niki” an imaginative and live-action show showcasing the everyday comedic antics of two brothers, Vlad and Niki Vashketov, along with the help of their humorous mother Victoria Vashketova and three-year-old brother Christian.
With over 180+ billion views from 330+ million global subscribers on 21 channels, translated into 18 languages, and recently started streaming on HBO Max, they must be doing something right with many thanks to Denys Sokoriev, Content Production and Operation Manager.
Since joining the show in April 2020, Sokoriev’s vision, talent, and attention to detail have helped double their subscriber numbers and establish the award-winning “Vlad & Niki” look, which features bright and imaginative sets that bring technicolor life to the popular series.
“Denys’ ingenuity, creative mind, and ability to pivot at a moment’s notice have contributed significantly to the steady growth of Vlad & Niki channels,” Sergey Vashketov, father to Vlad, Niki, and Christian. Sokoriev’s creative eye has been crucial as he oversees each video from inception to production to the edited final product. Staying consistent with the show’s message and how it’s delivered is important, after all, it is a brand.
Perhaps one of the key components in why the show is successful is because Sokoriev has helped create quality content with learning themes that are applicable to any geographic location, allowing children and parents anywhere to recreate their very own adventures and giving the parents a peace of mind, the confidence knowing that their children are watching shows with strong family bonds and teaching children character building and organic lessons.
And what are parents saying about “Vlad & Niki”?
“My kids love Vlad, Niki, and Chris, and I have come to love their videos as well,” says Rebecca S, mother of two from Mckinney, Texas. “It’s one of the channels that I can feel confident with my kids watching because I know the videos are age-appropriate, and my kids really enjoy playing and learning with the brothers.”
In addition to researching, planning storylines, and coordinating film logistics when creating content at locations such as water parks and far-away places like the Maldives is not always an easy task, and keeping the family’s safety both on location and the set is a priority of Sokoriev’s.
For instance, the Four Colors Playhouse Challenge had to have a set that supported not just Vlad & Niki but their mother, Victoria, and younger brother, Chris, making sure the construction sturdy was the priority for this video, and because of that, the episode was a success with more than 519 million views, teaching children to identify colors that can be found around the house.
Other educational and fun episodes include the Airplane Challenge with Vlad and Niki. Vlad & Victoria play passengers, Niki as the airline attendant, and Chris as the pilot who just happens to have other things on his mind and. Niki learns how important to take care of your teeth, whereas Niki demonstrates the dangers and side effects of eating too many sweets, which lead to dentist visits, played by Victoria.
“Denys is integral to our creative production team, and his efforts are evident in the “Vlad & Niki” storytelling content beloved by millions of kids worldwide,” says Vashketov.
Because these videos are engaging to watch, educational, and spark creativity in kids, it’s no wonder why “Vlad & Niki” is dominating this niche. “We take ordinary ideas, such as playdates and family outings, and supersize them into extraordinary adventures filled with bright colors, special effects, and high-energy music that kids enjoy,” says Sokoriev, “there is a sense of wonder, awe, and relatability that Vlad and Niki, and their family have with their audience.”
And there’s no stopping anytime soon. In 2021 they were honored with “Best Influencers & Celebrity YouTube Campaign” at the 13th Annual Shorty Awards, and the previous year, in 2020, they won “Best Influencer & Celebrity YouTube Campaign” at the 12th Annual Shorty Awards.
“Vlad & Niki” recently celebrated their 5-year anniversary on YouTube. Their mobile apps have surpassed more than 100,000,000 downloads, and even their content began streaming on HBO Max in 2022!
In the end, the streaming short-form content is packed with non-stop adventures, creativity, learning, family fun, discovery play, home adventures, indoor and outdoor fun, games, singing, and dancing. Allowing Sokoriev and the Vashketov’s to continue creating enriching and stimulating episodes for the show that helps kids everywhere learn & grow.
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