It would appear that recent efforts by entertainment biggies Disney and Nickelodeon to develop preschool mobile offerings are paying off, according to the latest stats from apps analytics database App Annie. Data shows that big brands like Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street, as well as popular characters like Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig and HIT Entertainment’s Fireman Sam, are topping the charts for paid iPad apps on the Apple App Store.

It’s a timely move for big brands to expand their content offerings, given that tablet use among preschoolers is gaining serious traction. A recent report from Communicus found that 71% of preschoolers have used a tablet in the US, with 33% actually owning the device.

Drilling down into Nickelodeon’s recent digital initiatives in the preschool space, the kidsnet has introduced offering for under-fives across a number of platforms, including apps. One of the big announcements from Nickelodeon’s upfront presentation this year was its introduction of its Noggin mobile subscription service specifically for preschoolers. Nickelodeon also unveiled the My Nick Jr. OTT service last year, as well as the My Nick Jr. app.

Popular Nick apps topping the charts for five and unders this week include PAW Patrol Rescue Run and Dora and Friends HD. 

Disney, meanwhile, is also diving further into the mobile space. It launched the Disney Junior Play app last year and introduced its Disney Imagicademy learning brand, a suite of learning apps for kids ages three to eight.

Its chart-toppers include Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Check Up! , Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Wildlife Count Along, Disney Princess Royal Salon and Jake’s Never Land Pirate School.

While it may be a big brand’s game at the moment, that’s not to say that independent developers aren’t holding their own. Educational apps from indies also topped the charts, such as Word Wagon HD from Duck Duck Moose and My PlayHome School from PlayHome Software.

Also notable, educational apps continue to dominate preschool iOS app sales, including  Elmo Loves ABCs from Sesame Workshop and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Wildlife Count Along from Disney.

Top 5 paid iPad apps for kids ages 5 & Under

US

1. Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad – Sesame Street
2. PAW Patrol Rescue Run HD – Nickelodeon
3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Wildlife Count Along – Disney
4. Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Check Up! – Disney
5. My PlayHome School – PlayHome Software

UK

1. Disney Princess Royal Salon – Disney
2. Fireman Sam – Junior Cadet – P2 Games Limited
3. Peppas ferie – P2 Games Limited
4. Dora and Friends HD – Nickelodeon
5. PAW Patrol Rescue Run HD – Nickelodoen

Canada

1. Disney Princess Royal Salon – Disney
2. Word Wagon HD – Duck Duck Moose
3. Park Math HD – Duck Duck Moose
4. Starfall ABCs – Starfall Education
5. Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad – Sesame Street

Italy

1. Little Builders – Truck, Crane & Digger for Kids – Fox and Sheep GmbH
2. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Wildlife Count Along – Disney
3. Dr. Panda’s Toy Cars – TribePlay
4. Dora and Friends HD – Nickelodeon
5. Funny Veggies! – Anastasia Averina

France

1. Fireman Sam – Fire & Rescue – P2 Games Limited
2. Le bonheur de lire des 3 ans – Seven Academy
3. Petites Choses – C’est Magnifique
4. Funny Veggies! – Anastasia Averina
5. Montessori Letter Sounds – Les Trois Elles Interactive

Australia

1. Jake’s Never Land Pirate School – Disney
2. Peppa Pig – Happy Mrs. Chicken – P2 Games Limited
3. Phonics: Fun or Farm – 22Learn
4. Minnie Fashion Tour HD – Disney
5. Bugs and Buttons – Little Bit Studio