Common Sense Networks has announced three new FAST channels for kids and is looking to partner with content suppliers to keep them fresh every three months.

The for-profit affiliate of Common Sense Media has been quietly rolling out the channels in beta since the beginning of the year on US streamers including Roku, VIZIO, Sling TV and TCL. 

Sensical Jr. is aimed at preschoolers and features Moonbug Entertainment shows such as Morphle, Gecko’s Garage and Oddbods (pictured), plus The Wiggles’ World from ABC Australia and Omens Studios’ Counting with Paula. 

The other two channels, Sensical Makers and Sensical Gaming, are programming for the five-plus crowd with competition series such as B17 Entertainment’s The Big Tiny Food Faceoff and video game shows including Mother Goose Club’s Let’s Play.

Common Sense Networks is looking to acquire existing animation and live-action content for them.

These FAST channels represent an important strategic play for Common Sense Networks, which can use them to reach new audiences and increase the visibility of its other platforms, says CEO and co-founder Eric Berger (pictured above). Since launching them, the company has seen a 40% increase in cumed minutes streamed across all Sensical’s platforms.

Creators and marketers are also both benefiting from the FAST model, says Berger. “It’s a win-win for all. For creators, this is an opportunity for both monetization and exposure. Being part of our FAST lineup also means that their content has been reviewed and certified for FAST by Common Sense Networks.”  

For marketers, Common Sense’s FAST channels offer a brand-safe and compliant advertising option, he says. “They have so many concerns, including privacy and the fact that there are no ratings systems for FAST. Our approach addresses those needs.”

Common Sense, which made its name as a site that rates and reviews programming for kids and families, moved into the streaming market in 2021 with the launch of Sensical for kids ages two to 10.

In other news, Common Sense Media is expanding its ratings and review services to cover AI products made for kids. The company plans to create a rating system to evaluate the quality of AI programs such as ChatGPT. It’s a timely development; in a recent survey, Common Sense found that 82% of parents are eager for some systems to help them determine the accuracy and reliability of AI products.