In a world where every app wants your child’s attention, Maka Kids is bucking the trend. Founded by Isabel Sheinman and Tanyella Leta, this startup aims not just at engagement but at well-being.

Unlike other streaming services that auto-play and serve ads, Maka Kids offers content specifically designed to support learning, creativity, and emotional growth. The app’s core feature? It eschews recommendations and auto-play in favor of a predictable experience, ensuring that every moment is thoughtfully curated for young minds.

Their approach is grounded in research from the Yale Child Study Center, with a framework called Maka Imprint evaluating content across seven domains of early childhood development. This isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about nurturing a generation ready to face an increasingly complex world.

From slowing-paced shows with genuine narratives to character-driven wind-down cues, Maka Kids is setting new standards in children’s media. With its subscription model and already thousands on the waitlist, this app could redefine how we think about screen time for kids.