MIPJUNIOR is significantly broadening its focus for 2026. Instead of concentrating mainly on traditional children’s television, the event will now cover kids, tweens, teens and young adults.
The 2026 edition will take place October 10-11 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, ahead of MIPCOM CANNES. As part of this expansion, MIPJUNIOR will look more closely at how younger audiences consume content across television, streaming, YouTube, gaming and social media.
At the same time, the programme will explore the business models shaping these platforms. Key topics will include digital-first brands, creator-led IP, audience fragmentation, AVOD, commissioning, licensing, gaming and franchise building.
A broader view of youth entertainment
Several industry experts will contribute to the programme, offering different perspectives on the changing youth market.
Gregory Dray, co-founder of Animaj, will discuss how companies can reinvent established IP for digital-native audiences. In addition, he will examine how these properties can grow into global entertainment franchises.
Meanwhile, media strategist Evan Shapiro will look at changing consumption habits among children and families.
Ampere Analysis will also focus on global kids content trends. In particular, its session will cover commissioning, streaming strategies, AVOD, social media and YouTube.
Similarly, Glance will present research on viewing habits across preschool, kids, tweens and teens. The session will explore how fragmented viewing increasingly affects content strategy and distribution.
The expansion also extends to the MIPJUNIOR Pitch. For 2026, the competition will focus on projects aimed at tweens and teens aged 9-17, further highlighting the event’s wider approach to youth entertainment.
Overall, MIPJUNIOR expects around 900 delegates from more than 60 countries this year. In addition, the event will bring conferences, networking, matchmaking and the screening library together inside the Palais des Festivals.
Ultimately, the repositioning marks an important shift for MIPJUNIOR. The market is moving beyond its traditional kids TV focus and embracing a broader youth entertainment sector, with greater attention to digital platforms, gaming, licensing and creator-led IP.
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