Kidz Bop has been a popular music brand for children since 2001, creating kid-friendly versions of top hits. Many parents and kids alike enjoy these clean versions of popular songs, but few know who actually runs the company behind the tunes.
KIDZ BOP Enterprises LLC is owned by Concord, an independent creative rights company that acquires music rights to generate revenue.
Recently, some confusion arose when YouTuber Elise Ecklund jokingly claimed to be the CEO of Kidz Bop. This humorous claim spread across social media, including TikTok, causing some people to genuinely believe she owned the company. In reality, Kidz Bop remains part of the Concord Music Group, which also owns other music labels such as Fearless and STAX Records.
Key Takeaways
- Kidz Bop is owned by Concord, a creative rights company focused on acquiring music rights.
- The brand has released over 50 albums since its introduction in October 2001.
- Despite viral claims, YouTuber Elise Ecklund does not actually own Kidz Bop despite her humorous videos suggesting otherwise.
Ownership and Evolution of Kidz Bop
Kidz Bop has grown from a small music concept to a global children’s entertainment brand through various ownership changes and strategic expansions. The brand has evolved significantly while maintaining its core mission of creating kid-friendly versions of popular songs.
The Beginnings of Kidz Bop
Kidz Bop was founded in 2001 by Craig Balsam and Cliff Chenfeld, who were also the founders of Razor & Tie music label. Both men had three children each and noticed a gap in the market while attending birthday parties with their kids.
They wanted to create music that was appropriate for children but still featured popular songs.
The first Kidz Bop album was released on October 9, 2001. Their concept was simple but effective: take current hit songs and have them performed by talented kids. This made the often mature content of pop music accessible to younger audiences.
Under Balsam and Chenfeld’s leadership, Kidz Bop quickly gained popularity. The brand released multiple albums each year, consistently landing on Billboard charts and becoming a trusted name for parents looking for kid-friendly music options.
Live Nation’s Acquisition
As Kidz Bop grew in popularity, it caught the attention of larger entertainment companies. The brand eventually became part of the Concord music company, a global entertainment and talent management organization based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Concord expanded Kidz Bop’s reach by leveraging its extensive music industry connections. The company focused on growing the brand beyond just albums and into a fuller entertainment experience for children.
Under new ownership, Kidz Bop maintained its release schedule of multiple albums per year. The brand has now released over 50 albums, showing remarkable staying power in the children’s entertainment market.
Today, Kidz Bop’s CEO is Sasha Junk, who leads the company’s strategy and continued growth. Concord primarily makes money through acquiring creative rights to various entertainment properties, with Kidz Bop being one of its successful ventures.
Expansion into a Children’s Franchise
Kidz Bop has evolved far beyond its origins as a music compilation series. The brand now encompasses live tours, merchandise, music videos, and even its own group of performers known as the Kidz Bop Kids.
The Kidz Bop Kids have become celebrities in their own right, with rotating cast members who perform on albums, in videos, and during live tours. These young performers have helped give the brand a face and personality that resonates with its young audience.
Live performances became a major part of the Kidz Bop business model. Their concerts allow children to experience a real concert environment with age-appropriate content. These tours have been highly successful, selling out venues across the country.
The brand has also expanded internationally, bringing the Kidz Bop concept to the UK, Germany, and other countries. This global expansion has helped cement Kidz Bop as a worldwide children’s entertainment phenomenon rather than just an American music product.
Kidz Bop Kids
The Kidz Bop Kids are the face and voice of the Kidz Bop brand, performing family-friendly versions of popular songs. These talented young performers bring the music to life through their singing, dancing, and energetic performances.
Meet the Kidz Bop Kids
The Kidz Bop Kids are a rotating group of performers typically between the ages of 10-14 years old. Each child is selected through competitive auditions that look for singing ability, dancing skills, and on-camera personality.
When children reach their mid-teens, they typically “graduate” from Kidz Bop, making way for new talent. This keeps the brand fresh and relatable to its young audience.
Since the brand’s founding by Craig Balsam and Cliff Chenfeld in 2001, dozens of kids have cycled through the Kidz Bop lineup. Many former Kidz Bop performers have gone on to careers in entertainment, using their experience as a springboard for future opportunities.
The current lineup regularly appears on promotional materials, in interviews, and at live events to connect with their fanbase.
Role in Music Videos
Kidz Bop Kids are central to the brand’s popular music videos, which receive millions of views online. These videos feature the kids performing age-appropriate versions of chart-topping hits.
The videos are designed to be:
- Kid-friendly – with clean lyrics and wholesome imagery
- Engaging – using colorful sets and fun concepts
- Relatable – showcasing scenarios that resonate with young viewers
The Kidz Bop Kids don’t just sing in these videos – they embody the full performance experience with expressions, movements, and energy that appeal to their young audience.
Music videos serve as a key marketing tool for Kidz Bop albums, helping to promote new releases and maintain the brand’s cultural relevance among children and families.
Kidz Bop Kids and Choreography
Dance routines are a standout element of Kidz Bop performances. Each song features choreography designed specifically to be:
- Age-appropriate
- Energetic and fun
- Challenging yet achievable for the performers
Professional choreographers work with the Kidz Bop Kids to create memorable dance routines that complement the music. These dances often become popular with fans who enjoy learning and performing them at home.
The choreography is an important part of the Kidz Bop live tour experience, where fans can see their favorite performers dancing in person. These tours travel across North America and sometimes internationally.
Many Kidz Bop dance routines have gained additional popularity through social media platforms, where clips are shared and sometimes become trending content for young users.
Live Performances and Tours
Kidz Bop has become known for their high-energy live shows across the United States and beyond. These performances bring their family-friendly music directly to fans through professionally produced tours managed by industry experts.
Kidz Bop Live Tour
The KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour represents the brand’s commitment to creating memorable live experiences for young fans and their families. This tour series features the current lineup of Kidz Bop Kids performing today’s biggest hits in kid-friendly versions. The shows blend choreographed dance routines with live singing, creating an energetic atmosphere that encourages audience participation.
In 2025, Kidz Bop partnered with Red Light Management, the largest independent management company in the world, to represent their touring operations. This partnership helps ensure professional production values and smooth logistics.
The creative team behind previous Kidz Bop tours has worked with major artists like Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, and Pentatonix, bringing that professional experience to family entertainment.
Tour Dates and Venues
Kidz Bop tours typically run through major cities across North America, with some international dates in recent years. The 2025 KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour includes performances at notable venues across the country.
Popular tour stops include iconic outdoor venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, known for its natural acoustics and stunning scenery. Indoor arenas like Pine Knob Music Theatre also host the high-energy shows.
International expansion has brought Kidz Bop performances to venues like Ovo Arena Wembley in London, extending their reach to global audiences. Tour schedules typically align with school holidays to maximize attendance from their target audience.
Live Nation, a major concert promotion company, has partnered with Kidz Bop to organize and promote many of their tours.
Stage Design and Interactive Elements
Kidz Bop concerts feature bright, colorful stage designs with large video screens that display lyrics and animations throughout the show. These visual elements enhance the experience and help younger fans follow along with the performances.
Interactive elements are a key part of the Kidz Bop live experience. Shows typically include:
- Call-and-response segments
- Dance-along sections where audience members learn choreography
- Special lighting effects synchronized to the music
- Confetti cannons and other surprise elements
Many tours offer VIP experiences that include meet-and-greet opportunities with the Kidz Bop Kids, exclusive merchandise, and early venue access. These premium packages allow dedicated fans to have personal interactions with the performers.
The stage setup encourages audience participation, with performers frequently moving through extended walkways into the crowd to create a more intimate connection.
Ticketing and VIP Experiences
KIDZ BOP concerts offer various ticketing options and special VIP packages that enhance the fan experience. Families can purchase different types of tickets and access exclusive perks for shows on tours like the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for KIDZ BOP shows are typically available through several channels. Fans can purchase them directly through the official KIDZ BOP website, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, or venue box offices.
For the latest tours, tickets are released in phases. General ticket sales usually begin after presale periods end.
Price ranges vary by venue and seating section. Most venues offer different tiers, from standard seating to premium options closer to the stage.
Families should check specific venue details before purchasing, as some locations may have age restrictions or policies regarding children’s tickets.
For large tours, Live Nation often partners with KIDZ BOP to handle ticket distribution and sales across multiple venues nationwide.
VIP Packages
KIDZ BOP concerts feature several VIP package options that take the concert experience to another level. The most exclusive is the Diamond VIP KIDZ BOP Meet & Greet Package, which includes:
- Premium reserved seating in rows 1-10
- Exclusive post-show meet and greet with KIDZ BOP performers
- Photo opportunities with the KIDZ BOP Kids
- Special merchandise items
- Early venue entry
Other VIP tiers may include the Gold Package with merchandise bundles and premium seating without meet and greet access. Platinum Packages typically fall between Diamond and Gold in terms of perks and pricing.
These VIP experiences sell out quickly for popular venues, so early booking is recommended for families wanting these enhanced experiences.
Presale and Fan Perks
Dedicated KIDZ BOP fans can access tickets before the general public through various presale opportunities. The KIDZ BOP Fan Club offers members early access to tickets, often 48-72 hours before general sales begin.
Citi Entertainment frequently partners with KIDZ BOP tours to provide cardholders with exclusive presale windows. Cardmembers can use the first 6 digits of their Citi card to unlock presale access through designated websites.
Additional presale opportunities may include:
- Venue presales for local subscribers
- Radio station promotions with special codes
- Social media contests for premium tickets
- Live Nation mobile app early access
Some venues also offer special family bundle pricing during presales. Fan club members sometimes receive discount codes or access to seats that aren’t available during general sales for tours like the Certified BOP Tour.
Fan Engagement Activities
Kidz Bop connects with their young audience through various interactive experiences that extend beyond just music. These activities create special memories and strengthen the relationship between the brand and its fans.
Pop-Up Activations
Kidz Bop regularly hosts pop-up events across the country where kids can experience the brand in person. These temporary installations often appear at shopping malls, festivals, and concert venues before performances.
At these pop-up events, children can participate in mini dance workshops led by Kidz Bop dance coaches. They learn simplified versions of choreography from popular music videos and Kidz Bop performances.
Photo booths with Kidz Bop-themed props allow families to capture fun memories. Kids can also get temporary tattoos, hair styling, and face painting to feel like real pop stars.
Some pop-ups feature listening stations where fans can preview new Kidz Bop music before it’s released. Merchandise booths offer exclusive items only available at these special events.
Daddy Dance Off
The Daddy Dance Off has become one of the most beloved traditions at Kidz Bop live performances. This entertaining segment occurs midway through concerts and invites fathers to showcase their dance moves on stage.
Dads are selected from the audience based on their enthusiasm and willingness to participate. Once on stage, they compete in a friendly dance competition judged by crowd reaction.
The participants follow simple dance instructions from the Kidz Bop performers, often resulting in hilarious moments that delight the audience. Winners typically receive special merchandise or photo opportunities with the Kidz Bop Kids.
This segment creates a family bonding experience and helps break down stereotypes about who can enjoy dancing. It has become so popular that videos of these dance-offs frequently go viral on social media.
Unicorn Academy
Spin Master’s Unicorn Academy has partnered with Kidz Bop to create magical experiences for young fans. This collaboration brings together music and fantasy elements that appeal to children.
At concerts sponsored by Unicorn Academy, special themed areas feature rainbow decorations, glitter stations, and unicorn-inspired activities. Children can create their own unicorn crafts while listening to Kidz Bop music.
The partnership extends to the 2025 “Certified Bop Tour,” where Unicorn Academy continues as an official sponsor after a successful 2024 collaboration. This sponsorship enhances the concert experience with branded activities.
Some tour locations offer VIP packages that include Unicorn Academy merchandise and early access to these special activity areas. The colorful, imaginative world of Unicorn Academy perfectly complements Kidz Bop’s energetic and family-friendly brand.
Music and Media Releases
KIDZ BOP has grown into a multimedia powerhouse with numerous albums, streaming platforms, and partnerships. Their content spans physical albums, digital streaming services, and dedicated radio stations that bring family-friendly music to children worldwide.
Album Discography
KIDZ BOP has built an impressive catalog since its launch in 2001. The brand has released over 50 main albums featuring child-friendly covers of popular songs. These albums regularly appear on the Billboard 200 charts, with many reaching the top 10.
Each year typically sees multiple releases, including the main numbered series and special collections like:
- Holiday albums: Christmas and seasonal celebrations
- Party mixes: Dance party compilations
- Movie soundtracks: Tie-ins with family films
The brand is owned by Concord Music Group, which acquired Razor & Tie, KIDZ BOP’s original parent company. This acquisition has helped expand distribution and marketing reach.
New albums feature the current KIDZ BOP Kids performers, who change periodically as children age out of the group.
Kidz Bop 50
The milestone 50th album represented a significant achievement for the brand. Released as a celebration of KIDZ BOP’s longevity and impact on children’s music, it featured special production and marketing.
Kidz Bop 50 included:
- Cover versions of recent chart-topping hits adapted for younger audiences
- Special guest appearances from former KIDZ BOP performers
- Enhanced digital content including music videos on YouTube
- Commemorative merchandise and packaging
The album received promotional support through partnerships with retailers and streaming platforms. It also launched alongside special live performances and media appearances by the current KIDZ BOP Kids lineup.
This milestone release demonstrated how the brand continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of providing age-appropriate music for children.
Streaming and Radio
KIDZ BOP has embraced digital platforms to reach modern families. Their music is available on all major streaming services including Spotify, where they maintain official playlists and exclusive content.
One of their biggest media partnerships is with SiriusXM, which hosts the dedicated KIDZ BOP Radio channel. This 24/7 station plays KIDZ BOP music, features interviews with the performers, and broadcasts special content for families.
Digital expansion includes:
- Music videos on YouTube with billions of collective views
- Streaming partnerships with platforms like Netflix for special content
- Mobile apps featuring games and interactive experiences
KIDZ BOP connects with families through these various media channels, creating an ecosystem of content beyond just albums. Their streaming strategy helps maintain relevance with tech-savvy children while providing parents with trusted, family-friendly entertainment options.
Presence in Digital and Social Media
Kidz Bop has built a strong digital footprint across various platforms to connect with their young audience and their parents. Their strategy includes targeted content creation and partnerships with major streaming services.
Engagement through Social Platforms
Kidz Bop maintains active profiles across major social media platforms to engage with fans directly. They share behind-the-scenes content, music video snippets, and interactive challenges that encourage participation.
Their social media approach specifically targets families who make their children part of their online presence. Parents who value family-friendly content often follow and engage with Kidz Bop accounts.
On Instagram and TikTok, the Kidz Bop Kids performers create dance tutorials and challenges that fans can learn and share. This creates a sense of community among young listeners.
Spotify features dedicated Kidz Bop playlists that are regularly updated with their newest releases. These playlists are curated for different moods and activities, making them convenient for parents to access kid-friendly music.
Kidz Bop and YouTube
YouTube serves as Kidz Bop’s primary video platform, hosting their extensive library of music videos and performances. Their channel features high-production-value videos that mimic the style of popular music videos but with age-appropriate content.
The brand regularly posts new content to maintain engagement and has amassed millions of subscribers and billions of views over the years. Their consistent upload schedule keeps fans returning to the channel.
Beyond music videos, Kidz Bop creates YouTube-exclusive content like dance tutorials, singer introductions, and tour highlights. These videos help build stronger connections between fans and the current Kidz Bop performers.
Kidz Bop has also expanded to other digital platforms including SiriusXM, which features a dedicated Kidz Bop radio channel, and Netflix, which has hosted Kidz Bop specials.
The Kidz Bop Brand and Licensing
The Kidz Bop brand has grown far beyond just music albums, expanding into various merchandise, partnerships, and entertainment ventures. Concord Music Group, which acquired the brand in 2018, has developed multiple revenue streams that help maintain Kidz Bop’s popularity with children and families.
Merchandising
Kidz Bop has built a substantial merchandise line that appeals to its young fan base. The brand has partnered with Crazy 8 to launch a clothing line specifically designed for kids who want to show their love for the music group.
These products feature the Kidz Bop logo and images of the performers, creating a cohesive brand identity. The merchandise includes:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Accessories (backpacks, hats, jewelry)
- School supplies
- Home decor items
- Digital content (apps, games)
The merchandise helps young fans feel connected to the Kidz Bop experience beyond just listening to the music. It creates additional touchpoints that keep the brand relevant in children’s daily lives.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Kidz Bop has formed strategic partnerships with major companies to extend its reach. One significant collaboration is with Live Nation. Live Nation helps produce and promote the group’s nationwide tours.
These partnerships create mutual benefits:
Music Industry Collaborations:
- Radio stations for special broadcasts
- Streaming platforms for exclusive content
- Record labels for cross-promotion
Non-Music Partnerships:
- Family-friendly brands
- Children’s entertainment companies
- Educational organizations
The Kidz Bop brand has carefully selected partners that align with its family-friendly values. This strategy has helped maintain parent trust while expanding the brand’s visibility and influence in the children’s entertainment market.
Brand Expansion
The Certified Bop Tour represents a major expansion of the Kidz Bop brand into live entertainment. These concerts allow fans to experience the music performed by the Kidz Bop Kids in person, creating memorable experiences.
Beyond concerts, the brand has expanded into:
Digital Content:
- YouTube channel with music videos
- Social media presence
- Streaming exclusive tracks
Entertainment Ventures:
- Television appearances
- Movie soundtrack contributions
- Holiday specials
The brand has maintained relevance by adapting to changing media consumption habits.
While starting with CDs, Kidz Bop now thrives on streaming platforms where children access music.
This flexibility has helped the brand survive industry changes that challenged other music products.
By diversifying revenue streams, Kidz Bop has created a sustainable business model that extends beyond just selling music albums.
