Yoto features a growing library of over 1,000 audio titles including The Gruffalo and the complete Harry Potter collection
In a world dominated by smartphones, televisions and computers, more parents than ever are becoming concerned about the impact screen time can have on young children. As a result, screen-free audio devices have surged in popularity in recent years – including the award-winning Yoto Player, which promises to “inspire imagination”.
This week (May 11–18), Yoto is launching its very first Yoto Originals Week – an exciting behind-the-scenes celebration showcasing the creativity, characters and craftsmanship behind its exclusive original audio content. To mark the occasion, the brand is releasing 14 brand-new Yoto Originals titles today (May 11), while shoppers can also enjoy 20% off the entire Yoto Originals collection throughout the week-long event.
For those unfamiliar with the Yoto Player, the £89.99 device is a screen-free audio player designed for children aged three to 12 and above. Kids simply insert a Yoto card to unlock a world of stories, music, learning and entertainment – all delivered in a safe, child-friendly way.
READ MORE:
Yoto features a constantly growing library of over 1,000 audio titles, spanning from childhood favourites like The Gruffalo and the complete Harry Potter collection to legendary tunes from the Spice Girls and the Beatles. Alongside Yoto’s licensed material, there’s also Yoto Studios.
Yoto Originals content is created by an in-house team dedicated to producing engaging audio for children of all ages. The brand also collaborates with leading authors, acclaimed musicians, creative talent and sound artists to bring its stories and experiences to life.
Shop the Yoto Player
Yoto will be releasing a total of 14 new Yoto Originals titles in the UK on May 11
Alongside the fresh titles, Yoto is also launching over 11 hours of Yoto Originals content completely free of charge. It’s available through the Discover section within the Yoto app throughout the entire week. These collections feature complete digital editions of beloved Yoto Originals cards across four age categories; 0-3, 4-6, 7-10 and 11+, reports the Mirror.
To gain access, families simply need to download the Yoto app and create a complimentary account. There’s also the possibility to upgrade to the Yoto Club Explorer subscription, providing access to over 200 Yoto Originals cards from £2.50 monthly, with the initial fortnight offered free.
Dom Hodge, Head of Yoto Studios, said: “Every Yoto Originals card starts and ends with real people: a writer with an idea, a musician with a melody, a voice artist who makes a character come alive, an editor with an ear for detail.
“In a world where it’s increasingly easy to generate content with AI, we are committed to placing human-made audio at the heart of everything we produce. Yoto Originals are crafted with genuine care, creativity and talent, because we believe children deserve quality, trusted audio that’s made with as much love as it brings to every listen.”
Another sought-after audio gadget is the Toniebox, retailing at £99.99 on Amazon. These work differently to Yoto Players as youngsters place characters onto the devices to activate stories and music, rather than using cards. Children simply pop a Tonie or Tonieplay game on top of the Toniebox and squeeze, tilt, tap and turn to navigate, while it remains completely screen-free.
The Voxblock represents another screen-free player, focusing specifically on books. That costs £59.99 on Amazon and operates without connectivity, meaning it requires no Wi-Fi or apps.
Customer feedback for the Yoto Player is overwhelmingly favourable, with the product achieving 4.7 stars out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot. One reviewer said: “The independence this gives at bedtime has been wonderful. I do not have to keep checking if my kids are in bed because I know they are listening to the bedtime music!”
Another continued: “Second Yoto we’ve got for our family. Love the big version for the loud speaker.”
A third added: “My 3 year old loves this and plays with it daily, sometimes for two hours or more!”
One purchaser experienced a problem but still awarded five stars, explaining: “Button stopped working after a year but great warranty to get a replacement.”
Meanwhile another was thoroughly satisfied: “Amazing product – great item my child loves playing with it and listening to all the different stories and songs. Would recommend this to any parent looking for some entertainment options for their child.”