Digital Storytelling

it’s not even ‘digital’, it’s just life

Kids live digital lives, in fact to them it’s not even ‘digital’, it’s just life. They are heavy users of devices, an Ofcom study of 19 European countries found that 80% of children aged 9 to 16* used a phone to go online daily, or almost daily. Meanwhile, recent survey data in Forbes suggests that 42% of US children have a smartphone by the age of 10, with 91% owning one by 14*.

Which such a shift in generational behaviour with regard to digital media consumption, it follows that the needs to be a change in approach to how storytellers create narratives that can meet and engage young people where they are. 

Tailoring Storytelling for digital platforms 

Social media, streamers, social gaming platforms and messaging services are all a daily part of a kids’ media diet. However each requires a bespoke approach to storytelling. For example, on TikTok young people are there to feel part of a community and interact with others, but on YouTube they may be there purely to watch video. On Roblox or Fortnite they are generally there to be active and participate, and though your audience may be on all of these platforms, storytellers need to tailor their approach to each one in a unique way.  

All of these platforms offer differing levels of immersion in a story, in a world or in a universe and it’s key to bear in mind when creating the content. On YouTube or TikTok for example you have only a few seconds to grab attention, but on Netflix you have a little longer. That’s because the audience’s needs on each are different and require a different creative approach.  

Content overload

Another change to storytelling in the digital age is how much content is needed to really cut through the noise. Creators often need to plan hundreds of episodes (rather than tens) if they are to build a loyal audience and one that can scale. And that audience expects a more diverse range of stories too. The democratization of content on free platforms means that underrepresented voices can be better heard in the digital landscape, and the audience expects them.  

It’s not easy however, there is SO MUCH content that discoverability can be tricky, and creators are often at the whim of the mysterious algorithm. So whilst it appears that we live in a world of infinite choice, where most people could become a creator/storyteller should they so wish – it’s requires a unique skillset. And that is one that Wind Sun Sky strives to fulfil.