GoNoodle

About GoNoodle

GoNoodle operates as a media and technology company focused on the educational technology (EdTech) and digital media markets, specifically targeting elementary school-aged children. Founded in 2013 by Scott McQuigg and John Herbold, the Nashville-based company was developed to address the growing concern of inactivity among children by transforming screen time into an active experience. McQuigg's background as an entrepreneur in health information and education, combined with Herbold's experience as a former Senior Product Manager at Apple, shaped the company's direction to create a product that was simple for teachers to use and engaging for kids.

The company provides a platform of short, interactive videos and games designed to get kids moving, both in the classroom and at home. These activities, typically lasting two to five minutes, are known as "brain breaks" and include dancing, stretching, running, and mindfulness exercises. The content is geared towards students from kindergarten through sixth grade and is used to improve student behavior, focus, and academic performance. GoNoodle operates on a freemium business model. The basic service is free for teachers, parents, and kids, providing access to a wide range of movement videos. Revenue was historically generated through a premium subscription service called GoNoodle Plus, which offered additional content and features like customizable, curriculum-aligned games. This premium tier was purchased by individual teachers, schools, and entire school districts. A significant part of its revenue strategy also involves partnerships with sponsors, such as hospitals, health plans, and corporations, which underwrite the use of GoNoodle in their communities. In August 2021, the company made its premium subscription tools, formerly GoNoodle Plus and rebranded as GoNoodle Educator, completely free for all educators, aiming to expand its reach and provide more resources to teachers.

The platform's core product is its library of several hundred videos and games that promote physical activity and mindfulness. The content is curated to be engaging and fun, featuring characters and music that appeal to children. The premium features, now free for educators, allow for deeper integration into the curriculum. For example, learning games like Mega Math Marathon, Bodyspell, and Freeze It combine physical activity with subjects like math and language arts. A key feature is "My Questions," which enables teachers to create custom question sets on any topic to be used within certain games, making the platform adaptable for any subject. The stated benefit is that by integrating movement into the school day, GoNoodle helps children be more engaged, focused, and ultimately better learners, while also contributing to their recommended daily physical activity.

Since its launch, GoNoodle has achieved significant market penetration, reaching millions of children across the United States and in over 185 countries. By 2015, the company had raised approximately $5 million in a Series A round from investors including Chrysalis Ventures, SSM Partners, and Children's Health. The company's origins are connected to HealthTeacher, a comprehensive health curriculum provider, with GoNoodle initially being an interactive resource within that framework. Over the years, GoNoodle has seen leadership changes, with co-founder Scott McQuigg moving to the board of directors in 2018 and KC Estenson, a digital media veteran from CNN and Disney, taking over as CEO.