Technology in education often conjures images of children glued to screens, but GoNoodle is changing that narrative by getting kids on their feet and moving. This innovative platform uses engaging videos to promote physical activity, and it’s making waves in schools and homes alike. At the heart of GoNoodle’s appeal is Gonoodle Dance, a fun and energetic way for children to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
GoNoodle, based in Nashville, TN, has recently secured $5 million in investment from Children’s Health, along with other investors like Chrysalis Ventures and SSM Partners, and debt funding from Gefinor Capital and Rand Capital. This investment underscores the growing recognition of GoNoodle’s impact on children’s health and well-being, particularly through its popular GoNoodle Dance content.
GoNoodle’s core offering revolves around short, interactive videos designed as “brain breaks.” These breaks encourage students to stand up, stretch, and participate in dance routines that range from calming to high-energy. The goal is to help children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, with experts suggesting half of this should occur during school hours. Recess is undeniably beneficial, but GoNoodle Dance provides an accessible and engaging alternative, especially for indoor environments or when outdoor play is limited.
Scott McQuigg, GoNoodle’s co-founder and CEO, emphasizes that GoNoodle is meant to complement, not replace, outdoor play. “If students have a safe space to play outside, they should go,” McQuigg stated. “All their minutes shouldn’t be on GoNoodle. We aim to be additive. What we’ve found, however, is that there aren’t many minutes of outside play to replace. So we want to transform screen and instruction time into active time at home and at school.” GoNoodle Dance is a key component of this transformation, turning screen time into active time.
One of the reasons GoNoodle Dance is so effective is its infectious energy and catchy tunes. Many videos blend electronic dance music with simple, fun movements, creating an irresistible invitation to move. A prime example is the “Pop See Koo” video, which has garnered millions of views on YouTube. This GoNoodle Dance video features hosts teaching the dance with the memorable chorus, “My hands are high, my feet are low and this is how I Pop See Koo.” The playful name and engaging dance moves contribute to its widespread popularity.
Since its launch in August 2013, GoNoodle has seen impressive growth. It reports reaching 10 million students across 68,000 public elementary schools. Furthermore, half a million teachers are active users monthly, with 20 percent subscribing to GoNoodle Plus, the premium version. Parents are also increasingly utilizing GoNoodle Dance and other GoNoodle content at home, extending the platform’s reach beyond the classroom.
The involvement of Children’s Health as an investor is particularly noteworthy. It highlights a growing convergence between healthcare and education, recognizing the importance of holistic child development. “[Children’s Health] has figured out that there’s this goal congruence between healthcare and education around the development of the whole child,” McQuigg explained. This partnership demonstrates the credibility and health benefits associated with platforms like GoNoodle Dance. Children’s Health already sponsors GoNoodle Plus in Texas school districts, starting in McKinney and Dallas and expanding to Plano, Frisco, and Allen. They plan to extend this sponsorship to more Texas districts in 2016, with 36 other businesses and insurance plans following suit nationwide.
McQuigg envisions GoNoodle as a catalyst for improving children’s fitness. In an era of increasing interest in personal health tracking, GoNoodle offers a scalable solution for promoting physical activity among schoolchildren. “When you have 10 million kids doing something, how do we expand our content library to match that?” McQuigg asks, looking towards the future. “We want more movement! And we want to know how to evolve the experience to reach outside of GoNoodle.” GoNoodle Dance is central to this vision, providing a fun and accessible entry point to a more active lifestyle.
Instead of a future where screen time leads to inactivity, GoNoodle Dance offers a different path. By incorporating movement and fun into digital learning, GoNoodle is helping today’s children avoid sedentary lifestyles and embrace the joy of physical activity. Through engaging content like GoNoodle Dance, GoNoodle is actively promoting healthier, more active lives for kids both in and out of the classroom.
