Hearst unveils Canvas to expand digital storytelling

Hearst Networks has unveiled Hearst Canvas, a new venture dedicated to creating original, scalable content brands across digital, audio, and emerging platforms, with a strong focus on YouTube. The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the social and on-demand entertainment space.

Fully owned by Hearst, Hearst Canvas will be headquartered at the company’s London offices and run by a dedicated team of digital creatives. The operation will include editorial development, talent management, publishing, and commercial partnerships, led by a Creative Director currently being recruited. Production will be handled by independent UK producers.

Building on digital storytelling success

The launch follows the success of Hearst Networks’ mid-form digital series, including Cut to the Crime, History Crush, and Two Sides of History. The network’s Unbreakable podcast recently won Best Episodic Podcast at the True Crime Awards, while Ex-Con Carpenters earned Best Interview Format at the TellyCast Digital Awards.

Having already collaborated with innovative production companies such as Fawkes Digital, Particle6, and Doc Hearts, Hearst Canvas aims to deepen these relationships and expand commissioning opportunities with a select group of digital indies.

Heather Jones, Chief Creative Officer EMEA, Hearst Networks: "Hearst Canvas is an incredibly exciting development for our company: it represents a completely new opportunity to continue to grow our creative ambition by originating digitally-native content for YouTube and other social platforms. This is about testing bravely, learning fast and unlocking new revenue-generating opportunities in the social and on-demand spaces, where audiences are increasingly choosing to spend their time."

"We plan to commission an ambitious slate of unscripted titles to trial as wide a range of shows as possible and give ourselves the best chance of success in this high-growth space. We’re open for ideas, open for commercial partnerships and ready to experiment."

New productions set for 2026

Hearst Canvas is currently in its start-up phase, with the first productions scheduled to launch in early 2026. The new venture underscores Hearst Networks’ commitment to innovation and storytelling designed for digital-first audiences.

www.hearstnetworks.com

Follow Marketing Report on LinkedIn