Hearst Networks has announced the launch of Hearst Canvas, a new business venture to develop original, scalable content brands across digital, audio and emerging platforms, focusing particularly on YouTube.

As a 100%-owned Hearst initiative, Hearst Canvas will be based in Hearst Networks’ London offices and will be operated by a dedicated team of digital creatives. Editorial development, talent management, publishing and commercial partnerships will be led by a Creative Director, for whom the recruitment process is underway. Production will be outsourced to independent producers in the UK.

The launch is inspired by the commercial and critical success of Hearst Networks’ original mid-form commissions, such as Cut to the Crime, History Crush and Two Sides of History. 

Having already partnered with highly innovative production companies such as Fawkes Digital, Particle6 and Doc Hearts to deliver Hearst Network’s current slate of digital-first shows, Hearst Canvas will look to build on this by commissioning from a group of carefully selected digital indies.

“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,” said Heather Jones, Chief Creative Officer EMEA at Hearst Networks. “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.”

Hearst Canvas is currently in its start-up phase, with first productions slated to launch in early 2026.