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Reference Project · Media & Broadcasting

KiKA Backend Development & Operations

Conception, development and maintenance of the backend for KiKA Web, the KiKA App and the KiKANiNCHEN App — including media library feeds for ARD and ZDF, powered by the Sophora CMS.

Project Overview

Backend for Germany's best-known children's channel

KiKA — the children's channel of ARD and ZDF — reaches millions of young viewers every day. Skillworks is responsible for maintaining and further developing the backend that serves KiKA's web presence, the KiKA App, and the KiKANiNCHEN App. This includes complex CMS customizations, interface documentation, and automated media library feeds.

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Multi-Platform

A single backend powering Web, KiKA App, and KiKANiNCHEN App.

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Media Library Feeds

Automated delivery of content to the ARD and ZDF media libraries.

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Hybrid Deployment

Operation on premise and in Google Cloud.

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Complex CMS Customization

Extensive extensions to the Sophora CMS for editorial and technical requirements.

KiKA App and KiKANiNCHEN App backend

Backend powering the KiKA App and KiKANiNCHEN App

Apps & Web

Backend for Web, KiKA App and KiKANiNCHEN App

The backend supplies all of KiKA's digital channels with content: the web presence, the KiKA App, and the KiKANiNCHEN App for the youngest viewers. All platforms are served from a single central system.

  • Central content delivery for web and apps
  • REST APIs for native app clients
  • Caching with Redis for fast response times
  • Parallel support for KiKA and KiKANiNCHEN
Media library feeds for ARD and ZDF

Automated media library feeds for ARD and ZDF

Media Library

Feeds for ARD and ZDF Media Libraries

KiKA content is automatically and correctly delivered to the ARD and ZDF media libraries. Skillworks develops and maintains the interfaces and processes that ensure reliable, standards-compliant content delivery.

  • Automated delivery of video metadata and assets
  • Compliance with ARD and ZDF interface standards
  • Documentation of all interfaces and data formats
  • Monitoring and error handling in the delivery process
Sophora CMS customization for KiKA

Sophora CMS — tailored for the KiKA editorial team

CMS

Sophora by Subshell — deeply customized

The Sophora CMS by Subshell serves as the editorial system — a professional platform widely used in public broadcasting. Skillworks continuously extends and customizes Sophora to meet evolving requirements from the KiKA editorial team and distribution channels.

  • Complex customization for new editorial workflows
  • Extensions for distribution to web and apps
  • Integration with downstream systems via documented interfaces
  • Ongoing maintenance and further development
Infrastructure

Deployment on Premise & Google Cloud

The system operates both on premise and in Google Cloud. This hybrid approach provides flexibility while ensuring high availability and scalability — meeting the demands of public broadcasting.

  • On-premise operation for privacy-critical components
  • Google Cloud for scalable and fault-tolerant services
  • Documented deployment processes
  • Ongoing maintenance and monitoring
Technology Stack

Technologies Used

The KiKA backend relies on a proven, high-performance technology stack — from the application layer to cloud infrastructure.

Backend

Java · Spring Framework · REST

Caching

Redis

CMS

Sophora by Subshell

Infrastructure

On Premise · Google Cloud

Interfaces

REST · ARD/ZDF Media Library Standards

Documentation

Interface documentation

Stack at a Glance

Full Technology Stack

Contact

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From backend conception to cloud deployment — we develop and maintain complex content backends for media companies and public broadcasters.

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