Product Update

Is Novel Effect Still in Business? (2026 Update)

Is Novel Effect from Shark Tank still around in 2026? Its on-air agreement, what happened afterward, and current ordering options.

Shark Tank Index TeamApril 3, 20266 min read

Imagine reading a bedtime story and having music, sound effects, and character voices appear automatically as you speak the words. That is the magic Novel Effect promised when it pitched its storytelling app in the Tank. The obvious question for parents and teachers now is whether the app is still around and still adding stories.

The Short Answer

Yes, Novel Effect is still in business in 2026 and operates on a subscription model.

The app has expanded its library to hundreds of children's books, added platform support for classrooms, and landed major partnerships, so it is firmly active rather than a one-season memory.

The Pitch and the Deal

Matt and Melissa Hammersley brought Novel Effect to Season 9, Episode 6, asking for $500,000 in exchange for 10% of the company. The app listens as you read aloud and triggers a synced soundtrack at exactly the right moment, turning ordinary picture books into immersive experiences.

Lori Greiner saw the potential and offered $500,000 for 15% equity, which the founders accepted on air. As often happens after the cameras stop, that handshake deal did not ultimately close, but Novel Effect did not need it to keep climbing.

Where It Is Now

Instead of relying on the Tank deal, Novel Effect raised outside funding, including a notable round that brought in well-known backers, and used it to build an Android version alongside the original app. The team kept investing in content and reach.

A standout milestone was a partnership with the Jim Henson Company that added soundscapes to Muppet-themed children's books, plus a Chromebook-friendly version aimed at classrooms. Reported revenue settled into steady territory in the low millions, and the library grew past 750 titles.

To use it, download Novel Effect from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the company's website to learn about subscription options. Because it is a digital product, the app stores are where you actually get it, and the site is the best place to understand current pricing and the catalog.

The Bottom Line

Novel Effect proves that a Shark Tank handshake falling through does not have to end the story. The company found its footing through funding, partnerships, and a steadily expanding library, and it remains a real, working product in 2026.

If you read to kids and want stories that come alive with sound, Novel Effect is still here and still worth a download.

Recorded pitch result

Recorded on-air deal

$500,000 recorded amount
15% equity
With Lori Greiner

These are the recorded on-air terms. The pitch fields do not confirm completed funding; a company update may report later closing, changed terms or a deal that fell through.

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See the full Novel Effect pitch breakdown and reported terms →