Network Time Again

[TinHatRanch]

Every few months I get the urge to look into signing with a network. I still haven't found one that will tell me how they can help ME. Not trying to sound difficult, but as a content creator it is obvious what we offer to the networks. Content and a revenue stream. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who can tell me how their network has helped them in both exposure and financial terms...

I'd really be interested in hearing from a smaller channel (like my own) who can point out a measurable difference that could be attributed to joining a network.

Thanks.

 

[Wreckless Eating]

They really can't help you in any meaningful way-and if they could, it's nothing you can't get on your own at a lower price.

A lot of them are going to push their dashboard as a way to help you "optimize" your channel by helping your read your analytics. If you don't know how to do it on your own, then sign up for a service that will give you the same info. Tubular Labs has one for channels over 5k subs (you're getting very close), so sign up once you pass that threshold. If you're looking for collaboration, try Channel Pages from Fanbridge. That's another free service.

 

[TinHatRanch]

They really can't help you in any meaningful way-and if they could, it's nothing you can't get on your own at a lower price.

A lot of them are going to push their dashboard as a way to help you "optimize" your channel by helping your read your analytics. If you don't know how to do it on your own, then sign up for a service that will give you the same info. Tubular Labs has one for channels over 5k subs (you're getting very close), so sign up once you pass that threshold. If you're looking for collaboration, try Channel Pages from Fanbridge. That's another free service.

Thanks Wreckless Eating. I don't think that I have much trouble reading my analytics or in getting videos placed well in searches. I do as well as I can self promoting the videos. I just wish there was a network out there that was really good in promoting particular youtubers under their wing. Otherwise there isn't much use in joining. I will check out the links you sent regardless.

 

[ConnersCraft]

Thanks Wreckless Eating. I don't think that I have much trouble reading my analytics or in getting videos placed well in searches. I do as well as I can self promoting the videos. I just wish there was a network out there that was really good in promoting particular youtubers under their wing. Otherwise there isn't much use in joining. I will check out the links you sent regardless.

You have to think of it from a network's perspective. They do not have the funds to help out every partner personally grow their channels. They can feature you on their hubs, but that is usually the extent of it unless you are a huge channel. It is not in the best interest of the networks from a business perspective to help optimize/promote their partners individually.

 

[TinHatRanch]

You have to think of it from a network's perspective. They do not have the funds to help out every partner personally grow their channels. They can feature you on their hubs, but that is usually the extent of it unless you are a huge channel. It is not in the best interest of the networks from a business perspective to help optimize/promote their partners individually.

Then there is no point whatsoever in partnering with a network...[DOUBLEPOST=1379559735,1379559617][/DOUBLEPOST]Let me add, I think there is a market for networks to focus on,sell ads for, and promote a few really great channels than signing every channel with a heartbeat.

 

[TheKryation]

Networks Don't Want To sit and promote small channels Unfortunately, They Want Money so they Promote people with a heavy Fan Base To make sure They get a good return TGS has a no lock in contract So see if you like being partnered (You may only make 2 or 3 dollars a day)

 

[TinHatRanch]

Networks Don't Want To sit and promote small channels Unfortunately, They Want Money so they Promote people with a heavy Fan Base To make sure They get a good return TGS has a no lock in contract So see if you like being partnered (You may only make 2 or 3 dollars a day)

I understand them wanting to promote large channels but when they sign the already large channels they have to pay a premium. Signing a better channel when small they can provide a win win for both parties. I appreciate the suggestion but I wouldn't want to take such a major step backwards.

 

[Crown]

Then there is no point whatsoever in partnering with a network...

Look at them as advertising agencies specialized in online media. They are middlemen. They are no more knowledgeable in running a YT channel than you are. Their business is selling ad space.

1)You are looking for companies to pay for advertising on your videos.
2)Advertisers are looking for videos to buy advertising on.

The network is the middleman between those 2 and take their commission. The 30% you are "paying them" is to find you those advertisers. Of course, you are free not to join a network, but then you have to find advertisers yourself, draw up contracts, approve their ads etc etc etc....

Other ad agencies help bus companies sell advertising on the side of their buses. I doubt they help them out in how to run their buses or get new routes

 

[TDKPyrostasis]

IMO the main reasons to join a network are as follows.

#1 Instant and easy monetization. You upload, you click claim, your done. With adsense you sometimes have to fight and bicker with youtube to get your video monetized and if you upload frequently it can be a royal pain in the a** and lose you hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on your size. Prior to me signing with RPM / Maker only 50% of my content was passable under youtubes monetization policy, post signing 100%. I was losing out on several hundred a month due to this alone.

#2 Copyright shield. Some networks are a bit more lenient when it comes to strikes. If your hit while under adsense you can lose monetization for the duration of the strike or even permanently. Many times strikes are completely out of your control when a gaming company that previously was pro-youtube suddenly becomes anti-youtube (sega - nintendo). Sometimes its a 100% fraudulent claim (recent persona issue) and its just some BS company DMCAing your video. It takes months for youtube to sort these situations out and if your not with a network thats month of 0 income from your channel. If your small thats no biggie, if you pay your bills with YT its game over.

#3 Networking. Your network usually has a forum of other partners to which you can reach out and work with. Collaboration in my opinion is the single best way to grow your channel and networks can provide you a massive resource in talent to look through.

If none of the above reasons applies to you then by all means stick with youtube adsense. For me it was a no brainer.