Hi guys, just signed up to give some information's about YT Networks I gathered.
Let's start with MakerStudios:
This is a big one. Maker represents a lot of the big vlog and comedy channels (RWJ, KassemG, LisaNova to name a few) based in LA and has branched out into music too. Their hub channels are "TheStation" and "TheStation2"
They usually focus on high quality studio work as they have a real studio in LA, so the sets in RWJ, WillofDC for example are all provided from "Makerstudios" with professional media setup and script writers ect. The company was founded by big youtubers to promote and help each other and has been growing ever since. Very high reputation inside the industry.
Guess what: "TheGameStation" aka TGS is also part of Makerstudios and is their gaming partner program. This program was also initiated by youtubers (Huskystarcraft, Totalhalibut, Nextgentactics ect.) who didn't want to join a certain gaming network (Machinima) because of it's monopoly status back then. (bad contracts?)
TGS is very community oriented and they tend to only allow people in who get referred by current members or have a very high profile (subs and views). Still you can try to apply --> that leads to:
Guess what: Socialblade aka RPM (yes Socialblade is just the site, not the actual program or company itself you partner with) is also working with/for Makerstudos. This is their recruitment center for smaller channels. Even if you apply to TGS, if you're not big enough you usually get partnered with RPM who specialize in helping smaller channels. They have very low requirements.
I think it is good to know how these networks are connected because let's say you're a small channel and sign up with RPM, that gives you the possibility to grow and maybe work your way up to one of their "big" networks. I think this gives you a different perspective and maybe even more motivation.
TGS and Maker also partner smaller channels if your content is really good and high quality and they see potential in it.
Oh and I believe Polipop is also part of Maker, although not much information because it just launched.
Short note on Machinma: They have a similar system although they focus almost purely on gaming and it's more transparent. They have 3 partner programs: Machinma, Machinmarespawn and Machinima(forgot the name lol).
That's all for now.