Are networks any good?

[brunoalhe]

Hi! I guess someone must have created a thread similar to this one but I can't post on the ''network reviews'' forum yet so I hope that asking this here is OK.

Basically I've been doing some research and watching a bunch of videos about networks and apparently ALL of them are scams or just not worth it, is that true? I'd love to join one that actually does what it promises as I could really use some views and subscribers growth...

Thanks!!

 

[xingcat]

I think it depends on your type of content and what you want to get from networks. I know there are gaming channels who rely on their networks to be able to post material that may be covered by copyright, and there are some channels that are larger who get a lot of exposure from networks.

However, I would proceed with caution. Smaller channels tend to report that networks don't do a lot of things for them, and I've seen a number of decently-sized creators complain that they've lost a lot of revenue due to deals they signed with various networks that haven't worked out for them.

 

[TheKingCranee]

I am in the curse network (union for gamers) but their forums are currently down and have been since I joined. What I like about MCN/Networks are that you get LOADS of music tracks that may or may not be copyright but if they are the network owns the copyright and on top of that you can find some nice collaborations. I haven't been in my network long enough yet. At first I had a lot of problems figuring out why anyone would even need a MCN or Network but they were much more needed back when getting a youtube partner meant you could make money.

 

[Heathcliff]

Great thread @brunoalhe

I just post a thread i'm 9 years on Youtube. Throughout my entire Youtube career I never joined a network. You read stories how people became big thanks to the networks but they forgot they are a natural talent. They contact me on a daily basis and upon I ask(just to mind*** them) can you provide me links how you promote your clients they stop replying or give a vague answer.

In my opinion, when you want to join a network you want to get more views. Your focus is more on numbers than your content, wrong intention.
I always ask the rhetorical question: Do you handover your wallet to strangers?

Joining a network is handing over your bank account or your wallet. It's just business and they need Youtubers.

But you get access to their library?
Youtube offers a free audio library. WIth the money lost when you're in a network you can spend that money on very awesome audio for a few bucks instead.

Don't join them is my personal advice to you.[DOUBLEPOST=1476542314,1476542005][/DOUBLEPOST]Perseverance and being different will make you a successful Youtuber.

 

[Crown]

I've moved your thread to the networks forum. (It's only the network review forum where you can't create a thread. )

 

[brunoalhe]

Thanks for moving it, I'm sorry I messed up! haha
So the general opinion seems to be to keep working on growing your channel on your own and once you have a middle sized audience, consider joining one, right?
It sucks though as the ones who are starting are probably the ones who need help growing their audience the most!

 

[Shakycow]

Benefits typically include:

• a plug-in to give you a more informative YouTube experience
• a community forum with other members of the network
  
• more licensed music options
• you may not have to wait to pass AdSense's $100 threshold to receive payment
• more methods to receive payment (PayPal, etc.)

Negatives:

• the majority of the things they promised do not actually exist
• they won't actually help you grow your channel or subscriptions
• the music licenses could become problematic if you ever leave the network
• there is no guarantee they'll pay you on time
• payment will take longer if using AdSense
• they'll take between 10-50% of your income
• you may have to sign a contract to stay with them for a certain amount of time

Only you can decide if the pros outweigh the cons. Many will praise the greatness of networks, many others (like myself) will fail to see any reason they exist any more (they were far more useful a few years ago).

If you're really curious, find one with a no-lock in contract and join it for a month or so. Plus side, with the size of your channel, you shouldn't really lose any money and you'll get to see first hand if they help you or if they simply take your money.

 

[Heathcliff]

@Shakycow

• a plug-in to give you a more informative YouTube experience
  What better information can they provide than Youtube's analytics?
  
• a community forum with other members of the network
  That's not a benefit, you want organic subscribers those who are purely interested in your content ---btw YTTALK is the best community for Youtubers
  
• more licensed music options
  There are enough options out there on the internet, instead of loosing revenue because you give away a peace of your cake to a netwerk you can buy great audio instead at audiojungle
  
• you may not have to wait to pass AdSense's $100 threshold to receive payment
  I prefer to be payed 100 dollars at once than micro-chunks.
  
• more methods to receive payment (PayPal, etc.)
  For each transaction through 3rd party you "pay" fee

consider joining one, right?

No.

 

[Shakycow]

@Heathcliff

• a plug-in to give you a more informative YouTube experience
  What better information can they provide than Youtube's analytics?

Various tools to help recommend tags and descriptions, far better insight into other people's videos, information broken down by the minute to better plan when to upload, batch uploads/ comments, etc. Granted, most of the same features can be found for free (or at a low cost), but some networks offer them as part of their service.

If interested, I'd recommend giving TubeBuddy a try.

• a community forum with other members of the network
  That's not a benefit, you want organic subscribers those who are purely interested in your content ---btw YTTALK is the best community for Youtubers

Yes, this place is the best overall community, but sometimes people like options and, if they weren't already here, a network forum "might" be a decent option.

• more licensed music options
  There are enough options out there on the internet, instead of loosing revenue because you give away a peace of your cake to a netwerk you can buy great audio instead at audiojungle

I would say that the bigger issue would be when someone decides to leave a network and then realizes that they no longer have the rights to any of the music they've been using, but that doesn't change that many networks offer music collections greater than what's available on YouTube.

• you may not have to wait to pass AdSense's $100 threshold to receive payment
  I prefer to be payed 100 dollars at once than micro-chunks.

That's a personal preference. There are plenty of channels out there who will never reach the $100 threshold, but wouldn't mind making $20 here or there.

• more methods to receive payment (PayPal, etc.)
  For each transaction through 3rd party you "pay" fee

...and, in the countries where AdSense isn't, that's the best option available to them. Likewise, not everyone has a bank account and PayPal (or similar) can be very convenient.


As I said in my post, I no longer understand the need for networks any more, but people still continue to use them and most will site the above reasons as the benefits.