Offers from Companies - What Would Best to Do?

[Singing]

We have a small YouTube channel that is focused on dogs. However, we have gotten press and our videos have been featured on TV.

We've had some offers from various MCNs and YouTube representation companies and I'm trying to figure out what would best to do in our situation. Even though we don't have a huge following or lots of views.

My concern with talking with these companies is that a lot of times they don't guarantee success.

I'd love to monetize our channel, like everyone, but we just want to make the right decisions. What tips and advice does the YTtalk community have? Glad to hear input.

 

[Jawad Soomro]

Never sign any contract without reading them, as far as I know some companies will own ur videos for commercial purpose which I think is really bad. But anyway make sure they make good use of ur content
You can monetize ur video as long as they have no copyrights, you're on right track

 

[Singing]

Have you worked with any companies Jawad?

 

[Tarmack]

I run a Sub-network on YouTube and can comfortably say that you would not benefit from partnership at this time.

The thing about YouTube networks is that by and large, they focus the lions share of their efforts on extremely large channels with obvious brand opportunities. There is no network on the platform that would spend any time seeking brand deals for you. I don't mean this in a negative fashion towards your channel, but it is the reality of YouTube networks.

Now, that said, the primary reason large channels give away part of their revenue to networks is that they simply don't have time to spend looking for those kinds of deals. You are perfectly capable of seeking out brand related promotions, but as I'm sure you already know, it will be difficult to get them on board for the views your channel currently generates.

I wouldn't recommend joining a network. Monetization can be set up with AdSense itself, and as long as you're careful with the copyright side of the world (obtaining proper music licenses for anything you do, etc.), then you don't need a network right now.

 

[Singing]

You are perfectly capable of seeking out brand related promotions, but as I'm sure you already know, it will be difficult to get them on board for the views your channel currently generates.

Already tried going this route and it is not easy.

I wouldn't recommend joining a network. Monetization can be set up with AdSense itself, and as long as you're careful with the copyright side of the world (obtaining proper music licenses for anything you do, etc.), then you don't need a network right now.

From experience Adsense doesn't pay that much, depending on how you look at it. The video matters the most.

Appreciate the input @Tarmack.

 

[Tarmack]

Viral Spiral is a leech. They don't make viral, they latch on to something on the way up and monetize it before it runs out of steam. You still need a viral video and those can never be counted on. If you have a video that blows up, then sure give them a shout.

I should add that a good number of networks are leeches too, technically.

 

[Singing]

People say there is a science behind making something go viral, but I don't think that is true.

To a degree all these companies are but who else are you going to work with? If they are able to get you good brand deals or into a commercial isn't it worth it?

Are you speaking from personal experience working with these types of companies?

 

[babyteeth4]

You can monetize without a network and make great amounts of money as an independent. Nothing wrong with staying independent until you're at a point where you feel like being alone is holding you back. Then you can negotiate terms that you're comfortable with.

 

[Singing]

Nothing wrong with staying independent until you're at a point where you feel like being alone is holding you back. Then you can negotiate terms that you're comfortable with.

Great advice @babyteeth4.

Do you do all your own brand management and deals? Have you talked with any YT companies or been offered contracts?

 

[Tarmack]

@babyteeth4 is a good one to talk to about brand involvement, as is @markkaz due to the size of the channel.

I do have some experience with it because as I mentioned, I run a sub-network, which is essentially a side company working with a major MCN that handles recruitment and support. I do some brand involvement in one particular industry. The thing is, brands want exposure and unless you have views, there isn't anything to sell to the company.

It seems to me that a brand deal in the traditional sense isn't really what you're after. What you want is a talent manager to put your dogs in front of groups who could use them for advertising. These aren't generally the same person.

On an unrelated note, I think that you could do well with the channel if you learned how to do some more heavy editing. I wonder what auto-tune and some clever jump-cuts would do for your kind of content.