Striving to join a network?

[markkaz]

If you're joining a network, know the specific reason(s) why you are joining and if that network will meet your expectations.

Most networks do not provide most channels higher CPM's nor ads. OK, that was confusing. Very few channels get promotional deals or higher-paying ads via networks.

Most networks don't do anything to promote you by any significance. Even if they gave you a shout-out. Who is following the network to see it? Most likely, it is other people in the same network. You need to get exposure outside the system.

I see many people here joining networks because they can't get Adsense (or they lost the privilege) or they are in a country where they can't receive payments from Adsense and a network provides that means. I get it.

Finally, be aware that all of the major networks don't even want to be called MCN's anymore. They are looking to grow outside of YouTube. Unless you have something of value to them in that regard, you are unlikely to be getting any special attention.

Here's a recent article on the subject.

http://streamdaily.tv/2015/02/05/mcns-the-stigma-and-the-evolution/

 

[enzerutomoshibi]

I can see a lot of the newer networks being useless, but the one I'm with has a lot of free tools for youtubers such as royalty free music, sound effects, an editing platform, protection from false copyright claims, and some other cool stuff.
Combine that with the community being so huge that promoting your videos on the forums and in groups actually makes sense.
If you're in it for the fun and not for the money, some of the larger networks are a good deal. However, if you're in it for the money don't bother with a network.

 

[Caber]

I just joined a network because they offered me access to licenses for music and sound effects.

 

[Michael]

Great post, personally I am with the crowd of those who tend to use networks for fear of ever having my Adsense banned rendering YTtalk Adsense ads gone forever, I have always worried ever since I got an Adsense account back in 2008, I have had a few warnings due to sexual content on here that has slipped through the net and some hate content when someone was ranting about burning a church a long time ago but other than those I havent had any big issues really but with how everyone used to mention things such as malicious competition deliberately trying to ruin others livelihoods I have always tried to play it safe as possible. You only get one Adsense account and YouTube channels you can recreate if you really need to and partner elsewhere.

I think so many more people would just link with their Adsense if they were very unlikely to get banned from others malicious activity, Google really needs to put peoples minds at ease if they have made it unlikely for an innocent publisher to get banned through someones dirty work. For me I just dont use any of the services most provide these days, I dont really need any music and besides Ad Rev is a pain in the a**e when you use AudioMicro music and I dont particularly need helps or tips etc I get the vast majority of my knowledge from YTtalk, YouTube videos and researching myself.

What I want to see is more value for partners in networks, I do have great ideas but I keep them to myself on how they could really add a lot of value for their partners fairly easily and it would work for all of their partners not just small ones with little need for extra employees. Many need to up their game to win people back, many are offering higher rev shares these days to give themselves a competitive edge and it is working very well but even with the smaller rev share it isnt too fair in my opinion if you dont require anything but usage of linking to their network solely for monetisation purposes. I would love to see more services offered, better services and things people truly will use. Stats tools are available within the YT dashboard and most people can figure things out for themselves from those. They could really do with something original and fresh to offer that appeals to everyone.

 

[David Stoll]

I agree with what others have said. My big problem with networks is their inability to explain what they can and will offer smaller YouTubers. For those who need the music, that's a real benefit. But I am happy with the YouTube audio library for what I do. I honestly don't know what value I would get from a network. If a network can explain it to me in concrete terms, I would be willing evaluate whether it's worth the rev share cost to me.

 

[markkaz]

I honestly don't know what value I would get from a network. If a network can explain it to me in concrete terms, I would be willing evaluate whether it's worth the rev share cost to me.

My belief is that they intentionally keep this vague so that they have minimal legal obligations. Even if they tell you specifically what they do for you, that language needs to be in the contract as well.

 

[David Stoll]

My belief is that they intentionally keep this vague so that they have minimal legal obligations. Even if they tell you specifically what they do for you, that language needs to be in the contract as well.

Yeah, I am sure you are correct!