What to consider when choosing a YouTube network

is it worth joining a YouTube network? Is it a necessity to be successfull on Youtube? Also, thank you for taking the time to write this post :)!
 
Nice thread @Daniel !
I have one addition to the support topic.
You should be sure the Support team has some knowledge about YouTube. Maybe even look for a Certified Support Team
24/7 Skype support by 14 year olds is not really a benefit over 8/5 support by Certified and experienced people.
 
DevCodeOne said:
Nice thread @Daniel !
I have one addition to the support topic.
You should be sure the Support team has some knowledge about YouTube. Maybe even look for a Certified Support Team
24/7 Skype support by 14 year olds is not really a benefit over 8/5 support by Certified and experienced people.
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Great idea, I'm planning to update this thread soon talking about some more recent changes, mostly affiliate, managed and some other things. :)
 
One of the most important things is contact length. A network's reputation can decrease from one day to another so u don't wanna get trapped in a network which is not good anymore. You should take in consideration the cpm as well but u should do youtube for fun not for money.
 
Daniel said:
Introduction

Hello everyone,

So I thought I would make a kind of 'guide' in what you should look for and consider when choosing to join a YouTube network. This thread will cover the many aspects of a network partnership. This will include:
  1. CPM's
  2. Revenue Share
  3. Contract Length
  4. Payment Threshold
  5. Perks/Benefits
  6. Support
  7. Promotion
  8. Community
  9. Reputation
CPM's & Revenue Share

CPM is an abbreviation for Cost per Mille (Mille being the Latin word for 1000). This is the common measurement that advertisers will use when selling ad's to be displayed on your videos. CPM's vary depending on your channel content and the network you are with. You should note that a Network cannot quote CPM's but give you an average range (e.g. $3-8). Nor can a network guarantee any revenue either.
CPM is calculated in dollars ($).

When researching what Network to join, you really want to find their average range of CPM, you also want to find out if your CPM is capped or uncapped. An uncapped CPM is better because you may be likely to earn more revenue at times when ad's are selling well.

Some people may prefer a fixed CPM, a fixed CPM is different to a capped CPM. Fixed is where it always stays the same and that is what a person will always earn.

Gross and Net CPM

Now, what many people do not understand is the difference between Gross and Net revenue.

Gross revenue is the total revenue you would make before Google and your Networks cut are taken. You can work this out by using this formula:
  • Playback CPM x Monetized views
Net revenue is after Google and your Network has taken their cut. You can work your Net CPM out by taking your Gross revenue and taking the 45% (Google's cut) from your gross revenue. From there, you can take off your Network's cut, and that is the share you will receive.

What should I look out for?

When looking to join a Network, try and find as much information about their CPM's as possible. High CPM is one thing, but a terrible revenue split on top of it will not be beneficial. Try and aim for a high CPM and a good revenue split. Remember, networks are more willing to negotiate a higher split if you are a larger channel.

Contract Length

Remember when choosing a network, it is important that you look at how long you will be locked-in with a network. Only go with something you feel comfortable with. Don't sign your channel away to a network, it is a horrible experience, particularly if the network doesn't live up to expectations. Make sure you read your contract and all the small print, as it may be hidden somewhere within there.

Additionally, you may find yourself lucky and have a no lock-in contract, however only a select few networks actually offer this, and the requirements to receive it are often high.

Payment Threshold

It is very important you know when a network is going to pay you. Some networks may have a threshold, which means you are not paid until you meet that threshold. Just be careful and make sure you know what your threshold is so you know when you will receive your payment. Also, if you are a small channel, be wary of long it will take you to reach that threshold.

Benefits/Perks

Some networks may have more benefits/perks over others. This could include many things. A few examples of the features you may want to look for are:
  • Partner dashboard to track earnings
  • Click-bomb protection
  • Free music library
  • Sponsorships
  • Partner forums
  • Referral program
  • Abilities to earn more revenue (e.g. Fullscreen's Gorilla Campaigns).
This is just some examples of the many features a network may offer, some may appeal to you while it may not appeal to others, so do your research whether what network will offer you what features.

Support

You want a network which offers you great support. A dedicated partner support rep would be really great for you as they can help you with many situations you may find yourself in during your YouTube career. They can assist you and address any problems you may have and do their best to resolve them. Don't feel like a pest to them either, they are there for you. You may want to look at how the network offers you support; this could be via phone, skype, email. Do your research and find information about their reliability and how helpful they are. You don't want to join a network which you don't have access to speak to anyone in there.

Community

Look at other people who are a part of the network and try to get in contact with them and ask them about their experiences with the network. It is best to contract more than just 1 person in their network, as many people have different experiences. While some people may be satisfied with their network, others won't. So it is important to get both sides of the argument and the positives and negatives of each.

Reputation

Usually, a network with a higher reputation has this because they are well-established. Other networks on the other hand, may not have a good reputation. It is important to look at which networks people like and respect and others people don't. It should not just be a deciding factor though, because reputations change very easily. But just remember that, a network with a higher reputation is likely to be a better network.

I hope this guide may help you in your decision when it comes to choosing a network. Feel free to comment on anything you think I may of missed out or any questions you may have.

Thanks
- Dan
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Thanks for the guide, I pretty new to youtube and really new to networks. What is the advantage to being with a network? I am not I am simply using monitization and getting a few pennies so far. It is not a big deal to me right now since I am small and growing not looking to make a profit right now but I will down the road.
 
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