Would you ever join a network? Should I consider it one day?

[paigelknowles]

I just recently discovered that almost all of my favorite youtubers and all big youtubers in general have networks or are a part of one. Isn't joining a network like signing over ownership of part of your channel? I would never want to do that. Why does everyone do that? I just don't understand.

 

[Jake Fuller]

I honestly don't know the first thing about networks, but something about the concept troubles me. One of my Favorite YouTubers isn't on one and they have 3.5mil subs. (CaseyNeistat)

 

[MyLifeMyWorld]

I was with a network on my old channel, it might have been the fact they were a crap network, but it made no difference to my channel at all. I believe at the end of the day whether you are with a network or not, it doesn't change the amount of work you need to put in to your channel to help it grow. Back then, I didn't think like this, I believed that joining the network would help me grow without me putting more work in(like an idiot). All I got from the network was access to copyright free music which you can get anywhere. The forum wasn't anywhere near as good as this one, I got NO support when I asked for it. This time, if I do eventually join a network I am going to spend a lot of time researching and not rush into any decision.

So to sum up, I don't really think you need to join a network as with a bit of searching around you can get all the same benefits some networks do offer you, without actually joining one. But I expect people who are in good networks may disagree with me. I look forward to hearinf their opinions about it

 

[Brewin]

It's all preference and network choice. I've heard horror stories about some networks, but the one I am in is great. They've given me tools to grow successfully over time. Nothing over night, but it will happen! As long as you're doing everything legitimate your time with the network you would end up choosing should be great. I've found it's a great way to meet new YouTubers doing the same thing you're doing and that in itself is great!

As for signing over ownership to part of your channel that doesn't happen. At least in the networks I've researched.

 

[KeniisuYT]

I'm with the Curse Network and the access they provide to some Music tools and Epoxy is pretty helpful. I have a 90/10 Revenue Split as well so it's a pretty good deal in my opinion. You should consider a network, but be careful about who you decide to partner with. Some are super shady in their practices and support.

 

[Wreckless Eating]

If you filter through all the BS and misinformation out there, it all comes down to value for money. If a MCN can provide enough value to justify whatever you're paying them each month, then it's worthwhile to be with one. The vast majority don't provide much value as you can get many of the tools they provide for free and they're of limited use to larger/more experienced channels. For larger channels, MCNs act more as a talent agency than a network. That's largely been the evolution of the MCN model in the past few years with creators not giving up a percentage of their adsense earnings and networks only able to take a percentage of the deals they complete for the channel.