What does Multi-Channel Network (MCN) mean?
Multi-Channel Network (MCN) is a company that partners with multiple YouTube channels or other online video creators to provide services including audience development, content programming, creator collaboration, digital rights management, and advertising sales. In exchange, the MCN typically takes a percentage of the creator’s advertising revenue. MCNs became prominent in the early 2010s as YouTube began generating significant advertising income for popular channels. For young performers and influencers building an online presence, understanding MCNs is important before signing any representation deal in the digital space.
Example:After a teen actor’s behind-the-scenes YouTube channel reached 500,000 subscribers, an MCN approached her family with a partnership offer that included access to brand deals and production resources in exchange for 30% of her channel’s ad revenue.
Example: A parent carefully reviewed the proposed MCN contract before signing, noting that the multi-year lock-in clause meant her child would be contractually bound to the network even if the relationship turned out to be unhelpful.
Did you know?
At their peak around 2014-2015, MCNs like Maker Studios and Fullscreen were valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. Disney acquired Maker Studios for approximately $675 million in 2014 — one of the first major media company acquisitions of a digital content network. However, the MCN model has since declined significantly as YouTube changed its monetization rules and many creators found MCN deals more restrictive than beneficial.
You can also find “Multi-Channel Network (MCN)” and related terms in this category: Marketing and Promotion.
