When YouTube first got its start in 2005, it went live with one piece of content: a video about elephants at the zoo. Now, 17 years later, it earned $6.8 billion in revenue in Q1 of 2022 alone, up 14% year-over-year. And it all started by delivering content to an audience that just couldn’t get enough.
YouTube is just one example of how multi-channel networks (MCN) build incredible influence. Along with its competitors Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu, it’s easy to see how impactful MCNs can be on digital communities and revenue generation.
In fact, on-demand streaming customers are more satisfied with these big multi-channel networks due to the value of shows for the price and availability of original content. The top MCNs ranked on overall customer satisfaction in 2022 are Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max. More content from a variety of viewers to enjoy = better value.
As a creator, an organization, or even a city, we know what you’re thinking: How do I get that kind of influence for myself?
We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about ways to empower people with the opportunity to influence, and that’s how Endavo’s video distribution automation (VDA) platform was born. With video streaming, there are a lot of technicalities involved, but we wanted to turn all those complexities into something very influential AND super easy.
How easy? “Thirty days to get started for free” kind of easy. “Upload a video, distribute it on your social outlets with one button” kind of easy. “You need one person, not a whole team to operate” kind of easy.
But first thing’s first.
What are multi-channel networks?
A multi-channel network, or MCN for short, is exactly what it sounds like: A third-party provider that offers different channels services like audience development, content programming, monetization, and so much more.
So, are you interested in how it all works? Contact our team today to learn all about our multi-channel network capabilities, and how you can start reaching and influencing your audience with a custom VDA platform in four weeks or less.
Multi-Channel Networks 101: Your Guide to Going Live
Step 1: Onboard your content into the multi-channel network
The best part about Endavo is that your custom MCN framework is already built, so the first thing you need to do is gather your content and get it uploaded into your custom platform. It’s a big task because we’re not just looking for you to hand over your videos — we’re also looking for your graphics, metadata, SEO keywords, and more. This helps your videos naturally get better traction, rank higher, and get in front of the audience you’re targeting. Once we’ve done this, we’re more than halfway to launch.
Step 2: Incorporate syndicated channels.
We’ve already built the infrastructure to seamlessly publish and syndicate any channels you want to stream through your network. What does that mean? If you’ve got a YouTube channel you want to incorporate into your offerings, or you’ve got a channel partner who is interested in streaming with you, we’ve got the process covered. You can go live with any channel or syndication in 30 minutes or less. Great, right?
Step 3: Build out apps.
Once you’ve got your content loaded into your VDA, it’s time to think about what apps you want to use. We’ve built frameworks for all of the major streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire. Even with your desired customizations, we can get your personalized apps built, sent for approval, and live in a matter of days.
Pro Tip: Here’s how a MCN can help creators.
MCNs give content creators the tools they need to help them grow and optimize their content. Whether it’s building the relationship between creators and their viewers, fostering collaboration with other creators, or opening the door to new advertisers, multi-channel networks can elevate content across the board.
Step 4: Consider your add-ons.
Everyone’s got a couple of things that they want exactly their way. Hey, you may even have a lot of things you want a certain way. This is the time to hash those out. Do you want to include a paywall? Do we need to establish user accounts for your viewers? Are you going to want to stream live? All of these customizations will need to be built directly on your platform so you have the functionality you need to reach the audience you want.
Figuring out how you want to monetize can be a big part of this step as well, and we’ve built in a lot of options that you can use to get started exactly how you want to. From the ability to manage advertising and sponsorships, pay-per-view (PPV), and subscriptions, to tip jars, donations, and rentals, we make it easy to personalize in your best interest.
Pro-Tip: It’s also wise to know our MCN policies.
When choosing your add-ons, be sure you’re familiar with your MCN policies. YouTube, for example, updated their ad policies in 2022 and they directly relate to revenue gain. This update focuses on complying with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and requires content be appropriate for a family audience in order to monetize it.
As described by YouTube, content that is “inappropriate for kids and families” and therefore cannot be monetized falls into three categories:
- Encourages negative behavior (such as bullying, negative body image, dangerous activity)
- Mature content aimed towards kids (such as violence, drugs and alcohol, or sexual themes)
- Shocking content aimed towards kids (such as graphic violent content, characters aimed to scare kids, or fearful stories)
After this change in policy, YouTube requires creators to independently designate whether or not their content is “made for kids” when uploading videos. In addition, YouTube can label a video as “made for kids” even if a creator doesn’t through their automated systems. Know your policies and you can most effectively reach your audience.
Step 5: Let’s go live and build your ideal audience with your new multi-channel network.
By the time you’ve made it to Step 5, you’re live and ready to start influencing your audience with the most creative and powerful messages in video content. And you’re ready to do it from one, seamless platform.
At the end of the day, we know your content is more than just a bunch of impressive “views.” Your content is about building creative communities, driving economies, and empowering people like yourself to have a voice whenever, and wherever, they have something to say.
So whether you’re a creator trying to get distribution, or you’re a city defining your voice, Endavo is here to help you have the influence that moves communities toward a better tomorrow.
Ready to get started with a multi-channel network from Endavo? Reach out and let us know, we’d love to get you set up with a free demo.
