In this article 10 sections
If you have searched for a YouTube MCN, a YouTube network or YouTube management help, you have probably met a lot of jargon. Good news: it is simpler than it looks. This guide explains the terms in plain English, compares an MCN with a YouTube agency, and shows how the right partner can help you grow.
What is an MCN on YouTube?
An MCN is a multi-channel network. YouTube describes MCNs as third-party service providers that affiliate with multiple YouTube channels. The services can include audience development, content programming, creator collaborations, digital rights management, monetisation and sales.
In practice, you link your channel to the network, and it can see your YouTube Analytics revenue data.
The upside is a team that works alongside you. That can mean help with growth, rights, brand deals and the admin that eats into your filming time. See what that looks like on our YouTube management page.
How does YouTube monetisation work with an MCN?
YouTube monetisation (or monetization, if you are searching from the US) pays out through YouTube's own revenue share. Joining an MCN does not change that.
For affiliate channels, YouTube says the revenue flows through the network's AdSense account. The network takes its agreed percentage and pays you the rest. A good partner makes your channel earnings easy to follow.
With Ritual, creators typically keep 80 to 100% of revenue, with the exact split agreed on the strategy call.
What is a CSP?
CSP stands for Content Service Provider. It's a company that works with YouTube to support creators and content owners.
YouTube keeps a public Services Directory that lists multi-channel networks and channel management service providers together. It says some require you to link your channel, while others can support independent channels. YouTube says every partner listed has a direct relationship with it, and its help pages point to the directory for YouTube Certified providers.
So the labels overlap. A company can be a CSP, an MCN and a management partner at once, and that is where the fullest support tends to come from. Ritual is YouTube Certified and works directly with YouTube.
What does a YouTube agency or manager do?
A YouTube agency, or a YouTube management partner, works on your channel with you. The day-to-day looks like this:
- Channel strategy built from your analytics
- Titles, thumbnails and search optimisation
- Monetisation reviews
- Brand deals and negotiation
- Help with copyright claims, strikes and appeals
- Support when something goes wrong, such as a hacked channel
Why do some MCNs have a bad reputation?
Experiences vary from one MCN to the next, and some creators have wanted more contact or clearer terms. A great partner is easy to spot. Here is what to look for, and where Ritual ticks every box.
- Clear terms: You get the agreement in writing, and the terms are explained before you commit. At Ritual, we go through them on your strategy call.
- A trial period: You can try the partnership before you settle in. Ritual starts with a three-month trial, and you can leave at any point during it.
- A named contact: You know who to talk to. The same people stay with your channel at Ritual.
- A fair split: You know what you keep before you start. At Ritual, that is agreed up front.
- Clear reporting: You can see your earnings and when payments arrive. Ours show in your dashboard, and payments usually land between the 26th and the 1st of each month.
- No password requests: A good partner never needs your channel password or Google login. We never ask for one.
- Honest promises: Nobody can guarantee views, earnings or the result of a YouTube copyright claim or strike. A good partner says so, then works hard on the things within reach.
MCN vs YouTube agency: how they compare
Every company is different. Here is how the two typically compare.
| Typical YouTube agency | MCN that is also a CSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Channel strategy and analytics | Channel strategy and analytics |
| Optimisation | Titles, thumbnails, search | Titles, thumbnails, search |
| Brand deals | Often a core service | Brand deals and negotiation |
| Rights tools | Varies | Content ID and rights tools |
| Link to YouTube | Works with your channel | Direct relationship with YouTube |
| Monetisation | Reviews and advice | Monetisation support, with revenue through the network |
| Beyond YouTube | Varies | Distribution and further opportunities |
Put simply, if you like the idea of a YouTube agency, a good MCN gives you that and more. You get the strategy and the brand deals, plus rights tools, a direct line to YouTube and monetisation support, all in one place.
At Ritual, the extras go beyond YouTube too. Our talent management finds paid opportunities on any platform. It all starts with YouTube management.
Who needs an MCN?
A good MCN is a great fit for any creator who wants to grow what they earn on YouTube and beyond. It can help if you want:
- More ways to earn: help with monetisation, and extra revenue streams such as merchandise, audio releases and, for UK creators who qualify, YouTube Shopping
- Brand deals: paid partnerships negotiated by people who know the market and handle the contract and invoicing
- Wider reach: distribution and opportunities beyond YouTube, from other platforms to events, collaborations and licensing
- A protected channel: Content ID, help with strikes and claims, and support if a channel is hacked
- More time to create: a team that handles the admin, the data and the chasing, so you can make videos
- A plan: someone to build a clear 90-day plan with you
We look for real potential, and there is no subscriber minimum. If that sounds like you, apply through our YouTube page.
If you are a rights holder rather than a creator, for example a label or media owner looking for re-uploads of your content, Content ID management is the service for you. See our Content ID and rights management page.
Is Ritual an MCN?
Technically yes, but we work as a creator management and strategy partner rather than just connecting a channel to a network.
Ritual Network is a YouTube CSP (Content Service Provider). We have worked with YouTube creators for more than ten years, and we work with a select group of creators rather than thousands. Read more about who we are on our About page.
Here is how our YouTube management works:
- Apply: Fill in the short form on our site. A real person reads it.
- Review: We look at your channel before we reply.
- Strategy call: In week one, we talk through the plan and explain the terms. There is no pressure to sign.
- Three-month trial: We build a 90-day plan from your channel's analytics.
- After the trial: The agreement then typically runs for one year.
You keep creative control, and you will never be pushed into work you are not comfortable with. If you also want help with paid opportunities such as brand deals and ambassador roles, take a look at our talent management service.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MCN on YouTube?
A multi-channel network (MCN) is a third-party company that works with multiple YouTube channels. It can offer services such as audience development, rights management, monetisation support and sales, so creators get a team alongside them.
What is a CSP on YouTube?
CSP stands for Content Service Provider. It's a company that works with YouTube to support creators and content owners.
Is Ritual Network an MCN?
Technically yes, but we work as a creator management and strategy partner rather than just connecting a channel to a network. We are a YouTube CSP and YouTube Certified.
What is the difference between a YouTube MCN and a YouTube agency?
An agency typically focuses on channel strategy, optimisation and brand deals. An MCN that is also a CSP can do all of that and add rights tools such as Content ID, a direct relationship with YouTube, monetisation support, and distribution and opportunities beyond YouTube.
What can an MCN do for my channel?
A good MCN can help you grow with channel strategy, search and thumbnail support, brand deals, rights protection and monetisation support. With Ritual, you also get a named team and a 90-day plan.
How much does YouTube management cost?
With Ritual, we earn a share of the revenue we help generate. Creators typically keep 80 to 100%, and the exact split is agreed on the strategy call.
Can I leave an MCN or management company?
With Ritual, you can leave at any point during the three-month trial. After that, the agreement typically runs for one year.
Will a YouTube manager ask for my password?
No. A good partner never needs your channel password or login. We never ask for one.
How does YouTube monetisation work with an MCN?
Joining an MCN does not change YouTube's own revenue share with you. For affiliate channels, YouTube says the revenue flows through the network's AdSense account. The network pays you after taking its agreed percentage.
Ready to talk it through?
If you want to see how we could help you grow, start with our YouTube management page. Tell us about your channel and we will take it from there.
