YouTube, the platform utilized by the vast majority of these networks, invented the name "Multi-Channel Networks (MCN)" (hereinafter referred to as MCNs). These MCNs are defined by YouTube as "companies that associate with several YouTube channels, frequently to give support in areas such as product, programming, funding, cross-promotion, partner management, digital rights management, monetization/sales, and/or audience development."
MCNs (multi-channel networks) are firms that deal with a variety of video platforms. It owns and runs several video-sharing websites, including YouTube. In exchange for a share of ad income from numerous channels, it often assists content producers in areas such as product, programming, cross-promotion, partner management, digital rights management, sales, and audience expansion. In addition, MCNs assist content creators by providing several ways for refining video content to enhance audience participation on these channels. Furthermore, MCN assists the channel in extending its viewer base, increasing its income, and enhancing its performance.
Multi-Channel Networks ("MCNs" or "networks") are third-party service providers who partner with several YouTube channels to provide services such as audience development, content programming, creative collaborations, digital rights management, monetization, and/or sales.
The term Multi-Channel Network (MCN) has become commonplace in the YouTube ecosystem. Former YouTube employee and Next New Networks co-founder Jed Simmons originated the concept. Next New Networks was bought by YouTube in 2011 to assist it to expand its creative development, channel creation, and audience development capabilities. Simmons and his co-founders, including cable TV pioneers Fred Seibert and Herb Scannell, as well as early web video developers Emil Rensing and Tim Shey, formed Next New Networks.