Once in a while I get an email or a private message through one of my channels which turns out to be an offer from a Multi-Channel Network (MCN).

Although my ego often feels flattered to get these, I have declined every offer so far — and in this article I want to explain to you not only why, but I will also tell you more about MCNs in general and discuss whether it makes sense to sign up or not.

What is a Multi-Channel Network?

Before we dive deeper, however, let’s define the term: what are Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) exactly?

According to YouTube, MCNs are companies that offer YouTube creators help “with their programming, funding, cross-promotion, partner management, digital rights management, monetization/sales, or audience development.”

That sounds like a lot of help you could be getting.

In reality, the services most MCNs offer are more limited and most MCNs are known for providing some of the following benefits to YouTube creators: