The Best Gaming Network for YouTube Channels: Beyond Machinima and Union for Gamers
When it comes to monetizing a YouTube channel focused on gaming, the choice of a gaming network can significantly impact your earnings and growth potential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the options available, focusing on Union for Gamers and Machinima, and provide insights into what matters most for a successful partnership.
Union for Gamers: A Closer Look
Union for Gamers has gained a reputation as a popular choice for content creators, offering a 90/10 split of ad revenue. This structure provides a substantial advantage over other networks. Additionally, Union for Gamers boasts a robust sales team, which can help secure better ad placements and potentially higher RPM (Revenue Per Mille).
No Lock-In Contracts
One of the standout features of Union for Gamers is its no-lock-in contracts. This flexibility is crucial for content creators who want the freedom to explore and monetize multiple networks or platforms without stringent long-term commitments.
Revenue Split vs. RPM
While a transparent revenue split is highly valuable, it's important to consider the RPM (Revenue Per Mille) when evaluating a gaming network. Historically, some networks had the ability to sell ad inventory at higher rates due to their direct sales capabilities. However, with the current state of the ad tech landscape, YouTube remains the leading platform for ad placement and RPM.
Is Machinima a Viable Choice?
Machinima was once a dominant player in the gaming network space, but its reputation has been marred by controversy. The company has faced numerous challenges, including allegations of perpetuity contracts and unfair practices, which have eroded trust among content creators.
Trust Issues
Trust is a critical factor in any content creator's decision-making process. The negative experiences and testimonials from other creators about Machinima highlight the risks involved. While the company has taken steps to improve, the legacy remain an obstacle for potential partnerships.
What Really Matters?
While factors like RPM and ad innovation may have been significant in the past, the landscape has changed. Today, the key elements to focus on are:
Revenue Split
A fair revenue split is more important than ever. A better rev split can mean substantial increases in your ad revenue, which is crucial for long-term sustainability and success.
Creative Freedom
Flexibility in contract terms and the ability to retain creative control over your content can greatly enhance your experience and potential earnings.
Community and Support
A strong community and supportive network can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging, which can be just as important as the raw numbers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best gaming network for your YouTube channel depends on your specific needs and goals. Union for Gamers offers a good balance of revenue and flexibility, while Machinima's troubled history may make it a riskier choice. As always, it's advisable to conduct thorough research and possibly test multiple networks before committing to one. Your primary focus should be on maximizing your revenue split while ensuring a positive and supportive partnership environment.