The NFL has recently announced a number of expansions to its digital offerings, and it looks as if that expansion will include some updates to the football league’s over-the-top presence. As TechCrunch has reported, a page on the NFL’s website advertises a service called NFL Game Pass, which will be available on devices like Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Apple TV.

NFL Game Pass, as TechCrunch explains, will replace a previous service called NFL Game Rewind, which provided subscribers to on-demand replays of previously-aired games. While Game Pass won’t allow users to stream live regular season NFL games–fans still need to get DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket for that–it will allow football devotees to stream out-of-market preseason games.

TechCrunch also noted that Game Pass will be the first Apple TV app that will allow subscribers to stream full NFL game replays. Other content on the app will include coaches’ film, DVR controls, and a “spoiler-free” design.

In the past year, the NFL has upped its digital game through deals with sites like YouTube and Facebook. It has also tapped Jordan Levin its first Chief Content Officer and agreed to a deal through which Yahoo will live stream an NFL game from London. NFL Game Pass will be another part of the league’s digital strategy, but exact specifics about it aren’t known. The NFL has declined TechCrunch’s request for comment, and so pricing and release details will be revealed at a later date.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, NFL by Sam Gutelle
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Attending VidCon this year? Here are our recommendations. As we do each year, we’ve narrowed down the dozens of Industry, Creator, and Community sessions and highlighted a handful of events that caught our attention. Our suggestions are below, and a full schedule of VidCon happenings can be found on the convention’s website.

An important reminder: Certain sessions will only be open to holders of specific passes. If there’s a particular event you want to attend, make sure you have the right type of ticket, or you’re going to miss out. Without further ado:

Wednesday, June 22nd

5th ANNUAL TUBEFILTER VIDCON PRE-PARTY – FUELED BY BIG FRAME

7 PM, K1 Speed Anaheim

Before VidCon kicks off, join us and our friends at Big Frame in Anaheim for an evening of kart racing, assorted activities, and guest appearances from top digital media stars. Tickets are available here.

Thursday, June 23rd

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH GUILLAUME DE POSCH CO-CEO RTL GROUP, LED BY JOCELYN JOHNSON, FOUNDER – VIDEOINK

9:35 AM, The Ballroom, Industry Track

European media company RTL Group has made a huge mark in the online video world by investing in multi-channel networks like BroadbandTV, StyleHaul, and Divimove. During this session, RTL Group’s co-CEO Guillaume De Posch will provide attendees with a status report of the company’s digital goings-on that will double as a look at where the MCN industry stands in 2015.

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH ZE FRANK, PRESIDENT OF BUZZFEED MOTION PICTURES AND KATIE COURIC, GLOBAL NEWS ANCHOR, YAHOO

10:15 AM, The Ballroom, Industry Track

Katie Couric’s VidCon debut, which we wrote about when it was first announced, will bring the newswoman face-to-face with Ze Frank, who is leading BuzzFeed’s upcoming charge into long-form content through the BuzzFeed Motion Pictures venture. Frank isn’t just an executive; he is also one of the smartest people working in online video, and his insights are always worth listening to.

EMERGING BUSINESS MODELS FOR CREATORS

2 PM, Room 304 AB, Industry Track

By utilizing platforms like merchandise and crowdfunding, creators are now capable of pulling in profits that far exceed those generated by ads. The panelists here, a group that will include musician-turned-Patreon-founder Jack Conte and vlogger-turned-Maker-Studios-exec Shay Carl, will explain the best ways for creators to blend in alternate revenue streams. Our own Joshua Cohen will moderate.

INTERVIEW – LOUISE PENTLAND (SPRINKLE OF GLITTER)

2:30 PM, Entertainment Weekly and People Interview Stage, Community Track

Another one of our own, Drew Baldwin, will lead a conversation with Louise Pentland, who in addition to creating videos on YouTube has also become a bestselling author through her book Life with a Sprinkle of Glitter.

PLATFORM MENU

3:30 PM, Room 207, Creator Track

Which online video platform is right for you? In the third Tubefilter-moderate panel of the day, Joshua Cohen will talk to execs from YouTube, Vine, Vessel, Tumblr, and Vimeo, who will each discuss the merits of their respective sites.

KEYNOTE WITH YOUTUBE CEO SUSAN WOJCICKI, FOLLOWED BY A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH SHAHRZAD RAFATI, FOUNDER & CEO, BROADBANDTV

4:45 PM, The Ballroom, Industry Track

As she did last year, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki is expected to use her VidCon keynote to discuss upcoming changes to the site that will soon be available to creators. We’ll have updates about all her announcements, but if you want to be the first person to hear the State of the YouTube Union, this is the place to be. This year, Wojcicki’s talk will be followed by a chat with Shahrzad Rafati, who as the CEO of BroadbandTV leads one of the most expansive global multi-channel networks on YouTube.

Friday, June 24th

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JASON KILAR

10 AM, The Ballroom, Industry Track

This year’s VidCon is the first since the launch of Vessel, which is looking to cater to YouTube content creators by offering them a platform on which they can bring in massive subscription and advertising revenue. How does Vessel accomplish such a feat? Its founder, ex-Hulu CEO Jason Kilar, will explain his model to YouTube star and VidCon co-founder Hank Green.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? – PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

11 AM, The Ballroom, Industry Track

Each year, new companies look to become the next big thing in online video. This panel, which will feature executives from forward-thinking companies like ZEFR, Frederator Studios, Victorious, and Fuisz Media, will attempt to predict where the industry will go next. Attendees must provide their own crystal balls.

FROM HOLLYWOOD FILMS TO BOOK DEALS: HOW TO STAY SMART IN CROSSOVER PROJECTS

12:30 PM, Room 304 CD, Industry Track

The rise of movies, books, and TV shows led by online video stars has been perhaps the most significant industry trend of the past year. In this panel, creators, executives, and agents who are fueling this trend will talk about what it has accomplished so far–and what’s coming up. The Fine Bros, who are working on several off-YouTube projects, will be there, as will Supergravity Pictures co-founder Marc Hustvedt.

OPTIONS FOR BRANCHING OUT FROM YOUTUBE

3:30 PM, Room 204, Creator Track

While most people within the online video industry would be wise to learn about the movie/book/TV trend I highlighted above, this panel will spin the subject to focus specifically on creators by explaining what they can do to expand their presence. Keywords Press, which is turning YouTubers into published authors, and New Form Digital, which is giving them their own filmmaking platform, will be among the companies represented here.

Saturday, June 25th

LESS THAN FAMOUS

9:30 AM, Room 207, Creator Track

VidCon’s recurring “Less Than Famous” panel, which each year spotlights a handful of creators who are building audiences on YouTube without amassing millions of subscribers, is a yearly delight. It’s a fascinating look at a part of the YouTube community that often goes undiscussed, and this year’s rendition should be no different. This is a panel that curious VidCon attendees should not miss.

THE MYSTERY OF BEING A MUSICIAN ON YOUTUBE

11 AM, Room 207, Creator Track

In the last of the four sessions we’ll be moderating at VidCon, Drew Baldwin will talk to a number of musical YouTube stars–such as Madilyn Bailey and Tyler Ward–about the ways they are going beyond their respective instruments to engage their fans.

CREATOR KEYNOTE

12:30 PM, The Ballroom, Creator Track

Not all collaborations happen on YouTube. This one will bring a dozen familiar faces from the video site together for a large-scale discussion about the big developments and community-wide trends that are on their respective minds. Kevin Alocca, who heads up YouTube’s Culture & Trends division, will sit on the panel as well.

CLOSING CEREMONY (HOSTED BY TYLER OAKLEY & HANNAH HART)

3:30 PM, Kia Mainstage, Community Track

Once YouTube’s creative community is done talking business, it will get to the fun. 20 creators are on the slate for this event, which, according to the VidCon website, will have a “variety show feel.” Get ready for lots of short, sweet performances, which we can only expect will be greeted by hundreds of screaming fans.

Once again, a full list of VidCon events can be found on the convention’s website. Have fun and Happy VidCon!

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, VidCon by Sam Gutelle
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Yesterday, we shared a profile of Sawyer Hartman, who is using Vimeo On Demand to distribute his upcoming project Parallax Theory. Hartman is one of several guests who will participate in regular sessions at the Vimeo Studio during VidCon. The day after his event at Vimeo’s space, the two founders of Supergravity Pictures – Marc Hustvedt and Max Benator – will stop by to talk about their work converting digital video stars into feature film leads.

Supergravity, which launched in 2014, already has several films on its docket, including Kian Lawley vehicle The Chosen, which will premiere adjacent to VidCon. As Supergravity builds out its library, it is working closely with Vimeo On Demand, with which it struck a four-film deal this past January. We spoke to Benator about Supergravity’s plans, its partnership with Vimeo, and the increasing intertwined media landscape.

Tubefilter: What factors and trends led you to found Supergravity?

Max Benator: Marc’s experience with Camp Takota and my experience with top talent while at CDS as well as my experiences with The Fine Bros proved to us, without a shadow of a doubt, that long-form, high-quality entertainment was something that a whole army of under-represented fans wanted and that there was a stable of talent that could deliver on that desire.

We also believe ‘connected talent’ will be ALL talent on a go-forward basis. This separation of traditional and connected is only a short window while connected generations grow into more substantial budgets and projects. In a few short years, most of the talent we see in our favorite films and shows will have a direct relationship with their audience. We don’t view what we do on the creative side of things as any different than what a more traditional film business does. We work with the best partners we can on a particular piece of creative.

We did however see a big opportunity on the business side, where these fans weren’t getting the films they wanted delivered directly to them. There are some cost issues on the traditional side of the game. Big, bloated budgets, etc. So we saw a pathway to solve those things while simultaneously delivering great films directly to audiences that want them.

TF: Are there any noticeable ways in which the filmmaking process is different for films based around digital stars?

MB: Not at all. The filmmaking process is always a creatively evolving process, whether it was directors experimenting with color or sound for the first time many decades ago, or Walt Disney taking a risk on the first feature-length animated film. We entrust our directors and producers to make really great entertainment. Nothing about our unique business approach changes that part of the process.

TF: YouTube audiences have been historically resistant when it comes to paying for content. Why do you think they’re willing to pay $10-15 for a feature film?

MB: I’m not sure I agree with the premise. We’ve seen an overwhelming desire from fans to pay for content. Entire platforms like Kickstarter emerged seemingly purely to service projects that fans want to pay for yet no traditional gatekeepers were financing. This goes back to the beginning of the YouTube era, with The Guild getting its start with a $500 donation or Freddie Wong’s VGHS raising millions from fans over multiple seasons. And more recently, Camp Takota, Expelled, Connor Franta’s music efforts, PewDiePie, Tyler Oakley, and the Vlogbrothers’ respective charity efforts, and countless passion projects from online creators have generated many millions in revenue.

Now, whether or not YouTube can successfully launch a transactional platform is another question others are probably better suited to answer. But the fans are ready, willing and excited to pay for great entertainment from their favorite creators.

TF: Why did you choose to partner with Vimeo On Demand? What do you see as that platform’s big advantages when it comes to film distribution?

MB: Vimeo is well-known as a premium video product. We love identifying with them from a brand perspective. They have a great technology team that ensures we don’t have to worry about our films getting delivered as ordered. They have marketing heft and are bringing that to bear on our films. They stepped up and demonstrated to us they were willing to commit in a real way to four of our films. We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership.

TF: What is the number one thing you hope attendees take away from your Vimeo Studio session?

MB: That the creative world Supergravity lives in is the same world that any film lives in. We are not a subset of another business or just a part of the ‘digital’ business or YouTube business. I believe we’re building systems that are smarter than most across digital and YouTube, but from our talent to the fans that enjoy our films, we are simply great entertainment that’s just a click away.

Another Full Disclosure: Supergravity co-founder Marc Hustvedt is a co-founder of Tubefilter. He’s also a very nice guy. 

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, SUPERGRAVITY PICTURES, Vimeo by Sam Gutelle
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John Green will be expanding his Hollywood production experience. The author of young adult novels like Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars, who is one-half of the Vlogbrothers’ YouTube channel, has signed a first-look deal with film studio Fox 2000 Pictures.

Under the agreement, Green will work with Temple Hill Entertainment’s Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen to develop and produce new projects. Temple Hill was responsible for producing the Twilight movie franchise and the film version of Green’s The Fault in Our Stars; Temple Hill already has a first-look deal with Fox 2000.

“We are elated to expand upon our already extraordinary relationship with John and feel honored to be able to enhance our creative horizons together,” said Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler in a release, as reported by Variety. “He is truly a force of nature and we are proud to be part of his world.”

Green, Godfrey, and Bowen also executive produced the film adaptation of the author’s Paper Towns novel, which debuts in theaters on July 24, 2015. Green recently celebrated the upcoming movie’s release at YouTube Space LA in a live streamed event with the film’s cast and crew. Green will also see his debut novel Looking for Alaska developed into a film by Paramount Pictures.

Filed under: Articles, News, Vlogbrothers by Bree Brouwer
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Ovation Digital Arts is helping expand the digital and traditional reach of two of its content partners. The performance and fine arts-focused multi-channel network has struck deals with Kuma Films and David Poland to produce specials, for both linear and video-on-demand distribution, which feature the creators’ artistic works.

Ovation, which was founded in March by the cable TV channel of the same name, will work with Kuma Films on an original TV documentary special centered on Kuma’s work and the creative process behind it. The yet-unnamed special will include new footage as well as Kuma’s human performance videos from its YouTube channel, which boasts over 180,000 subscribers. The Kuma Films special is set to air on Ovation’s linear TV channel and VOD service in the fall of 2015.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to expand our audience and reach new fans,” said Todd Robins, co-founder of Kuma Films, in a release. “We’re very excited to be working with Ovation Digital Arts on this project and to expand our brand from YouTube to television.”

As for Poland, Ovation will use the YouTube creator’s popular series DP/30: The Oral History of Hollywood as inspiration for a new series of specials called Celebrity Conversations. In an informal setting, Poland will interview Hollywood names like actor Jake Gyllenhaal and director Antoine Fuqua. The first special is set to air on Ovation’s linear and VOD channels on July 22, 2015; more specials will be released throughout the year.

“Ovation Digital Arts is committed to developing distribution and monetization opportunities for creators,” said Stephen Dypiangco, VP of Ovation Digital Arts. “We’re delighted with the talented artists joining our community, and we are particularly excited to announce the television specials with Kuma Films and David Poland. Kuma Films’ striking videos showcase human artistry in an exceptional way, and David’s unique approach to the celebrity interview has been a YouTube favorite for some time. We look forward to introducing even more viewers to their incredible work.”

As of March, Ovation’s TV channel had 54 million global subscribers and its VOD service could be found in 30 million homes.

Filed under: Articles, News, Ovation Digital Arts by Bree Brouwer
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Streamus, a Google Chrome extension with 300,000 installs, has been removed from the Chrome Web Store. The program, which allowed its users to stream YouTube videos as background music while they surfed the web, appears to be down for the count after lengthy, tense negotiations with YouTube resulted in Streamus’ developer losing his YouTube API key.

25-year-old Sean Anderson built Streamus with the YouTube API and released it to the public in 2014. The extension’s simple interface was a big hit with users, and it garnered a fair bit of attention shortly after its arrival.

As Streamus became popular, Anderson found himself at odds with the YouTube Music team. In emails he shared publicly on the Internet, YouTube representatives expressed several issues with the extension, including the way it downplayed actual videos and the lack of ads it offered. Across a months-long process, Anderson attempted to comply with YouTube’s terms, but he ultimately could not reach an agreement with YouTube, and as a result his extension was taken down.

While Anderson has been extremely transparent about Streamus, mostly on its official subreddit, YouTube offered its own comment in the form of a general statement it provided to The Next Web.  “We encourage people to leverage the power of our open API to embed YouTube videos in creative and innovative ways that comply with our terms of service,” said a site representative.

YouTube is understandably concerned about any potential violations of its terms of service, especially as it prepares for the public launch of its own audio service, YouTube Music Key. At the same time, Streamus was a neat little browser extension, and it’s a bummer to see it go. Perhaps it will eventually return in some form; Anderson has vowed that he isn’t giving up on it just yet.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, Streamus by Sam Gutelle
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Frederator Network has once again shown its strong position in the world of animated online video. The YouTube multi-channel network, founded in 1998 by entertainment veteran Fred Seibert and centered on all things cartoons, increased viewership on its own YouTube channel by 57% in the month of June 2015.

Channel Frederator not only gained more than double its YouTube video views compared to May’s figures, but the vertical also added over 100,000 subscribers. This feat helped place Frederator’s YouTube channel on Social Blade’s June list of top 250 fastest-growing global channels based on subscriptions.

An even more impressive milestone came from the Cartoon Hangover channel, a core content partner of Channel Frederator. That channel, which boasts fan-favorite animations such as Bravest Warriors and Bee & Puppycat, increased views 100% and added more than 67,000 subscribers in the month of June.

Part of Frederator Network’s recent success in viewership and subscription increases comes from the fact that the company added over 116 new channels to its network, including content creators Tony Crynight, Vivziepop, and KanashiiPanda. Frederator also developed its own list-style show about animated series and characters dubbed Tooned Up!. The series launched in February and has so far generated a whopping 22 million total video views for Frederator.

“We’ve been working in tandem with our network channels to create the ultimate destination for online animation and it’s been gratifying to see how Channel Frederator Network continues to expand both in terms of offerings and viewership,” said Seibert in a release. “It’s a testament to the talent that we have been lucky enough to attract to the Frederator family, the kinds of programming that are highly appealing and engaging, but cannot be found on other networks—broadcast or online.”

As a whole, Frederator Network reached 27 million subscribers worldwide and pulled in 328 million collective video views in the month of June alone (a 12% increase over May’s numbers).

Filed under: Articles, Channel Frederator, News by Bree Brouwer
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On September 15th, PJ Liguori will re-introduce viewers to the guests at Oscar’s Hotel for Fantastical Creatures, and frequent YouTube viewers will recognize some familiar faces. Production company New Form Digital and distributor Vimeo have released details about Oscar’s Hotel, and its cast will include YouTube stars, well-known Hollywood actors, and the fantastical creations of the Jim Henson Company.

Oscar’s Hotel, which centers on a young man named Oliver who must manage his Uncle Oscar’s hotel and all the supernatural characters therein, is based off a short film Liguori released on YouTube as part of New Form’s first digital showcase. Out of 14 shorts, Oscar’s Hotel and Sawyer Hartman’s Parallax were given full series orders, with Vimeo On Demand serving as the primary distribution platform.

The cast of the Oscar’s Hotel harkens back to the film’s YouTube roots. According to a press release, at least 17 YouTube stars will appear in the series:  Chris Kendall, Anna Akana, Mitchell Davis, Jake Roper, Grace Helbig, Mamrie Hart, Hannah Hart, Dan Howell, Phil Lester, PewDiePie, Marzia Bisognin, Jack Howard, Dean Dobbs , Carrie Fletcher, Meghan Rienks, TomSka, and Andrew Ableson.

At the same time, Oscar’s Hotel is more than just a showcase of digital talent. Acclaimed actors Patrick Stewart, Alfred Molina and Elliott Gould are all among the cast, bringing it some serious gravitas. In addition, the fictional hotel’s inhabitants may take on a decidedly Muppet-esque flair, with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop signing on to design creatures.

“PJ Liguori is a very unique storyteller. We’re very proud to work with him and this amazing cast, in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, on Oscar’s Hotel,” said Kathleen Grace, Chief Creative Officer for New Form Digital, in a release. “The series embodies what New Form is all about – building creators’ visions into premium scripted originals.”

This star-studded cast provides Oscar’s Hotel with plenty of hype ahead of its September 15th release. In the meantime, feel free to reintroduce yourself to the world Liguori has created by watching his short film:

Filed under: Articles, Channels, Featured, New Form, News, Vimeo by Sam Gutelle
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In the US and the UK, popular YouTube stars are bringing their fans to an old medium by writing books about their lives. Now, the latest literary work attached to a YouTuber author brings this trend to New Zealand. Kiwi vlogger Jamie Curry shares the lessons she has learned throughout her young life in Jamie’s World: They Let Me Write A Book!, which is currently available for preorder.

Jamie’s World is a memoir that runs through the 18-year-old Curry’s life and delivers some tips for readers along the way. “I’ll tell you my top travel tips (drink water), how to have fun at a school ball (don’t go) and how to be an adult (eat an oyster),” reads an introduction on the book’s Amazon page. “And I’ll talk about YouTube, because I suppose that’s what got us into this mess in the first place…”

Indeed, YouTube has brought Curry plenty of admirers. On her personal channel, she has nearly 1.4 million subscribers; that’s good for second-best among New Zealanders on YouTube. While her book isn’t out yet, its pre-order figures have already shown off her incredible influence among her followers. A special signed edition available through Amazon UK has become the site’s #1 bestseller in its “Performing Arts for Young Adults” category based on pre-order sales alone.

Here is Curry’s announcement video for her book:

Readers who don’t plan to pre-order Curry’s book will be able to pick it up when it becomes available on October 27th. Its listed price is $12.99. The signed edition, which will arrive on November 5th, is listed at £9.99.

Filed under: Articles, Channels, Featured, News by Sam Gutelle
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Hulu has a new member on its leadership team. The streaming video-on-demand platform has hired Jordan Helman from AMC Networks’ SundanceTV to lead the platform’s foray into original drama series.

Helman will work alongside Hulu’s head of originals Beatrice Springborn, who joined the streaming platform’s team from Storyline Entertainment, to develop and produce Hulu’s upcoming slate of original dramas (including The Way with Aaron Paul and 11/22/63 with James Franco). Hulu also hired former Timberman/Beverly Productions development director Aaron Kelmanski, who will work alongside drama executive Jessica Scott under Helman’s leadership.

Helman comes to Hulu with several years of production experience as the VP of Scripted Programming at SundanceTV. There, the new Hulu exec launched titles such as The Red Road, Rectify, and The Honorable Woman. Prior to SundanceTV, Helman worked at Landscape Entertainment as a producer to sell shows to networks through a first-look deal with FreMantleMedia.

In addition to upcoming original drama series The Way and 11/22/63, Hulu has a few comedy projects in the works. The streaming platform is developing Amy Poehler’s Difficult People, as well as creating a fourth season of The Mindy Project, which FOX cancelled in May 2015. Hulu also teamed with Lionsgate and Freddie Wong’s RocketJump production company to bring an eight-episode series to the video service’s subscribers; RocketJump: The Show is currently in production. Hulu is also believed to be developing a paid, ad-free subscription option, which could arrive in the fall.

Filed under: Articles, Hulu, News by Bree Brouwer
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Stephen Colbert is still more than a month away from returning to TV, but in the interstitial period between his departure from The Colbert Report and his September 8th premiere on The Late Show, he has turned to YouTube, where he is building up a significant presence. Six weeks after releasing his first YouTube video, Colbert has shared the first episode of a new web series. He has a candid conversation with his viewers in Lunch With Stephen, which will premiere new episodes throughout the week of July 20th.

At the beginning of Lunch With Stephen, Colbert explains that his new web series will cater to the growing number of workers who eat lunch (and watch YouTube videos) at their desks. While you munch on your salad or sandwich, Stephen stares back at you, a baby back rib in his hand, and chats you up during your midday break. Lunch With Stephen has a very loose, conversation feel to it, and Colbert seems to be calling upon his improv experience more than anything else.

In total, Lunch With Stephen will run for five episodes, with a new one each day. We can only assume Colbert will do everything he can to top his Monday meal, which consists of a plate of baby back ribs, a box of Girl Scout Cookies, and an entire Little Caesar’s pizza.

Lunch With Stephen is available on the Late Show YouTube channel, which has quickly gathered more than 100,000 subscribers. Colbert seems to be well on his way toward following in the footsteps of late night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, who have both utilized YouTube as integral elements of their respective entertainment empires. Neither of them, however, have ever sat down to have lunch with all of their viewers. Checkmate, Jimmies.

Filed under: Articles, Channels, Featured, News by Sam Gutelle
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Maker Studios is closing down one of its subsidiary properties. In an email to site users, the YouTube multi-channel network announced it will shutter Blip.tv on August 20, 2015.

Founded in 2005, Blip was an early pioneer in the world of online video sharing and distribution sites. The company launched its own content studio in 2012 to produce original series for the site, and signed deals with high-profile creators like Ray William Johnson over the course of the next year. Maker then acquired Blip in September 2013, with the goal of using Blip’s technology, mobile apps, and partnerships with companies like Yahoo and Virgin America to springboard Maker’s growth and create a distribution platform of its own.

The email from Blip/Maker did not specify why the MCN is shutting down the video platform. However, it’s no secret Blip has struggled to compete in the online video world since 2006, when Google acquired YouTube and ultimately boosted that site’s online presence. One of Blip’s founder, Justin Day, tweeted about the shut-down and his company’s trials to “make it” in the world of online video:

Sad to see my baby, @blip.tv finally shutting down. We tried hard guys. Ultimately video is just a really tough business. @internetarchive

— Justin Day (@potatono) July 20, 2015

In the shut-down email, Maker clarified all content creators who are owed revenue from Blip will be paid in September 2015. The MCN is encouraging all creators to apply and move over to its Maker Gen network via max.makerstudios.com.

Filed under: Articles, Maker Studios, News by Bree Brouwer
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