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I have been watching GCN a lot recently, and really enjoy it. Their resources are great, and every one of the presenters is excellent.
I can't help but wonder, though, how on earth they get the money for that quality of production, as well as whatever it costs to pay them all salaries. I mean, if it's sponsorship from bike companies, it's not obvious; their kit is mostly covered in their own branding. And how much can a bike company afford to sponsor anyway? I can see them lending bikes to the group for use in videos, but beyond that?
It just seems like and excellent, and very professional, operation, but one who's income stream is a mystery to me.
Er.... from Youtube?
Could be partly YouTube. Their kit has YouTube logos all over it.
]Er.... from Youtube?
Really? YouTube pays that much to establish a dedicated cycling channel?!?
Are there other examples of activity- or hobby-based channels they operate?
Sorry. I didn't know they did that.
Well some of the Vids that GCN post up have the normal "skip this ad>" before the vid plays so I think YT must hand over some cash..
But you are right, other than that they do seem to be funded by Fun.
It's just a front for laundering Russian drug money 😉
I just searched, and there is no indication that GCN is funded by YouTube. And I can't imagine they make so much money from the channel that they are able to pay themselves and for the productions they undertake.
It's a media company that started a couple of respected youtube channels, rather than a couple of youtubers that reached the threshold of being able to make a living from it and then reaching the threshold of respected media company (which gets access to all the trade shows, pro teams etc.)
Money must come from somewhere, even if it was a big bank loan and youtube ads, product placement, and sales of bottles and t-shirts servicing the interest repayments.
The amount of money it's possible to earn from monetising YouTube videos is insane. There are folk who simply unwrap toys and talk about them that are raking in somewhere north of $2 million a year.
While you're gasping and pouring sweat all over your kitchen floor what you can't see through the salt stinging tears is that theyre crawling out through your USB port and nicking your china. Either that or a cut of advertising/data revenue.
What @FlyingOx says. Whilst MTB vids are currenttly well below gamers and the likes of Russel Brand , there is a lot of money to be made from popular channels. As for "salaries" perhaps those taking part are just taking a percentage of revenues
Look how much psy has made from from YouTube for that god awful gangam style. Apparently over 2 billion views and still getting 3 million per day. The story I read was old but I think he had made over £16 million. Different scales obviously but just goes to show how much money is out there.
They're sponsored by some bike brands too. You notice a lot of excitement around Canyon, Scott and Ridley bikes along with Castelli, Kask and Fizik kit, Garmin too.
Soooo, it's becoming clearer why the Guys always have a summary link with three options at the end of the vidz. Chances are you'll click one at least, then probably subscribe if you like what they do.
Thereby (almost) increasing the number of hits and probably get some income for the number of subscribers too..
Savvy.