Maker Studios operates a large YouTube multichannel network, aggregating more than 60,000 channels and 260 million subscribers to generate roughly 4 billion video views per month. The company distributes content from about 80 countries, with roughly half of viewership outside the U.S. Maker aims to expand its international footprint by opening additional offices in Europe and Asia that mirror its Los Angeles headquarters’ audience development, production, and commercial functions. It recently acquired Blip, gaining destination site capabilities and technology for multi-platform distribution to game consoles, streaming boxes, connected TVs, phones and tablets. While YouTube remains its largest distribution point, Maker is pushing distribution across the web and mobile apps to reach new viewers and improve monetization. The new capital will be used primarily to grow the company’s business overseas and support international ad sales and content production. Founded in 2009 by a group of independent YouTubers, Maker Studios operates a creator network that provides audience development, content production, promotion, distribution, and sales and marketing services. The company recruits thousands of creators across verticals including comedy, music, gaming, fashion, and mom programming. Maker aggregates and cross‑promotes creator content to boost audiences and improve monetization. It now attracts more than 2 billion video views per month and ranks among the top three independent YouTube networks for unique viewers and video views. Maker has raised $44 million to date, capital that has supported its fast‑growing content production and distribution partnerships. As part of its recent financing, a Time Warner executive will join the company’s board.

Total raised

$62M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series C

Latest activity

Sep 2013