Maker Studios just made a powerful new viral partner in Jukin Media, the video entertainment network that specializes in swift licensing and distribution of viral video clips -- like last week’s train-kick-in-the-head selfie.
Under the new strategic partnership, Maker and Jukin will collaborate to manage and monetize their channels and videos on YouTube. Maker gets access to Jukin's vast library of viral clips, while Jukin gets to use Maker's well-established video platform, marketing prowess and talent stable.
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Among Jukin’s more than 30 viral video channels is the high-profile FailArmy brand. As a part of the new partnership, Maker will develop and launch Jukin’s new standalone FailArmy website, hosting its videos on its proprietary web platform and video player.
The studios also plan to co-produce shows using Jukin’s clips library, featuring Maker talent for distribution both online and via TV platforms.
“Our goal is to bring the best content to our audience on a global scale and Jukin Media boasts one of the most viral and compelling video libraries in the world,” said Maker chief audience officer Chris Williams. “The FailArmy brand has a massive footprint, and we look forward to working with the Jukin team to create exciting new content and platforms to deliver it to an even broader audience.”
It's just the latest power move for the massive Maker, which is in the process of being acquired by Disney for a deal that could be worth nearly $1 billion -- one of many YouTube multichannel networks to make a high-profile deal in recent months.
“Maker clearly has the best expertise and collection of resources for helping us grow our business and brands both on and off YouTube,” said Jukin founder and CEO Jonathan Skogmo. “This was an obvious alliance for us and we’re very excited to get started.”