YouTube Acquires Next New Networks

SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube has acquired video producer Next New Networks, along with launching YouTube Next, a unit geared toward accelerating video creation and monetization.

Next New Networks has built its business around original web video programming, attracting upward of 2 billion views and 6 billion subscribers across their partners networks of channels and shows. YouTube will utilize this acquisition as an incubator for experimentation and innovation, with a team working hands-on with a variety of content partners and emerging talent to help them thrive on the video platform.

With YouTube Next, a new team has been put in place to oversee creator development and accelerate partner growth and success. The team will also spearhead a series of YouTube Next-branded programs and services. The YouTube Next team and programs will expand partner meet-ups and community events, increase investment in partner education and training and launch new capabilities in audience development.

Tom Pickett, the director of global content operations and YouTube Next, said in a blog post: "At YouTube, we’re focused on building a great technology platform for creators, and so we leave the actual creation of great videos to the people who do it best: our partners. This new group and the addition of the Next New Networks team doesn’t change that. But being a great platform for creators also means helping our partners get the tools and guidance they need to develop higher quality videos and drive bigger audiences to their work.

"2011 promises to be an exciting year for the online video industry. We look forward to announcing more YouTube Next initiatives throughout the year, chronicling the impact on partners and highlighting the results on this blog for everyone to enjoy."