Problem
A network contract does not clearly define whether Shorts revenue, memberships, or other monetization streams are commissionable
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Older or poorly drafted MCN contracts specifying a flat percentage of "all platform revenue" create intense disputes when new platform monetization features (Shorts rev-share, Channel Memberships, Super Chats, BrandConnect) are introduced. Networks routinely interpret ambiguous language to extract commission cuts from these new streams without providing any supporting services. Unchecked contract ambiguity results in creeping commission leakage.
Actionable Fix:
1. Audit the MCN agreement's definition of "Gross Receipts" to identify whether newly developed platform monetization features are explicitly included.
2. Draft an amendment or side-letter clarifying that new platform monetization features are non-commissionable unless supported by specific, documented network services.
3. Request an itemized breakdown of monthly network deductions, disputing any withholdings applied to channel memberships or fan funding.
Pro Tip:
Explicitly limit MCN commissions to traditional long-form VOD programmatic AdSense in your contract; ring-fence channel memberships, fan funding, and Shorts pools as 100% creator-owned revenue.
Older or poorly drafted MCN contracts specifying a flat percentage of "all platform revenue" create intense disputes when new platform monetization features (Shorts rev-share, Channel Memberships, Super Chats, BrandConnect) are introduced. Networks routinely interpret ambiguous language to extract commission cuts from these new streams without providing any supporting services. Unchecked contract ambiguity results in creeping commission leakage.
Actionable Fix:
1. Audit the MCN agreement's definition of "Gross Receipts" to identify whether newly developed platform monetization features are explicitly included.
2. Draft an amendment or side-letter clarifying that new platform monetization features are non-commissionable unless supported by specific, documented network services.
3. Request an itemized breakdown of monthly network deductions, disputing any withholdings applied to channel memberships or fan funding.
Pro Tip:
Explicitly limit MCN commissions to traditional long-form VOD programmatic AdSense in your contract; ring-fence channel memberships, fan funding, and Shorts pools as 100% creator-owned revenue.