Channel Frederator Network
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Predecessor | Frederator Studios and Next New Networks |
| Founded | November 2012 |
| Founder | Fred Seibert |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 1, Manhattan |
Key people |
|
| Products |
|
| Revenue | 70% (creator) 30% (network) |
| Parent | Frederator Networks |
| Website | channelfrederatornetwork channelfrederator |
The Channel Frederator Network is an American multi-channel network specializing in animation, video games, and pop culture content. It was founded by media entrepreneur and cartoon producer Fred Seibert and is managed by Frederator Networks.
Before establishing this network, Seibert launched Frederator Studios and later held the position of president at MTV Networks Online,[1]
History
The origins of Channel Frederator trace back to 2005 when Seibert introduced it as the pioneering "cartoon video podcast," distributing episodes through Apple's iTunes platform to devices including the Apple iPod and Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP).[2] Early episodes were edited by Tumblr founder David Karp, who also developed the initial website and co-created the channel's logo.[3]
Building on this success, Seibert co-founded Next New Networks, which became a trailblazer in the Multi-Channel Network space by managing numerous creator-owned channels and ranking among YouTube’s top five contributors in viewership. In 2010, Google/YouTube acquired Next New Networks,[4]
In 2012, under the banner of Frederator Studios, high-quality television-style cartoons were produced specifically for online audiences through YouTube's $100 million Original Channel Initiative. This included series such as Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat, and The Summoning.[5]
By mid-2014, Seibert officially launched the Channel Frederator Network as a dedicated animation multi-channel network,[6]
As of 2022, Ethan Schulteis (known as The Amagi) assumed control of the network’s primary YouTube channel and took on additional oversight of Cinematica, its live-action channel.[7]
Affiliated influencers
Top creators within the network feature Jaiden Animations, Domics, FilmCow, Cartoon Hangover, and RebelTaxi. Advertising and distribution for these YouTube channels are managed by Channel Frederator, which also promotes related shows and licensed products. Additionally, the network provides consulting services on demand and organizes weekly events accessible to all members.
Parent company
Channel Frederator is a division of Frederator Networks, itself a subsidiary of the media conglomerate Wow Unlimited Media, owned by Kartoon Studios. Established in 2012 by Fred Seibert, Frederator Networks is dedicated to developing a media enterprise aimed at niche online video audiences. Beyond Channel Frederator and Cartoon Hangover, the company oversees Frederator Books and Frederator Studios, the latter recognized for producing Castlevania on Netflix, along with shows such as Butch Hartman's The Fairly OddParents for Nickelodeon and Pendleton Ward's Adventure Time for Cartoon Network.
- ↑ where he identified the emerging opportunities in streaming video content and distribution.
- ↑ The episodes showcased a mix of original and classic cartoons from international creators, formatted into segments lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
- ↑ The original approach combined independently produced animated shorts with branded promotional content. Channel Frederator expanded its reach by launching on YouTube in February 2007.
- ↑ although Seibert maintained ownership of Channel Frederator, subsequently forming Frederator Networks as its parent entity.
- ↑ These productions significantly broadened the network’s content offerings and strengthened its position in the market.
- ↑ which quickly grew to become YouTube’s largest network focused on animation content.
- ↑ Under his direction, the network has achieved billions of views and garnered millions of subscribers across various platforms.