VidCon, the multi-genre online video convention held annually in Southern California since 2010, took place last week in Anaheim, Calif.

Originally conceived by Hank and John Green of the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, the convention is the largest of its kind in the world, gathering thousands of online video viewers, creators and industry representatives worldwide.

Companies at the forefront of the online video movement, such as YouTube, utilized the event to make major announcements.

Susan Wojcicki, chief executive officer, YouTube, announced that the company will launch a host of new services and capabilities including fan subtitles, which will allow videos to be translated into other languages; new technological advances that improve user interaction, viewer speeds and updated music and sound effects; the creation of a SiriusXM music show featuring YouTube celebrity Jenna Marbles as host; and a new functionality that will ultimately allow creators to sell merchandise, receive tips and link to crowd-funding sites within the YouTube platform. YouTube also announced it is developing a mobile app, “YouTube Creator Studio,” which will allow channel creators access to their analytics on all mobile devices.

This year's VidCon claimed 18,000 attendees with a significant number of multi-channel network talent making appearances on panels and on the show floor. 

From a licensing perspective, MCNs, and the content being produced through them, represent significant opportunities for brand extensions and licensing. To learn more, check out our June feature story “Multi-Channel Networks: The New Buzz” here.

The majority of attendees at VidCon were tweens and teens paying more than $200 for the opportunity to see some of their favorite online video stars in person. Also in attendance were the Hollywood talent managers, agents, producers and corporate sponsors seeking business opportunities for what has become the latest media craze.