DreamWorks Animation-owned AwesomenessTV makes a deal to acquire YouTube channel network Big Frame for $15 million.
DreamWorks Animation-owned AwesomenessTV is acquiring YouTube channel network Big Frame for $15 million, according to a report by Kidscreen.
With this acquisition, the goal for the teen-focused network is to become an even stronger presence in the beauty, fashion, fitness and music verticals. The transaction, expected to be completed this month, includes repayment of outstanding debt and is subject to closing conditions.
As part of the deal, AwesomenessTV gains Big Frame’s talent roster, which includes 300 vlogger-run channels that have 39 million YouTube subscribers. Big Frame’s executive team and talent managers will also move to AwesomenessTV.
Big Frame’s founders are Sarah Penna and Steve Raymond. The company was founded in 2011 as part of YouTube’s Original Channels Initiative, launching its first funded channel, Bammo, in April 2012, and another called Polished in 2013. For Big Frame talent, AwesomenessTV will deliver a multi-platform approach to building brands and monetizing content, according to the statement.
Combined, AwesomenessTV and Big Frame will deliver 80 million subscribers and close to a billion views a month.
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
