> If the quantities of money paid to all the YouTube freelance advertisers is anything to go on, a video platform having their own ad network would itself be highly profitable.

Then why isnt everyone jumping at the opportunity to make a competitor? If it is soooo easy, we should have competitors. Nobody is stopping you from launching margalabargalatube.com and win the market.

Nobody, including Jeff Geerling, has an exclusive deal with YouTube to distribute the videos. Make it happen!

I mean, if that's how we're going to talk to each other, I can engage on your level...

You are soooo right! There's no such thing as a network effect or a first mover advantage! If something exists and is self sustaining (my original point), therefore creating that thing is trivial and anyone can do it (your invaluble contribution)! Your logic is flawless. Have you considered going into freelance consulting? Someone with such good and original ideas should be charging money for them.