What “Syndication to MSN” actually means
Syndication is placing your existing content onto additional, high-traffic surfaces, legally and with proper rights, so it earns attention (and money) in more places. Think Microsoft Edge news feed, the MSN app, Bing surfaces, and Start widgets across Windows. Microsoft’s own partner docs describe a large, multi-device network designed for trusted, engaging content. Microsoft Support
MSN/Start isn’t a free-for-all; it’s curated and, for video creators, typically invite-only or managed via authorized distributors. In practice, that means you either become a direct partner or work through a network like ITBM that onboards, formats, and routes your content into the system. Microsoft Learn
Why creators are adding MSN now (not “someday”)
- Less noise, more placement. Compared with mainstream social feeds, Start/MSN placement is more editorial and less saturated, especially for evergreen and “service” content (how-tos, reviews, hands-on explainers). That’s why early movers have seen meaningful visibility. Tech Times
- Cross-surface reach. Content can appear across Start, Edge, Bing, and the MSN app, i.e., where audiences already spend time reading and browsing. Microsoft Support
- A different audience mix. Microsoft’s ecosystem skews slightly older and more professional than TikTok or Shorts, useful for finance, travel, productivity, DIY, auto, beauty, and long-tail edutainment. Tech Times
- Monetization potential. Industry write-ups and partner case posts point to comparable or attractive monetization when content-to-context fit is strong. Results vary by vertical, but Start/MSN is increasingly cited by publishers as a top syndication earner. marcusmth
What ITBM does for you
1) Eligibility & rights check
We audit your library (video + article posts if applicable), confirm syndication rights, and map what to ship first (best-fit verticals, safe evergreen pieces, brand-safe edits). We follow Microsoft’s partner guidelines on tone, safety, and suitability. Microsoft Support
2) Packaging & delivery
We adapt metadata, thumbnails, runtimes, and descriptions for the MSN environment. For written content, we apply syndication-safe formatting and canonical/back-link norms aligned with best-practice playbooks used by pro publishers. SHE Media
3) Launch sequencing
Rather than dumping your whole library, we sequence, lead with proven winners, then expand to adjacent topics that perform on Start/MSN (e.g., how-to, explainers, evergreen “reference” content). SHE Media
4) Measurement & iteration
We monitor placement velocity, click-through, completion, and RPM. From there, we tune titles, packaging, and cadence to grow consistent revenue (and avoid duplication issues). SHE Media
Who tends to win on Start/MSN
- Hands-on explainers: repairs, DIY, maker content.
- Tasteful listicles/how-tos: travel, finance, productivity, beauty.
- Product storytelling: useful reviews and comparisons, not hype.
These are exactly the niches Microsoft’s surfaces already reward. Tech Times
What about SEO and your main channel?
Syndication is not a “reupload everywhere” tactic. Done right, it’s a complementary distribution: Start/MSN brings incremental audiences while your primary home, YouTube, or your site, retains canonical status and community. Reputable syndication programs emphasize neutral, news-style tone and quality to protect brand trust across Microsoft surfaces. Microsoft Support
FAQs
Is MSN really invite-only?
For most creators, yes, it’s a closed partner ecosystem. You either secure a direct relationship or go through an approved distributor/onboarding partner. ITBM handles the latter. Microsoft Learn
Can I monetize from the start?
Monetization terms depend on your agreement and vertical; case studies and creator reports suggest revenue is viable without the typical “watch-hours/subscriber” hurdles of some platforms. We’ll scope realistic RPMs by niche before launch. AIR
What content shouldn’t I syndicate?
Anything that conflicts with Microsoft’s safety and suitability rules (low-quality, unsafe, deceptive) or lacks clear rights. ITBM screens and edits for compliance. Microsoft Support
Will this hurt my YouTube?
No, our approach is complementary. We preserve your channel’s core strategy and release windows while using Start/MSN to extend reach where that audience already reads and browses. (Think clips, companion cuts, or timely explainers that reinforce your main videos.) SHE Media
The ITBM Syndication Blueprint (simple version)
- Assess: rights, fit, and revenue model.
- Prep: metadata, runs, thumbnails, tone compliance. Microsoft Support
- Pilot: 10–20 best-fit assets to validate placements and RPM. SHE Media
- Scale: expand topics, add series, and schedule weekly refreshes.
- Optimize: refine packaging from analytics to lift earnings.
Ready to test it?
If you’ve built strong videos or articles that educate, demonstrate, or compare, and you want a calmer channel for discovery and revenue, Start/MSN is where we’ll take them. ITBM handles the onboarding, formatting, distribution, and iterative optimization. You keep making great work; we make it travel.
Bring your top 15 pieces. We’ll show you what they can do on Microsoft Start.
References & further reading: Microsoft’s publishing guidelines; Start/MSN optimization workshops and best practices; invite/partner access FAQs; industry case write-ups on creator performance in the MSN ecosystem. Microsoft Support