Expanding Your Content Distribution & Monetization to MSN - Microsoft: What Creators Need to Know
As part of our ongoing work to help creators reach global audiences and unlock new revenue streams, Linguana is expanding distribution of localized content to MSN, Microsoft’s global content platform (formerly called Microsoft Start).
This initiative opens an additional channel to scale visibility, reach new viewers beyond traditional platforms, and generate incremental revenue from your existing videos, with no additional production effort required.
Below is a comprehensive FAQ covering the most common questions about what MSN is, how it works, and what participation involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MSN?
MSN (formerly known as Microsoft Start) is Microsoft’s global content and media platform. It is deeply integrated into everyday digital experiences through Windows devices, MSN Video, the Microsoft Edge browser, Bing search, Outlook, and the MSN mobile app.
Rather than functioning as a social network, MSN operates as a premium content discovery environment. Videos are surfaced to users who are browsing news, trending topics, and curated content feeds. This means viewers often encounter videos organically as part of their daily online activity, even if they are not actively searching for them.
Through this ecosystem, MSN reaches hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
2. What’s the opportunity for creators?
Distributing original and localized videos on MSN allows creators to reach entirely new audiences beyond their existing platforms. Instead of relying on a single ecosystem, content can be surfaced across Microsoft’s network, creating an additional layer of exposure and monetization.
One of the most appealing aspects of MSN is that monetization begins immediately once videos go live. There are no eligibility thresholds, subscriber requirements, or watch-time milestones. Revenue is generated through advertising tied to views, engagement, and audience location.
Creators who have expanded distribution to MSN often see meaningful incremental earnings, with some reporting consistent four- and five-figure monthly payouts. Beyond direct revenue, MSN distribution can also strengthen brand awareness and introduce new viewers who may later discover the creator’s primary channels.
3. How does monetization work?
Monetization on MSN is driven primarily by advertising revenue. Earnings depend on factors such as the geographic location of viewers, advertiser demand in different markets, engagement levels, and the category of the content.
Because MSN attracts large audiences from high-value advertising regions, CPM rates can be competitive. Localization plays an important role in unlocking these markets, allowing videos to resonate more effectively with viewers in their native languages. For example, by distributing videos localized into Spanish on MSN, creators can tap into the estimated 45 million Spanish speakers in the US.
Revenue generated through MSN distribution is entirely incremental to YouTube or other platforms. Linguana manages the entire monetization process and shares revenue according to the same success-based model already outlined in creators’ existing agreements.
4. What kind of content performs best on MSN?
MSN audiences tend to engage most strongly with informative, evergreen, and brand-safe content. Educational and documentary-style formats typically perform well, particularly when they address topics such as history, geopolitics, finance, technology, or human-interest storytelling.
Content that provides clear value like insights, explanations, or compelling narratives, tend to be especially well suited to MSN’s curated discovery environment.
5. How is content delivered and managed?
The entire distribution process is handled end-to-end by Linguana and our partners so that creators don’t need to do anything in the process. This includes preparing content for the platform, optimizing metadata, uploading videos, managing distribution strategy, and monitoring performance.
Videos are uploaded directly into MSN’s ecosystem through approved distribution channels rather than linked from external platforms. This ensures they can be fully monetized and properly surfaced within Microsoft’s content feeds.
Participation typically focuses on both localized versions of videos and the original language content where relevant.
6. Does MSN distribution affect YouTube or other platforms?
No. MSN distribution operates completely independently of YouTube and has no impact on channel monetization, algorithm performance, or Content ID systems.
7. Can I stop MSN distribution later if I choose to?
Participation is fully flexible. If at any point you decide you no longer want your content distributed on MSN, you can opt out, and we will promptly remove the videos upon request.
8. How are reporting and payments handled?
Performance data is provided based on reporting in the MSN Partner Hub and typically includes key metrics such as views, revenue, and geographic audience insights.
Payments follow the same schedule and structure as existing Linguana revenue shares. There are no upfront costs, no additional fees, and no minimum thresholds required before earnings begin.
9. Where will videos appear?
Videos distributed through MSN can be surfaced across a wide range of Microsoft environments, including Windows home screens, the Edge browser news feed, Bing discovery pages, and the MSN website and app.
Placement varies depending on content relevance and audience engagement, but the platform’s integration into everyday digital workflows provides strong potential for consistent discovery.
10. What if I already have an MSN partner?
If you already work with a partner to distribute your original content on MSN, that’s not a problem. In these cases, we would offer to distribute the localized versions of your videos so they can reach new audiences without affecting your existing arrangements.Each situation is reviewed individually to ensure the setup works smoothly alongside your current partnerships.
Your Content, Everywhere
Expanding to MSN represents an important step in diversifying distribution beyond a single platform. By combining localization with multi-platform reach and integrated brand sponsorships, creators can extend the lifespan of their content, access new audiences, and generate additional revenue streams without additional production effort.
If you’re interested in exploring whether MSN distribution is a good fit for your content, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to review your channel and discuss the next steps.
