Platform plans to commit $100m to amplify Black and African voices
The American online video-sharing and social media platform, Youtube, has disclosed that some 45 channels owned by Nigerians have crossed one million subscribers on the platform, a feat that guarantees more revenue for the content creators.
This was disclosed, yesterday, in Nairobi, Kenya, during an event to celebrate the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund grantees.
YouTube Managing Director of Emerging Markets, Alex Okosi, who spoke at the event, said there was a 50 per cent increase in the number of Nigerian YouTube channels that have crossed one million subscribers at the end of 2022.
Okosi said with this, Nigeria also emerged as number one in Africa in terms of channels that have reached that threshold, adding that in South Africa, 25 channels reached the one million subscribers’ mark, which was an increase of over 30 per cent year-on-year, while Kenya had over 14 channels that have more than one million subscribers, an increase of more than 110 per cent.
While reaffirming YouTube’s commitment to amplify black voices in Africa, over 100 black creators from around the world took part in the celebrations in Kenya, which also highlighted the impact the YouTube Black Voices Fund has had since its launch.
Okosi said: “When we announced the $100 million fund to amplify Black and African voices and perspectives on our platform, we wanted to create a space where black people can share their own stories, in their own voices, with the world. The fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience.”
“The growth of these creator channels has been tangible on the continent. YouTube data as of December 2022 shows that in South Africa, the number of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (ZAR) has increased by over 30 per cent year on year. In Nigeria, the percentage of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (NGN) increased by over 15 per cent, year on year; while in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (KES) has increased by over 25 per cent.”
Beyond the Black Voices Fund, Okosi said YouTube is committed to continuing to prioritize Black creators, artists, and content through programs, initiatives, and improvements to the platform.
“We’re committed to ensuring that Black creators from Africa and around the world find a home on YouTube, and we are investing in strategic partnerships with culturally relevant organisations to ensure that we are able to reach and help even more creators and artists,” Okosi said.
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