Youtube, popular online video sharing and social media platform has revealed that more than 500 creators and artists had benefited from its $100m YouTube Black Voices Fund since it was launched.
According to YouTube, beneficiaries had been able to grow their channels and audiences in the process.
This was disclosed during a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to celebrate the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.
The social media platform disclosed in a statement that 100 black creators from around the world gathered in Kenya for the event.
#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund was created in 2020 with the aim of investing in talent and presenting fresh narratives that emphasise the intellectual power and authenticity of black voices, the firm said.
Alex Okosi, YouTube’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, said, “When we announced the $100m 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.
He further said that, “the fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience.
“We are 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.”
Similarly, the firm noted that the growth of creator channels had been tangible on the continent, adding that as of December 2022, the number of YouTube channels making 100,000 or more in revenue (ZAR) increased by over 30 per cent year-on-year in South Africa.
In Nigeria, there was a 15 per cent y-o-y increase in the percentage of YouTube channels making N100,000 or more in revenue year-on-year; while in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels making 100,000 or more in revenue (KES) increased by over 25 per cent.
“In addition, in Nigeria, over 45 channels have more than 1 million subscribers, an increase of more than 50 per cent, year-on-year.
“In South Africa, 25 channels reached the 1 million subscriber mark, an increase of over 30 per cent, year-on-year, while in Kenya, over 14 channels have more than 1 million subscribers, an increase of more than 110 per cent.”