YouTube celebrates 2023 #YouTubeBlackVoicesFund grantees initiative
YouTube has reiterated its commitment to elevate Black voices in Africa by hosting a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to honor the 2023 #YouTubeBlackVoicesFund grantees and provide them with opportunities to meet, network, and collaborate with other producers.
Over 100 Black producers from all over the world attended the celebrations in Kenya, which also highlighted the impact of the YouTube Black Voices Fund since its inception. The program, which was launched in 2020 with the goal of investing in talent and presenting new storylines that highlight the intellectual force and authenticity of Black voices, has assisted over 500 producers and artists in growing their channels and audiences.
The #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund has provided a forum for both celebrating and cultivating Black talent around the world, and it is part of the platform’s commitment to helping Africa’s creative ecosystem. YouTube is critical to the discovery and growth of African culture, and the fund goes a step further by providing resources to up-and-coming Black entrepreneurs, musicians, songwriters, and producers.
“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 could tell their own stories in their own voices to the rest of the world.” “In many ways, the fund has created opportunities to amplify, celebrate, and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience,” says Alex Okosi, YouTube’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA.
Being a member of the BVF program Class of 2023 has absolutely transformed my life. I transitioned from making material in a room I shared with my sister to having my own space. “I was also able to get better filming equipment like ring lights and tripods, which I needed to improve the quality of my videos,” adds Nigerian Styleby Reme creator Osereme Egbor.
Along with funding, creators received one-on-one mentoring and seminars on how to increase their revenue.
Wongel Zelalem, a Kenyan creator, said the sessions were really beneficial, adding, “I was assigned a strategic manager who was dedicated to assisting me and providing solutions to my problems.” That was something I didn’t realize I needed in my life.
Thato Rampedi, a South African creative, says, “YouTube Black has taught me a lot about how to be a really good creator.”
On the continent, the expansion of these creator channels is palpable. According to YouTube data as of December 2022, the number of YouTube channels earning $100,000 or more in income (ZAR) in South Africa has climbed by more than 30% year on year. In Nigeria, the percentage of YouTube channels earning $100,000 or more in income (NGN) climbed by more than 15% year on year, while in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels earning $100,000 or more increased by more than 25%.
Furthermore, over 45 channels in Nigeria have more than 1 million members, a growth of more than 50% year on year. In South Africa, 25 channels surpassed one million subscribers, an increase of more than 30% year on year, while in Kenya, 14 channels surpassed one million subscribers, an increase of more than 110 percent.
Beyond the Black Voices Fund, YouTube is committed to prioritizing and centering Black creators, artists, and content through programs, initiatives, and platform improvements.
We’re committed to giving Black creators from Africa and throughout the world a place on YouTube, and we’re investing in smart relationships with culturally relevant organizations to reach and assist even more creators and artists,” Okosi said.
