YouTube has revealed that since its creation, the $100 million YouTube Black Voices Fund has supported over 500 producers and artists.
According to the firm, those who benefited were able to expand their platforms and audiences as a result of the procedure.
It made the announcement during a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to commemorate the 2023 #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund.
The firm claimed in a statement that over 100 black innovators from around the world gathered in Kenya for the event.
It was stated that the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund was established in 2020 with the goal of investing in talent and presenting new storylines that highlight the intellectual power and authenticity of black voices.
YouTube’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi, 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.
“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.”
According to the firm, the expansion of creator channels has been visible throughout the continent, with the number of YouTube channels earning $100,000 or more in revenue (ZAR) in South Africa increasing by more than 30% year on year as of December 2022.
According to the firm, there was a 15% year-on-year growth in the percentage of YouTube channels making N100,000 or more in income in Nigeria; in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels making 100,000 or more in revenue (KES) climbed by more than 25%.
“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.”