YouTube has announced that the YouTube NextUp programme will be available in Nigeria and South Africa. The programme aims to be an opportunity for local creators to take their content creation to the next level.
Up to 20 creators with eligible channels will be selected to win a production stipend of (USD)$1 000 to be used for the acquisition of production equipment to advance their YouTube careers.
NextUp contest winners will receive the following:
- A 5-day virtual event, which will begin the week of November 8th and will be organized by YouTube. In it, you will share activities and workshops with the rest of the winners of the contest.
The event consists of:
- Intensive classes in production, editing, audience development; designed by production experts, popular creators and content specialists plus recording opportunities.
- Educational workshops and talks designed by the best YouTube content creators and experts in various subjects.
- A value of 1,000 USD in production equipment
- A minimum of 3 months of continuous support from the content team on YouTube.
The selected creators will also have the opportunity to attend a week-long intensive ‘Creator Camp’, learn new skills and access support by the YouTube partnerships team. The YouTube NextUp programme is available to creators who are committed to advancing their YouTube careers and producing fresh and compelling content.
Eligible channels for selection into the YouTube NextUp programme should have 10 000 to 100 000 subscribers and at least three pieces of original and native video content uploaded in the past three months.
Channel accounts must be compliant with the YouTube community guidelines and have no strikes. Participation in other YouTube creator masterclasses is also a basis for acceptance.
Applications for the YouTube NextUp programme are currently open. To apply for YouTube NextUp, each creator must submit an entry form along with the video they are most proud of and that best represents their technical production skills, creativity and storytelling ability.
They also need to answer one of these essay questions in 200 words or less:
– Why should you be selected?
– How do you collaborate with other channels?
– What are your plans for the next 2 years?
– Judging will involve the evaluation of the creator’s submitted video and essay along with a general evaluation of their channel.
The call will close on October 8, at 11:59 pm GMT.
YouTube, through programmes like YouTube NextUp, has a long-standing commitment to being an advocate for, and ally to, the diverse communities that reside on the platform and will continue to expand its efforts to support marginalised and underrepresented communities.
In Nigeria, over 500 channels now have over 100 000 subscribers, while in South Africa over 250 channels now have over 100 000 subscribers. This is an increase of over 60% year on year.
As of June this year, the percentage of YouTube channels in Nigeria making seven figures or more revenue in Naira has now increased by 100% year on year. South Africa also now has an increase of 70% in channels making six figures or more in revenue in Rands, year on year in the period under review.
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