YouTube has hosted a landmark TV/Film workshop and empowered Nollywood Producers with digital boost.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nollywood producers and television creators received a major digital boost on Friday as YouTube hosted its first-ever TV/Film Day workshop in Lagos, equipping filmmakers with strategies to expand their reach and monetize content in the digital era.
Held at Google’s Lagos office, the one-day event brought together broadcasters, production companies, and Nollywood stars for intensive sessions on content optimization, global audience engagement, and the fast-rising trend of connected TV.
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According to YouTube, more than 2 million Nigerians now watch content via YouTube on their living room screens, underscoring the platform’s growing role as a primary channel for film and television.
Case studies from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa including examples from Channel Four and Fanatiks were presented, alongside training modules tailored to Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.
Opening the event, Tarek Amin, YouTube’s Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, underscored the opportunities available to Nigerian creators:
“The old gates are coming down. For the first time, producers can bypass the traditional system and connect directly with global audiences. Content made in Lagos can reach living rooms in London or New York. This is about ownership, visibility, and building sustainable creative businesses.”
YouTube revealed that watch time in Nigeria grew by more than 55 percent year-on-year as of October 2024, with over 70 percent of views for Nigerian-produced content coming from outside the country—evidence of Nollywood’s growing global influence.
Industry voices also weighed in. Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola highlighted the shift in audience behavior:
“For many Nigerians, YouTube is the new TV. It’s where audiences discover stories, share them, and build fandoms across borders.”
Miebaka Anga, Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube, added that the platform is committed to supporting creators with more than just distribution.
“We’re not just providing a platform; we’re offering strategies and expertise to help producers navigate this evolving media environment and achieve long-term growth.”
The workshop concluded with a networking session, where participants explored partnerships and strategies to scale Nigerian storytelling to global audiences.
YouTube’s TV/Film Day builds on previous initiatives, including the YouTube for Filmmakers event (2024), Celebration of Nollywood (2023), and the ongoing YouTube Black Voices Fund, all part of the platform’s broader push to empower African creators with tools for global success.
