YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced a ₹850 crore investment over the next two years to drive the growth of India’s creator economy. Over the past three years, YouTube has paid ₹21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists, and media companies, highlighting the platform’s significant role in India’s entertainment sector.
India’s Powerhouse in Entertainment
Speaking at the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, Mohan described India as a “powerhouse in entertainment.” He praised the country’s exceptional use of YouTube as a cultural export tool, noting that India has leveraged the platform more effectively than many nations. According to Mohan, India is emerging as a “Creator Nation,” with over 10 crore channels uploading content in the past year, and more than 15,000 of those channels crossing one million subscribers.
India’s Content Reaches Global Audiences
Indian content is also gaining significant global traction. YouTube reported that videos produced in India accumulated 4,500 crore hours of watch time from viewers outside the country in the last year. This growing global reach of Indian content is solidifying India’s status as a dominant force in the entertainment industry.
YouTube’s Role in Creator Empowerment
Mohan emphasized YouTube’s role in helping creators turn their passions into successful businesses, fostering loyal global fanbases. Reflecting on the platform’s journey, he noted that on April 23, YouTube marked the 20th anniversary of its first video, a milestone that underscores the massive changes the platform and the world have undergone in two decades.
