YouTube marks 20 years with surge in million-dollar channels across MENA

Broadcast Pro

25-04-2025

YouTube, a key force in MENA's creator economy, reported a 40% rise in Saudi channels and a 15% rise in UAE channels earning seven figures annually as of December 2024.
As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform has released new data showing a sharp year-over-year increase in the number of channels generating seven-figure revenues in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The milestone underscores YouTube's growing impact on the creator economy across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as well as its enduring role as a platform for self-expression, learning and entertainment.
According to YouTube's latest figures, as of December 2024, the number of channels earning more than seven figures in Saudi Riyals grew by 40%, while Egypt recorded a 60% increase in channels earning in the millions of Egyptian Pounds. In the UAE, the rise was 15% in channels achieving comparable success in Emirati Dirhams. This growth reflects not only increased viewership and creator success but also YouTube's continued investment in monetisation tools and support for local talent.
Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube in MENA, said: 'As YouTube turns 20, we celebrate the phenomenal work of creators across MENA and their role in driving the region's popular culture. These creative entrepreneurs skillfully leveraged YouTube's diverse formats to share their voices and also build thriving businesses that reach global audiences. We're proud to be able to support them in their journey and can't wait to see what the next 20 years holds.'
The platform's global influence is especially evident in the international reach of MENA creators. YouTube revealed that over 95% of watch time for content produced in the UAE comes from viewers outside the country. Similarly, more than 60% of the watch time for Egyptian channels originates from international audiences, highlighting the region's storytelling appeal on the global stage.
Since launching its Arabic-language interface in 2010 and the YouTube Partner Programme in MENA in 2012, YouTube has opened doors for a new generation of creators to monetise their content. From pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Noon Niswa by Hatoon Kadi and the animated Masameer, to educational successes like Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture, which has amassed over 102 million views, YouTube has become home to a diverse and growing body of work that reflects the cultural richness of the region.
Some of the most iconic digital moments from MENA have unfolded on YouTube—from Queen Rania of Jordan receiving the YouTube Visionary Award to viral moments like the Harlem Shake at the Pyramids of Egypt, AboFlah's massive refugee fundraiser and Thamanyah's record-breaking podcast episode on relationships.
The platform's wide reach continues to grow. In May 2024 alone, YouTube reached 20m people in Saudi Arabia and 7.5m adults over 18 in the UAE. In Qatar, it connected with over 1.7m viewers aged 25–54. As consumption patterns shift toward larger screens, YouTube also reported that it reached more than 12m users in Saudi Arabia, over 2.5m in the UAE, and 600,000 in Qatar via connected TVs.
With a growing suite of content formats—including video-on-demand, podcasts, live streaming and connected TV—YouTube is giving creators more ways than ever to tell stories in the formats that resonate most with their audiences. Globally, YouTube has shared $70bn with creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years, and supports over three million content partners today.