Latest news with #JavidAslanov
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
YouTube turns 20: UAE, Egypt, Saudi see big increase in number of channels earning 7 figures
About $70 billion have been paid out to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years, according to YouTube, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary with more than 20 billion videos being uploaded to the platform since the first clip debuted in April 2005. In the Mena region, YouTube said there has been a significant increase in channels making 7 figures or more in revenues year-on-year on the platform in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. The moment underscores YouTube's role in fostering creative entrepreneurship and shaping entertainment across the region. As of December 2024, the number of channels earning 7 figures (1,000,000) or more in Saudi riyal increased by 40 per cent as compared to 2023. Egypt also saw a 60 per cent increase in channels reaching 7-figure annual revenues in Egyptian pound, while the UAE experienced a 15 per cent growth in dirhams during the same period. YouTube did not reveal the real numbers but only showed the percentage increase. In 2010, YouTube launched its Arabic-language user interface to help more people from across the region to share their voice with the world. Two years later, in 2012, the social media platform launched the YouTube Partner Programme in MENA to help creators earn a living by doing what they love. Javid Aslanov, head of YouTube in MENA, said in a statement sent to Khaleej Times: "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.' He noted YouTube has provided a platform for diverse voices from pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Hatoon Kadi's Noon Niswa and the animated Masameer to Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture whose agricultural tips have amassed over 102 million views to date. 'Some of the region's most iconic moments took place on YouTube – from Queen Rania of Jordan's receipt of the YouTube Visionary Award, to the Harlem shake at the Pyramids of Egypt, AboFlah's fundraiser for refugees, and Thamanyah's Guinness Record breaking podcast episode about relationships,' he added. YouTube also revealed more than 95 per cent of watch time for content from channels in the UAE came from outside the country, alongside over 60 per cent for content produced by channels in Egypt. 'The diversity of content reflects the richness of MENA's stories and culture and in turn, the platform's reach,' Aslanov noted. Meanwhile, one of the first videos uploaded to YouTube from MENA was a video of a festival in Morocco posted 19 years ago. Take a look at it here: YouTube says that it now sees an average of some 20 million videos uploaded daily – from concert clips, tutorials, podcasts to political ads, celebrations, and more. The platform reached more than 2.5 billion viewers globally last year, and hit 100 million subscribers to its music and premium tier, according to market tracker Statista.
Broadcast Pro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
YouTube marks 20 years with surge in million-dollar channels across MENA
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.
Gulf Insider
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
YouTube Sees Surge in Saudi, Egypt, and UAE Creators
YouTube today released new data showing an increase in channels making seven figures or more in revenue in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the platform. This comes as the platform celebrates its 20th birthday, celebrating two decades as a platform for expression, learning, and entertainment. YouTube's new insights revealed that as of December 2024, the number of channels earning seven figures or more in Saudi Riyals increased by 40 per cent year on year. Egypt also saw a 60 per cent increase in channels reaching seven-figure annual revenues in EGP, while the UAE experienced a 15 per cent growth in UAE Dirhams during the same time period, reflecting YouTube's support for its partners and contributions to the creator economy. Globally, YouTube has paid out $70bn to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years. 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 skilfully 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'. New data from YouTube also highlights the global appeal and reach of YouTube creators in MENA, YouTube data found that over 95 per cent of watch time for content from channels in the UAE came from outside the country, alongside over 60 per cent for content produced by channels in Egypt. In 2010, YouTube launched its Arabic-language user interface to help more people from across the region to share their voice with the world and so that more viewers could engage with the content they love. In 2012, YouTube launched the YouTube Partner Program in MENA to help creators earn a living by doing what they love. Over the years, YouTube provided a platform for diverse voices from pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Hatoon Kadi's Noon Niswa and the animated Masameer to Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture whose agricultural tips have amassed more than 102m views to date. Some of the region's most iconic moments took place on YouTube- from Queen Rania of Jordan's receipt of the YouTube Visionary Award, to the Harlem shake at the Pyramids of Egypt , AboFlah's fundraiser for refugees and Thamanyah's Guinness Record breaking podcast episode about relationships. The diversity of content reflects the richness of MENA's stories and culture and in turn, the platform's reach. YouTube reached 20m, 7.5m people over 18 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE respectively in May 2024. In Qatar, YouTube reached over 1.7m people aged 25-54 during the same time period. To help more creators share their stories in a way that is most authentic for them and their audience, YouTube offers a range of formats from video on demand (VOD) to podcasts, live and even bringing YouTube creators to the biggest screen in the home – TV. In May 2024, YouTube's data indicates that the platform reached more than 12m people in Saudi Arabia, more than 2.5m people in the UAE and 600,000 people in Qatar over the age of 18 on connected TV. In two decades, YouTube has contributed to culture and entertainment through video and built a thriving creative economy. YouTube shares revenue with 3 million creators, artists and partners globally, more than half a million of them started their channel over a decade ago. As YouTube enters its third decade, the platform continues to invest in supporting content creators across MENA. Also read: UAE Announces Major Education Rule Change
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
YouTube reports massive increase in creators in Saudi, Egypt and UAE taking slice of $70bn payout
YouTube today released new data showing an increase in channels making seven figures or more in revenue in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the platform. This comes as the platform celebrates its 20th birthday, celebrating two decades as a platform for expression, learning, and entertainment. YouTube's new insights revealed that as of December 2024, the number of channels earning seven figures or more in Saudi Riyals increased by 40 per cent year on year. YouTube creators in the UAE, Saudi and Egypt Egypt also saw a 60 per cent increase in channels reaching seven-figure annual revenues in EGP, while the UAE experienced a 15 per cent growth in UAE Dirhams during the same time period, reflecting YouTube's support for its partners and contributions to the creator economy. Globally, YouTube has paid out $70bn to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years. 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 skilfully 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'. New data from YouTube also highlights the global appeal and reach of YouTube creators in MENA, YouTube data found that over 95 per cent of watch time for content from channels in the UAE came from outside the country, alongside over 60 per cent for content produced by channels in Egypt. In 2010, YouTube launched its Arabic-language user interface to help more people from across the region to share their voice with the world and so that more viewers could engage with the content they love. In 2012, YouTube launched the YouTube Partner Program in MENA to help creators earn a living by doing what they love. Over the years, YouTube provided a platform for diverse voices from pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Hatoon Kadi's Noon Niswa and the animated Masameer to Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture whose agricultural tips have amassed more than 102m views to date. Some of the region's most iconic moments took place on YouTube- from Queen Rania of Jordan's receipt of the YouTube Visionary Award, to the Harlem shake at the Pyramids of Egypt , AboFlah's fundraiser for refugees and Thamanyah's Guinness Record breaking podcast episode about relationships. The diversity of content reflects the richness of MENA's stories and culture and in turn, the platform's reach. YouTube reached 20m, 7.5m people over 18 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE respectively in May 2024. In Qatar, YouTube reached over 1.7m people aged 25-54 during the same time period. To help more creators share their stories in a way that is most authentic for them and their audience, YouTube offers a range of formats from video on demand (VOD) to podcasts, live and even bringing YouTube creators to the biggest screen in the home – TV. In May 2024, YouTube's data indicates that the platform reached more than 12m people in Saudi Arabia, more than 2.5m people in the UAE and 600,000 people in Qatar over the age of 18 on connected TV. In two decades, YouTube has contributed to culture and entertainment through video and built a thriving creative economy. YouTube shares revenue with 3 million creators, artists and partners globally, more than half a million of them started their channel over a decade ago.
TECHx
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TECHx
YouTube Reports Surge in Million-Dollar Creators in MENA
YouTube has released new data showing a strong rise in creators earning seven-figure revenues in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The announcement comes as the platform marks its 20th anniversary. According to the report, as of December 2024, the number of channels making over 1 million SAR annually in Saudi Arabia grew by 40%. In Egypt, there was a 60% increase in channels earning 7 figures in EGP. Meanwhile, the UAE saw a 15% growth in channels crossing the same revenue milestone in AED. This growth highlights YouTube's expanding role in supporting creators across the region. Over the last three years, the platform has paid out over $70 billion globally to creators, artists, and media companies. Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube in MENA, said the success of local creators reflects their ability to turn content into impactful businesses. He noted that YouTube's diverse tools help creators share their voices and reach international audiences. New insights also show strong global engagement with MENA content. More than 95% of watch time for UAE-based channels came from outside the country. For Egyptian creators, that figure was over 60%. YouTube first launched an Arabic-language interface in 2010. In 2012, the YouTube Partner Program expanded to MENA, allowing creators to earn from their content. Since then, many creators have gained large audiences. These include Hatoon Kadi's comedy show, the animated series Masameer, and Mohamed Abdelhafez's agricultural tips, which have earned over 102 million views. The platform has also hosted key moments, such as Queen Rania's Visionary Award, the Harlem Shake at the Pyramids, AboFlah's refugee fundraiser, and Thamanyah's Guinness World Record podcast. In May 2024, YouTube reached 20 million adults in Saudi Arabia and 7.5 million in the UAE. In Qatar, it reached 1.7 million people aged 25–54. The platform is also gaining ground on connected TVs. That same month, YouTube reached over 12 million viewers in Saudi Arabia, 2.5 million in the UAE, and 600,000 in Qatar. With formats ranging from video on demand to live streams and podcasts, YouTube continues to evolve. The platform says it will keep investing in the region's creative economy and helping more voices be heard worldwide.
