Latest news with #Masameer
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
Campaign ME
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
YouTube turns 20 and reveals insights on MENA's creator economy growth
As YouTube turns 20, the platform is treating readers with new data highlighting significant growth in creator earnings across the region. In Saudi Arabia, the number of channels generating seven-figure annual revenues in SAR rose by 40 per cent year over year as of December 2024. Similarly, Egypt witnessed a 60 per cent increase in channels earning seven figures in EGP. In the UAE, the number of channels making seven figures in AED grew by 15 per cent over the same period. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Campaign Middle East (@campaignmiddleeast) Beyond revenue growth, YouTube data also underscores the global appeal and reach of MENA-based creators. 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. 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.' In 2010, the global platform introduced an Arabic-language interface to make the platform more accessible to users across the MENA region. Following this, in 2012, YouTube launched a Partner Program in MENA to allow creators to monetise their content and contribute to the growth of the regional creator community. From Saudi comedy hits like Hatoon Kadi's Noon Niswa and the animated Masameer, to Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture with over 102 million views, regional content on YouTube continues to gain traction and present brands with opportunities to reach audiences. In May 2024, YouTube reached 7.5 million people aged 18 and above in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and over 1.7 million people aged 25–54 in Qatar. During the same time period, YouTube also reported connected TV viewership of over 12 million people in Saudi Arabia, more than 2.5 million in the UAE, and 600,000 in Qatar – all over the age of 18. As YouTube enters its third decade, the platform continues to grow its presence in MENA for brands and creators.
The National
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Arab animation for grown-ups, from Masameer to #1 Happy Family USA
The Arab world has had a long-standing appreciation of cartoons and animated series, beginning with the arrival of Japanese shows dubbed in Arabic. Since then, Arab creatives have developed their own animated series, offering fresh perspectives on their culture and stories that had previously gone untold. Comedian Ramy Youssef is the latest to create an animated show about his Arab culture. #1 Happy Family USA is inspired by Youssef's own experience of growing up in the US during and after the events of September 11. Ahead of #1 Happy Family USA's release on Amazon Prime Video in April, The National looks at some of the funniest and most significant animation series and cartoons for grown-ups created by Arab talent. It began as a series on YouTube, but Masameer has since evolved into a full-fledged animated TV series, followed by a feature film on Netflix. The show, created by Faisal Alamer, Abdulaziz Al-Muzaini and Malik Nejer, is a satire of Saudi society and the many people that inhabit it. Masameer, which translates to nails, is drawn in a style that emphasises facial expressions rather than physical comedy, leaning on the strength of the scripts to make the show as popular as it is today. The characters in the series have been voiced by its creators as well as comedians from Saudi Arabia such as Youssef Al Dakhil and Ibraheem Alkhairallah. A staple of Ramadan programming since 2006, Shaabiat Al-Cartoon is an Emirati comedy animation about the many cultures that make up the fabric of UAE society. Created by Haidar Mohammed and Adnan Al-Obthani, the show was directed by Amer Koukh in its first five seasons and then by Mohammed from the sixth until the most recent. Set in Dubai, the show features caricatures of different nationalities as they navigate the evolving and expanding culture of the country. The show's style has gone through many iterations, beginning with simple 2D in its first seasons until it was changed to 3D, before being changed back to 2D to celebrate the show's origins. Mohammed Saeed Harib's Freej also began in 2006. The show was an instant hit upon release in Ramadan, with many waiting patiently for the newest episode to air before the days of streaming. The show features four grandmothers with distinct personalities, each with her own catchphrase. The title, which means neighbourhood in colloquial Emirati Arabic, is apt as it is a focused version of UAE society. The grandmothers go on escapades as they experience cutting-edge technology and visit Dubai's newest buildings and projects. Testament to the popularity of the show, the characters have since featured in airline flydubai's safety video. Kuwaiti writer, entrepreneur and clinical psychologist Dr Naif Al-Mutawa's comic book The 99 was adapted into an animation series in 2011. The story follows Dr Ramzi Razem and 99 young people from around the world who possess ancient powers. Razem wants the 99 to use their powers for good, but an evil character named Rughal wants them for nefarious means. The series ran for 52 episodes and featured the voices of Matthew Gorman, Sara Clare and professional wrestler Matt Hardy. Despite being written for younger viewers, the show's mature and serious themes have won over audiences of all ages. Almasaqeel, produced in Jordan, debuted on MBC in 2011 and ran for three seasons. The show is a satire of Jordanian society from the point of view of its Bedouin populations. Created by Moayed Zidan, the show's characters were voiced by Mutlaq Matar, Mohammad Alqass and Mishal Almutairi. Almasaqeel's episodes were short, often only between five to six minutes, as they appeared between shows during Ramadan.
