Four Kenyan YouTubers are part of a group set to benefit from the Ksh11 billion #YouTubeBlack Voices creator fund for 2022.
Mandi Sarro, Cheyenne Muvunyi, Wendy Angel Nangayo and Justus Nandwa were selected among 26 African content creators who would enjoy the share from the tech giant.
The YouTube Black Voices Fund is a multi-year commitment launched in 2020 dedicated to highlighting and developing black creators and music on the platform by giving them access to resources to help them thrive on YouTube.
Once selected for the program, a creator receives dedicated support from a YouTube Partner Manager, seed funding invested into the development of their channel.
They also receive a development incubator focused on production, community engagement, and wellbeing and bespoke training, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the year.
YouTube pledged during the launch that it would invest USD100 million over three years to “amplify” black talent on the platform.
“Black creators have played an important role in shaping the culture on YouTube. From fashion and comedy to politics, learning and wellness, Black creators have propelled our platform forward,” the tech company stated in an announcement.
YouTube said the fund was an effort to “directly support Black creators and artists so that they can thrive on YouTube”. In addition to individual creators, the fund has also been used to support larger productions, like a documentary series and a charity event.
In 2021, YouTube launched a program where content creators were to receive up to Ksh1.1 million monthly payment for 15-second videos clips uploaded on their channels.
Kenyan bloggers also benefited from this after YouTube announced the addition of the beta version of YouTube Shorts in Kenya.
YouTube announced it had released a Ksh10.98 billion fund that will be distributed between 2021 and 2022 in Kenya.
The money is a reward for content creators producing exciting and engaging content. The cash was to be distributed to thousands of eligible creators each month as a bonus payment.
“Creators can receive up to Ksh1.1 million based on viewership and engagement of their shorts content."
"To qualify, channels must meet the minimum eligibility requirements refreshed each month to give other creators the opportunity to receive a reward for their creative and unique Shorts,” YouTube explained in a statement.
