Nigerian television and film industry professionals convened in Lagos on Friday for YouTube’s inaugural TV/Film Day, a comprehensive, one-day workshop designed to empower Nigeria’s leading storytellers with innovative digital strategies to expand their global reach.
Held at Google’s Lagos office, the event brought together broadcasters, production houses, and Nollywood creators to explore how YouTube’s platform can be leveraged to enhance long-form content, facilitate international exports, and foster sustainable online businesses.
Participants engaged in sessions featuring success stories from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including insights from Channel Four and Fanatiks. The workshop provided practical training on content optimization and audience engagement, alongside discussions on the burgeoning connected TV market. Recent data revealed that over 2 million Nigerians now watch YouTube content on their televisions.
YouTube’s Middle East, Africa, and Turkey Director, Tarek Amin, emphasized the importance of the moment: ”The barriers are breaking down. We are witnessing a rapidly evolving media landscape, and Nigerian creators are at the forefront. For the first time, producers can directly connect with audiences worldwide, bypassing traditional channels. Your content can travel from Lagos to London or New York, empowering ownership, direct fan relationships, and sustainable growth. Together, we aim to take African stories to every corner of the globe.”
Nigeria’s entertainment sector continues its swift ascent, driven by a youthful, tech-savvy population. Data indicates a 55% increase in watch time on YouTube within Nigeria year-over-year as of October 2024, with over 70% of Nigerian-produced content consumed outside the country.
Miebaka Anga, YouTube’s Strategic Partner Manager and workshop facilitator, highlighted the platform’s role in supporting creators: ”This isn’t just about providing a platform; it’s about offering strategies and expertise to help creators thrive in this new media environment and achieve their business objectives.”
Nollywood star and producer Bolaji Ogunmola also shared her insights, emphasizing the shift in viewing habits: ”For many Nigerians, YouTube is now the new television. It’s where audiences discover, share, and build fandoms that transcend borders.”
The event wrapped up with networking sessions focused on forging new collaborations and scaling Nigerian storytelling for global audiences.
The Lagos TV/Film Day is part of YouTube’s broader initiatives, including the 2024 FilmMakers event, the 2023 Nollywood celebration, the YouTube Black Voices Fund, and various training programs across Africa—all aimed at empowering African creators to reach wider audiences and grow their businesses.
