Nigerian filmmaker and producer Kunle Afolayan has questioned the growing perception that YouTube is more financially rewarding for Nigerian filmmakers than major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
Afolayan said YouTube’s growing attraction in Nollywood is partly driven by its accessibility and the advantage of earning in foreign currency while production expenses are largely incurred in naira.
Speaking during an interview with former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun on the Nidacity podcast, released on YouTube on Tuesday, the filmmaker argued that YouTube could not offer filmmakers the same financial opportunities as Netflix and Prime Video.
“YouTube can never give you what Netflix and Prime Video give you, never. But it is the most flexible. It is for everyone. It is like the starting point,” he said.
Afolayan said YouTube’s accessibility distinguishes it from major streaming platforms because filmmakers can distribute their work directly without having to negotiate deals with streaming companies.
