Are you a Kenyan YouTube creator? there has been a lot of conversations about whether Kenyan creators actually make money. There has been a number of exciting and fresh content creators who have managed to penetrate the Kenyan market. It’s clear that YouTube has noted that we have very creative entertainers and that’s why they’ve said that they will be distributing a reward for creating engaging content on the platform. How will it work? If the creator creates content that will go viral and perhaps even cause an online stir then those will be considered eligible creators and the money will be distributed to thousands of eligible creators. The fund will be distributed to thousands of eligible creators each month as a bonus payment, based on their content’s performance in the previous month. The new short-form videos were only recently introduced in July but this will be the first time creators will actually be paid for their content. Where has it been available? The fund has been available in Nigeria, South Africa, India, UK and the US among others. Previously Kenyans have only been paid for longer videos and music. Youtube said in a statement: “Creators can receive up to Sh1.1 million ($10,000) based on viewership and engagement of the content of their short. 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,” How do you qualify? Nothing has been cast on stone yet but the requirements for those who will qualify will be based on the location of viewers and overall growth of shorts. Currently, influencers in Kenya have been monetising content on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook which have helped creators remain afloat even It added: “The Shorts Fund is the first step in building a monetisation model for Shorts on YouTube and is a chance for creators to earn and build their growing businesses as the world focuses on economic recovery,’’ it added. “Across the world, Shorts creators have already attracted millions of subscribers via their shorts-only channels.” YouTube added that Kenyans have been showing interest in this new short-form video experience. The top 10 most viewed YouTube Shorts videos watched by Kenyans include videos of footballers – Ronaldo and Messi, and global musicians.
