South African YouTube creators will have an opportunity to take their content creation to the next level as the media company brings their YouTube NextUp programme to the country.
With employment opportunities at an all-time low, this programme will serve as a relief to individuals who are looking for new ways to generate an income. YouTube will select 20 talented creators with internet access and eligible channels and invite them to attend a week-long “Creator Camp”. They will be taught new skills by official YouTube support teams and will stand a chance to win a production stipend to the value of R15 000.
The YouTube NextUp programme has been developed to support content creators who are committed and eager to use YouTube as a money-generating platform. The programme encourages careers and the production of fresh and compelling content.
To be considered as a qualifying candidate, YouTubers need to have one or more eligible channels. The channel/s should have between 10 000 to 100 000 subscribers and at least 3 pieces of original and native video content uploaded in the last 3 months.
NextUp guidelines also stress that the channels must be compliant with YouTube general rules and candidates must have no strikes against their accounts.
“We believe that the next generation of successful creators are already honing their skills on YouTube,” says Addy Awofisayo, YouTube Content Partnership in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are excited that the YouTube NextUp programme will help take creators to the next level in their YouTube careers, enabling them to develop whole new genres and online experiences for audiences around the world.”
YouTube is currently receiving applications for this programme via its website.
The application for YouTube NextUp includes submitting an entry form with a video that creators are most proud of and best represents their technical production skills. Creativity and storytelling skills will also be considered.
Applicants will then be requested to choose an essay question to answer. Questions include “Why should you be selected?” and “What are your plans for the next 2 years?”, and so forth. Answers need to be written in 200 words or less.
Judging will involve the evaluation of the creator’s submitted video and essay.
YouTube, through programmes like YouTube NextUp, has a commitment to being an advocate for the diverse communities that reside on the platform and will continue to expand its efforts to support marginalised and underrepresented communities, the firm says.