Why YouTube is blowing up in India | The Listening Post

Recent questions

• How did Indian YouTube creators gain popularity?

  Through educational content, news coverage, and high-profile interviews, Indian YouTube creators like Abhi and New, Sandish Bhatia, and Ranveer Allahbadia attracted millions of subscribers. They filled a gap left by mainstream media in India, offering content on news, geopolitics, and history that traditional outlets failed to provide adequately. Events like the 2016 mobile data revolution and the 2020 lockdown further accelerated their rise, boosting video streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

• What challenges do Indian YouTubers face in monetization?

  Indian YouTubers struggle to monetize their content due to reliance on ad revenue, sponsorships, subscriber packages, and viewer donations. In a media landscape dominated by film celebrities and commercialized cricket, these creators face difficulties in sustaining their channels financially. Despite their popularity and large subscriber base, the monetization options available to them are limited compared to other mainstream media figures.

• Why is there concern about misinformation on Indian YouTube?

  Misinformation and hate speech are prevalent on Indian YouTube, raising concerns about regulation and content moderation. With the government showing interest in engaging with creators to reach a younger audience, the need for effective measures to combat misinformation and hate speech on the platform is crucial. As YouTube continues to be a popular source of information and entertainment for millions of viewers, addressing these issues is essential to maintain a safe and reliable online environment.

• How did events like the 2016 mobile data revolution impact Indian YouTube creators?

  Events like the 2016 mobile data revolution in India played a significant role in accelerating the rise of Indian YouTube creators. The increased accessibility to mobile data, particularly driven by Jio, made video streaming platforms like YouTube more accessible to a wider audience. This led to a surge in viewership and subscriber numbers for creators like Abhi and New, Sandish Bhatia, and Ranveer Allahbadia, who were able to capitalize on the growing popularity of online content.

• What role do Indian YouTube creators play in filling the gap left by mainstream media?

  Indian YouTube creators like Abhi and New, Sandish Bhatia, and Ranveer Allahbadia play a crucial role in filling the void left by mainstream media in India. By offering educational content, news coverage, and high-profile interviews on topics like news, geopolitics, and history, these creators cater to public interest that traditional news outlets fail to address adequately. Their ability to engage with a younger audience and provide diverse perspectives has made them popular alternatives to mainstream media sources.