Has YouTube Invested Rs 850 Crore to Elevate India’s ‘Creator Nation’?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announces a significant investment to support India's burgeoning creator economy. With over ₹21,000 crore paid to creators in three years, this initiative aims to empower Indian talent on a global scale. Discover how this investment will shape the future of content creation in India.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube is investing ₹850 crore in India's creator economy.
- Over ₹21,000 crore has been paid to Indian creators in three years.
- India has over 100 million active channels.
- Indian content gained 45 billion hours of watch time globally.
- PM Modi advocates for emotional depth in storytelling.
Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) YouTube's CEO Neal Mohan on Thursday recognized India as an emerging ‘Creator Nation’, announcing that the video-sharing platform has disbursed over Rs 21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists, and media organizations in the last three years.
During his speech at the 'World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit' (WAVES 2025) held here, he declared that YouTube plans to invest upwards of Rs 850 crore over the next two years to enhance India’s rapidly expanding creator economy.
“In the past year alone, more than 100 million Indian channels uploaded content. Out of these, over 15,000 channels have surpassed the one-million subscriber milestone, highlighting the explosive growth of content creation within the nation,” Mohan shared with attendees during his keynote address at this grand event featuring esteemed celebrities and leaders.
“YouTube's ability to link a creator anywhere to audiences everywhere has turned it into a potent force for cultural export, and few nations have harnessed this as effectively as India. Today, India is not only a global leader in film and music but is swiftly evolving into what I’m thrilled to call a 'Creator Nation',” he expressed.
He emphasized that YouTube has enabled Indian creators to transform their passions into successful enterprises and cultivate dedicated fan communities globally.
“Last year, content generated in India accumulated over 45 billion hours of viewing time from international audiences,” he noted.
This announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inaugural address at the WAVES summit, where he stressed the significance of creative responsibility in an increasingly tech-driven world.
He urged creators to maintain emotional depth and cultural richness alongside rapid technological advancements.
PM Modi mentioned that WAVES would act as a conduit between Indian talent and worldwide platforms, encouraging investors and storytellers globally to engage with India’s rich creative ecosystem.
He inspired India's youth to share their “one billion untold stories” with the world, emphasizing their role in fostering a more compassionate and culturally enriched future.
Point of View
The commitment from YouTube reflects the platform's recognition of India's potential as a hub for creative talent. This investment is not only a boost for creators but also a step towards enhancing the cultural narrative on global platforms. We must continue to support and nurture this creative ecosystem, ensuring that it remains vibrant and diverse.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YouTube's recent investment in India?
YouTube has announced an investment of over ₹850 crore to enhance India's creator economy.
How much has YouTube paid to Indian creators?
In the past three years, YouTube has paid more than ₹21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists, and media companies.
What did PM Modi say at the WAVES summit?
PM Modi emphasized the importance of creative responsibility and invited global talent to engage with India's creative ecosystem.
How many Indian channels are on YouTube?
Over 100 million Indian channels uploaded content in the past year.
What is the viewership of Indian content globally?
Content produced in India recorded over 45 billion hours of watch time from international audiences last year.
