Categories: Entertainment

Youtube Kicks Off $100 million Support Program For Black Content Creators

Youtube has kicked off a support fund aimed at supporting black content creators with a $100 million #YoutubeBlack Voices Fund.

The program which was launched in October 2020 is aimed at empowering black content creators on the platform.

The program kicks off with the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021: A group of 132 creators from across six countries, which includes 21 music artists alongside photographers, lifestyle vloggers, personal trainers and more. Through the program, YouTube plans to directly invest in 500 creators total by the end of 2023, with the goal to equip Black creators with the resources to succeed on the platform.

“The #YouTubeBlack community is filled with so many passionate, creative, talented and brilliant artists and entrepreneurs,” YouTube vp, responsibility Malik Ducard said during a Jan. 8 briefing with reporters. “These creators and artists have been doing this work already and are known by their communities, but we’re really excited to invest in them, and we believe that they can and will become household names with this support.”

Global head of Youtube Music also corroborates this thought saying its not a flash in the pan program but more about keeping the drum beat of change alive.

The 132 creators hail from the United States, Kenya, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Nigeria. They were selected in part based on their past participation in #YouTubeBlack, the campaign and event series promoting Black creators which YouTube launched in 2016.

The 21 musicians included in the inaugural class are Brent Faiyaz, BRS Kash, Fireboy DML, Jean Dawson, Jensen McRae, Jerome Farah, Joy Oladokun, KennyHoopla, Mariah the Scientist, MC Carol, Miiesha, Myke Towers, Péricles, Rael, Rexx Life Raj, Sauti Sol, serpentwithfeet, Sho Madjozi, Tkay Maidza, Urias and Yung Baby Tate.

“Our expectation is that these artists are going to be significant and important voices, and make music even more enjoyable,” Cohen said during the briefing. “There’s no question how significant of an impact Black music has had, not just in America, but globally.”

The #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund is YouTube’s multi-year, global commitment to amplify Black voices on the platform and educate audiences about racial justice, in part by producing and acquiring new YouTube Original programs which focus on racial justice and the Black experience. Since its launch in October, the fund has supported programs such as 2 Chainz‘ “Money Maker Fund” series highlighting HBCU entrepreneurs and Masego‘s “Studying Abroad” livestreamed concert series.