Nigerians turn to YouTube as streaming costs rise
As streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video increase subscription fees, more Nigerians are embracing YouTube for entertainment. With Netflix’s premium plan now at ₦8,500 and Prime Video introducing ads, affordability is a major concern in a country where over half the population lives in poverty.
YouTube offers a practical alternative. It’s free, allows offline viewing, and supports data-saving features suited to Nigeria’s internet limitations. “On YouTube, anyone—literally anyone—can make a film. If it’s good and people like it, you can make way more than you spent,” said filmmaker Olatunbosun Amao.
Content creators prefer YouTube’s flexibility and monetisation options like AdSense and Super Chat. “Several top actors own YouTube channels to directly distribute their movies,” said iBAKATV’s Kazeem Adeoti.
With its mobile-first design and relatable local content, YouTube is becoming the dominant platform in Nigeria. As filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi noted, “There are no specifications on cameras, costumes, or language.”