By our reporter 9.9.2026
Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan said producers are turning to YouTube as an alternative streaming platform because of the weak naira.
He however stated that though Youtube is a good starting point since most beginners and producers do not have the resources to be on streaming giants like Netflix and Prime, Youtube does not have the leverage cinemas, Netflix and Prime have.
“Nollywood producers rushing to YouTube is not the way to go. YouTube can never give you what Netflix and Prime would give you,” said Afolayan during an interview.
“However, it is the most flexible. It is for everyone. It is like a starting point. If you don’t have the strength to negotiate or access to the big players, you open an account and put your movie there. If people watch, you get your money.”
Afolayan argued that the reason producers are embracing YouTube is because of the current high dollar-to-naira exchange rate.
“Nigerian filmmakers are rushing to YouTube because of the dollar exchange rate. At ₦1,400 to $1, they celebrate 1 million views because it can bring in about $10,000. But if the dollar falls to ₦200, everyone will run away from YouTube. I pray the dollar-to-naira exchange rate comes down,” he added.