Renowned Ghanaian actress, film producer, and brand influencer, Juliet Ibrahim, has shared her reasons for choosing to upload her films to YouTube instead of other streaming services.

The actress, who has Ghanaian and Liberian roots, expressed her preference for YouTube due to its more lenient requirements, making it a favorable choice for filmmakers.

Ibrahim made these comments during an interview with journalists at the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit in Lekki.

She stated, “In contrast to platforms like Netflix or Prime, YouTube does not impose strict criteria regarding equipment, editing, lighting, or crew.”

While emphasizing the advantages of YouTube, the 38-year-old actress, well-known in Nollywood, also acknowledged the challenges posed by piracy.

“As a filmmaker, you want to retain ownership of your work. However, piracy remains a concern, and even YouTube is not entirely secure, as content can still be stolen,” she noted. Ibrahim further explained,

“YouTube offers a significant market where creators can earn money with less hassle, without the need to meet the stringent requirements of cinema or other streaming platforms.

Submitting to services like Netflix or Prime involves a list of mandatory equipment and standards for editing, lighting, and crew, which can be financially burdensome.”

The filmmaker and content creator also pointed out the necessity of reaching audiences in the diaspora who lack access to cinema content.

“As a filmmaker, diversifying income streams is essential, and there are individuals abroad eager to view our work but unable to access it in theaters.

Until we can provide quality cinema content to them, we can utilize platforms like Netflix or YouTube,” she explained.

“If Netflix deems the content unsuitable, we can consider alternatives like Showmax or YouTube. Many factors influence these decisions, but it often comes down to strategic considerations and financial implications.”

Ibrahim is not the only one acknowledging the advantages of uploading films to YouTube. Numerous actors and filmmakers have also pointed out the benefits of this platform.

In June, actress Ruth Kadiri shared a similar perspective, noting the excessive regulations surrounding film production in Nigeria.

As a mother of two, she expressed her desire to upload her films to YouTube to find a space where she could freely share her narratives. Filmmaker Blessing Egbe explained the growing popularity of YouTube as a distribution avenue for Nigerian filmmakers.

Likewise, renowned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo mentioned that filmmakers choose to showcase their work on YouTube for greater independence and the potential for direct revenue.