YouTube CEO Neal Mohan Unveils ₹850 Crore Investment to Enhance India’s Creator Economy

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YouTube CEO Neal Mohan Unveils ₹850 Crore Investment to Enhance India’s Creator Economy



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YouTube pledges Rs 850 crore over two years to foster India’s creator economy.

Indian content amassed over 45 billion hours of global viewing time in 2023.

More than 15,000 Indian channels have crossed the 1 million subscriber threshold, a substantial increase from 11,000 just months ago.

In an ambitious move, Google-owned YouTube has announced a remarkable investment of Rs 850 crore over the next two years aimed at enhancing the ecosystem for Indian artists, creators, and media firms. YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, highlighted this initiative at the WAVES summit held in Mumbai, emphasizing India’s burgeoning digital landscape and the impressive global outreach of Indian content.

Mohan shared significant statistics, indicating that Indian-created content has successfully accumulated over 45 billion hours of viewership from audiences worldwide throughout 2023. Additionally, he noted that YouTube has disbursed an astonishing Rs 21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists, and media businesses in the past year, further underlining the platform’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

“Over the next two years, we are dedicated to investing more than Rs 850 crore to bolster the growth of Indian creators, artists, and media firms. This investment transcends mere figures; it aims to create substantial impact by opening numerous career and business avenues for a vibrant and ever-evolving India,” stated Mohan effectively encapsulating YouTube’s mission.

In a reflection of India’s transformation into a creator-centric nation, Mohan revealed that more than 100 million channels contributed content to YouTube over the past year. Impressively, the number of channels boasting over 1 million subscribers has surged to over 15,000—an evident jump from 11,000 just months earlier.

According to Mohan, “YouTube’s unique capacity to link creators with audiences across the globe has established it as a formidable vehicle for cultural export. Few countries have capitalized on this as skillfully as India. Presently, India is not only a global frontrunner in film and music but is also quickly evolving into what I am thrilled to refer to as a Creator Nation.”

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Additionally, during the WAVES Summit 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) focused on advancing India’s animation, gaming, and visual effects sectors. The government is investing Rs 400 crore in this initiative, with partnerships from major tech firms like Google and Microsoft. The first center has already opened in Mumbai, with plans for more to be launched in the near future.

This influx of investment and support reflects a broader trend in which the Indian digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, creating countless opportunities for aspiring creators and innovative startups. As YouTube continues to reinforce its commitment to the region, the landscape for content creation in India is expected to flourish, fostering a new generation of talent.

With substantial backing from both corporate and government entities, the Indian creator economy stands on the brink of a major breakthrough. The combined effort of YouTube’s financial investments and the establishment of educational institutions like IICT aims not just to enhance skills but also to solidify India’s position as a global hub for creative excellence.

As the digital age advances, the interplay between government initiatives and the private sector’s investment will likely pave the way for a diverse array of opportunities for creators. The emphasis on community and collaboration in this burgeoning ecosystem offers a promising glimpse into the future of content creation in India.

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