Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has questioned the increasing trend of Nigerian movie makers moving to YouTube instead of big streaming platforms.
During an interview with former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, Kunle Afolayan said that YouTube does not give filmmakers the chances or money value as established streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
Kunle Afolayan admitted that YouTube offers an entry point for filmmakers who miss the money, industry ties or bargaining power needed to get distribution deals with major streaming services or theatre releases.
Kunle Afolayan said, “Nollywood producers rushing to YouTube is not the way to go ” and described YouTube as a platform that is available to almost anyone.
According to Kunle Afolayan producers who cannot reach streaming companies can upload their films alone and may earn money from audience view counts.
Kunle Afolayan’s comments come as YouTube keeps drawing filmmakers who want alternative ways to share films and reach audiences directly.
While big streaming platforms can give distribution and possibly more money chances YouTube gives lower barriers to start and more control for independent creators.
Kunle Afolayan’s remarks have therefore sparked debate inside Nollywood about the best long‑term distribution models for Nigerian films, in a growing digital entertainment market.
