YouTube is calling on the UK government to offer more resources and support for creators.
The social media platform is running a survey in conjunction with research consultancy Public First, asking UK creators to share their experiences in an attempt to raise awareness of the impact that creators have on the UK economy.
In a statement, YouTube said: “According to Oxford Economics, more than 15,000 creators and partners in the UK employ other people to work on their YouTube channel. They are modern day media houses, with production studios, dedicated teams and sophisticated storytelling skills. Their content is delivering international impact, with 85% of UK creator watchtime coming from overseas.”
Initial feedback from creators has revealed common challenges, such as the need for more industry education and resources and difficulties in accessing financial products like loans and insurance.
YouTube is encouraging a broad range of UK creators to fill out their ten-minute survey, “so that we can represent the diverse perspectives of different creators, drawn from the length and breadth of the country.”
The consultation is set to run for several weeks, with a comprehensive report on the findings to be published next year. YouTube plans to share this report with the UK government, industry leaders, and advertisers to help drive meaningful change.
Caroline Dineage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: “Creators are using YouTube to develop and showcase their talent in ever more impressive and innovative ways. If the UK is to reap the rewards of this creator boom in the form of investment into the country and global soft power being exported out, then Government needs to understand what conditions will best support this germination of talent. That’s why this YouTube creator consultation is so timely, and as Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee I look forward to seeing its findings.”
It will be interesting to see the final report, and if the government takes action as a result.
UK creators can take the survey here.
