The way we consume content is fast-changing. And as internet speeds become faster, and technology becomes cheaper, it’s only going to change more going forward.
Older generations will remember having a choice of only a few television channels while growing up; now viewers have a choice of endless services, including satellite TV, cable TV, video-on-demand and of course, the free video provider YouTube.
And it’s the likes of YouTube – where anyone with a camera can start creating and uploading videos – that’s really changing the scene. What was once an industry of ‘wasta’ is now open for anyone across the region.
One event that recently showcased just how popular online video content creation has become is that of VIDXB, which is very the first video content creator conference of its kind in the Middle East.
Following the event, Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commision, which organised the event said: “We’re thrilled with the response and the support received from our community of content creators and industry experts.
“VIDXB has reinforced the demand for this kind of event in the region and we can only hope that this will continue to inspire future creators to follow their passion.”
Meanwhile, later on in the same month saw the launch of Asli, a free curated content publishing platform by the entertainment network OSN. Going live in 2018, the platform will allow regional content creators to showcase their original material.
And it’s little surprise that networks are keen to launch their own offerings. After all, there’s no denying the power of YouTube in the region.
Diana Baddar, head of YouTube partnerships for YouTube in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region explains: “YouTube has been very successful in MENA as a whole, and particularly in the GCC. We continue to see creators rise up and this movement is creating even more Arabic content, which we are extremely happy to support.
“We are extremely proud of the local talents we have in the region, and we see them as a voice for this generation of users.”
She added: “Creators in MENA are telling their own stories to their audience and the world. We at YouTube will continue to utilise the channel to reach more than one billion daily users.”
According to Think with Google, brands play an important role in the growth of the YouTube creator ecosystem.
“There is an array of creative product integrations, collaboration videos, product tutorials, and more formats that have been made possible due to the ongoing partnership between brands and creators,” it says.
And so not only are these platforms providing a voice for those who normally wouldn’t be heard, it’s also big business. Some of the following YouTubers can easily make $1 million in a year through YouTube revenue, social media advertising and special appearances.
Here are the new stars of the small screen:
Noor Stars | United Arab Emirates
Subscribers: +5.5 million
One of the most successful Arab females on YouTube is Noor Stars who is based in Dubai.
The video creator mainly focuses on content geared towards young women, offering tips and tricks on how to navigate through life, relationships and career.
The Saudi Reporters | Saudi Arabia
Subscribers: +3.3 million
During VIDXB, these two could have been mistaken for a boyband considering the amount of attention they received. Fans were going crazy for twin brothers Abdulla and Abdulaziz, better known as The Saudi Reporters.
The duo create a variety of content including comedy sketches, challenges, Q&A sessions, science experiments and travel vlogs. According to the social media statistics aggregator Socialblade.com, they make up to $892,000 per year.
Esswera | Morocco
Subscribers: +2.4 million
Based in Amsterdam, the Moroccan YouTuber, also known as Mimi, is hugely popular in the region thanks to her fashion, beauty and travel-focused videos.
Her and her husband, Mauritz share a second YouTube channel called M&M Vlogs.
Shady Srour | Egypt
Subscribers: +2.5 million
The actor and comedian has been creating and posting videos on YouTube since 2013, establishing himself as one of the top YouTubers from Egypt. His top video so far pokes fun at Arab parents and the struggles teenagers face. It has racked up over 28 million views.
According to Socialblade.com, Srour earns anywhere between $4,700 to $76,000 per month as a result of advertising through his videos.
Hind Deer | Iraq
Subscribers: +1.6 million
Based in the United States, the 26-year-old has established a strong following in the Middle East due to her videos being in Arabic and her collaborations with fellow Arab YouTubers.
Her channel features a plethora of topics, including educational videos, comedy, tips and tricks, cooking and DIY.
Laila Mourad | Lebanon
Subscribers: +1 million
The Lebanese-Canadian vlogger, who lives in Saudi Arabia with her family, originally started out posting diet and working tips. But now she posts videos from her day-to-day life.
Mmoshaya | Saudi Arabia
Subscribers: +3.4 million
Mohamed Moshaya has tapped into an area rarely explored on mainstream TV – narrating the day-to-day life of a regular Saudi family.
Here, the father of three posts videos featuring his kids doing everything from pranks to reviewing toys.
Ali Alhamoudi On Car | United Arab Emirates
Subscribers: +700,000
It wouldn’t be a Middle Eastern YouTube roundup with at least one car channel. After all, motoring is huge in the GCC.
Fast rising as one of the biggest car reviewers on YouTube is Emirati Ali Alhamoudi, who showcases some really cool rides.
D7oomy_999 | Saudi Arabia
Subscribers: +3.6 million
The university student makes an income by posting gaming reviews online. He’s so popular that he’s represented by the production company UTurn.
Drama Queen | Saudi Arabia
Subscribers: +945,000
And finally, another fast rising star in the world of YouTube is Asrar Arif, better known by her channels Drama Queen and Drama Beauty. What makes the student stand out is the fact that she never appears on camera showing her full face, preferring to stay relatively anonymous.