Why I Put My Movies on YouTube Instead of Netflix & Prime - Juliet Ibrahim

Popular Ghanaian actress, film producer, and brand influencer, Juliet Ibrahim has opened up on why she prefers her movies to be on YouTube instead of other streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime.

Speaking at the Nigeria International Film and TV Submit in Lekki, Ibrahim said she preferred YouTube because its less stringent requirements make it an attractive option.

“Unlike Netflix or Prime, YouTube doesn’t demand specific criteria for equipment, editing, lighting, or crew members,” she said.

While stressing YouTube’s benefits, the 38-year-old actress who is famous in Nollywood also acknowledged the risk of piracy.

“You see, there is something about being a filmmaker, you make your movie and you want to own your rights. There is also piracy, so even YouTube is not 100% safe because people still pirate, they would steal your content,” she said.

“However, there is a whole market on YouTube where people make quick and easy money with less stress. Without having to go buy the cinema criteria or streaming platform criteria. Before you submit to a streaming platform either Netflix or Prime, you have a list of equipment you must use.

“There is a criteria for editing, lighting, your crew members, a whole lot of things and that includes a lot of money. That is where I said the funding would now become a problem.”

The filmmaker and content creator also highlighted the importance of reaching diaspora audiences who cannot access cinema content.

“As a filmmaker, you want to have multiple streams of income, and there are people in diaspora who want to watch our content but cannot access our cinema content. Until we can give them good cinema content over there, we can put it on Netflix or YouTube,” she said.

“If Netflix says the content is not good enough for them, we can put it on Showmax or YouTube uploads. A lot of people have different reasons but most times you have to look at it strategically and also what goes into your pocket.”

Ibrahim is not alone in recognizing the benefits of uploading movies to YouTube. Several actors and filmmakers have similarly highlighted the platform’s advantages.

Ruth Kadiri, another actress, echoed the same sentiment in June, adding that there are “too many” regulations concerning film production in Nigeria.

The mother of two said she began uploading her films to YouTube because she wanted a platform where she could freely express herself and “tell my stories”.

Blessing Egbe, the filmmaker, revealed why YouTube is becoming a popular distribution channel for Nigerian filmmakers.

Similarly, Kanayo O. Kanayo, the ace actor, disclosed that filmmakers put their work on YouTube for autonomy and direct earning.