Kunle Afolayan Criticises Nollywood Producers Turning to YouTube as Streaming Alternative

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has criticised the growing move by Nollywood producers to use YouTube as an alternative platform for distributing films and generating revenue.

Afolayan expressed concern over the increasing reliance on YouTube at a time when Nigeria’s film industry is seeking sustainable ways to finance, distribute and monetise locally produced content.

The filmmaker’s comments come amid changes in the Nigerian entertainment market, where producers are exploring digital platforms to reach wider audiences and reduce their dependence on traditional cinema and established streaming services.

YouTube has become an increasingly attractive option for Nollywood filmmakers because it offers direct access to viewers and provides creators with opportunities to earn from online audiences.

However, Afolayan’s criticism highlights concerns about whether the platform can provide a stable long-term business model for producers, particularly when revenue is influenced by factors such as advertising income, audience location and foreign exchange movements.

The filmmaker’s position is likely to fuel a wider debate within Nollywood over the future of film distribution and the balance between traditional cinemas, international streaming platforms and free-to-access digital services.

As Nigerian filmmakers continue to adapt to changing audience habits, the industry faces the challenge of developing distribution models that can support production costs while keeping locally made films accessible to viewers.