June 23, 2022

YouTube’s Black Voices Is On The Lookout For The Next Round Of Creators

YouTube has officially opened grant applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2023. The $100 million funds will amplify and nurture Black voices in the creator community. 

The grant program, which the video platform first launched in 2020, was primarily designed to help support and nurture Black creators and artists, from musicians and lawyers to gamers and fitness instructors. 

The scheme has welcomed over 300 grantees from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria in just over two years. The program has not only helped to provide access and resources to hundreds of Black creators worldwide but also helped them achieve life-changing goals. Some of last year’s grantees have reached subscriber milestones, become successful full-time YouTubers, and even received a nomination for an NAACP Image award.  

“Two years ago, we announced the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund to amplify Black perspectives and experiences,” said YouTube in a blog post. 

“We also wanted to directly support Black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers so they can be equipped with the resources to thrive here on YouTube. We hope to continue to support and celebrate these creators as they show their talent and uniqueness throughout our platform.” 

Over the next year, YouTube will work closely with creators on the scheme, offering them dedicated partner support, seed funding investment to develop their channels, and access to an intensive development program. The program and workshops will center around production, community engagement, and wellbeing, followed by networking programs and ongoing seminars. 

YouTube aims to inform the selected Class of 2023 by no later than October and will send notifications to all applicants using their email addresses. 

The application is available on YouTube’s website for those wanting to join. 

Kumba Kpakima

Kumba Kpakima is a reporter at POCIT. A documentary about the knife crime epidemic in the UK got her a nomination for the UK's #30toWatch Young Journalists of the Year.