YouTube’s Batala programme has witnessed 500 up-and-coming female content creators graduate in the latest iteration of its programme that has been running since 2017.
The graduation also marks the first cohort of content creators to graduate from the new expanded program that includes mentorship. The programme is part of YouTube’s pledge to support and upskill 1,000 aspiring women from MENA on YouTube.
The programme aims to support aspiring female content creators to grow their presence, engage with their audience and contribute to the region’s creator economy.
The programme for 2024 offered content creators’ mentorship opportunities from YouTube’s top content creators such as Ayatee, Rima Alosta, Reem Animations, Noon’s Way Ossy Marwah, Ahmed Aburob and Lamya.
These masterclasses were geared towards helping the female creators grow their channel, covering topics such as building an audience, diversifying revenue, increasing engagement and personal branding.
YouTube also offered participants workshops with YouTube experts on best practices for YouTube’s multiple formats including shorts, long-form videos, and live streams to reach a wider audience.
Tarek Amin, Director of YouTube in MENA and Regional Director of EMEA Emerging Markets, said, “We’re proud of how YouTube’s creator community in MENA has rallied to support a new generation of creative women on the platform. We often hear from aspiring creators of the need for more opportunities to connect and engage with more established talent.
“This is why Batala and this year’s mentorship program are so important because they help women on YouTube to build these networks, while equipping them with the tools they need to build sustainable careers on YouTube.”
The expanded Batala programme builds on this foundation by offering additional resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for women to thrive on YouTube.
The Batala programme is part of YouTube’s wider efforts to support content creators and the creator economy across MENA.
