YouTube Nigeria will now offer some of the most informative and entertaining video content from around the world through a local interface, www.youtube.com.ng, that promotes content that is most relevant to Nigerians.
There is something on YouTube for everyone, as shown by individuals such as Jason Njoku, the entrepreneurial spirit behind Nollywood Love, or companies such as 37th State, which set up an urban, African culture and lifestyle channel. From amateur to professional content, from the unexpected to the emotionally affecting, the educational to the entertaining, Nigerians now have greater flexibility to tell their stories, and find videos most useful to them.
At the YouTube launch event in Lagos today, Google country manager Juliet Ehimuan welcomed Patrick Walker, YouTube's senior director, Content Partnerships, for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "With over 3 billion views a day, YouTube is the world's largest audience, and a mode of communication that allows everyone's voice to be heard", said Walker.
"Nigerians are passionate about music, entertainment and many other genres that YouTube offers. By launching YouTube locally, we help people to find the most popular videos in Nigeria, along with those that are rising in popularity".
YouTube Nigeria makes it easier for Nigerian users to find and view the videos most relevant to them. Content uploaded by Nigerian users will show up as "browse pages" on the YouTube Nigeria site, creating a new virtual space for the national community and giving Nigerians the opportunity to increase their exposure online. Also at the YouTube launch event in Lagos today, Nollywood Love announced the launch of iRok TV, whilst Storm360 announced the launch of 6 new YouTube channels. 37th State announced the premiere of its first short film and documentary, Nkiru, which is to take place on December 18, 2011.
"The power of the Internet presents great opportunities. YouTube gives people the power to broadcast themselves," said Obi Asika from Storm360, a leading entertainment company in West Africa.
"Our channel has helped connect us with local and international fans and artists all over the world, and is helping us to achieve our full potential. For users with slow connections, they can use YouTube Feather for better performance".
One of YouTube's key priorities, in addition to the making the platform a comprehensive destination, is to ensure that videos load and play quickly, even in places where bandwidth is at a premium. Improving Internet access remains a key priority for Internet players across Africa.
In addition to the standard YouTube experience, users have the option to watch videos with YouTube Feather. This "light" version only includes the site's most basic features, to help ensure that those with low-speed Internet connections are able to play videos play faster. YouTube Feather can be found in TestTube (http://www.youtube.com/testtube), the area on the site where new products are tested.
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