Ace Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has predicted that many Nigerian movie producers could abandon YouTube as a distribution platform if the naira strengthens significantly against the United States dollar.

Afolayan made the disclosure during an interview with former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on the Nidacity Podcast, where he discussed the growing migration of Nollywood filmmakers to digital platforms.

According to the filmmaker, the exchange rate is currently a major factor driving producers to YouTube, as dollar-denominated earnings from high viewership can translate into substantial naira revenue.

Afolayan Explains Why Nollywood Is Moving to YouTubeAfolayan acknowledged that YouTube offers filmmakers greater flexibility and accessibility, particularly those who lack the financial resources or bargaining power to secure deals with major streaming platforms.

He, however, maintained that established streaming services such as Netflix and Prime Video offer better opportunities and financial prospects for filmmakers.“YouTube can never give you what Netflix and Prime will give you, right? Never.

But it’s the most flexible. It’s for everyone. It’s like a starting point,” Afolayan said.

He explained that filmmakers who cannot negotiate with major streaming companies can independently produce their movies, upload them to YouTube and generate revenue based on the number of people who watch their content.

‘Exchange Rate Is Making YouTube More Profitable’The filmmaker said the current strength of the dollar against the naira has made YouTube increasingly attractive to Nigerian filmmakers.

He cited the potential earnings from videos with millions of views as an example, noting that dollar payments can become considerably more valuable when converted into naira.“But look, the reason why people now will say, ‘I’ve hit a million views, I get $10,000,’ is because of the exchange rate.

If dollar drops, everybody will run away from YouTube,” he said.Afolayan added that the financial attraction of YouTube could diminish significantly if the naira appreciates substantially against the dollar.

“So the attraction right now is the exchange rate because that’s what’s making it more profitable than it possibly is. So, if dollar comes to, say, N200 to $1, people will leave,” he said.

YouTube Remains Accessible to Nollywood ProducersDespite his prediction, Afolayan described YouTube as an important entry point for filmmakers who are unable to secure distribution agreements with major streaming platforms.

He said the platform allows producers to publish their films independently without having to go through traditional gatekeepers.

According to him, filmmakers can create accounts, upload their productions and earn revenue when their content attracts viewers.

The comments come amid the growing shift in Nollywood film distribution, with Nigerian filmmakers increasingly exploring YouTube and other digital platforms as alternatives to traditional cinema and television distribution.

Afolayan’s remarks also highlight the significant impact of Nigeria’s exchange rate on the economics of digital content creation, particularly for creators earning revenue in foreign currencies.