The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 kicked off in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event. At the summit, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced that India has emerged as a ‘Creator Nation.’ He revealed that over the past three years, YouTube has paid out ₹21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists, and media companies. This significant investment has helped turn creators’ passions into successful businesses. In the last year alone, over 100 million YouTube channels in India uploaded content, with more than 15,000 channels having over a million subscribers.
YouTube’s Commitment to Indian Creators
Neal Mohan also announced that YouTube will invest over ₹850 crore in the next two years to further boost India’s creator economy. He highlighted that YouTube has given Indian creators a platform to reach a global audience. Last year, foreign viewers watched content created in India for over 4,500 crore hours, showcasing India’s cultural strength. Mohan emphasized that YouTube’s power lies in connecting creators with audiences worldwide, and India has effectively leveraged this opportunity.
India’s Rise as a Creator Nation
Mohan noted that India is not only a leader in film and music but is also rapidly emerging as a ‘Creator Nation.’ He stated that YouTube has enabled creators to reach a global audience, and the platform has been instrumental in helping them build their brands. With its significant investment in Indian creators, YouTube is committed to supporting the growth of the country’s creator economy.
