As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, the platform is highlighting the remarkable growth of the creator economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Since the introduction of its Arabic-language interface in 2010 and the launch of the YouTube Partner Program in MENA in 2012, which enabled content monetization, the region has seen a significant surge in content creation and viewership
📈 Key Growth Metrics in MENA
Recent data underscores the rapid expansion of YouTube's creator economy in MENA:
Saudi Arabia: The number of channels earning seven figures in Saudi Riyals increased by 40% year-over-year as of December 2024
Egypt: Channels achieving seven-figure revenues in Egyptian Pounds grew by 60% during the same period United Arab Emirates: There was a 15% year-over-year increase in channels earning seven figures in UAE Dirhams
Additionally, 95% of views from UAE-based creators now originate from outside the region, highlighting the global reach of MENA content
📺 Changing Viewing Habits
In Saudi Arabia, over 12 million adults are watching YouTube on smart TVs, indicating a shift towards more immersive, long-form content consumption
💰 Global Creator Economy Impact
Globally, YouTube has paid out $70 billion to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years, reflecting the platform's significant role in the digital economy
🌍 MENA's Global Influence
The success of MENA creators is not confined to the region. Their content resonates with international audiences, contributing to the global cultural landscape and showcasing the region's creativity and innovation.
YouTube's 20th anniversary not only marks two decades of video sharing but also celebrates the platform's role in empowering creators worldwide, with the MENA region emerging as a significant contributor to the global creator economy.