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Tag: YouTube

  • Oscars to start streaming on Youtube from 2029

    Oscars to start streaming on Youtube from 2029

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029.

    While sharing the information on Wednesday, December 17 2025, the Academy mentioned that it signed a multi-year deal that will give YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.

    This is the latest big change in Hollywood dealing with studio sales and mergers, along with steep production cuts.

    Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement, “The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible – which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

    Over decades, viewership of the awards show has declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and computers.

    In a statement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions” and said that partnering with the Academy would “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy”.

    ABC, which has aired the awards since 1976, said it is looking ahead to the final three ceremonies it will still broadcast.

    The development comes as Warner Bros Discovery advised its shareholders on Wednesday to reject a hostile takeover offer from Paramount Skydance in favour of a competing bid from streaming company Netflix.

    Industry observers say neither option is favourable for a sector that has suffered heavy cutbacks in recent years. Like major film studios, cable television networks have struggled as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms.

    YouTube securing the rights to the Academy Awards further points to a future where streaming services continue to dominate.

    Movies made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) can now compete for top honors at the Oscars, according to new rules from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

    In a statement released in April 2025, the Academy explained that using AI or other digital tools in a film’s production will not increase or reduce its chances of being nominated. The update comes as part of a wider move to clarify how technology fits into modern filmmaking.

    Some of this year’s Oscar-winning films already used AI in creative ways. For example, “The Brutalist,” which earned Adrian Brody the Best Actor award, used AI to fine-tune the actor’s Hungarian accent. In the musical “Emilia Perez,” AI voice-cloning tools helped improve the singing voices of the cast.

    Even though AI is becoming more common in filmmaking, the Academy made it clear that human involvement will still play a major role in deciding which films deserve to win.

    These new guidelines were shaped by recommendations from the Academy’s Science and Technology Council.

    Along with the AI update, the Academy has also introduced another important rule: moving forward, voters must watch all the nominated films in a category before they are allowed to vote for the winner. This change is meant to make the selection process more fair and informed.

    AI is now being used more widely in music and film production because it can quickly adjust voices, images, or even entire scenes. However, not everyone is excited about this shift. Many actors and artists are concerned that AI might take away jobs or use their work without permission.

    The Academy’s new stance suggests that as technology continues to evolve, the film industry—and its biggest awards—will continue to adapt as well.

    Actors and screenwriters previously highlighted fears about losing work to AI during the 2023 strikes in Hollywood.

    “If you can take my face, my body and my voice and make me say or do something that I had no choice about, that’s not a good thing,” actress Susan Sarandon told the BBC from a picket line.

    And screenwriters are concerned studios would seek to cut costs and save time by using tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for tasks such as researching, treatment and script writing, instead of humans.

    Safeguards around the use of AI were established as part of the agreements reached between unions and studios that marked the end of the strikes.

    But while some actors have seemingly embraced the technology, others, such as Scarlett Johansson, have issued warnings about its potential to allow abuse of their image or likeness.

    Animators told the BBC in 2024 generative AI tools were not yet good enough to be able to replicate the quality of their work – certainly not to an award-winning standard.

    “It’s like having a bad writer help you,” said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder and chairman of global streaming service Rokit Flix.

    “Sure it will get an outline done, but if you need something with emotional weight, an AI isn’t going to get you an Oscar.”

  • Wendy Shay announces $10,000 YouTube earnings in one week

    Wendy Shay announces $10,000 YouTube earnings in one week

    Singer Wendy Shay has revealed that she recently received an amount of ten thousand dollars $10,000 as earnings from YouTube.

    In an interview on Adom TV, Wendy revealed that she receives thousands of dollars weekly from song streaming platforms and for this recent one, she has gone ahead to ask to transfer the money into her accounts.

    “I was there this week when $10,000 dropped from YouTube, and that’s just YouTube alone. I don’t like to talk about my finances on air, but I receive thousands of dollars every week.” she said.

    She added the the amount is just what Youtube pays her from time to time.

    Adding that, earnings from other streaming platforms are yet to be known.

    Wendy explained that music is tangible and streamed every day, which accounts for such earnings on a weekly basis.

    @adom_tv

    Just this week, I received $10,000 from YouTube alone – Wendy Shay #SHOWTYM #adomsocials #adomtv

    ♬ original sound – AdomTV – AdomTV

    Multiple award-winning Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Francisca Gawuga, popularly known as Sista Afia, appears to express regret over pursuing music.

    Sista Afia admitted that she sometimes questions her decision because she doesn’t seem to see her sacrifices and investments paying off.

     “Since I released ‘Jeje,’ was when I realised that I may never be a favourite in the industry. I’ve invested so much effort and funded everything with my own money. If I had saved that money, I would have likely achieved more by now. It’s frustrating because I put my heart and soul into each project, even spending my last penny on a music video, because you don’t know which song might blow,” she said on the Delay Show.

    According to her, she sometimes reflects that her struggles in music aren’t just about talents or efforts but about the perception people carry about her. 

    “Many thoughts cross my mind. Sometimes, I wonder if my background is a factor; it seems people tend to prefer artists who come from the slums, those who were once unknown and then became popular. Some people say, ‘Afia comes from abroad, so why is she trying to make music here?’” she explained.

    Months ago, she voiced her frustration over the lack of recognition for her relentless efforts in the music industry. Despite dedicating herself fully to her craft, she feels overlooked compared to her male counterparts.

    Speaking in an interview with DJ Slim, the ‘Weather’ hitmaker shared how deeply invested she is in her music career, revealing that she barely gets any rest due to her demanding schedule.

    “I mean, I’ll speak for myself—I can’t speak for everyone—but I’ll speak for myself. I work tirelessly; I work more than everyone, especially Adey grind waaa, and I need this thing. I’m somebody that needs it; it’s like without music, there’s no Sista Afia,” she said.

    She emphasized that her commitment to music is undeniable, yet the industry seems to disregard her contributions.

    “I don’t sleep; I sleep like three hours, almost four, then I’m back to business. I hardly sleep. Right now, I feel like it’s time to talk. It’s so sad that people don’t really see the work you put in, and that hurts me,” she added.

    Sista Afia, known for her powerful vocals and versatility in blending highlife, Afrobeat, and dancehall, has performed on various major platforms. However, she believes that female artistes, regardless of their talent and work ethic, often struggle to receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

    Her comments highlight a broader issue within the Ghanaian music industry, where female musicians frequently face challenges in gaining visibility despite their hard work and dedication.

    Ghanaian female musicians are not making the needed impact on the continent due to lack of resources.

    Nigerian female artistes have over the past years dominated the Africa music circles with the likes Tiwa Savage, Simi, Yemi Alade, Sinach, among others making a significant impact across the globe, only a few The multiple award-winning had said earlier on this year that Some Ghanaian female artistes including their male counterparts have been unable to hit the top list of various African music charts.

    In an interview with GNA Entertainment, she said the Nigerian music setting is well resourced, helping them thrive with the works in Africa and beyond.

    “Ghanaian female musicians are doing what they can at the moment. When it comes to vocal delivery, songwriting, and stage performances, Ghana has me, Efya, Freda Rhymez, and more to boast of.

    “The thing is, the Nigerians have the resources which include investors, connections, support and music exposure than Ghanaian musicians,” she said.

    However, the “Weather” hitmaker was highly optimistic about how Ghanaian female artistes can match up with their counterparts in other countries in the near future.

    “We are progressing each and every day. Recently my new song with Victor AD is one of the biggest songs in Nigeria and Cameroon. I had a call from one top international musician who wants to remix his song with me.

    “We are getting there gradually just that the pace is a bit slow. But as the saying goes, slowly but sure. We will get there and we hope we (female musicians) get that positive support from the media and everyone,” she said.

    Sista Afia who is undoubtedly Ghana’s hottest female singer at the moment and she is set to release another banger with Stonebwoy, as they were recently spotted in the studios.

    Meanwhile, in 2023, Sista Afia said that if she had not chosen to pursue music, she would have been married by now with children.

    When asked about her life as a celebrity during a discussion of the celebrity lifestyle section of Neat FM’s entertainment program, sister Afia responded, “If I wasn’t a musician I would have been married by now, if I was in your position I would have been married,” she stressed referring to a fellow panelist.

    “…of course, I wish I would have been married with kids by now,” she emphasized.

    Meanwhile, Sista Afia is out with a new song titled ‘Carry Go.’

    The track is her first official single and release for the year 2023. It was produced by one of Ghana’s talented producers, Abochi

    The song discusses her romantic life and lays out her goals.

    She emphasizes the enjoyable aspects of relationships, the quality time she can spend with a partner, and the importance of money at this time.

  • Leila Djansi’s warning on YouTube distribution gets support from Adjetey Anang

    Leila Djansi’s warning on YouTube distribution gets support from Adjetey Anang

    Renowned Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang, popularly known as Pusher, has added his voice to filmmaker Liela Djansi’s discussion, warning filmmakers against using YouTube as a primary platform for distributing their works.

    During the National Film Dialogue on September 16, 2025, with GhanaWeb’s Joseph Henry Mensah,  Adjetey Anang stressed on why Leila’s statement must be taken seriously by filmmakers.

    “From her own experience, you can’t ignore a statement like that. She has seen it all, and there is truth in the sense that when we overdo something or somewhere is saturated, and we’ve seen even in distributions and in marketing, some of our movies show how we flood a certain platform.”

    “We have to be very particular about the content we’re churning out in that space. It can’t be mediocre because whatever you put out there represents us and our abilities or inabilities, and so for me, there’s some truth in that. And it’s up to us to really ensure that we do not make that the reality. And therefore, we need to seek advice as to how we’re exploring or patronizing that space.”

    “Therefore, people should not just see that as an opportunity to just put in. But how do we sustain that so that quality is always achieved? And our values, our culture, are loud in that space as well. And I would also look for alternatives as well, because then if you have alternatives,” he expressed. 

    The Ghanaian-American filmmaker Leila Djansi had asserted that YouTube will soon become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers.

    She further argued that a government-backed film fund would be wasted if movies are only released on YouTube.

    She added that piracy also undermines the platform’s viability for film distribution.

    “Personally, I don’t believe the film fund. I really don’t. I think it is premature because there is no distribution. If you give the film fund how are they gonna [make profit].”

    People think that we are just gonna put it on YouTube. I’m sorry YouTube is gonna collapse very soon. There is so much congestion on YouTube and they are always changing their policies. So if you go in now a I think it is seriously over-saturated. If you over-saturate it, they’re gonna reduce the earning. So how much are you gonna earn if you just put your film on YouTube,” she said.

    Meanwhile, James Gardiner, a leading Ghanaian actor, recently discussed the crucial role social media, particularly YouTube, plays in boosting the Ghanaian film industry.

    In an interview with media figure Doreen Avio, the star of ‘Taste of Sin’ pointed out that many are not fully harnessing the potential of these digital platforms.

    Gardiner emphasized that YouTube remains underutilized, despite its potential for significant impact.

    He noted that individual productions can amass millions of views, potentially translating into considerable earnings.

    “YouTube is a goldmine that’s being overlooked. The fact that just one of our productions can hit around 29 million views indicates that African films are resonating widely,” he said.

    While acknowledging the importance of major streaming services like Netflix, Gardiner stressed the value of concentrating efforts on YouTube.

    He shared insights from his recent experiences in Nigeria, highlighting how Nigerian TV stations swiftly adopt and popularize films from YouTube, further amplifying their reach.

    “Work is thriving in Nigeria, and it’s not just Ghanaian audiences that are engaged. In fact, Nigerian platforms quickly pick up new releases from YouTube, often within 20 to 30 minutes, which boosts viewership numbers,” Gardiner observed.

    Despite the hurdles the Ghanaian film industry faces, Gardiner remains hopeful about its future.

    He believes that with a positive outlook and persistent effort, the industry is poised for continued growth and success.

    Popular Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri recently shared her insights on why she chose YouTube as the platform to showcase her movies.

    In an interview with BBC Pidgin, she highlighted YouTube’s significance as a major income source for independent filmmakers and content creators, emphasizing its pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods within the industry.

    Kadiri emphasized that YouTube has become indispensable, stating that without it, many individuals, not just filmmakers, would face financial hardships. She underscored the platform’s contribution to feeding people by providing opportunities for filmmakers to monetize their content effectively.

    Reflecting on her journey into YouTube, Kadiri revealed her frustration with the constraints of traditional production processes, which motivated her to seek a space where she could freely express her creativity. She discussed her desire to explore and implement innovative ideas without excessive regulations, noting that YouTube offered the flexibility she craved.

    Despite encountering skepticism and discouragement from others, Kadiri viewed YouTube as a platform for reaching a broader audience and honing her skills. Her decision to venture into YouTube was fueled by a passion for storytelling and a determination to overcome challenges, even if it meant learning from initial setbacks.

    Kadiri’s experience on YouTube has been marked by the production of several films, each contributing to her growth as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of film distribution and the opportunities that digital platforms like YouTube offer to aspiring creators.

    The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

    The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

    In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

    “We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

    “On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.

    Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

    “AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

  • Youtube is not the ultimate film distribution platform –  Big Ghun to filmmakers

    Youtube is not the ultimate film distribution platform –  Big Ghun to filmmakers

    Filmmaker and rapper Big Ghun, has stated that YouTube is not the ultimate distribution platform for filmmakers.

    He asserts that the platform is great for starters in the industry; however, stakeholders must avoid imiting its growth to YouTube alone.

    “YouTube gives young filmmakers a chance to start, to build an audience, to learn and gain experience in the industry. Its standards are less rigid than premium platforms, which makes it perfect for fresh talent.

    “But not every project belongs there, although some films perform very well on a free-to-view platform like it. That’s why we need to stop limiting the African film conversation to YouTube alone. Filmmakers must consider their vision and goals when selecting a distribution platform,” he said.

    Ghanaian-American filmmaker Leila Djansi has asserted that YouTube will soon become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers.

    She further argued that a government-backed film fund would be wasted if movies are only released on YouTube.

    She added that piracy also undermines the platform’s viability for film distribution.

    “Personally, I don’t believe the film fund. I really don’t. I think it is premature because there is no distribution. If you give the film fund how are they gonna [make profit].”

    People think that we are just gonna put it on YouTube. I’m sorry YouTube is gonna collapse very soon. There is so much congestion on YouTube and they are always changing their policies. So if you go in now a I think it is seriously over-saturated. If you over-saturate it, they’re gonna reduce the earning. So how much are you gonna earn if you just put your film on YouTube,” she said.

    Meanwhile, James Gardiner, a leading Ghanaian actor, recently discussed the crucial role social media, particularly YouTube, plays in boosting the Ghanaian film industry.

    In an interview with media figure Doreen Avio, the star of ‘Taste of Sin’ pointed out that many are not fully harnessing the potential of these digital platforms.

    Gardiner emphasized that YouTube remains underutilized, despite its potential for significant impact.

    He noted that individual productions can amass millions of views, potentially translating into considerable earnings.

    “YouTube is a goldmine that’s being overlooked. The fact that just one of our productions can hit around 29 million views indicates that African films are resonating widely,” he said.

    While acknowledging the importance of major streaming services like Netflix, Gardiner stressed the value of concentrating efforts on YouTube.

    He shared insights from his recent experiences in Nigeria, highlighting how Nigerian TV stations swiftly adopt and popularize films from YouTube, further amplifying their reach.

    “Work is thriving in Nigeria, and it’s not just Ghanaian audiences that are engaged. In fact, Nigerian platforms quickly pick up new releases from YouTube, often within 20 to 30 minutes, which boosts viewership numbers,” Gardiner observed.

    Despite the hurdles the Ghanaian film industry faces, Gardiner remains hopeful about its future.

    He believes that with a positive outlook and persistent effort, the industry is poised for continued growth and success.

    Popular Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri recently shared her insights on why she chose YouTube as the platform to showcase her movies.

    In an interview with BBC Pidgin, she highlighted YouTube’s significance as a major income source for independent filmmakers and content creators, emphasizing its pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods within the industry.

    Kadiri emphasized that YouTube has become indispensable, stating that without it, many individuals, not just filmmakers, would face financial hardships. She underscored the platform’s contribution to feeding people by providing opportunities for filmmakers to monetize their content effectively.

    Reflecting on her journey into YouTube, Kadiri revealed her frustration with the constraints of traditional production processes, which motivated her to seek a space where she could freely express her creativity. She discussed her desire to explore and implement innovative ideas without excessive regulations, noting that YouTube offered the flexibility she craved.

    Despite encountering skepticism and discouragement from others, Kadiri viewed YouTube as a platform for reaching a broader audience and honing her skills. Her decision to venture into YouTube was fueled by a passion for storytelling and a determination to overcome challenges, even if it meant learning from initial setbacks.

    Kadiri’s experience on YouTube has been marked by the production of several films, each contributing to her growth as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of film distribution and the opportunities that digital platforms like YouTube offer to aspiring creators.

    The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

    The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

    In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

    “We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

    “On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.

    Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

    “AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

    Meanwhile the surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

    The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

    In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

    “We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

    “On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.

    Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

    “AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

  • YouTube may become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers – Leila Djansi

    YouTube may become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers – Leila Djansi

    Ghanaian-American filmmaker Leila Djansi has asserted that YouTube will soon become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers.

    She further argued that a government-backed film fund would be wasted if movies are only released on YouTube.

    She added that piracy also undermines the platform’s viability for film distribution.

    “Personally, I don’t believe the film fund. I really don’t. I think it is premature because there is no distribution. If you give the film fund how are they gonna [make profit].”

    People think that we are just gonna put it on YouTube. I’m sorry YouTube is gonna collapse very soon. There is so much congestion on YouTube and they are always changing their policies. So if you go in now a I think it is seriously over-saturated. If you over-saturate it, they’re gonna reduce the earning. So how much are you gonna earn if you just put your film on YouTube,” she said.

    Meanwhile, James Gardiner, a leading Ghanaian actor, recently discussed the crucial role social media, particularly YouTube, plays in boosting the Ghanaian film industry.

    In an interview with media figure Doreen Avio, the star of ‘Taste of Sin’ pointed out that many are not fully harnessing the potential of these digital platforms.

    Gardiner emphasized that YouTube remains underutilized, despite its potential for significant impact.

    He noted that individual productions can amass millions of views, potentially translating into considerable earnings.

    “YouTube is a goldmine that’s being overlooked. The fact that just one of our productions can hit around 29 million views indicates that African films are resonating widely,” he said.

    While acknowledging the importance of major streaming services like Netflix, Gardiner stressed the value of concentrating efforts on YouTube.

    He shared insights from his recent experiences in Nigeria, highlighting how Nigerian TV stations swiftly adopt and popularize films from YouTube, further amplifying their reach.

    “Work is thriving in Nigeria, and it’s not just Ghanaian audiences that are engaged. In fact, Nigerian platforms quickly pick up new releases from YouTube, often within 20 to 30 minutes, which boosts viewership numbers,” Gardiner observed.

    Despite the hurdles the Ghanaian film industry faces, Gardiner remains hopeful about its future.

    He believes that with a positive outlook and persistent effort, the industry is poised for continued growth and success.

    Popular Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri recently shared her insights on why she chose YouTube as the platform to showcase her movies.

    In an interview with BBC Pidgin, she highlighted YouTube’s significance as a major income source for independent filmmakers and content creators, emphasizing its pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods within the industry.

    Kadiri emphasized that YouTube has become indispensable, stating that without it, many individuals, not just filmmakers, would face financial hardships. She underscored the platform’s contribution to feeding people by providing opportunities for filmmakers to monetize their content effectively.

    Reflecting on her journey into YouTube, Kadiri revealed her frustration with the constraints of traditional production processes, which motivated her to seek a space where she could freely express her creativity. She discussed her desire to explore and implement innovative ideas without excessive regulations, noting that YouTube offered the flexibility she craved.

    Despite encountering skepticism and discouragement from others, Kadiri viewed YouTube as a platform for reaching a broader audience and honing her skills. Her decision to venture into YouTube was fueled by a passion for storytelling and a determination to overcome challenges, even if it meant learning from initial setbacks.

    Kadiri’s experience on YouTube has been marked by the production of several films, each contributing to her growth as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of film distribution and the opportunities that digital platforms like YouTube offer to aspiring creators.

    The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

    The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

    In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

    “We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

    “On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.

    Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

    “AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

  • Esther Smith hits 100K subscribers on YouTube, receives a plaque

    Esther Smith hits 100K subscribers on YouTube, receives a plaque

    Renowned Ghanaian gospel artist Esther Smith has achieved a significant milestone on YouTube, surpassing 100,000 subscribers.

    In recognition of this achievement, the video-sharing platform presented her with a plaque, highlighting her remarkable rise in popularity over just four years.

    In a heartfelt message on social media, Esther expressed her gratitude to God for blessing her with the ability to inspire others through her music.

    She also thanked her fans for their unwavering support, which made this achievement possible, and assured them that more uplifting content is on the way.

    “To God be the glory! I’m beyond grateful to hit 100K subscribers on YouTube in just 4 years since I officially joined. This plaque is a reminder of the love and support you’ve all shown.

    “Thank you for every view, like, and subscription. If you haven’t already, kindly click on the link & subscribe now to watch the latest Esther Smith Live Concert,” she said.

    Recently, she was honored during the Esther Smith Live Concert, celebrating her 20 years of dedication to the Christian community in Ghana and beyond.

    The events held in Kumasi and Accra drew large crowds who were treated to stunning performances by Esther and various other artists.

    See post below:

  • The rise of self-taught sound engineers in Ghana concerning – Appietus

    The rise of self-taught sound engineers in Ghana concerning – Appietus

    Renowned sound engineer and music producer Appietus has voiced his concerns about the growing trend of self-taught sound engineers in Ghana.

    He argued that these individuals, who often rely on platforms like YouTube for their learning, are compromising the quality of music production in the country.

    “You have to understand sound engineering, the frequency range listeners can hear, the decibel range you can go, the dynamics, and all the technicalities. You need to understand all these things. It’s only in our industry that you find people saying, ‘Oh, I learned sound engineering on YouTube,’” Appietus argued.

    Appietus, born Appiah Dankwah, believes that the influx of amateur engineers is contributing to a crisis in the Ghanaian music industry.

    He points out that this subpar quality is preventing Ghanaian music from achieving international acclaim.

    He stresses the importance of formal education and professional training for sound engineers to ensure they meet industry standards.

    “For you to become a medical doctor or a surgeon, you cannot go and learn it on YouTube. Nobody is going to lie down and say, okay, this is my stomach, operate on me because you learned it on a social platform. But in Ghana, we have people saying, ‘Oh, I learned it on YouTube, so I know.’ Come on, please. These internet communities cannot teach you the real thing,” he disclosed.

    Drawing a parallel to the medical field, Appietus argues that just as one cannot become a doctor through online tutorials, sound engineers need in-depth, formal training to master the complexities of their craft.

    He criticized the notion that self-taught skills can match professional expertise, likening it to attempting surgery without proper medical education.

    He further emphasized that the global market demands high-quality production, and anything below standard is likely to be rejected.

    Appietus urges self-taught engineers to invest in professional training and strive for excellence to help elevate Ghana’s music industry on the international stage.

    “Works from these amateurs are a contributory factor to why most of our songs are not breaking the global market. The international marketplace knows good quality, so if it’s low, they will not accept it. There’s something called industry standard in sound; if you do not have it, come on, they will just throw your music away.”

  • How Dr. Likee received his first payout from YouTube skits

    How Dr. Likee received his first payout from YouTube skits

    Ghanaian actor and skit maker Ebenezer Akwasi Antwi, popularly known as Dr Likee, recently shared the story of his first YouTube earnings with the assistance of fellow YouTuber Wode Maya.

    In an interview with Emelia Brobbey, Dr Likee revealed that his initial YouTube video generated an impressive $20,000, equivalent to GH¢304,000.

    Dr Likee recounted how Wode Maya guided him through the process.

    Maya sent him a document via WhatsApp and instructed him to take it to the bank.

    Unfamiliar with the document’s purpose, Dr Likee was astonished when a bank employee counted out $20,000 in cash for him.

    Initially confused and suspicious, he eventually realized the substantial payout was genuine.

    Overwhelmed with gratitude, Dr Likee contacted Wode Maya to express his thanks.

    Maya advised him to ignore naysayers and to continue focusing on creating quality skits, assuring him that it would be profitable in the long run.

    Dr Likee’s experience highlights the significant impact of Wode Maya’s guidance in leveraging social media to boost his career.

    “I was shocked at first because I didn’t know why he had given me the money, I even thought it was a trap. By the time I got home and counted the money, it was in the region of $20,000,” he narrated.

    The actor expressed his deep gratitude to fellow Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who was instrumental in guiding him on how to leverage social media to enhance his career.

    “That was when I called Wode Maya to thank him. He advised me not to listen to messages from people discouraging me and to focus on making skits, that if I do it well, it will be profitable for me,” he said.

    Watch video below:

  • We must tax YouTube, Facebook, others – Dep. Finance Minister

    We must tax YouTube, Facebook, others – Dep. Finance Minister

    A Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, has proposed the taxation of online trading companies as a measure to increase Ghana’s revenue.

    Emphasizing the significant income generated by both local and international online businesses from Ghanaian consumers, Dr. Ampaabeng highlighted the need to incorporate these entities into the nation’s tax system.

    In an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, June 12, Dr. Ampaabeng pointed out that online businesses and content creators represent promising sources of revenue for the country.

    He criticized the existing discrepancy where local businesses are taxed while global social media giants like YouTube and Facebook, which earn substantial revenue through advertisements, remain untaxed in Ghana.

    Dr. Ampaabeng underscored that social media platforms profit from hosting ads, and online trading companies such as Jiji, Jumia, and Tonaton generate significant income through their products and services.

    He remarked on the extensive market presence of these online trading platforms, noting that they often surpass many physical marketplaces in scale and economic impact within Ghana.

    “I can’t think of a country which has not gotten a digital service tax system of some sort, so Ghana is long overdue. Just to make an example so that people will appreciate where I’m coming from. Go to YouTube and play a video, within one or two minutes, you are going to watch about two, or three adverts.”

    “What it tells you is that Facebook or YouTube is making profits right here in Ghana. Go to your Facebook account, and you are going to see a number of adverts on your right and left. What it is telling you is that Facebook is making profits right here in Ghana and not being taxed. Meanwhile, there are companies operating in Ghana, for jurisdiction reasons, of course, that are being taxed,” he said.

    “So then, it comes to the question of the application of our tax laws. Revenues generated in Ghana are subject to taxes. We have Facebook, TikTok and all those players, these are digital platform owners,” he added.

  • Former YouTube CEO’s son reportedly found dead in his dorm in school

    Former YouTube CEO’s son reportedly found dead in his dorm in school

    The 19-year-old son of former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki was discovered deceased at the University of California, Berkeley, according to a Facebook post by his grandmother.

    A student residing at the Clark Kerr Campus, a student housing facility, was found unconscious around 4:23 p.m. local time on Tuesday, as stated by UC Berkeley spokesperson Janet Gilmore.

    The victim’s identity and demise were confirmed by his grandmother, Esther Wojcicki, in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

    “My beloved grandson Marco Troper, age 19, passed away yesterday. Our family is devastated beyond comprehension,” Esther Wojcicki said.

    She said Troper was “the most kind, loving, smart, fun and beautiful human being.”

    The Berkeley Fire Department responded to the complex and notified the University of California Police Department that it was “attempting life-saving measures” on the student, Gilmore said. By the time campus police arrived, the BFD had pronounced him dead.

    Gilmore said there were no signs of foul play and that an investigation into the death was underway.

    According to his grandmother, Troper “was just getting started” in his second semester of freshman year at UC Berkeley, where he was majoring in math “and was truly loving it.”

    Aside from “thriving academically,” Esther Wojcicki said, Troper had a “strong community of friends,” both from his dorm and his fraternity.

    “At home, he would tell us endless stories of his life and friends at Berkeley,” she wrote.

    “Marco’s life was cut too short. And we are all devastated, thinking about all the opportunities and life experiences that he will miss and that we will miss together,” Esther Wojcicki said. “Marco, we all love you and miss you more than you will ever know.”

    Esther Wojcicki did not respond immediately to a request for comment from NBC News.

    While the cause of Troper’s death remains undetermined, Esther Wojcicki mentioned to SF Gate that she suspects her grandson passed away due to a drug overdose. She stated that the family is awaiting the findings of a toxicology report.

    “He ingested a drug, and we don’t know what was in it,” she told SF Gate, adding: “One thing we do know, it was a drug.”

    “We want to prevent this from happening to any other family,” Esther Wojcicki told SF Gate.

  • Official YouTube channel of TB Joshua shut down

    Official YouTube channel of TB Joshua shut down

    YouTube has shut down the official channel of TB Joshua‘s church because it broke the rules against hate speech.

    Weeks later, the BBC and openDemocracy found proof that the preacher who has passed away, abused and hurt many people sexually.

    Emmanuel TV helped him go from being a small-town pastor to a famous person all around the world.

    TB Joshua passed away in 2021, and now his wife Evelyn Joshua is in charge of running his church, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan).

    The church has not said anything about the removal, but has stated that previous claims of wrongdoing were not true.

    Emmanuel TV had over 500,000 people who followed them on YouTube and had millions of views on their videos.

    This is the second time in three years that their YouTube channel has been suspended because they broke the rules of the platform.

    As part of the BBC’s investigation, openDemocracy looked at Emmanuel TV‘s website and found at least 50 mean videos on YouTube.

    Their group told YouTube about the videos and the account got banned on 29 January.

    Google’s video-sharing platform, owned by Google, said that Emmanuel TV was shut down for breaking the rules against hate speech.

    TB Joshua was well-known for his “healing” work and recorded many services showing him helping sick and disabled people. But, some former church members have said that these claims are not true.

    openDemocracy wrote an article that showed videos from Emmanuel TV of people with mental health problems being locked up, false medical information, and attacks on women who spoke out about TB Joshua’s sexual abuse.

    Emmanuel TV’s TV channel was taken off the air on 17 January by MultiChoice, a South African company that operates DStv and GOtv.

    For a long time, the channel was very successful as a Christian network, reaching millions of people worldwide.

    After the BBC published their investigation on TB Joshua, some people who wrote about it have been attacked online by accounts related to his church and Emmanuel TV. openDemocracy also told YouTube about these accounts, but YouTube hasn’t taken them down yet.

    YouTube and other social media sites are being closely looked at because of their rules about keeping people safe online.

  • Parenting mum on YouTube detained for child abuse

    Parenting mum on YouTube detained for child abuse

    A woman from Utah, who used to have a well-liked YouTube channel where she gave parenting advice, was taken into custody by the police on suspicion of child abuse. This happened after her thin and undernourished son managed to run away from their house, as reported by authorities.

    Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Nan Hildebrandt were taken into custody in Ivins, Utah on Wednesday.

    Officials also discovered that Ms. Franke’s 10-year-old daughter was undernourished at her partner’s house.

    Ms Franke and her business partner have been charged with two serious crimes of child abuse.

    The BBC contacted Ms Franke and Ms Hildebrandt to ask for their thoughts or opinions.

    The police say that Ms Franke’s 12-year-old son went out of the window and went to a neighbor’s house to ask for food and water.

    According to a statement from the Santa-Clara Ivins Public Safety Department, the neighbor said that the young person looked very skinny and unhealthy, with wounds and duct tape around their arms and legs.

    The statement said that when the police arrived, they saw that the boy had severe wounds and was very undernourished.

    The officials said that the boy had to go to the hospital because he had serious cuts from being tied up with rope and because he was not getting enough food.

    The police got permission to search because of the incident. They took four children and gave them to the family and child services.

    Ms Franke, who is 41 years old, became well-known on YouTube during the 2010s. She gained popularity through her channel called 8 passengers, where she talked about being a parent to her six children. Ms Franke has been featured in YouTube videos with Ms Hildebrandt on the ConneXions Classroom counseling website.

    The YouTube channel had more than 2 million people who followed it before it was shut down earlier this year.

    The person who makes videos online has received criticism before because of her strict parenting methods that she talks about on her YouTube channel. For example, her son said he had to sleep on a bean bag for a long time as a punishment. Franke also talked about not giving meals as a way to discipline.

    Some people called child protective services because of the bean bag incident. Franke said the incidents were misunderstood.

    According to US media, Shari Franke, the oldest daughter of Ms. Franke, posted on Instagram after her mother was arrested. She said that her family is happy that justice is being served.

    “She said that we have been telling the police and CPS about this for many years, and we are happy that they have finally decided to take action. ”

    According to the Associated Press, Ms. Franke asked for a lawyer and did not talk to the police. On Thursday, no one knew the name of the lawyer yet.

  • Social media access restored in Ethiopia after 5 months

    Social media access restored in Ethiopia after 5 months

    Ethiopia has lifted its ban on accessing popular social media platforms including Facebook, Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube after a period of over five months,

    The blackout was initially implemented on February 9th of this year following tensions between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the government.

    During the blackout, only individuals who had access to virtual private network (VPN) software were able to bypass the restrictions, albeit at the cost of additional data usage.

    The conflict within the Orthodox Church emerged when certain archbishops from the Oromia region expressed their desire to establish a new synod, allowing services to be conducted in the Oromo language. This development resulted in violent clashes. However, a mediation effort by the government has helped to ease the tensions and restore stability.

    As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the decision to lift the ban.

    The move to lift the ban comes after a period of mediation and efforts to address the underlying issues that led to the conflict.

    With the restoration of access to these social media platforms, individuals in Ethiopia can once again engage with online communities, share content, and connect with others across the globe.

  • Sarkodie achieves historic milestone as first Ghanaian artist to reach one million YouTube subscribers

    Sarkodie achieves historic milestone as first Ghanaian artist to reach one million YouTube subscribers


    Michael Owusu Addo, widely recognized as Sarkodie, has achieved a momentous feat by becoming the inaugural Ghanaian artiste to surpass the remarkable milestone of one million subscribers on the renowned platform, YouTube.

    Since his debut on December 2, 2012, Sarkodie has consistently captivated his audience by sharing a remarkable collection of 266 videos on YouTube. Over the years, his engaging content has garnered an impressive total of 300,443,844 views as of July 14, 2023.

    Among Sarkodie’s collection of videos, his most-watched on YouTube is the remix of ‘Adonai,’ featuring the late Castro, which has garnered 93 million views with a notable hit, ‘Pain Killer’ featuring Runtown, which has earned him 24 million views.

    The closest competitor on the platform is Shatta Wale, having 964,000 subscribers and 272,229,350 total views since joining the platform on November 19, 2012. Shatta Wale’s most viewed video, ‘Taking Over’ featuring Joint 77, Addi Self & Captan, has grossed 19 million views.

    Stonebwoy, currently holds 653,000 subscribers on YouTube, with a total of 283 videos to his credit.

  • Sarkodie achieves 1 million YouTube subscribers

    Sarkodie achieves 1 million YouTube subscribers

    Sarkodie, also known as Michael Owusu Addo, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Ghanaian artiste to reach one million subscribers on YouTube.

    Since joining the platform on December 2, 2012, Sarkodie has consistently engaged his audience through 266 video uploads, accumulating a total of 300,443,844 views as of July 14, 2023.

    Among Sarkodie’s videos, the most-watched on YouTube is the remix of ‘Adonai,’ featuring the late Castro, with an impressive 93 million views. Another notable hit, ‘Pain Killer’ featuring Runtown, has earned him 24 million views.

    Shatta Wale comes as Sarkodie’s closest competitor on the platform, boasting 964,000 subscribers and 272,229,350 total views since joining YouTube on November 19, 2012. Shatta Wale’s most viewed video, ‘Taking Over’ featuring Joint 77, Addi Self & Captan, has garnered 19 million views.

    Meanwhile, Stonebwoy currently holds 653,000 subscribers on YouTube and has credited a total of 283 videos to his name.

  • Top Haitian star K-Dilak features Wendy Shay on latest single

    Top Haitian star K-Dilak features Wendy Shay on latest single

    Ghanaian music sensation Wendy Shay and Haitian musician, K-Dilak have collaborated for a thrilling cross-cultural musical collaboration.

    The two talented musicians have just created a masterpiece and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ever-expanding global music scene, illustrating how music transcends borders and connects people from diverse backgrounds.

    Wendy Shay’s powerful vocals, combined with K-Dilak’s rhythmic melodies, have resulted in a remarkable track that will certainly captivate listeners worldwide.

    K-Dilak recruited Wendy Shay on his latest single titled ‘Balance It’ because he sees her as the right person to help him break into the African music space since the ‘Survivor’ hitmaker has the perfect following and the right numbers to make it possible.

    He is from Miragoane community in western Haiti. K-Dilak comes with his slogan “Mesajé a” which means “the messenger”.

    He currently remains one of the top artistes in Haiti.

    Back in 2020, the MAGHAITI Media Group awarded him the prize of ‘Best Male Artist of 2020’ because of the remarkable work he did in the music space and his undeniable talent.

    K-Dilak has over 1.3 million followers on Facebook, 1.1 million followers on Instagram, and 672,000 subscribers on Youtube, and remains the most valuable male artist in Haiti’s music space currently.

    His ‘Pwomèt Mweh’ currently has over 24 million views on Youtube, while his ‘Pouki’n Yep Marye’ and ‘Engra’ have garnered over 22 million and 11 million views respectively as well.

    K-Dilak also has as a part of his catalogue, one of the greatest duets in the world. The song which is titled ‘Pouki’n Te Marye’ featured Bedjine. The song presents a sensitive taboo subject and, so far, it has also garnered more than 4 million YouTube views in just 4 weeks.

    Wendy Shay, on the other hand, is also doing great with her recently released EP titled, Enigma.

    Her single titled ‘Survivor’ has topped many music charts and recorded over 70 million total streams on various music streaming platforms, including the popular video viewing and sharing platform, YouTube.

    ‘Survivor’ further topped the chart in countries like South Africa, Kenya, the UK, and many others which led her to be the most streamed female artiste on Boomplay last year.

    From all indications, the collaboration between these two top-rated musicians is just a match made in heaven.

  • People call me ‘jobless’ despite making $20k to $50k a month – Wode Maya

    People call me ‘jobless’ despite making $20k to $50k a month – Wode Maya

    Ghanaian Vlogger, Wode Maya, has become a notable figure in the world of content creation, showcasing the power of creativity and the internet. 

    With a strong presence on YouTube, Maya has not only gained fame but has also generated a significant income from the platform.

    In a recent interview with Kwaku Sintim Misa, Maya revealed that he earns between $20,000 and $50,000 per month from YouTube. 

    This financial success has propelled him into the ranks of being one of the most accomplished Ghanaian content creators on the platform.

    Maya’s journey is not without its challenges. Despite his achievements, Maya faces criticisms and is often labeled as “jobless” by some individuals.

    However, he remains undeterred by such remarks, expressing his contentment with his chosen path and asserting that he wants to be seen as “jobless.”

    “People still call me jobless, and I absolutely love it! I want to be jobless,” he boldly declared.

    Some skeptics even accused him of being an occultist, questioning the source of his wealth. Maya recounted encounters where individuals, impressed by his achievements, sought his mentorship but then veered into misguided suspicions.

    “One guy approached me, praising my accomplishments and asking to be mentored. Then, out of the blue, he inquired about the occult group I supposedly belonged to. It’s not just him; others have asked the same bizarre question. They think I’m a scammer or hiding something behind my YouTube success. But trust me, the internet is my ally,” Maya revealed, dispelling the rumors.

    Undeterred by the naysayers, Maya encouraged young people to pursue their passions, emphasizing the importance of monetizing one’s talents.

    “Whatever your passion may be, seize the opportunity to monetize it and make the best out of it,” he advised with enthusiasm.

    Wode Maya’s remarkable journey showcases the immense potential of YouTube and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. So, remember, your passion can lead to extraordinary success too!

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Exposed: YouTuber’s devious plan to boost views – Crashing a plane for profit!

    Exposed: YouTuber’s devious plan to boost views – Crashing a plane for profit!

    A YouTuber’s insatiable thirst for views has landed him in hot water, as he faces charges for lying about intentionally crashing a plane.

    Trevor Jacob, known for sharing his adventures and life lessons with his 138,000 subscribers, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

    The stunt, which was part of a sponsorship deal for a company that sells wallets, was titled “I Crashed My Airplane,” and was uploaded to Jacob’s channel on Christmas Eve 2021.

    The 13-minute video shows him flying a small aircraft equipped with multiple cameras, which appears to suffer a mechanical failure over California’s Los Padres National Forest.

    Jacob jumps out and deploys a parachute, while the plane crashes, unmanned.

    However, it turns out that the crash was not an accident, but a deliberate act planned to generate views and revenue.

    Jacob had packed a parachute and a selfie stick, and had allegedly planned all along to film himself jumping from the plane and get footage of the crash.

    He then went to great lengths to cover up the truth, lying to investigators and even destroying the wreckage.

    The consequences for Jacob are severe, as he faces a maximum sentence of about 20 years in prison for his crime.

    In addition, his pilot license has been revoked, putting an end to his aerial adventures.

  • YouTuber likely to face 20-year jail term for admitting to crashing plane for views

    YouTuber likely to face 20-year jail term for admitting to crashing plane for views

    US prosecutors have stated that a YouTuber who intentionally crashed an airplane for views will plead guilty to obstructing a federal investigation by tampering with the crash site.

    Trevor Jacob, aged 29, uploaded a video of the plane crash on YouTube in December 2021, falsely implying it was an accident.

    The video has garnered over 2.9 million views to date. According to a plea agreement, Jacob admitted to filming the video as part of a product sponsorship agreement. He could potentially face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

    The US Department of Justice announced on Thursday that the pilot and skydiver, aged 29, has agreed to plead guilty to one felony charge of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.

    In November 2021, Jacob took off on a solo flight from a Santa Barbara, California airport, equipped with cameras mounted on his plane, a parachute, and a selfie stick

    He “did not intend to reach his destination, but instead planned to eject from his aircraft during the flight and video himself parachuting to the ground and his airplane as it descended and crashed”, the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said.

    Trevor Jacob jumping headfirst out of his plane with the Los Padres mountains beneath him
    Image caption,Mr Jacob ejecting from the plane before the crash

    The plane crashed into the Los Padres National Forest 35 minutes after takeoff. He hiked to the site and recovered the footage.

    Some YouTube viewers were sceptical of the crash, noting that Mr Jacob was already wearing a parachute and made no attempt to land the plane safely.

    He reported the crash to the National Transportation Safety Board, who said he was responsible for preserving the wreckage. According to the plea agreement, Mr Jacob later claimed he did not know the location of the site.

    He did, and returned by helicopter and secured and removed the wreckage, which he later destroyed, the statement says.

    Mr Jacob is expected to make his initial court appearance in the coming weeks.

    His pilot’s licence was revoked last year.

  • 21-year-old YouTuber shot in the stomach after ‘simple prank’ video fails

    21-year-old YouTuber shot in the stomach after ‘simple prank’ video fails

    A YouTube prankster who was shot while being filmed has been placed in intensive care.

    When a brawl started, Tanner Cook was in the middle of filming a video in the Virginia retail center Dulles Town Centre.

    It’s unknown what the joke entailed, but Tanner, 21, has previously invited strangers to play naked Twister for his videos and faked to puke on an Uber driver.

    Alan Colie, 31, the suspect, was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, using a firearm to commit a crime, and firing a handgun within a structure.

    Tanner was taken to hospital and remained in intensive care after the bullet pierced his stomach and liver, Mail Online reports.

    He spoke to WUSA9 from his hospital bed and he said he had been playing a prank on Colie for YouTube channel ‘Classified Goons’, which has around 40,000 subscribers.

    Tanner said: ‘I was playing a prank and a simple practical joke, and this guy didn’t take it very well.’

    A friend of Tanner’s was recording the video, which has now been seized by police as evidence, and despite his injury Tanner says he will not be deterred from making prank videos.

    Pictured - Tanner Cook Tanner Cook, age 21, said he was recording a prank video for his YouTube Channel, Classified Goons inside Dulles Town Center in Sterling Virginia when Alan Colie, age 31, allegedly shot him in the stomach. https://www.instagram.com/tannercook_/ https://www.youtube.com/@classifiedgoons
    Tanner Cook was taken to hospital (Picture: WUSA)
    Pictued - Alan Collie. Tanner Cook, age 21, said he was recording a prank video for his YouTube Channel, Classified Goons inside Dulles Town Center in Sterling Virginia when Alan Colie, age 31, allegedly shot him in the stomach. https://www.instagram.com/tannercook_/ https://www.youtube.com/@classifiedgoons
    Alan Collie was arrested over the shooting (Picture: Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office)
    Tanner Cook, age 21, said he was recording a prank video for his YouTube Channel, Classified Goons inside Dulles Town Center in Sterling Virginia when Alan Colie, age 31, allegedly shot him in the stomach. https://www.instagram.com/tannercook_/ https://www.youtube.com/@classifiedgoons
    Officers were filmed arresting Collie (Picture: WUSA)

    Jeramy Cook, Tanner’s father, described the incident as ‘shocking and unnecessary’.

    ‘They were making a video at the mall and trying to have fun with people and this guy wasn’t having fun,’ he said.

    ‘There was a phone that was around him and they were interviewing or talking to him, and he didn’t like it and he pulled out his gun and shot my son.

    ‘I pray for this young man and pray that he finds God in this. I believe that God saved our son’s life, and he could have easily died but that’s not the outcome. God has plans for my son.’

    The shopping mall reopened on Monday having been shut down for a full day following the incident.

  • Donald Trump is back on YouTube full time

    Donald Trump is back on YouTube full time

    In the lead-up to the 2024 election, voters should be able to hear equally from candidates, according to the video streaming platform.

    More than two years after his supporters violently stormed the US Capitol, YouTube has lifted restrictions on Donald Trump’s channel, making it the newest social media platform to fully restore the former US president’s account.

    The choice was made on Friday as the race for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 election began to heat up with Trump, who has formally declared his candidature, frequently taking potshots at potential rivals.

    “We carefully evaluated the continued risk of real-world violence, while balancing the chance for voters to hear equally from major national candidates in the run up to an election,” YouTube, which is owned by Google, said in a tweet on Friday.

    After a right-wing mob attacked the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021, to prevent the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory, several social media networks restricted or banned Trump’s accounts.

    The president’s critics accuse him of inciting the violence, including via social media posts where he made false accusations of election fraud.

    In recent months, social media firms – including Twitter and Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram – have restored the former president’s accounts. But Trump has not returned to these websites. Instead, he has been communicating with supporters through his own platform, Truth Social.

    As president, Trump’s social media posts – especially on Twitter – constantly stirred controversy, and at times caused international diplomatic crises.

    Twitter “permanently suspended” Trump’s account after the January 6 riot, but the platform reversed the decision after it was acquired by billionaire Elon Musk.

    “I am staying on Truth. I like it better, I like the way it works, I like Elon, but I’m staying on Truth,” he told Fox News last year.

    The former president still maintains that the 2020 election was “stolen” – a claim that he regularly repeats on Truth Social.

    In December, a Democratic-led congressional panel that investigated the attack on the Capitol recommended criminal charges against the former president.

    A special Justice Department prosecutor is investigating Trump for his role in the riot and possible mishandling of classified information in a separate investigation.

    As he gears up for the 2024 primaries, Trump is also facing several state-led inquiries into his campaign conduct, efforts to overturn the 2024 elections and private business practices.

    Trump denies wrongdoing in all cases and accuses prosecutors of weaponising the justice system against him for political purposes.

    “THE FAKE INVESTIGATIONS BY RADICAL LEFT DEMOCRAT PROSECUTORS ARE NOTHING OTHER THAN ELECTION INTERFERENCE INTO THE POLITICS OF A FAILING NATION,” he wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

  • Wode Maya announces his YouTube channel is back

    Wode Maya announces his YouTube channel is back

    Popular YouTube vlogger, Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, also known as Wode Maya has announced a restoration of his channel, days after reports that his YouTube channel had been completely lost after hackers took over

    Wode Maya who is widely noted for promoting the African continent through vlogging has over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers.

    According to reports, the channel name of the vlogger on the channel was changed and all his videos were deleted.

    But in a quick announcement on his Facebook page, Wode Maya said, “We are Back!”.
    A quick check shows that all his previous videos have been restored in the ‘videos’ category of the channel.

    Although the ‘Home’ section is still empty, previous videos uploaded by the vlogger have all the previous views.

    Many have since been reacting to the post, expressing joy about the development and commending Wode Maya’s work.

    View the post and reactions below:

  • Wode Maya’s YouTube account hacked

    Wode Maya’s YouTube account hacked

    The YouTube account of renowned YouTuber, Wode Maya, has been hacked.

    Till the evening of February 23, 2023 he had a booming YouTube channel with over 1.2 million followers and over 900 uploads.

    He is reputed as one of the continent’s biggest YouTubers sharing cross-continental content aimed at putting out a positive aspect of Africa and Africans within the continent.

    Then the hackers struck.

    His page first went blank and the name changed from “Wode Maya” to “Microstrategy.”

    Before long, it was confirmed with the unusual activity on the channel that it had actually been hacked.

    The new owners started multiple live streaming with the aim of soliciting for funds in a crypto currency scheme. At GhanaWeb’s last check, there were five such streams running concurrently.

    Meanwhile, all of Wode Maya’s videos had gone off the page even though the page information remained intact – page created in 2013 with over 193 million views.

    A robust social media campaign started almost immediately with people especially on Twitter tagging YouTube and YouTube Support to help Wode Maya to reclaim his account.

    After some hours, it turned out that the channel had been taken down entirely. All previous links when clicked return a message: “Video Unavailable. This video is private.”

    Also, the page when searched on YouTube also returns zero result.

    The vlogger, real name Berthold Winkler, has yet to publicly comment on the development.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Jessica tearfully narrates why she quit broadcasting at age 40

    Jessica tearfully narrates why she quit broadcasting at age 40

    One year after she called it quits with her media broadcasting career, Jessica Opare Saforo has disclosed what necessitated her decision.

    Jessica, who has currently ventured into full-time digital media (YouTubing), after 17 years of media practice with her immediate past firm, said the timing was just right.

    Narrating her story on her channel, the broadcaster cum voice over artiste said she had decided to quit her job at age 40 onward.

    She said the media job took the better part of her life and as such, there was the need to break free and explore herself better.

    Jessica also refuted several rumors that she fell out with her former boss.

    “On the 28th of January 2022, I quit my job. Media outlets were reporting it all over the place, social media was ablaze. To be honest, working in the media took the best part of my life, the best years of it. There were rumors swirling up all over the place, some said I had fallen out with my boss, you know, and that kind of thing. things being said on my behalf that I knew nothing about. None of them were true. I’m still very much in good terms with my boss. there’s no bad blood. I left Citi because It was time.

    “It was time to truly explore being me. I had hit 40 years and a few months earlier, and I just felt I knew that as soon as I hit 40, I was going to quit. It was just a matter of time and it was a decision I made,” she stated.

    Jessica, who currently has close to 1 million subscribers on YouTube, described her new venture as fulfilling adding that she Is finally living her dreams.

    “Has it been a rewarding journey so far? Absolutely, Absolutely. some of my wildest dreams have come true. Things I never thought I’d have been able to do. I’m not the type that shows things on social media and I’m happy to share my successes with those who are really close to me. do I miss my former job? No.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Wode Maya’s advice that changed the sorry life of Ras Nene

    Wode Maya’s advice that changed the sorry life of Ras Nene

    Actor, Ebenezer Akwasi Antwi, known in showbiz as Ras Nene, has recounted a life changing moment with one of Ghana’s biggest YouTuber, Wode Maya.

    According to him, a piece of advice from Wode Maya to Ras Nene was initially ignored by the latter as he thought it was irrelevant but later embraced it.

    Ras Nene, an actor famed for his comic skit and ‘wicked’ roles played in a number of movies said the famous YouTuber urged him to create a YouTube account and assiduously feed the channel with compelling content.

    That piece of advice, he said, and the decision to heed changed his life at the time he (Ras Nene) moved from hero to zero. According to the actor who admitted to selling hard drugs before venturing into the movie industry, he had invested the money he made from acting in galamsey and lost all, making life unbearable.
    However, a friend he once helped, came to his rescue and that was the turning point.

    “When I was wealthy, I bought a plane ticket for a friend called Louis to go to China,” Ras Nene said in the Twi language on The Delay Show aired on January 15, 2023. “He had a visa but didn’t have money for the ticket so I came in to help. He planned to take me to China. By the time he returned, I was broke”.

    “He took me to China and I met Wode Maya and a couple of people there. Everyone had a laptop. Wode Maya came to me and advised me to take YouTube seriously because it will be financially rewarding,” Ras Nene added.

    According to him, he ignored Wode Maya’s advice but the popular YouTuber created an account for him.

    “I didn’t know anything about it and thought the process would be long,” Ras Nene explained why he ignored Wode Maya’s counsel. “When I returned to Ghana, Polino also made a comment about YouTube.”

    From that moment, Ras Nene said heeded the advice from Wode Maya and created content.

    In the last couple of years, Ras Nene, otherwise known as Dr. Likee, has become a sensation on various social media platforms with his content which some find witty and interesting. He has transitioned from an actor who played the role of an armed robber, drug dealer, and executioner to one who entertains his viewers with comedy.

    Source:

  • Tasha K Ordered to pay Cardi B $4 million or secure funding for full amount

    Cardi B’s attorneys want Tasha K to pay up immediately.

    According to legal documents reviewed by Billboard, a Georgia judge has ordered Tasha K—legal name Latasha Kebe—to cough up the $4 million awarded to Cardi in their highly publicized defamation case. The Bronx rapper sued the YouTuber gossip blogger in 2019, claiming Tasha K had launched a “malicious campaign” to harm her reputation. Cardi pointed to a series of videos in which the defendant made “false and defamatory” statements involving drug use, sexual acts, and STDs.

    In January, a jury sided with Cardi and found Tasha K liable for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The 30-year-old rapper was ultimately awarded more than $2.5 million damages and an additional $1.3 million in legal fees. However, Tasha K is now trying to pause the judgement while she appeals the verdict. She argued that the jury trial was “very lopsided” and accused the court of withholding details from the jury.

    Judge William M. Ray has since ordered Tasha K to pay Cardi the $4 million, but said he would consider a pause if she was able to a secure a “supersedeas bond” that would cover the full amount.

    This type of bond, aka “defendant’s appeal bond,” is typically issued by private lenders; it allows petitioners to delay paying a full judgement during the appeal process. If Tasha K’s efforts are unsuccessful and her appeal is denied, the secured bond will be overturned to Cardi.

    “This is more than a hypothetical concern in this case,” Cardi’s attorney legal team wrote Friday. “During the litigation, Kebe bragged publicly that she had taken steps to insulate herself from a judgment. And there have been recent online reports that Kebe has moved from Georgia to avoid enforcement of the judgment.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • My songs sometimes take up to 2 years to finish – Daddy Lumba

    Ghanaian musician Charles Kwadwo ‘Daddy Lumba’ Fosu has revealed in an interview on his official YouTube channel that his songs are created and finished over long periods of time, sometimes beyond two years.

    “You know, sometimes, it takes us about 6 months to finish one song,” he said.

    “For another song, even after 2 years, you would still not be done working on it,” he disclosed.

    The reason is “I often want to pick up proverbs and philosophical things that when I incorporate, would get the listeners thinking and pondering for the rich meaning therein,” the 58-year-old elaborated on his creative process.

    Regarded by many as the GOAT (greatest of all time), he cited an illustration for how he wrote the lyrics for his acclaimed 2011 hit, ‘Yene Wo Sere Kwa’.

    “You know my wife’s grandmother is still alive. I was speaking to her one time when she said to me: ‘Kwadwo, I’ve heard about you and I’ve been told when you are spotted in town, the women become joyful, which equally upsets the men’,” Daddy Lumba narrated and noted up until then he did not know an in-law could love one so dearly.

    The Highlife legend further disclosed that his grandmother-in-law shared with him a Ghanaian proverb during this encounter: “People hate on the individual who wears a decorated hat,” she said.

    “Note and remember that because of the famous name you’ve obtained, you will have many haters and no lovers,” Mr Lumba recalled his in-law’s words.

    “The thing she said that I loved the most was, ‘Your reign is like that of the tiniest squirrel which is yet able to shake the mighty Odum tree’,” the singer nicknamed DL, excitedly revealed: “So these are the wise sayings I started putting together [to make the song ‘Ye Ne Wo Sere Kwa’].”

    The businessman and singer proceeded to recite a stanza from the song, regarded as a classic by many music lovers.

    During the interview, he mentioned the song was mainly inspired by a period of severe sickness during which he felt abandoned by his loved ones.

    ‘Yene Wo Sere Kwa’ translates as ‘They wish you evil despite their smile’.

  • Pierre Poilievre’s YouTube channel hid misogynistic tags in videos

    Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre’s official YouTube channel hid misogynistic tags in its videos dating back to 2018, according to an investigation by Global News.

    Global News found that Poilievre’s channel had used it in 50 of its most recent videos. The tag in question, #mgtow, is an acronym for “Men Going Their Own Way,” an anti-feminist, misogynistic community that mainly exists online and is often used by the involuntary celibate or “incel” community.

    The tag wasn’t visible to the videos’ viewers but was to the videos’ publisher. Global News verified the use of the tag using publicly-available software and by checking the video’s source code.

    Poilievre’s team claimed they were unaware of the tag.

    “The embedded tags were immediately removed once his office became aware of them. Obviously, Mr. Poilievre condemns misogyny and all forms of online hate,” explained spokesperson Sam Lilly in a statement to Global News.

    They have since erased the tag from all of Poilievre’s videos.

    In question period, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Poilievre to take responsibility and apologize.

    “The Conservative leader has been purposefully using his videos to appeal to far-right, misogynistic online groups. These are anti-women movements and they have had devastating real-life consequences,” Trudeau said.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Andrew Tate: Controversial influencer banned from Facebook and Instagram

    Social media influencer Andrew Tate has been banned from social media platforms for violating its policies around dangerous individuals, their parent company Meta has said.

    Several advocacy organizations that believe Mr. Tate “poses a genuine threat” to young people applaud the decision.

    Mr. Tate’s official accounts have been removed from the social media platforms, and he will not be allowed to create new ones, Meta added.

    The kick-boxer rose to fame in 2016 after appearing on the reality TV show Big Brother and being removed from the programme after a video surfaced online which appeared to show him attacking a woman with a belt. However, he claimed the clip had been edited.

    Since then, he has gained further notoriety online for his outrageous and offensive comments, including some in which he suggested women “bear some responsibility” for being assaulted.

    The multi-millionaire also runs an online pyramid scheme called Hustlers University, which claims to teach people how to make money.

    Clips of and about Mr Tate have also become popular on both YouTube and TikTok – videos using a hashtag of his name have been viewed more than 13 billion times on TikTok alone.

    However, he does not have an official TikTok account, with a spokesperson for the platform saying: “Misogyny is a hateful ideology that is not tolerated on TikTok.

    “We’ve been removing violative videos and accounts for weeks, and we welcome the news that other platforms are also taking action against this individual.”

    ‘Tate poses a genuine threat’

    A number of campaign groups have criticized Mr Tate for his views and warned he was a danger to young men and boys who see his content online.

    Responding to news of his ban, women’s safety charity Refuge said Meta had made the “right decision”.

    “This is the kind of decisive action needed to tackle the online radicalization of young men towards a violently misogynistic world view,” the organization’s chief executive, Ruth Davison, said.

    Campaign group Hope Not Hate described Mr Tate as a “threat to young men” and welcomed Meta’s “swift” action.

  • Desist from our YouTube content – Smart TV cautions bloggers

    Smart Media Network operating Smart TV, has cautioned bloggers to desist from uploading its YouTube content.

    This comes barely 72 hours after it started streaming live shows on Facebook and YouTube.

    Though the caution which was posted on Facebook Monday evening did not come with any threats, the station said it was “a piece of advice to bloggers.

    “A piece of advice to Bloggers. Kindly desist from uploading any content that belongs to Smart TV on YouTube.” it cautioned.

    Currently being run online, Smart TV, is owned by popular media personality, Captain Smart.

    The station was launched on Saturday, May 8, 2021, some 3 days after was suspended from Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN).

    He was suspended by his boss, Dr. Kwaku Oteng, for slandering officials within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government including President Akufo-Addo, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh.

    Until his suspension, Captain Smart was the host of Angel FM’s morning show, ‘Anopa Bofo)’.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • YouTuber Jake Paul denies looting Arizona mall

    YouTuber Jake Paul has denied taking part in looting following a protest against racial inequality in Scottsdale, Arizona.

    The 23-year-old says he was only there to film content for his 20 million YouTube followers.

    Photos and videos seen on social media appear to show Paul, whose estimated wealth is more than $11m (£8.8m), inside the Arizona shopping centre as it is being looted.

    “Neither I nor anyone in our group was involved in any looting or vandalism,” he wrote on Twitter and Instagram.

    Twelve people were arrested at Scottsdale Fashion Square after “millions of dollars of damages and theft” took place inside shops.

    “We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighbourhood we travelled through,” Paul wrote.

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com.

    Source: bbc.com