-
Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan says the current exchange rate is a major reason more Nigerian filmmakers are turning to YouTube to distribute their movies.
-
Speaking on the Nidacity podcast, Afolayan said YouTube offers flexibility and allows filmmakers to earn directly, but argued that platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video offer greater value.
-
He said filmmakers could lose interest in YouTube if the naira strengthens significantly against the dollar.
-
His comments have sparked debate online, with some users agreeing that dollar earnings have made YouTube more attractive, while others say the platform’s appeal goes beyond foreign exchange.
September 08, (THEWILL) — Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has said the current exchange rate is a major reason many Nollywood filmmakers are turning to YouTube.
Afolayan made the comments during a recent appearance on the Nidacity podcast, where he discussed YouTube’s growing role in Nigerian filmmaking.
The filmmaker, who also runs his own YouTube channel, acknowledged the platform’s flexibility and accessibility but said it does not offer the same value as major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
“YouTube can never give you what Netflix and Prime would give you but it’s the most flexible. It’s for everyone. It’s like a starting point for those who don’t want to negotiate or have access to the big players. They open an account, make the movies and put them on there and make their money,” he said.
Afolayan argued that the exchange rate is currently one of YouTube’s biggest attractions for Nigerian filmmakers because creators can earn in dollars from their views.
“The reason why people are on YouTube now is because of the exchange rate, if the dollar drops, everybody will run away from YouTube. So, the attraction right now is the exchange rate,” he said.
He also gave an example of the potential earnings from YouTube views, saying that one million views could bring in about $10,000 at an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.
The figure was presented by Afolayan as an example of the earning potential from YouTube and does not represent a fixed payout for every one million views.
Afolayan contrasted YouTube’s accessibility with the opportunities available through major streaming platforms, which he said can offer filmmakers greater value and exposure.
His remarks have since generated debate online, with social media users divided over the reasons behind Nollywood’s growing presence on YouTube.
One user, @Triciaduchess, agreed with Afolayan’s position, saying he was “making so much sense” and arguing that some Nigerians benefit from the naira’s weakness because they earn in dollars.
Others challenged his assessment. @KehindeShoots argued that a stronger naira could also bring down production costs, potentially changing the economics of filmmaking.
Another user, @abayorr_, questioned whether the financial advantage of major streaming platforms would remain the same if the exchange rate changed.
Some users also took issue with Afolayan’s broader comments about filmmakers choosing YouTube. @mrJaymi accused him of “always shading others”, suggesting that his remarks were dismissive of filmmakers who have embraced the platform.
The debate comes as YouTube continues to provide Nigerian filmmakers with a relatively accessible way to release content, reach audiences directly, and earn from their work without securing deals with major streaming platforms.
Afolayan’s comments have therefore added to a wider conversation about the changing economics of Nollywood and the factors influencing where filmmakers choose to release their movies.
“Nigeria filmmakers are rushing to YouTube because of the dollar exchange rate. At ₦1,400 to $1, they celebrate 1 million views because it can bring in about $10,000. But if the dollar falls to ₦200,everyone will run away from YouTube.”
—Kunle Afolayan pic.twitter.com/gdPpVkpTzN
— carter🌚 (@carter8f) September 8, 2026
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
