NIGERIA RECORDS HIGHEST YOUTUBE VIEWERS IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA, 2012 (NOLLYWOOD, MUSIC)

There is little doubt that the Internet is having a profound effect on the way Nigerians do things - from business, to searching for information, to enjoying and sharing entertainment, the contemporary Nigerian's approach now wends towards using online tools. Since its launch in 2011, YouTube has warmed its way into the hearts of Nigerians, resulting in its extensive use across different sectors and groups.

In 2012, the number of views in Nigeria grew by an amazing 125%, making Nigeria the country with the 2nd highest viewership growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the new figures which place Ghana in the top position with 140% viewership growth, Nigeria is ahead of the other Sub-saharan African countries with local YouTube domains- Kenya 95%, South Africa 80%, Uganda 75% and Senegal 75%.Read on after the cut.

Speaking on the newly releases figures, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google's Communications and Public Affairs Manager in West Africa said, “Nigerians have embraced YouTube, creating and watching locally created and relevant content in the different local languages. They are part of a highly connected global community that uploads 72 hours of video every minute and watches 4 billion hours of video a month”.

YouTube has also made it possible for people with great ideas, creative streaks, and next-to-no budget to turn their ideas into compelling videos that can both attract a global following and even millions of views.

In addition to being a platform for Nigerians at home to enjoy entertaining content, Youtube has been a good avenue for exporting Nigerian content to the rest of the world. Top amongst these are are content relating to music and Nollywood. In 2012, seven of the the top 10 most viewed Youtube videos in Nigeria are by Nigerian musicians.

"Increasingly, we’re talking about everyone on YouTube as ‘creators’. ‘Creators’ can make money from their YouTube videos if they opt-in to monetization in their YouTube accounts. People are given this option in their accounts if their accounts are in good standing and they are making original content" He added.

Top 10 Most viewed YouTube videos in Nigeria:

P-Square - Chop My Money Ft. Akon, May D [Official video]
D'Banj - Oliver Twist
P-Square - Beautiful Onyinye ft. Rick Ross [Official Video]
Bracket - Girl Ft. Wizkid
Iyanya - Kukere [Official Video]
Sexy Criminal
Flavour - Oyi Ft. Tiwa Savage (Remix [Official Video])
VConnect Fever Video : You Go Connect
DAVIDO - DAMI DURO (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com