Kunle Afolayan says the naira‑dollar rate is driving Nigerian directors to upload films on YouTube

In a recent interview, veteran filmmaker and actor Kunle Afolayan explained that an increasing number of Nigerian movie makers are choosing YouTube as their primary distribution channel because of the current exchange rate between the naira and the US dollar.

He noted that with the dollar trading at roughly ₦1,400 to $1, a video that reaches one million views could generate about $10,000 in revenue, subject to various factors. Afolayan argued that this potential income is a key motivator for the shift to the platform.

Afolayan warned that if the exchange rate were to fall dramatically to around ₦200 per dollar, the financial lure would evaporate and many filmmakers would abandon YouTube, stating, “Nigerian filmmakers are rushing to YouTube because of the dollar exchange rate…if the dollar falls to N200, everyone will run away from YouTube.”

He also recalled previous controversies, recalling his criticism earlier this year of peers such as Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele over promotional tactics, his refusal to back a film that might earn ₦1‑2 billion in cinemas unless he personally made at least ₦10 million, and his disapproval of actors and filmmakers using dance videos on social media to market movies.

Source: www.gistreel.com