Nigerian YouTube creators solidified their position on the global stage last year with over 70 percent of their watch time originating from international audiences. Over 100 Nigerian channels now boast more than one million subscribers – a remarkable 60 percent year-over-year growth. Additionally, more than 1,500 channels exceed 100,000 subscribers, both reflecting an impressive 45 percent increase as the number of Nigerian channels earning eight figures or more revenue has doubled within the past year. This year, as YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, in Nigeria, four female creators – Ruth Kadiri (filmmaking), Kiekie (comedy), Ify Mogekwu (Ify’s Kitchen), and Korty (GenZ culture) – who have made the platform a beacon for cultural storytelling and global connection, are recognised for redefining boundaries of creativity.
PHOTOS: RUTH KADIRI, IFY KICHEN, KIEKIE, KORTY
Ruth Kadiri is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter, and filmmaker with a remarkable track record in the entertainment industry. She is the Creative Lead and CEO of Ruth Kadiri Films and the visionary behind the RuthKadiri247 YouTube Channel, where she produces compelling feature-length films that have captivated a global audience of movie lovers.
Her journey into the world of YouTube was sparked by a desire to create stories that matter and reach a wider audience. Her YouTube channel, RuthKadiri247, launched in 2014, has amassed over 436 million views and boasts a subscriber base exceeding 2.78 million.
The University of Lagos graduate who studied Mass Communication and also earned a degree in Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology, noted, “The desire to create stories that matter and reach a wider audience has always been the goal. As an actress and filmmaker, I’ve always wanted to explore different aspects of storytelling, and YouTube provided me with a unique opportunity to showcase my creative projects.”
Continuing Kadiri said, “My journey as both an actress and filmmaker has been one of growth, resilience, and learning. When I first started, I was focused on acting, and it was such a beautiful experience being able to step into different characters and tell unique stories. Over time, I felt this strong desire to create my narratives, to take control of the stories I wanted to share with the world, and that’s when I transitioned into filmmaking. My work as an actress has helped me understand the art of storytelling from a different angle, and now, as a filmmaker, I combine those experiences to create films that are meaningful and impactful. It’s truly been an incredible journey, and I look forward to where this path will take me next.”
She noted that one of the biggest challenges she faced early on was breaking into an industry that, at the time, seemed to have limited opportunities for young, ambitious women like herself. “I realised that through those challenges, resilience and staying true to your passion are key. Filmmaking was not an easy transition, and there were moments of doubt, but the passion and vision I had kept me going. Another major turning point was when I realised the power of using my platform to inspire others, especially young, upcoming actors and actresses. I’ve always believed in the importance of mentorship and representation, and I wanted to show others that it’s possible to carve your path in an industry like Nollywood.”
Speaking on her creative process and unique approach to content creation, she said, “It is deeply rooted in authenticity and emotion. I believe that every story I tell should come from a genuine place and connect with the audience on a personal level. When it comes to content creation, my approach is unique because I blend my personal experiences with the stories I tell. I’m not just interested in making films or videos; I want to create work that has depth and meaning. I love to infuse my content with messages that empower and inspire, especially for the younger generation who are navigating their journeys. Ultimately, my creative process is about staying true to my vision while remaining open to collaboration and learning.”
What makes your content stand out? “It is the authenticity and depth I bring to every project. I don’t just want to entertain; I want to spark meaningful conversations and connect with people on a deeper level. My focus is always on telling relatable stories, especially those that reflect real-life experiences. I make sure my content speaks to the emotions and challenges we all face in our day-to-day lives. I’m not afraid to take risks and step out of the conventional box that Nollywood is sometimes known for. I like to explore fresh perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and bring new narratives to the forefront.”
Kadiri also envisions the channel becoming a space where she shares even more diverse content that goes beyond just filmmaking and acting. “I want to build a community where people feel inspired, supported, and empowered. Ultimately, my goal is for my channel to be a positive force, a legacy that will eventually become bigger than just one person.”
On her advice to aspiring content creators in Nigeria, she said, “Stay true to yourself and be persistent. The journey might not always be easy, but consistency and authenticity are key. Don’t try to mimic what others are doing—find your voice and build from that. Also, be prepared for challenges, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. In this industry, you will face rejection and doubt, but see each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Don’t be afraid to take risks either. Innovation often comes from stepping outside the comfort zone and trying something new.”
Ify Mogekwu is a food storyteller, culinary consultant, and award-winning food entrepreneur redefining the African culinary landscape through digital media, education, and strategic brand collaborations. As the founder and creative director of Ify’s Kitchen, she has built a platform dedicated to championing mindful eating, celebrating vibrant flavours, and elevating African and continental cuisines.
Mogekwe’s academic background is in corporate and commercial law, and her transition into the food industry was driven by a passion to simplify cooking, empower home cooks, and bridge the gap between traditional and modern culinary innovation. With over seven million followers across platforms, cooking for her has always been a passion.
“Beyond that, I saw a gap—I realised many people struggled with making delicious, home-cooked meals because they found cooking intimidating or complicated. I wanted to demystify cooking and show that anyone can create amazing dishes with the right guidance. YouTube became the perfect platform for that because it allowed me to connect with a global audience, break down recipes visually, and bring food to life in a way that a cookbook simply couldn’t. I started sharing simple, easy-to-follow recipes, and the response was incredible. People loved how I made cooking feel approachable and fun. That’s what kept me going, and here we are today.”
Her journey on YouTube started with a simple goal – to make cooking easy and accessible. “In the beginning, I was just sharing recipes from my kitchen, but as my audience expanded, so did my vision. I realised that Ify’s Kitchen wasn’t just about recipes—it was about building a food community, celebrating African cuisine, and empowering people to cook with confidence as well as to start their food businesses.
With that mindset, I started refining my content, improving my production quality, and exploring new ways to engage my audience. I launched digital products, online cooking courses, and meal plans, and even began working with top brands in the food industry. Winning culinary awards and being recognised by YouTube as part of the YouTube Black Class of 2023 have also been pivotal moments. Now, I’m focused on taking Ify’s Kitchen to an international level, pushing African cuisine to the global stage, and building a brand that stands the test of time. The evolution has been incredible, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!”
My creative process is a mix of intentionality, storytelling, and audience connection. I don’t just film recipes—I think about what excites my audience, what they struggle with in the kitchen, and how I can present food in a way that feels fresh, fun, and easy to recreate. I balance education with entertainment, ensuring my videos are not just informative but also engaging. From the way I plate dishes to how I shoot and edit, I focus on creating visually appealing content because people eat with their eyes first. But beyond aesthetics, authenticity is key—I stay true to my style, creating recipes that are practical, delicious, and reliable.
For me, content creation isn’t about following trends blindly; it’s about consistently delivering value, evolving, and deepening the trust I’ve built with my audience. That’s what makes Ify’s Kitchen stand out.
What makes her content stand out is the intentionality behind every recipe. “I don’t just share meals; I create wholesome, well-balanced dishes that are not only delicious but also nourish the body. My approach to cooking blends flavor, wellness, and practicality, making it easy for anyone to enjoy homemade meals without feeling overwhelmed. Beyond the food itself, I focus on storytelling, presentation, and authenticity. Every video is crafted to be visually appealing, engaging, and easy to follow.”
She continued, “My goal is to take Ify’s Kitchen beyond just a YouTube channel and establish it as a global authority in food content creation. I want to expand my reach, not just within Africa but on an international scale, showcasing the richness of African cuisine to a wider audience.
I plan to do this by elevating my content quality, collaborating with top brands, and exploring new content formats that go beyond recipe videos—think documentary-style storytelling, behind-the-scenes kitchen experiences, and even travel-inspired food content.
“Engaging with my audience has always been a priority, and I will continue to do that through interactive content, live sessions, and more digital products that help people cook better and smarter. The goal is to keep evolving, stay innovative, and ensure that Ify’s Kitchen remains a household name in food content creation.”
On balancing the demands of building a successful YouTube channel, she said, “Balancing creative expression with the demands of growing a successful YouTube channel requires a mix of authenticity, strategy, and community engagement. While I stay true to my passion for food and storytelling, I also recognise that success on YouTube isn’t just about creativity—it’s about consistently delivering value and keeping my audience engaged.
“I make sure to listen to my audience, interact with them through comments, live sessions, and incorporate their feedback into my content. This makes them feel seen, heard, and part of a community, not just passive viewers. At the same time, I allow myself room for creative freedom, exploring new ideas and formats that keep my content fresh and exciting.”
Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori widely known as Kiekie, is an event and TV host, content creator, brand influencer, actor and media personality, who is captivating audiences with her exceptional talent, unique humorous style, and unparalleled hosting abilities. A graduate of the London College of Fashion and the London School of Business and Finance, Kiekie has since 2015 redefined entertainment.
For Kiekie, “creating content has always been something that I love to do, especially starting with fashion content. As a lot of people know right now, I’m a fashion enthusiast. I love to play dress up, I love to create fashion looks, I love to create fashion moments, and this is what led to the start of KiekieTV on YouTube.
“I’ve evolved in ways that I did not even see coming; I never knew that I was going to be a full-time comedy content creator. It started in 2018 when I started the fashion shock show, and a lot of people were blown away by it because it was going to be the first format of comedy and fashion content.
“From that point, I had a lot of top skit makers in Nigeria reaching out to me, the likes of Macaroni, Oluwadollarz, Brodashaggi, and it just keeps getting better. From collaborations, I decided to start producing my skits. But the highlight of how much I’ve evolved is going to be in 2023 when Forbes Africa spotlighted me as one of the top skit makers in Africa. That is a moment I had on.”
Describing her creative process, she said, “It’s spontaneous; everything around us is content. All you just have to do is tailor it right, make it yours and unique. Let it be unique to yourself. I’m just by myself, and one interesting idea will just come to my mind, and I immediately write it down. Now, drama is one element that I use in bringing my ideas to life, and I feel like it’s unique to me. Especially because I’m very spontaneous with words, and I’m very good with wordplay. These are the things that make my content unique to me.”
She also stressed that her defining moment was choosing YouTube as a platform to showcase her craft. “I started as a TV presenter and producer, worked with Goldmyne, and I was producing for OnTV, HIPTV, Silverbird, but I wanted more for myself. So, I took the big risk to produce myself, present myself, and put it on my own channel, which is YouTube, and I did that in 2018. And like they say, the rest is history.”
Kiekie added, “YouTube channel for me, regardless of what I’m building, I believe that the foundation of what I’m building is in the authenticity of what I am building. Regardless of what the challenges may be, regardless of what the pressure is, if it’s going to take away that authentic self or nature of what I’m doing, then I’m not interested in it. I stay true to myself because I know that I’m all I need, and of course, with God ahead of me.
Eniola Olanrewaju popularly known as Korty is a filmmaker, show host, and one of Nigeria’s most influential Youtubers, known for her bold storytelling and unconventional approach. Her channel has featured stars like Tems, Rema, Asa, Victor Osimhen, Don Jazzy, etc, earning her a dedicated following.
Korty was selected for the Youtube Black Voices Fund, made her directorial debut on the Victoria’s Secret Documentary in 2023, and was recently featured in Rolling Stone’s Creator Special.
Her YouTube journey started as a need for expression. She decided to quit her 9-5 job and wanted to try new things. “I have grown a lot over the years, from learning how to edit videos, shoot, direct, and market, up until now, where I have founded my own production company.
Korty’s defining moment, which significantly shaped her success, came when she got her
100k plaque as a Youtuber. “My creative process changes depending on the type of work I’m doing. But I like to work in quiet environments because it helps me focus, as my approach is storytelling.”
On her aspirations for her channel, she said, “I now run two YouTube channels and I aim to keep entertaining, and showing the world what’s possible amongst young Nigerians.” She, however, advised aspiring content creators to know who they are, have an unshaken conviction about who they are, and stick to it.
How do you balance creative expression with the demands of building a successful YouTube channel? “There’s no success without hard work, and no matter how talented a person is, you need hard work to thrive. The balance comes from sitting through the difficult things.”
