YouTube Content Creators Contribute £2.2bn to UK Economy in 2024, Supporting 45,000 Jobs
A new report by Oxford Economics has revealed that YouTube content creators generated a staggering £2.2 billion for the UK economy in 2024, supporting over 45,000 jobs across the country. This significant economic impact highlights the growing importance of this emerging sector, which has been largely overlooked until now.
According to the report, carried out by Oxford Economics, the contribution of YouTube content creators to the UK economy is a substantial one. The £2.2 billion figure represents a major boost to the nation's GDP and underscores the potential of this industry to drive economic growth. The report also notes that the sector supports over 45,000 jobs, making it a significant employer in its own right.
The findings have been welcomed by British content creator Lilly Sabri, who has nearly six and a half million followers on YouTube. She posts fitness videos and has expressed her gratitude for the recognition of the industry's economic value. "It's great to see our contributions being acknowledged," she said. "We're not just creating content; we're also supporting jobs and driving the economy."
The report's findings have also sparked calls for greater recognition and support for YouTube content creators. Feryal Clark, Labour MP for Enfield North and co-chair of an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) launched to represent UK creators and influencers, described them as "trailblazers of a new creative revolution" who had been "undervalued in Westminster for too long." The APPG aims to provide a platform for UK creators and influencers to shape policy and advocate for their interests.
The creation of the APPG is seen as a significant step forward in recognizing the value of YouTube content creators. According to Clark, the group will work to ensure that the industry's needs are taken into account when making policy decisions. "We want to make sure that our voices are heard and that we're not just an afterthought," she said.
The report by Oxford Economics highlights the significant economic impact of YouTube content creators in 2024. The £2.2 billion contribution to the UK economy is a major boost, and the sector's support for over 45,000 jobs underscores its importance as an employer. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more significant contributions from YouTube content creators.
The APPG will provide a platform for UK creators and influencers to shape policy and advocate for their interests. The group aims to ensure that the industry's needs are taken into account when making policy decisions, and Clark has expressed her commitment to supporting the sector. "We're committed to working with creators and influencers to make sure that they have a voice in Westminster," she said.
In conclusion, the report by Oxford Economics highlights the significant economic impact of YouTube content creators in 2024. The £2.2 billion contribution to the UK economy is a major boost, and the sector's support for over 45,000 jobs underscores its importance as an employer. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more significant contributions from YouTube content creators.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.
