By Hastings Yobe
Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have become integral parts of our daily lives, connecting people, businesses, and communities across the globe. But how do these platforms enable monetization, and what opportunities do they offer to Malawians? Let’s dive into the world of digital earnings and explore how Malawians can benefit.
In Malawi, Facebook is more than just a social network; it’s the internet itself. Businesses and individuals alike rely heavily on Facebook for communication, marketing, and community building. Here’s why:
Facebook’s ubiquity makes it accessible to nearly everyone. Most Malawians can use Facebook without spending phone credit because it’s free on many African telecom networks.
In 2015, Facebook launched Free Basics, an internet service that provides credit-free access to the platform. This initiative caters to low-cost mobile phones, which are prevalent in Malawi. No audio, photo, or video content? No problem. Facebook remains a vital tool for communication and business.
For entrepreneurs like Badri Ibrahim, a Sudanese comic artist, Facebook offers invaluable insights. Ibrahim’s popular comic strips, featuring characters like the wise cat Ghadanfar, have about 19,000 followers. Through Facebook, he not only shares his content but also analyses who shares it and how it spreads.
This data informs his business decisions, helping him reach a wider audience and secure freelance work. Without Facebook, launching his artistic career would have been much harder.
On the other hand, YouTube which is the world’s second-largest search engine, provides a platform for creators to showcase their talents and earn money. Here’s how Malawians can benefit:
Through content creation, Musicians, vloggers, and educators can create videos on YouTube. Whether it’s music, tutorials, or travel vlogs, YouTube rewards engaging content.
Once a channel meets certain criteria such as 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, creators can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. Approved channels can earn money through ads, channel memberships, and Super Cat donations during live streams.
Kelvin Sulugwe Malawi’s social media said YouTube monetization is a game-changer for Malawian musicians. By consistently uploading quality content, they can earn revenue from ads and build a global audience.
While the opportunities are immense, challenges persist. High costs of internet access and limited digital skills hinder widespread adoption. However, Malawi’s digital landscape is evolving. As more Malawians embrace social media monetization, they can boost entrepreneurship by using Facebook and YouTube to promote products, services, and creative work.
Also they can enhance financial literacy by Educating themselves on monetization strategies and financial management. They can also Connect with global communities, learn from successful creators, and adapt best practices.
Social media digitization can help deal in decreasing levels of unemployment which most youths are currently facing in the country.
Malawi stands at the crossroads of digital transformation. By harnessing the power of Facebook and YouTube, Malawians can turn creativity into income, foster economic growth, and shape a brighter future.
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