In a major push to strengthen India’s vibrant creator economy, YouTube on Thursday announced that it will invest over Rs.850 crore in the country to support and scale up content creation across regional languages and formats.

The announcement was made during the ongoing WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai, where leading voices from the global media and entertainment industry have gathered.

According to a PTI report, the investment is part of YouTube’s broader commitment to nurture India’s growing creator base, support storytelling diversity, and build tools and resources to help creators thrive both locally and globally. The company emphasized that India is not just one of its biggest markets by user base, but also home to a dynamic and fast-evolving creator ecosystem.

“India is at the heart of YouTube’s global strategy,” said Ishan John Chatterjee, Director of India, YouTube, while unveiling the investment roadmap. “The energy, talent and cultural richness that Indian creators bring to the platform is unparalleled, and we are committed to supporting them with the right infrastructure and innovation.”

The Rs.850 crore investment will be directed toward multiple initiatives, including training programs, creator-focused studios, regional partnerships, and monetization tools. YouTube also plans to expand its ‘Creator Accelerator’ programs across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to empower aspiring digital artists beyond the metros.

Chatterjee noted that Indian creators are increasingly making a mark on the global stage—spanning education, entertainment, music, gaming, and more. He pointed out that the new investment aims to ensure they are equipped with global-standard capabilities and support.

The company will also focus on strengthening its Shorts platform, which has seen exponential growth in India. With billions of views being clocked monthly, YouTube sees Shorts as a key vehicle to drive engagement and creator discovery in the mobile-first Indian market.

The announcement at WAVES 2025 signals growing confidence among tech and entertainment platforms in India’s digital storytelling ecosystem. YouTube’s move is expected to create more opportunities for young Indians looking to build sustainable careers through content creation.