YouTube Sets Up Grants to Fund Video-Makers

SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube is investing $5 million in grants for select new and emerging partners, to further the creation of high-quality videos.

The YouTube Partners Grants program will serve to help fund the production budgets of a small group of YouTube partners who are leading innovation in their video-making. The site is selecting partners based on factors such as video views, subscribers, growth rate, audience engagement and production expertise. Selected partners will be contacted by YouTube and invited to submit a grant proposal. Proposals will then be evaluated based on signals such as projected performance, distribution plan, marketing plan, cost requirements and appeal to advertisers. Once approved, the video-making partner will receive funding to get started on their project.

"Youtube Partner Grants represents another step forward in the evolution of both video and YouTube," said George Strompolos, partner development manager at YouTube. "Our hope is that through these investments we’ll help nurture talent and bring more great videos to YouTube for all of you to enjoy."