14 DAY TRIAL // YouTube is making several efforts to increase the overall quality of its videos and to encourage more to create high-quality content. One direct way it's been doing this is via its YouTube Partners program, which got a big boost with the acquisition of Next New Networks.
Now, it's raising the stakes again with a couple of programs which will help budding YouTube filmmakers perfect their craft and also fund their projects.
"Over the last six weeks we conducted a large-scale talent search for future stars and up-and-comers across YouTube, looking for the YouTubers who have what it takes to be tomorrow’s stars," YouTube's Tom Sly wrote.
"We’d like to introduce you to the first classes of YouTube NextUp and the YouTube Creator Institute: 45 creators who’ve demonstrated passion, talent and huge potential in video making across a range of genres," he announced.
For YouTube NextUp, the site has chosen 25 YouTubers to help out, providing them with $35,000 to cover production costs as well as promotion to make their videos better and well known.
The 25 winners also get to undertake YouTube's Creator Camp in New York where they'll be able to get guidance and advice on how exactly to improve their work. As the name hints at, YouTube NextUp is a direct product of the Next New Networks acquisition.
The YouTube Creator Institute program takes a more traditional approach and is aimed at those looking to hone their skills and still searching for a way to get some traction on the site.
"The 10 selected participants for each of the two programs will receive a new media education at top institutions, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and Columbia College Chicago," YouTube explained.
Those selected for the Creator Institute will attend courses at two established institutions and will be able to learn how to manage their YouTube content but also how to look at the bigger picture and try to stand out from the crowd.