YOUTUBE NEXTUP, an internationally staged contest where smaller YouTube creators are given the chance to learn how to scale up their channels, has named its newest batch of winners from the Philippines and the roster includes a poultry farming channel, a men’s beauty channel, and a Philippine law tutorial channel.

The winning channels are those of indie singer Reese Lansangan; a poultry farmer from Bicol, Dwight Tamayo; cycling enthusiast Mark More; singer Charlotte F.; men’s beauty guru Kuys Kiko; that of Rea Ninja who gives job interview tips; and the law tutorial channel Lex in Motion.

Also in the winning roster are long-time celebrity Nadia Montenegro who runs a cooking channel; student and lifestyle vlogger Raya Maurelle; fitness enthusiast Aileene; maritime chief engineer Chief MAKOi; and singer-songwriter Caleb Santos.

Now on its third year in the Philippines, YouTube NextUp accepts applications from creators with at least 10,000 subscribers but less than a million. Winners will participate in a week-long Creator Camp where “they will get a crash course on production techniques and receive in-depth training to further build their channels,” said a company press release.

“NextUp continues to grow not just in the number of applicants but also in the level of diversity. Every year, we see more and more creators joining the contest from outside Manila representing various languages, topics, and passion points. This proves that anyone can make it on YouTube,” said Marc Lefkowitz, Head of Creator & Artist Development, YouTube APAC, in the statement. “We hope that this trend will continue to further signify that YouTube is truly a home for every creator.”

Previous NextUp Manila winners included singer Renee Dominique and tutorial channel Team Lyqa.

During the launch on Sept. 5 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Mr. Lefkowitz reiterated that YouTube in the Philippines is starting to take off as the company’s numbers showed that there are currently over 750 channels with 100,000 subscribers and more than 60 channels with more than a million subscribers in the country. Last year, only about 300 channels had passed the 100,000 subscriber mark and 19 channels had more than a million subscribers.

Mr. Lefkowitz first announced these numbers in May during the YouTube Fanfest in Manila.

YouTube NextUp, which started in 2011, has been staged in Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. Upcoming NextUps are scheduled in Brazil and Japan, among others. — Zsarlene B. Chua

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