Video sharing platform YouTube has unveiled a cross-party forum to champion the UK’s creator economy. The group’s formation follows feedback from 10,000 digital creators who took part in YouTube’s Creator Consultation earlier this year.
The new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) will act as a bridge between the UK’s creators and politicians in Westminster. Two former Digital Ministers, Feryal Clark and Ed Vaizey, will co-chair the cross-party group of parliamentarians taking part.
According to YouTube, the APPG’s mission is to “champion the significant social and economic contributions of UK creators while working with policymakers to deepen their understanding of the digital creator economy and advocate effectively for the sector”.
The forum will tackle “the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including skills, training and funding opportunities, improvements to filming infrastructure, alongside the need for greater government and industry representation”. It will be run by the Digital Creator Association and Influencer Marketing Trade Body, with support from YouTube.
Creators are estimated to contribute over £2.2 billion to the UK economy and supporting over 45,000 jobs. However, YouTube’s Consultation revealed that UK creator growth is hampered by a lack of recognition. This is compounded by significant gaps in support – including skills, training, funding, studio space, and filming permits – which undermines creators’ ability to innovate, reach new audiences, build their businesses, and support economic growth.
