Following the release of YouTube’s Creative Consultation findings last week, The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has officially launched the ‘Creator Incubator supported by YouTube’, a 12-month diploma course designed to support and accelerate the next generation of creators and digital producers.
Developed in partnership with YouTube, the NFTS said the incubator is “the first course of its kind in the UK, built specifically for creators, by creators”. Fully funded by YouTube, the course is free to all participants, removing financial barriers and enabling emerging talent from across the UK to access world-class training and mentorship.
The first cohort of 12 participants will be selected when applications close in October 2025, with the course beginning in January 2026.
Delivered part-time, the programme combines in-person workshops at NFTS in Beaconsfield with online sessions. Participants will gain experience across the entire content creation pipeline, from concept development and channel branding to filming, editing, and data analysis. Graduates will complete the course with an NFTS Diploma and a fully launched, strategically developed YouTube channel.
Each module focuses on a key part of the creator journey. Students will explore the YouTube ecosystem, define their voice and audience, develop ideas, plan and execute production, and dive deep into post-production and channel growth through analytics and insights.
At the heart of the Creator Incubator is course leader Anna Cronin. She is currently consulting for The LEGO Group, following leadership roles including global director of digital content and digital commissioner at BBC Studios, digital content director for Sir Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment, commissioning editor at Channel 4, and senior roles across ITV. Her “expertise in digital ecosystems, content strategy, and platform innovation makes her uniquely placed to guide the next generation of creators”, said the NFTS.
Alongside Anna’s leadership, the programme will include a line-up of visiting tutors and guest speakers. These will include YouTube creators who will offer insights into building audiences, innovating formats, and staying resilient on a fast-moving platform. Additionally, leading figures from the film and television industries including producers, editors, commissioners, and directors will share expertise on storytelling craft, production management, and editorial decision-making.
Jon Wardle, director of the National Film and Television School, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be launching this pioneering diploma in partnership with YouTube. The Creator Incubator is a new pathway into the creative industries, one that reflects the way content is being made and consumed today. By combining NFTS’s world-class training with YouTube’s unparalleled platform expertise, we’re giving aspiring creators the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. We anticipate high demand for the 12 places available and very much look forward to discovering the next generation of standout YouTube stars.”
This September, the NFTS will offer four free webinars – open to everyone – as a lead-in to the application deadline. Applications for the first intake are now open until October 2025. Prior to the closing deadline, NFTS and YouTube are looking for keen Youtubers or digital content creators who are looking to take their videos to the next level in terms of production quality and audience reach.
