YouTube is making money from videos created in Jersey – but the people behind them are complaining that they cannot earn a penny from the revenue, prompting some to consider leaving the island…
Creators based in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man cannot currently access the YouTube Partner Program – the video platform’s main way for video makers to earn money once they reach 1,000 subscribers or 4,000 watch hours.
Under the scheme, creators receive 55% of the advertising revenue generated on their videos, with the remaining share going to YouTube.
However, Jersey-based Mario Kart creator “JustSomeSmartGuy” said the platform still runs adverts on videos made by islanders even though they cannot receive a share of the revenue.
“For some reason, YouTube decides that they don’t want to pay people if they are in Jersey, and the same is also the case for Guernsey and the Isle of Man,” he said. “They still run adverts on islanders’ videos though.”
He added that while viewers can sometimes access unavailable YouTube features using a VPN, that workaround does not help creators because the platform requires a UK address and bank account to receive payments.
The issue has raised wider concerns about digital access for creators in the Crown Dependencies.
Digital Jersey’s head of innovation Sebastian Lawson confirmed some issues had been raised with tech companies as part of ongoing discussions about digital access.
The Government and Crown Dependency representatives are now working with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to address several gaps affecting the islands’ digital economy – including content monetisation on YouTube and TikTok.
But some creators warn that the barriers risk pushing talent off the island.
“Sadly, leaving the island is most likely the simplest solution,” said JustSomeSmartGuy.
