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Sky News
a day ago
- Business
- Sky News
UK content creators demand formal recognition from the government
The UK's YouTubers, TikTok creators and Instagram influencers have been surveyed on mass for the first time ever, and are demanding formal recognition from the government. The creator economy in the UK is thought to employ around 45,000 people and contribute over £2bn to the country in one year alone, according to the new research by YouTube and Public First. But, despite all that value, its workers say they feel underappreciated by the authorities. "If you look at the viewership, our channel is not too different from a big media company," said Max Klymenko, a content creator with more than 10 million subscribers and half a billion monthly views on average. "If you look at the relevancy, especially among young audiences, I will say that we are more relevant. That said, we don't really get the same treatment," he told Sky News. Fifty-six per cent of the more than 10,000 creators surveyed said they do not think UK creators have a "voice in shaping government policies" that affect them. Only 7% think they get enough support to access finance, while just 17% think there is enough training and skills development here in the UK. Nearly half think their value is not recognised by the broader creative industry. The creative industries minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said the government "firmly recognises the integral role that creators play" in the UK's creative industries and the fact that they help "to drive billions into the economy" and support more than 45,000 jobs. "We understand more can be done to help creators reach their full potential, which is why we are backing them through our new Creative Industries Sector Plan," he said. "The UK has got a fantastic history of supporting the creative industries," said Ben Woods, a creator economy analyst, Midia Research who was not involved in the report. "Whether you look at the film side, lots of blockbuster films are being shot here, or television, which is making waves on the global stage. "But perhaps the government needs to broaden that lens a little bit to look at just what's going on within the creator economy as well, because it is highly valuable, it's where younger audiences are spending a lot of their time and [the UK is] really good at it." According to YouTube, formal recognition would mean creators are factored into official economic impact data reporting, are represented on government creative bodies, and receive creator-specific guidance from HMRC on taxes and finances. For some, financial guidance and clarity would be invaluable; the 'creator' job title seems to cause problems when applying for mortgages or bank loans. "It's really difficult as a freelancer to get things like mortgages and bank accounts and credit and those types of things," said podcaster David Brown, who owns a recording studio for creators. "A lot of people make very good money doing it," he told Sky News. "They're very well supported. They have a lot of cash flow, and they are successful at doing that job. It's just the way society and banking and everything is set up. It makes it really difficult." The creative industries minister said he is committed to appointing a creative freelance champion and increasing support from the British Business Bank in order to "help creators thrive and drive even more growth in the sector". The government has already pledged to boost the UK's creative industries, launching a plan to make the UK the number one destination for creative investment and promising an extra £14bn to the sector by 2035. These influencers want to make sure they are recognised as part of that.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK content creators demand formal recognition from the government
The UK's YouTubers, TikTok creators and Instagram influencers have been surveyed on mass for the first time ever, and are demanding formal recognition from the government. The creator economy in the UK is thought to employ around 45,000 people and contribute over £2bn to the country in one year alone, according to the new research by and Public First. But, despite all that value, its workers say they feel underappreciated by the authorities. "If you look at the viewership, our channel is not too different from a big media company," said Max Klymenko, a content creator with more than 10 million subscribers and half a billion monthly views on average. "If you look at the relevancy, especially among young audiences, I will say that we are more relevant. That said, we don't really get the same treatment," he told Sky News. Fifty-six per cent of the more than 10,000 creators surveyed said they do not think UK creators have a "voice in shaping government policies" that affect them. Only 7% think they get enough support to access finance, while just 17% think there is enough training and skills development here in the UK. Nearly half think their value is not recognised by the broader creative industry. The creative industries minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said the government "firmly recognises the integral role that creators play" in the UK's creative industries and the fact that they help "to drive billions into the economy" and support more than 45,000 jobs. "We understand more can be done to help creators reach their full potential, which is why we are backing them through our new Creative Industries Sector Plan," he said. "The UK has got a fantastic history of supporting the creative industries," said Ben Woods, a creator economy analyst, Midia Research who was not involved in the report. "Whether you look at the film side, lots of blockbuster films are being shot here, or television, which is making waves on the global stage. "But perhaps the government needs to broaden that lens a little bit to look at just what's going on within the creator economy as well, because it is highly valuable, it's where younger audiences are spending a lot of their time and [the UK is] really good at it." Read more from Sky News: According to YouTube, formal recognition would mean creators are factored into official economic impact data reporting, are represented on government creative bodies, and receive creator-specific guidance from HMRC on taxes and finances. For some, financial guidance and clarity would be invaluable; the 'creator' job title seems to cause problems when applying for mortgages or bank loans. "It's really difficult as a freelancer to get things like mortgages and bank accounts and credit and those types of things," said podcaster David Brown, who owns a recording studio for creators. "A lot of people make very good money doing it," he told Sky News. "They're very well supported. They have a lot of cash flow, and they are successful at doing that job. It's just the way society and banking and everything is set up. It makes it really difficult." The creative industries minister said he is committed to appointing a creative freelance champion and increasing support from the British Business Bank in order to "help creators thrive and drive even more growth in the sector". The government has already pledged to boost the UK's creative industries, launching a plan to make the UK the number one destination for creative investment and promising an extra £14bn to the sector by 2035. These influencers want to make sure they are recognised as part of that.
Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Times
Trump should not defy judges' orders, Americans say
M ost Americans believe President Trump has crossed the line with his criticism of the US court system and should not be allowed to defy judges' orders, polling for The Times shows. After the president warned that 'nothing will stop me' and attacked 'communist radical-left judges' for trying to curb his power, a poll by Public First found that 56 per cent of respondents agreed that Trump had gone too far in his criticism, compared with 21 per cent who disagreed. However, Trump retains support from those who voted for him last year. Among this group, only 30 per cent believed Trump had gone too far, with 42 per cent disagreeing. Across both parties, most Americans believed that Trump should follow court rulings. Both Trump and Harris voters disagreed with the statement 'the president should be able to ignore rulings from the Supreme Court that go against their campaign pledges.'
Gulf Today
23-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Google adds Dhs21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024
Google announced the launch of the Google's Economic Impact Report, a report conducted by Public First research agency, that looks at how Google products (Search, Play, Maps, YouTube and Google Ads) have helped people, local businesses, content creators and developers in the UAE throughout 2024. Around the world, Google releases Impact Reports which are based on consumer and business polling, economic modeling, case studies and third party data. The report highlights how Google's AI-powered tools and platforms are profoundly enhancing daily life and productivity for individuals and enterprises across the UAE, driving macroeconomic growth. In fact, Public First estimates that Google contributed an estimated Dhs 21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024. 'We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE's boundless ambitions,' says Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East & North Africa. 'The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country's ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.' Google is equipping people in the UAE with digital and AI capabilities needed for tomorrow's economy. The report highlights that since 2018, over 430,000 individuals in the UAE were trained in essential digital and AI skills through Google's key skilling initiative 'Maharat Min Google' initiative. This effort includes empowering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of developers. In 2024, the Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE, according to the report. The Google Impact Report in the UAE explores the impact of Google's products in 2024 across three areas: People, Businesses and Communities. Below are the additional findings: Making everyday life easier for people in the UAE • Dhs 683 a month on average in consumer benefits is created by Google's services for the average person in the UAE. 63% of adults in the UAE said they have used Gemini, Google's AI Assistant. 90% of users agreed that Gemini helped them to be more productive. 71% of users agreed that Gemini is easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. 50% of adults in the UAE agree that Google Search is essential to their daily lives. 89% of adults in the UAE reported that Google Maps and/or Waze were very useful when they were avoiding getting lost. 90% of adults in the UAE agreed that the ability to make contactless payments on mobile devices through the likes of GPay or GWallet makes their life easier. Fueling the Growth of Businesses in the UAE • 91% of businesses in the UAE report using at least one AI tool in their workflows. 73% of 18-24 year olds said they use Google Search at least weekly to shop or browse products online. 80% of adults in the UAE use Google Maps and/or Waze at least once a month to find a local business. 86% said they checked Google reviews before visiting a venue or business at least once a month. 94% of adults in the UAE use Google Search at least once a month to compare the prices of products and services. 97% of public sector workers in the UAE said that Google AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work. Empowering Communities in the UAE This section of the report combines Public First research and Google internal data and estimates Google's contribution to creators, developers and publishers. Dhs 455 million of revenue generated by the Android App Economy for UAE-based developers in 2024. 600+ YouTube channels in the UAE have over 1 million subscribers, an increase of 15% year on year. 20,000+ journalists and journalism students trained by the Google News Initiative in the Mena region, including in the UAE. About the research Google commissioned independent consultancy Public First to explore how Google's innovations and products are helping communities, workers and businesses in the UAE, as well as the future potential of AI across the nation. Public First conducted a survey of 1,110 online adults based in the UAE and a survey of 389 business leaders based in the UAE. These surveys were conducted in English and Arabic in March 2025. All results are weighted using Iterative Proportional Fitting, or 'Raking'. The online adult results are weighted by age, gender, education level, and region to nationally representative proportions.
Al Etihad
21-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Google contributed Dh21.8 billion to UAE economy in 2024, says study
21 June 2025 12:16 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Google's products and services contributed Dh21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new study by Public First, a research economic impact, which amounts to over 1% of the UAE's GDP, underlines the growing role of digital platforms in shaping the country's non-oil to the latest official data, the UAE's GDP in 2024 stood at Dh1.776 trillion, with non-oil GDP accounting for Dh1.342 trillion. The study found that the contribution from Google's ecosystem — including Search, YouTube, Play Store, Cloud and Ads — flowed to businesses, developers, publishers, creators, and non-profits across the study found that 91% of UAE businesses have already integrated at least one AI tool into their workflows, and 87% of businesses view AI as a key economic opportunity. In terms of individual use, 78% of UAE adults reported using AI tools, with 30% using them 'regularly'. This is more than double the figure reported in the United States, where just 13% of adults say they use AI chatbots regularly.'This early embrace of technology reflects the UAE's strong digital infrastructure, pro-innovation policy environment, and a population that recognises AI as a powerful tool for progress,' the report noted. The UAE's national AI strategy is credited with helping position the country as a 'leading AI destination'.The research estimates that Google's products created Dh20 billion in consumer benefits in 2024, the equivalent of Dh683 per month per user. Much of this was driven by time saved, easier access to information, and tools that improve daily life.A remarkable 63% of adults in the UAE said they had used Gemini, Google's generative AI assistant, while 38% reported daily usage. Among them, 90% said Gemini made them more productive, and 71% found it easier to use in Arabic compared to other and Ads alone contributed Dh20.2 billion in business activity in 2024. Of this, Dh3.6 billion was generated by small and medium businesses (SMBs), with Dh394 million worth of goods and services exported using Google's tools. UAE businesses overall exported Dh2.2 billion globally using the same and the Play Store are also part of the value chain. In 2024, they generated Dh455 million in revenue for UAE-based developers and supported Dh418 million in exports. The wider app economy enabled the creation of 30,000 jobs in the country, contributing to the UAE's broader ambition of building a knowledge-based First's research also highlights the impact of upskilling initiatives. Since 2018, Google's Maharat Min Google programme has trained more than 430,000 individuals in the UAE in digital and professional skills. This training support is seen as essential in closing the AI readiness gap: 52% of adults acknowledged they are not currently using AI tools to their full potential, and 95% expressed interest in joining a Google-led skills report noted that 97% of public sector workers in the UAE believe AI-enabled tools from Google make them more productive, and 65% say their job would be harder without young adults aged 18 to 24, the reliance on Google tools is even stronger. Nearly three-quarters of Gemini users in this age group use it for 81% of Google Search users in the same demographic said their education would have been more difficult without it, while 62% said YouTube helped them learn new Maps and Waze also emerged as essential tools for UAE residents. The study found that 89% of adults found these apps useful to avoid getting lost, and 91% said they helped identify the fastest routes. Around 80% use the apps monthly to locate local businesses, and 86% rely on Google reviews before visiting a venue or shopping trends were also highlighted. Ninety-four percent of adults use Google Search at least once a month to compare prices, and 73% of 18–24-year-olds use it weekly for browsing and shopping study also projected the long-term economic potential of cybersecurity and AI. Enhanced cybersecurity capabilities — underpinned by platforms like Google Cloud — could help the UAE avoid at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses, create over 20,000 jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment by the startup front, participants in the Google for Startups Accelerator in MENA have raised over Dh3.43 billion, with Dh337 million raised in the UAE alone. These startups have created more than 1,300 jobs regionally and are scaling across the Middle First estimates that AI tools could help increase productivity across the UAE by 15%, which is equivalent to freeing up 310 hours per worker per year for higher-value tasks. Google commissioned Public First to examine how its innovations and products are supporting UAE communities, workers and businesses, as well as the future potential of AI in the country. Public First conducted two surveys — one of 1,110 online adults and another of 389 business leaders, in both English and Arabic — in March 2025. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
