Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has admitted that financial realities changed his perception of YouTube movies, joking that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss productions made for the video-sharing platform.
Egbuson shared the reflection in a post on X, where he acknowledged his previous attitude towards YouTube films and how his perspective has since changed.
“Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now,” he wrote.
The actor’s comment has drawn attention to the growing acceptance of YouTube as a distribution platform for Nigerian filmmakers and actors seeking alternative ways to earn from their work.
Egbuson, who has featured in YouTube movie productions, has expanded his activities beyond traditional cinema releases and mainstream streaming platforms.
His remark suggests a shift from his earlier reservations, with the actor acknowledging the importance of remaining open to opportunities within an evolving entertainment industry.
While cinema releases and major streaming services have often been associated with prestige, YouTube has provided filmmakers with another avenue to release their work and reach audiences directly.
For actors and producers, the platform can offer opportunities to participate in projects outside the conventional cinema and subscription-streaming models.
YouTube movies have become an increasingly visible part of Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, with filmmakers using the platform to distribute stories to audiences online.
The platform also gives viewers access to films without necessarily requiring cinema attendance or a paid subscription to a streaming service, although access to individual content may vary.
For filmmakers, potential earnings can depend on factors such as audience size, advertising revenue, production costs and the terms of their agreements.
The growing interest in online releases has also coincided with changes in the international streaming market, prompting some Nigerian creatives to explore different ways of financing and distributing their projects.
Egbuson’s comment reflects how financial considerations can influence decisions in the entertainment business, where actors and filmmakers must balance creative ambitions with sustainable sources of income.
His humorous reference to hunger underscores the importance of recognising opportunities that may once have been dismissed because of perceptions about a platform’s status or commercial value.
As distribution options continue to expand, YouTube movies remain an alternative route for Nigerian creatives to showcase their work and connect with viewers.
The actor’s remarks have therefore added to the conversation about changing attitudes towards online filmmaking and the growing need for entertainers to remain adaptable in a competitive industry.