How African content creators can be empowered better —Samuel Ijaola

As more content creators continue to emerge across the African continent, Samuel Ijaola Oladayo, CEO of Grace Social Media Agency, has shared insights into how creators can leverage social media platforms for financial growth and global recognition.

With his agency at the forefront of digital innovation, Ijaola is redefining how African creators navigate and capitalize on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Ijaola explained that in the early days, social media was primarily used for casual interactions or basic promotion. “Most people were using it to connect with friends or promote content casually,” he said. His agency identified this gap and introduced strategies to empower creators with tools to monetize their platforms.

One of the agency’s pivotal achievements was its partnership with Meta in 2022. This collaboration transformed opportunities for African creators, enabling them to optimize their presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “Our partnership with Meta began after years of attending events and supporting creators,” Ijaola revealed. Through this partnership, creators gained access to monetization tools that had previously been out of reach.

In addition to its work with Meta, Grace Social Media Agency also operates as a Multi-Channel Network (MCN) on YouTube. Leveraging tools like Content ID, the agency helps creators manage their copyrights and maximize revenue. “YouTube demands professional, camera-quality videos, while Facebook prefers quick, mobile-friendly content,” Ijaola noted, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches across platforms.

The agency’s efforts have extended beyond Nigeria, reaching countries like Ghana and Kenya to empower creators across the continent. “We realized that the benefits Nigerian creators were enjoying could be extended to other countries,” Ijaola shared. By establishing local representatives, Grace Social Media Agency has created a network that identifies talent and equips creators with the tools to succeed globally.

For many creators, the journey can be daunting. “Creating content is challenging. It requires creativity, investment, and persistence,” Ijaola said. His agency provides holistic support, from crafting monetization strategies to optimizing content, ensuring creators remain motivated and equipped to navigate the competitive digital landscape.

The expansion of monetization opportunities on platforms like Facebook has introduced both challenges and possibilities. Bugs and errors during the process can discourage creators, but Ijaola sees this as a chance for growth. “That’s where we come in. Our expertise and partnership with Meta allow us to guide creators through these challenges,” he explained.

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