Welcome to Around the World, our summary of top digital media headlines from countries other than the United States. We’re always looking for stories that don’t get enough Stateside attention, so hit us up at tips@tubefilter.com if you have one.
A YouTube Music museum has opened its doors in Mexico City
YouTube Music is using visual art to celebrate the impact of global pop stars. In the capital city known locally as CDMX, the Museo de la Música is operating as a pop-up until October 8. To highlight artists like Billie Eilish, Maroon 5, Karol G, and Sebastián Yatra, YouTube Music teamed up with local designers and illustrators. The result is a colorful — and totally free! — tribute to some of the most-viewed musicians in YouTube history.
A Pakistani influencer convention produced a million-dollar headline
The ecommerce platform Daraz Pakistan put on an “Influencer Convention” in Karachi. At the event, Daraz announced a million-dollar creator fund, which it hopes to use to increase its user base from 2,400 creators to 10,000. Daraz, which has generated 4.4 billion rupees ($52.9 million USD) through its affiliate marketing program, is an example of Chinese influence in the global ecommerce market. Its parent company is Alibaba Group, which also owns the domestic Chinese marketplace Taobao.
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TikTok and Meta have their eyes on South Africa
If you’ve been keeping up with these Around the World reports, then you may remember that South Africa is the world’s most internet-obsessed country. Both TikTok and Meta are making moves in hopes of harnessing that consumer appetite. The former company has redoubled its commitment to #LevelUpAfrica, a program designed to grow South Africa’s creator economy.
Meta’s latest overture to South African influencers is Creator Lab Live, an initiative that ran out of the company’s office in Johannesburg. The one-day event drew more than 40 creators “a day filled with creative energy, insights and engagement.” Looks like South Africa won’t be kicking its internet obsession anytime soon.
Platforms and creators are teaching game developers how to invest in social media
On October 12, the GI Investment Summit will bring game developers to London. The one-day event will offer insights related to game financing and will be linked to a consumer show that will run until the 15th.
Speakers will include TikTok’s Rollo Goldstaub, who will share strategies attendees can use if they want to buy into the platform’s expanding video game operation. Members of The Yogscast will also be present. The legendary YouTube gaming hub, which has added game publishing to its list of services, has released a dozen titles to date.
Chinese opera. So hot right now.
To celebrate Chinese Opera Culture Week, a YouTube topic page shared some highlights from the 1,700-year-old genre. It turns out that people really love traditional Chinese opera, because the topic page pulled in more than five million views. I can’t say I’m surprised. I mean, just look at these costumes. What’s not to love?
