More than 5000 fans, creators and artists celebrate YouTube Fanfest live in Mumbai

YouTube Fanfest returned with an on-ground show in Mumbai, celebrating YouTube’s 15th anniversary in India. 

YouTube Fanfest celebrated the growth and success of India’s creator ecosystem, and shone the spotlight on India’s established and emerging creator and artist talent who are taking us into the next phase of growth. YouTube Fanfest has been showcasing the diversity of the creators since its inaugural show in Mumbai back in 2014. In partnership with NEXA and Cadbury 5 Star, YouTube Fanfest 2023 brought fans closer to their favorite YouTube creators.

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Here are some highlights from the event: 

YouTube Fanfest returns live after 4 years 

A community of 5000+ fans, creators and artists came together at NESCO Grounds in Mumbai, even as thousands of fans from all across the  country tuned in to the live-stream. “It’s been four years since YouTube Fanfest happened on the ground, and we are all overjoyed to have this platform back with us. It offers a sizable platform for networking, collaborating with other creators as well as connecting with the audience,” said Prajakta Koli, YouTube content creator. 

“You also get to meet people who are in leadership positions, power, and decision-making. YouTube is a virtual universe where the people who worked so hard to create a product that gives you your life can interact with you. Therefore, it's a fantastic conclave of opportunities. I owe everything I currently possess to my YouTube presence,” Prajakta added.

30+ creators and artists take the stage for live performances

The YouTube Fanfest stage came alive with an electrifying opening act by Raja Kumari, followed by scintillating performances by Harrdy Sandhu, Kayan, Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkar, Team Naach, Anuv Jain and Techno Gamerz. Mentalist and magician, Suhani Shah, left audiences gaping in wonder with an awe-inspiring show. Comedy and gaming creators including Funcho, Lakhneet, and Shorts Break, and hosts Danish Sait, Prajakta Koli had the crowd in splits. The show culminated with a high-energy closing act from Badshah. Suahni Shah, YouTube Content Creator and magician said, “This was my first-ever performance at YouTube Fanfest. As an artist, YouTube provides me with powerful distribution channels. And that's what art deserves. By connecting the artists to the audience YouTube has bridged the biggest gap and I am indebted to YouTube for what I am today.”

Celebrating the creativity and diversity of Indian creators and artists

Creators and artists across multiple verticals, including Comedy, Music, Dance, Gaming, Beauty, Food performed showcasing the new wave of talent that is taking India by storm reflecting the true diversity of the creator community in India. 

A truly multi-format experience

YouTube Fanfest 2023 showcased different artists creating content in different formats, long-form videos, Shorts, and livestream on YouTube, across the offline and online event. A select group of fans were able to meet their favorite creators and take exclusive photos together before the show! “I'm so appreciative that YouTube allowed me to perform at YTFF 2023. It was my pleasure to be a part of the audience the first time YouTube Fanfest arrived in India, so getting the opportunity to perform on stage is a huge deal.  I'm thrilled to meet new people because it's a great place to connect with spectators. I'm grateful to YouTube for providing me with this platform to demonstrate my talent and abilities to a larger audience because of the visibility that I have through this stage,” said Danish Sait, YouTube content creator and Indian comedian. 

A special “Shorts” message for fans from their favorite creators

Average daily views of YouTube Shorts grew by over 120% year-on-year in India (a/o July 2023), a testament to the growing popularity of the format. Emerging and established creators including Crafians by Mudrit and Harsheen, Fit Beauty, Itz ChaCha, Jenni MJ, Kabita's Kitchen, KL BRO Biju Rithvik, Miss Miracle, Mousumi Kundu, Mridul Sharma, Sarah Sarosh, Shreemani Tripathi,  Thakur Sisters and TN TAMIL YT shared special short messages for their fans.

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