Riding the wave of viral media, the content creation sector is gaining traction and emerging as a mainstream career option for the enormous youth population in Nigeria. At the 2022 New Media Conference (NMC), a panel discussing the topic of #Viralityincontentcreation noted how the rise of viral media technologies has transformed the content creation sector and created new business prospects.
The 2022 NMC conference was place on Saturday, October 29, in Lagos at the British Council Nigeria headquarters with guests from throughout the continent. Oluwatosin Ajibade, the creator of OloriSuperGal (OSG) Media, organized the conference, which had as its main topic how viral media is influencing the arts, technology, finance, fashion, content production, and politics, among other areas of human connection.
According to talent agent, creative executive, and storyteller Taiwo Adeyemi, “the most interesting thing about content creation over the years is that you can proudly own it as a career now and you will be accepted.” “Times have changed; your parents would have preferred that their children become doctors and lawyers in the past.” The panel discussed how the proliferation of smartphones, increased internet penetration, and free or inexpensive social media platforms have all contributed to the democratization of access to the sector.
Young Nigerians are drawn to the flexible and profitable nature of the content creation profession, claims media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and content creator Pamilerin Adegoke. He declared, “I can get paid to sit anywhere and create content anywhere in the world.”
Nigeria’s content production scene was also highlighted as a vital resource that brands and companies could use to communicate their tales and maintain control over their narratives. Broadly appealing content may assist brands in breaking into new markets and reaching a wider audience, according to Street Church’s creative director, Tunde Morolari. According to him, viral materials play a significant role in the globalization of brands.
The media strategist and talent manager Olufemi Oguntamu advised creators to focus on the process and outcome rather than just the number of likes and views. Olufemi also counseled content producers to concentrate on monetizing their work rather than chasing virality for its own purpose. “Consistency is necessary to maintain the audience you have already attracted after virality,” he said.
The panelists discussed the importance of content creators avoiding disinformation, thinking through the legal ramifications of their ideas, and being deliberate about what they publish. They also urged industry players to remain adaptable to changes brought about by technology, which will happen when more platforms become available.
Crucially, the panel discussed how much more money should be allocated to building a pipeline that will enable aspiring and new content creators to understand the craft’s commercial and ethical standards.
“Let’s be open to establishing B.A. degree-granting institutions in Africa for photography and other content creation fields,” Morolari stated.
An engaging conversation with conference attendees marked the successful conclusion of the panel discussion, which was facilitated by media entrepreneur Moji Delano. Isabella Adediji, the creator of Yellow Tamarind Productions, a Lagos-based media and public relations firm, hosted the event.
