To further propel India’s music artists onto the global stage, YouTube announced a suite of new initiatives today at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). These strategic efforts are aimed at amplifying artist visibility and fostering deeper connections with fans across India and around the world—accelerating growth within India’s evolving digital music ecosystem.
YouTube announced the launch of YouTube Music Nights in India, a series of specially curated live, in-person events designed to bring fans closer to Indian artists. The initiative successfully debuted at WAVES, featuring dynamic collaborations such as The Dharavi Dream Project with Beatpella, and KING with Alan Walker—offering a preview of the vibrant experiences to come.
Continuing its investment in nurturing independent talent, YouTube’s acclaimed Foundry program will soon welcome its 2025 cohort in India. Foundry provides emerging independent artists with critical resources and support to grow their careers on a global stage. The program has already had an impact on Indian artists like Kayan, a 2022 alum, who recently opened for international superstar Ed Sheeran.
To further spotlight diverse regional music, YouTube has expanded its Weekly Top Music Videos charts to include Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Haryanvi, and Bhojpuri—providing greater visibility and discovery opportunities for artists. Additional charts in other Indian languages will be introduced soon.
“Our investments in India are centred on a singular goal: to fuel the artist's journey,” said Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music, Google and YouTube. “Through our products and programs, we’re cultivating an ecosystem where discovery, listening, and passion foster meaningful fan connections. We are committed to helping propel India’s musical renaissance onto the global stage—empowering every artist, from the biggest names to emerging voices in the smallest villages, to share the magic and power of their music with the world.”
For nearly two decades, YouTube has served as a go-to platform for Indian artists to engage directly with global audiences, ushering in a new era of creativity and cross-cultural musical exchange. India’s profound connection to music is now experiencing a powerful wave of innovation, with independent artists thriving and regional sounds captivating global listeners. YouTube has always emphasized the visual experience—globally, music fans watched over 1.4 billion hours of music videos monthly on TVs alone in the six months leading up to January 2025.
YouTube remains the only platform where creators and artists can fully engage across all content formats—long-form, Shorts, podcasts, and Live—while earning from 10 distinct revenue streams.
YouTube has become the global stage for this musical renaissance, connecting Indian talent with over two billion users who watch music videos monthly in more than 100 countries. Its focus on innovation is matched by a commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for artists. In India alone, YouTube has paid out over INR 21,000 crore to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years (2022–2024).
YouTube announced the launch of YouTube Music Nights in India, a series of specially curated live, in-person events designed to bring fans closer to Indian artists. The initiative successfully debuted at WAVES, featuring dynamic collaborations such as The Dharavi Dream Project with Beatpella, and KING with Alan Walker—offering a preview of the vibrant experiences to come.
Continuing its investment in nurturing independent talent, YouTube’s acclaimed Foundry program will soon welcome its 2025 cohort in India. Foundry provides emerging independent artists with critical resources and support to grow their careers on a global stage. The program has already had an impact on Indian artists like Kayan, a 2022 alum, who recently opened for international superstar Ed Sheeran.
To further spotlight diverse regional music, YouTube has expanded its Weekly Top Music Videos charts to include Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Haryanvi, and Bhojpuri—providing greater visibility and discovery opportunities for artists. Additional charts in other Indian languages will be introduced soon.
“Our investments in India are centred on a singular goal: to fuel the artist's journey,” said Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music, Google and YouTube. “Through our products and programs, we’re cultivating an ecosystem where discovery, listening, and passion foster meaningful fan connections. We are committed to helping propel India’s musical renaissance onto the global stage—empowering every artist, from the biggest names to emerging voices in the smallest villages, to share the magic and power of their music with the world.”
For nearly two decades, YouTube has served as a go-to platform for Indian artists to engage directly with global audiences, ushering in a new era of creativity and cross-cultural musical exchange. India’s profound connection to music is now experiencing a powerful wave of innovation, with independent artists thriving and regional sounds captivating global listeners. YouTube has always emphasized the visual experience—globally, music fans watched over 1.4 billion hours of music videos monthly on TVs alone in the six months leading up to January 2025.
YouTube remains the only platform where creators and artists can fully engage across all content formats—long-form, Shorts, podcasts, and Live—while earning from 10 distinct revenue streams.
YouTube has become the global stage for this musical renaissance, connecting Indian talent with over two billion users who watch music videos monthly in more than 100 countries. Its focus on innovation is matched by a commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for artists. In India alone, YouTube has paid out over INR 21,000 crore to creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years (2022–2024).
You may also like
US should be more fearful of white men, says Ilhan Omar in resurfaced clip shared by Laura Loomer
We Tories were battered in local elections - here's what we must do no
Poundland closing two stores this week with four shutting for good in May - see full list
Hemant Soren announces new 63-member JMM Central Committee, 6 from family
Bengaluru man's emotional post on Jayanagar's lost soul sparks citywide nostalgia. Netizens pour out their pain
