OPINION - Unlocking Youth Potential: Why Solomon Islanders Must Embrace YouTube

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The recent licensing of Starlink services marks a transformative moment for digital connectivity in the Solomon Islands. With faster, more affordable internet now a reality, Solomon Islanders, particularly young people, have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in the global digital economy.

However, this opportunity remains incomplete while platforms lime YouTube face restrictions.

Opening access to YouTube is a crucial step towards empowering young Solomon Islanders. It would allow then to monetize their creativity in fields such as photography, videography, storytelling, and music.

Around the world, young people are leveraging YouTube not just for entertainment, but as a platform for serious income generation, building personal brands, creating businesses, and reaching millions.

Solomon Islands' youth should not be excluded from this digital revolution.

The Missed Opportunity: External Beneficiaries 

Currently, international content creators are profiting from the Solomon Islands' natural beauty and rich culture, while local creators are disadvantaged. 

Consider these examples: 

  • MashtagBrady, a travel YouTuber, produced a video titled “The Solomon Islands: The Most Dangerous Island Chain,” showcasing the islands' stunning landscape and culture. This video generated thousands of views and revenue through YouTube’s monetization system. 

  • Yes Theory, a popular YouTube channel, created “Exploring One of the Last Untouched Places on Earth (Solomon Islands),” which garnered over 3 million views. This exposure likely earned the creators' tens of thousands of dollars through ad revenue and sponsorships, using the Solomon Islands as their content source. 

While these creators bring global visibility to the Solomon Islands, they also underscore a missed opportunity: local creators are unable to benefit financially from these same resources. 

Local Creators Ready for the Platform 

Despite limited internet access and platform restrictions, young Solomon Islanders are demonstrating significant potential. 

For example: 

  • Tasa Twins, a local YouTube channel, shares authentic stories from village life, including food, culture, and community traditions. Their growing audience demonstrates the demand for genuine local content. 

These creators prove that Solomon Islanders possess the talent, drive, and creativity to succeed on a global platform. They need equitable access to the tools and opportunities. 

YouTube: A Catalyst for Economic Growth 

Youth unemployment remains a serious and persistent challenge in the Solomon Islands. Providing access to YouTube and similar platforms can forge a new, innovative path to employment. 

Many young Solomon Islanders already possess skills in photography, filmmaking, music, and digital storytelling. With access to YouTube’s monetization features—ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, and merchandise—these individuals can earn a livelihood from their content. They can establish small businesses, employ collaborators, and train others. 

Furthermore, as creators grow and generate income, they contribute to the national economy through business registration and tax contributions. In neighboring countries like Fiji and Papua New Guinea, content creators are already earning sustainable incomes from digital platforms, and some have become influential regional entrepreneurs. The Solomon Islands should capitalize on this potential. 

The Global Power of YouTube: Real Numbers 

The economic potential is substantial. Consider the earnings of prominent global YouTubers: 

  • MrBeast reportedly earned over USD $54 million in 2021 through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. 


  • Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) earns an estimated USD $2 million annually, primarily through monetized content. 


  • Creators with 100,000 subscribers can earn between USD $500 and $5,000 per video, depending on views and engagement. 


  • Even creators with a few thousand subscribers can generate monthly income with consistent, engaging content. 

This demonstrates that Solomon Islanders, even those starting small, can achieve meaningful financial success, particularly with globally unique content. 

Owning Our Narrative: Digital Independence 

Currently, international YouTubers control the narrative when filming in the Solomon Islands. While much of this coverage is positive, it's crucial that Solomon Islanders have a voice in how their people, culture, and landscapes are portrayed. 

Granting access to YouTube empowers locals to tell their own stories—stories that reflect lived experiences, cultural values, and the challenges and triumphs of daily life. This is a matter of digital independence and cultural pride, not solely income. 

Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Growth 

To fully unlock this digital potential, the Solomon Islands government should adopt the following measures: 

  1. Lift YouTube Restrictions: Remove current restrictions on YouTube, granting full access to the platform for all citizens. 

  1. Invest in Digital Literacy: Implement digital literacy programs teaching content creation, online safety, digital marketing, and platform monetization skills. 

  1. Support Creative Industries: Provide grants or micro-loans to support the purchase of equipment or the establishment of small production businesses. 

  1. Strengthen Infrastructure: Improve internet infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, to ensure equitable access to the digital economy for all young people. 

Conclusion: A Call to Action 

The arrival of Starlink services represents a digital turning point for the Solomon Islands. However, without access to major platforms like YouTube, young people will remain excluded from the full benefits of this new connectivity. 

Opening access to YouTube will empower Solomon Islanders to participate in the global economy, reduce youth unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and promote cultural identity. 

The tools, talent, and connectivity are now available. Policy must adapt to this reality. The opportunity is here. The time to act is now. 

 



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