New Delhi: At the annual YouTube Impact Summit, YouTube announced major advancements in AI, new institutional partnerships, and fresh economic impact findings that underline its expanding role in India’s creator and knowledge ecosystem. A new Oxford Economics report revealed that YouTube’s creative ecosystem contributed over ₹16,000 crores to India’s GDP last year and supported more than 930,000 jobs across the country.
Building on this momentum, YouTube unveiled new AI-powered tools, safety features, and collaborations with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) and AIIMS, designed to fuel skills, creativity, and access to credible information.
Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said, “Our impact isn’t just about views; it’s about livelihoods and shared economic growth. We see this when 63% of our monetizing creators agree YouTube is their primary source of revenue. Our role is to provide the infrastructure for that success. That is why, we’re forging strategic partnerships that build skills and launching new AI tools that empower the next wave of entrepreneurs – all built with our commitment to responsibility at the core.”
Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, added, “It is encouraging to see platforms like YouTube align with the Ministry’s core missions by creating pathways to credible information, economic independence, and digital literacy. Through a collaborative approach with platforms like YouTube to provide tools supporting entrepreneurship and a safer online experience, we are strengthening a Digital India where women can innovate and lead, and children can learn and grow, securely.”
Powering India’s Knowledge and Creative Economy
With 98% of Indian users turning to YouTube for information and learning, new initiatives are aimed at accelerating digital skill-building and creative opportunities.
1. Partnership with Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT)
YouTube will collaborate with IICT to prepare students for careers in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR through:
- Knowledge-sharing sessions and expert workshops
- A new Create with AI program to fund student-led AI projects
- Support for IICT’s official YouTube channel
Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT, said, “India’s creative industry is at a pivotal moment, and AI is set to redefine storytelling. This partnership with YouTube is essential to bridge the gap between the classroom and the global stage, giving our students direct access to the technology and expertise they need to lead the next wave of Indian animation, film, and gaming.”
2. Collaboration with AIIMS for Medical Training
Through the College of Nursing at AIIMS, YouTube will host expert-designed training courses for over 5,000 nursing students and practitioners, covering topics such as wound care and infection control.
Dr. Latha Venkatesan, Principal, AIIMS College of Nursing, said, “This partnership allows us to take AIIMS’ trusted curriculum beyond our campus walls and empower nurses across the country.”
3. Launch of Conversational AI Tool
YouTube introduced a new conversational AI feature that allows viewers to ask questions and receive instant answers within the video player. The tool is available in English, with Hindi rolling out soon.
Enhancing Digital Well-being and Access to Credible Information
With health-related videos crossing 300 billion views in India, YouTube announced new updates:
- First Aid Shelves to expand in English and Hindi, offering quick access to trustworthy emergency guidance
- Daily Shorts scrolling limits to promote mindful viewing
- Youth safety features like “take a break” reminders remain on by default
New AI Tools to Empower and Protect Creators
YouTube announced expanded AI capabilities for creators across India:
- ‘Edit with AI’ now available to all users via the YouTube Create app for faster video editing
- Likeness Detection technology rolling out in open beta to help creators identify and request the removal of AI-altered videos misusing their faces
Gunjan Soni added, “Digital learning is a powerful tool for scaling access to quality education. This partnership with YouTube allows us to take AIIMS’ trusted curriculum beyond our campus walls and empower nurses across the country with the skills they need to deliver excellent patient care.”
Driving the Future of India’s Digital Economy
The announcements at the YouTube Impact Summit reflect the platform’s expanding role in shaping India’s creator economy, supporting skill development, and strengthening access to trusted content. As digital adoption accelerates, YouTube remains a key partner in driving creativity, economic opportunity, and digital well-being for millions across India.
