YouTube, along with parent company Google, has announced a $15 million donation to relief efforts for the Los Angeles wildfires, while it’s also detailed plans to allow creators to utilize its facilities as a replacement for lost studios and equipment.
As per YouTube:
“Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over the world. It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners and our employees call home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to do our part to support the community as it rebuilds.”
In partnership with Google.org, YouTube has pledged $15 million in funding to provide assistance to several groups, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News.
“When it’s safe to reopen our offices in LA, we also plan to offer YouTube production facilities to impacted creators and artists as they begin to recover and rebuild their businesses. In the coming months, we’ll also host a number of events to bring the YouTube creative community together – making space to connect and share resources.”
The pledge could provide a big boost to creators in the region, who are also set to be hit by the TikTok ban next week. The combined loss of resources and outlets will massively cut into the creator economy, and that’s before you consider the loss of homes and personal effects which will cause widespread impacts.
As such, YouTube could end up playing a big part in helping get LA creatives back on their feet.
Snapchat has also pledged $5 million in donations to LA wildfire resources, while other platforms will likely follow suit. And given the impact that LA has had on the broader industry, it makes sense for all social apps to give back where they can.
Hopefully, YouTube’s donation provides another small step in what will be a long road to recovery for many.