In This Small Indian Village, YouTube is the Main Source of Income for a Quarter of Residents
Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A small village in Chhattisgarh has emerged as a digital powerhouse, earning the title of India’s YouTube Village. Located just over an hour’s drive from Raipur, Tulsi is home to around 4,000 residents, with more than 1,000 actively creating content for YouTube and earning between ₹20,000 and ₹40,000 per month.
The Rise of a Digital Hub
Tulsi’s journey into content creation began in 2016 when two residents, Jai and Gyanendra Shukla, decided to experiment with YouTube. Jai, a teacher, and Gyanendra, a former network engineer, started with no experience in video editing or digital production. Despite initial challenges, their efforts bore fruit in 2018 with the launch of their channel, Being Chhattisgarhiya, which quickly gained traction
Their success inspired many in the village to join the digital revolution. Today, walking through Tulsi, one can witness multiple film crews shooting content ranging from dance performances and comedy skits to DIY videos.
A Community-Driven Approach
Tulsi’s content creators follow a unique principle—family-friendly content. Many videos showcase traditional themes, festivals, and cultural practices. “We want to show the youth how festivals were celebrated in the past so they can carry these traditions forward,” said Gyanendra in an interview with The Better India.
Content creation in the village is a collaborative effort. Scripts, acting, and cinematography are planned collectively, with locals participating in productions. Many early actors were members of the village’s Ramlila mandlis, but new talent continues to emerge.
The Scale of Content Creation
Currently, Tulsi boasts around 40 active YouTube channels, many of which enjoy significant followings. Some of the most popular channels include:
- Back Benchers Creation – Over 24,800 subscribers
- Nimga Chhattisgadhiya – Over 9,200 subscribers
Most content creators earn between ₹20,000 and ₹40,000 per month from YouTube ad revenue. Additionally, some have secured contracts for small-scale advertisements and product endorsements.
Support from the Administration
Recognizing Tulsi’s potential, the Raipur district administration has stepped in to provide support. Raipur District Collector Sarveshvar Bhure revealed that efforts are underway to build state-of-the-art studios and create a digital ecosystem for these artists. A key part of this initiative is Hummer Flix, Chhattisgarh’s first high-tech studio dedicated to Tulsi’s content creators. Plans are also in place to expand the studio and establish a professional training institute.
With a strong community-driven approach and administrative support, Tulsi continues to grow as a digital hub, setting an example for rural content creators across India.
