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Nollywood film director and producer, Benneth Nwankwo, has challenged the widely held belief that featuring multiple popular actors in a movie automatically guarantees massive views on YouTube. According to him, star power alone is no longer enough to drive success, especially in the highly competitive digital space.
Nwankwo explained that many Nigerian filmmakers have bought into what he described as a “lie” — the idea that casting famous faces is the ultimate formula for online success. He noted that while celebrity actors can attract attention, they do not necessarily translate into high viewership if other crucial elements are ignored.
The filmmaker pointed out that several movies with over ten well-known stars have failed to record impressive numbers on YouTube, largely because of poor technical planning and weak digital strategies. He stressed that the problem often lies not in the actors but in the way producers handle content distribution and promotion.
According to Nwankwo, instead of blaming actors whenever a film underperforms, producers need to better understand how YouTube actually works. He explained that YouTube is owned by Google and functions mainly as a search engine, meaning it prioritizes discoverability, relevance, and viewer engagement.
He emphasized that technical details such as compelling titles, accurate descriptions, relevant tags, and eye-catching thumbnails play a major role in how widely a film is recommended by the platform’s algorithm. Without these elements properly handled, even the most expensive productions can struggle to gain visibility.
Nwankwo also highlighted the importance of a film’s opening moments, describing the first three minutes as critical to retaining viewers. According to him, if audiences are not instantly hooked, they are likely to click away, which negatively affects watch time and overall performance. Since YouTube’s algorithm favors content with strong audience retention, weak openings can significantly limit a film’s reach.
He further advised filmmakers to abandon the practice of buying fake views, warning that such shortcuts ultimately harm long-term growth. He explained that artificial numbers do not translate into genuine engagement, and YouTube’s system is increasingly sophisticated at detecting suspicious activity. Instead, he urged producers to invest in proper metadata management and organic promotional strategies.
In addition, Nwankwo suggested that promotional duties should be clearly outlined in actor contracts before filming begins. According to him, this would ensure that all cast members understand their roles in marketing the project, helping to create a coordinated publicity effort once the film is released. He believes this approach can significantly boost a movie’s reach and impact.
The filmmaker also encouraged producers to prioritize storytelling quality, technical excellence, and audience connection over star-heavy casting. He argued that viewers are becoming more discerning, paying closer attention to plot, production value, and emotional depth rather than just celebrity appearances.
Nwankwo maintained that a well-told story, combined with a smart digital strategy, can outperform a poorly executed film loaded with famous actors. He stressed that sustainable success in today’s Nollywood landscape depends on innovation, planning, and adaptability to changing viewing habits.
In conclusion, Benneth Nwankwo reiterated that while stars remain influential, they are not a guaranteed pathway to success. His central message to filmmakers is clear: mastering YouTube strategy, understanding audience behavior, and optimizing content for digital platforms are far more important than relying solely on celebrity appeal. By focusing on these elements, he believes Nollywood filmmakers can achieve stronger growth, wider reach, and lasting impact in the global digital market.
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