The YouTube Hub of Rural India, Tulsi village
The rise of social media has provided people with a space to express themselves and share their creativity with the world.
Platforms like YouTube and Instagram not only offer exposure but also reward content creators financially.
While many cities have embraced digital content creation, an unexpected village in India has taken social media by storm.
Tulsi, a small village in Chhattisgarh, has gained global attention for its thriving YouTube community.
Over 1,000 villagers actively create videos, and more than 40 YouTube channels are engaging audiences with entertaining content.
The videos showcase rural life, humour, and local traditions, making Tulsi a digital hub in an otherwise remote region.
One standout channel, Being Chhattisgarhiya, has attracted over 1.2 lakh subscribers. It features more than 250 videos, combining humour with cultural themes to promote Chhattisgarhi heritage.
Situated near Raipur, Tulsi has around 4,000 residents, many of whom—both young and old—are passionate about content creation.
The village’s transformation into a digital hotspot began in 2016 when two locals, Jai and Gyanendra Shukla, started filming videos for YouTube.
By 2018, they had launched Being Chhattisgarhiya despite having no prior experience.
As their success grew, other villagers followed suit, creating content that resonated with audiences.
They focus on family-friendly storytelling, often inspired by local festivals, elections, and everyday village life.
The villagers gather at the chaupal to brainstorm and refine video concepts. They discuss story ideas, assign roles, and ensure content quality. Their collaborative approach has contributed to their rising popularity.
Tulsi is home to several rising YouTube channels, including:
- Back Benchers Creation
- Nimga Chhattisgadhiya
- Gold CG04
- Fun Tapri
These channels have introduced a new wave of local actors, some of whom have gained fame beyond the village.
Content creators in Tulsi reportedly earn between ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per month from views, advertisements, and brand collaborations.
This digital revolution has not only brought fame to Tulsi but also created new economic opportunities for its people.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)
Image Published on July 19, 2018
Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1443433