What is the Civics Accelerator?

YouTube is offering a free programme for non-political Civics channels including government, NGOs, charities and cultural organisations to accelerate their growth on YouTube.

The 5-week programme will be run by Little Dot Studios in the UK from September to October 2024 with weekly sessions and on-demand recordings available.

What does the Accelerator programme involve?

The programme consists of an expert bootcamp designed to help organisations optimise their YouTube channel content and apply a Channel strategy.

Sessions will take place online, with additional in-person networking events for programme participants to deepen connections with other relevant channels & creators, and open up opportunities for collaboration. Up to three individuals per organisation can apply to participate in the programme.

Through 5 x 90 minute online bootcamp sessions you will learn to: 

• Create an impactful YouTube content plan across multiple formats
• Optimise your channel and content to engage your audience
• Collaborate with other creators and organisations to grow reach
• Use analytics to inform your content and build on successes
• How to apply your growth strategy to your YouTube Channel

What you can expect from the programme:

• 5 online training sessions offered by Little Dot Studios taking place online on: 24th September, 1st October, 8th October, 15th October and 22nd October. Sessions will take place from 11am-12:30pm (UK time). Session dates and times are subject to change but we will notify participants as soon as possible of any changes.
• Opportunity to attend up to two in-person sessions with YouTube to network and hear about how other organisations have got the most out of their content and have grown their channel
• Certification upon completion of the programme

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applications will close on the 5th July and applications must be submitted prior to this time to be considered (any applications submitted after 12pm on the 5th July will not be eligible). 

Eligible applications will primarily be assessed against the following criteria. Applicants that do not fulfil the eligibility criteria shall not be allowed to participate in the Accelerator. Applications will also be evaluated to ensure representation of different types of organisations and geographies.

1. You are involved in operating a “Civics” YouTube channel in the UK or DE. The YouTube Channel must be one of the following:

• Government departments, government agencies, Parliament,
  Local government, Mayoral Combined Authorities (or equivalent)
• Devolved governments
• Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs)
• NGOs, charities and campaign organisations
• Cultural institutions

2. The organisation operating the YouTube Channel must meet the criteria listed either in Option A or Option B:

Option A - YouTube

• 12 active uploads on YouTube in last 6 months (Shorts/Long-form/Live/Podcast) at the time of application
  AND
• 1K YouTube subscribers at time of application

Option B - other platforms

• 6.5K minimum existing reach across other social media platforms at time of application

3. You are available and willing to commit to completion of the Civics Accelerator Programme

4. Your organisation’s senior management has endorsed your participation and completion of  the Accelerator programme.

5. No active Community Guidelines strikes or warnings against your YouTube channel

YouTube Civics Accelerator Programme applications have now closed.