Social Media Ban Hits Nepal’s Creative Industry, From Content Creators to Filmmakers

The government’s indefinite ban on more than two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, citing their failure to register in Nepal, has dealt a major blow to content creators, musicians, and filmmakers.

Content creators who relied on platforms like YouTube and Facebook for both audience reach and income say they have been directly affected. Popular YouTube series such as Herne Katha, which has over 1.6 million subscribers, was unable to release its latest episode this week. Co-founder Bidya Chapagain said the ban prevented them from airing the planned episode, adding that the show had been streaming new content every Saturday evening. Similarly, the satirical program Comedy Darbar also failed to upload its episode on time.

Music companies such as Music Nepal and OSR Digital, among Nepal’s highest YouTube earners, have been unable to upload content since Thursday and Friday, respectively. With hundreds of thousands of subscribers, these channels had become key platforms for releasing new songs and generating revenue.

Content creators warn that the government overlooked the economic impact of the ban. “Social media drives a huge economy, from small businesses to content creation. This ban directly affects our revenue from brand deals and YouTube AdSense,” said Saroj Karki of Project Kura. He added that nearly half of their viewers are abroad, meaning some audiences may still find ways to access content, but business in Nepal will suffer.

Others echoed the concern, saying the government’s move to silence digital voices will not succeed. Sudib Bhai Subedi of Indepth Story noted that their content received over 10 million views across platforms in the 24 hours following the ban. “This shows that digital media cannot be silenced. But creators will face financial setbacks unless the decision is reversed,” he said.

The film industry has also raised alarms. Filmmaker Deepakraj Giri, known for the Chhakka Panja series, said social media is now the main platform for promoting films—from teasers to songs. His upcoming movie Jari 2, set to release on September 19, has already released a teaser and song on YouTube, but other promotional content has been stalled. Similarly, the film Balidan, scheduled for release during Dashain, has also seen its publicity disrupted.

According to a recent UNESCO study, Nepal’s film industry is a major part of the local economy, providing over 50,000 jobs and producing about 100 films annually. In fiscal year 2024/25, 60 Nepali films were released in cinemas. Artists say the ban could devastate the sector if it continues.

Veteran musician Kali Prasad Baskota also voiced frustration, saying YouTube had become a lifeline for artists after CDs and cassettes disappeared. “Royalties are rare in Nepal, but YouTube gave us some relief. If even that shuts down, artists will be left without income,” he said, urging lawmakers to pass supportive legislation for the creative industry.