Is social media content creation trending in rural Bangladesh?

The sunlight is hitting the dusky roads, and people are waking up listening to the cuckoo of hens. In the meantime, a new story is unfolding. The rising stars of social media are starting their day by recording a morning vlog, or making a video of their traditional breakfast.

This is the common image of a village-based content creation. Now, content creation is not limited to the urban areas anymore; creators living in the village are making huge virtual fanbases, earning thousands of views and engagement through their content.

A smartphone and the Internet, that's what you need to make millions of views.

At some point, a mobile phone was a luxury for many. Mobile data or internet connection was just out of their hands. But now, everything has changed.

The affordability of mobile phones and cheap internet packages has broken the barrier of entry for content creation.

We are witnessing a transition where villagers are actively making videos. And guess what, they are also earning money from those videos.

We are about to dive into some of the most popular content creators who are showcasing their content to people around the world.

They are making informative, entertaining videos starting with village life, food, games, challenges, village scenery and daily village-style videos or vlogs.

BSL Daily Life

A YouTube channel featuring village life, often showing cooking videos with fresh ingredients. Most of the videos show an older man who appears to catch fish or collect fresh produce, and then cooks food.

Other family members are also seen playing a role in the content.

They also have their own Facebook page, with more than 900k followers, and content mostly consisting of interactive cooking videos.

The channel's content gives a glimpse of the authentic village-style video.

"What I love about BSL Daily Life is how real and simple everything feels. They go out, buy fresh fish from local sellers, and cook it right in their kitchen. Watching their videos feels peaceful, like I'm visiting a village and sharing a meal with the family. It's delightful," stated Nafis Hasan Himel, a viewer who recently started watching their content.

Village Grandpa's Cooking

A YouTube channel with 2M subscribers is based on a charity-based cooking channel, village lifestyle, and community.

The channel features 3 brothers who are 70+ years old cooking food for the elderly, people with extraordinary abilities in the village.

They cook food in large quantities, often providing a key theme of their videos. The foods are prepared traditionally, with a local and cultural heritage, and have a charitable purpose.

Many people appreciate them for their charity work. On a popular video of their lobster cooking in their channel, a commenter said, "At this age, I'm amazed by their energy and kind nature. The more I say about them, the less I will say. They are also accepting donations and offering Patreon campaign money to help the unfortunate people of their villages through their audience."

SS Food Challenge

The YouTube channel is an entertainment channel with interactive games and challenges. Founded by Md. Omar Sunny Somrat believes that content can employ, empower and elevate communities, beyond entertainment.

The content is based on 'fun village games' where people participate in the games with their skills and speed, and receive gifts.

"The videos are fun, full of energy, and always make me smile. I love how they involve people from the village and turn simple games into something exciting. It's not just for entertainment; there's a good message behind it, too. You can tell they cayre about the community, and that's what makes the channel special to me," commented Mr Nafis, a regular viewer of both channels.

Fun fact is that the gifts are often essential goods such as kitchen appliances, clothing, and food items. The channel quickly escalated and earned millions of views and subscribers with interactive game content.

Rohit Vlogs

An indigenous (Chakma) vlogger from Rangamati who focuses on lifestyle and food vlogs about the Chakma community.

He showcases content such as the traditional food of the Chakma, their lifestyle, and culture.

The channel also includes the natural scenery of the hill tract area of Rangamti, local markets and their produce, travelling, hints of their traditions, and interaction with people from other indigenous communities.

"Mainly, the vlogger is showcasing the availability of produce in the local markets in his village, authentic Chakma food, and their cooking process," stated Sidratul Muntaha Limi, a follower and appreciative of his vlogs. Storytelling in the vlogs is gathering thousands of audience, making people interested in Chakma culture roots and traditions.

Village life with Shampa

A YouTube channel by a 22-year-old Shampa who vlogs about her simple village life. She moved from city life to live a simple life in the remote village of Manikganj.

The content showcases her daily life, including cooking from local produce, traditional cooking styles, family interaction, and natural scenery.

Also, her videos often include her daughter, Aayat, adding a mother-daughter touch to her content.

In general, it is felt almost impossible to make a content, living in rural areas. Career opportunities once were limited to farming, technical work, small businesses, or labour work. Social media is now generating new income sources with visible career paths as a content creator, in addition to one's personal life.

The simple living style and peaceful nature of these videos add an essence of calmness to our chaotic minds and a little escape from city life.

Audience engagement and communication inspire them to make more content in the future and stay active on the channel. The approach and popularity of rural-based creators are creating role models for many young people.

People no longer look into their phone screens and dream of becoming content creators. Now, they are making it happen just by using their smartphone and internet connections.

They are shifting into making their channel and educating people about digital literacy.

Success comes with failure. While smartphones are getting more advanced nowadays, many might not be able to afford one at first to start making videos.

So, people feel discouraged and question their worth. There is a possibility of a gap, which can be a poor connection or a lack of electricity in rural areas, interrupting communication with the audience.

Cyberbullying and online criticism can have a potential negative impact on the mental health of content creators.

Media literacy has become a staple in understanding fake and harmful content. It addresses the ability to think critically about one's own identity and to protect oneself.

The journey of social media from urban to rural is a powerful narrative of representing oneself in front of the world, using technology to a whole new level. The future of these creators can open a new bridge of possibilities for empowerment, connectivity, and resilience.

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