"We don't need loans, we need income": content creators on new "empowerment" scheme

This whole thing has been a hollow gesture by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to say he "empowered" content creators. I say this is another lie.

Muizzu has established a pattern of behaviour where he will technically fulfil a promise in a way everyone hates, but he and his followers can pat him on his back and say, "Wow, we did it."

For example, during his campaign he promised that he would not put stickers on bikes without building parking space. Now they just take away bikes instead. Where is the parking space? All I see is a cemetery being dug up and the dead being disrespected.

Muizzu is a man of half-measures who only knows the language of doublespeak. We already saw that with the vape ban and refusal to do a proper ban which included cigarettes. Like a bad AI, when prompted to give better support for content creators, instead of making it easier to do business with established platforms, he handed us a debt noose to tie around our necks.

Enough of me talking, let's hear from others

One content creator put it bluntly: "We don't need more loans, we need more sources of income. One way we can get more income is if these government companies start giving event gigs to actual content creators instead of companies owned by MPs."

A local filmmaker suggested workshops and short film competitions would be more valuable: "Loans don't teach career skills. You get equipment, make some money, then spend the rest of your time paying it off. I will not be taking that [problematic] loan."

Angel Shujau, a fashion designer, said: "It's another loan while students are already paying loans. You still need an ecosystem. Without PayPal or other sources to bring in money, it won't help. We need an art village to have a space to create." 

A TikToker concurred: "A loan is definitely not the thing we are looking for. Monetisation on TikTok is what we TikTok creators would like. Something that would reward us for our efforts on the video based on likes and shares."

A local musician highlighted two core problems: payment infrastructure that forces creators to lose income to third-party services, and cultural attitudes that don't treat content creation as legitimate work. "Loans are not a solution. Rather than giving loans, why not offer a way to bring money into the country?"

Anoof Junaid, a photographer, suggested: "You won’t learn anything from taking a loan. The government isn’t helping new creators or even existing creators by doing that. What kids need is mentorship. With that knowledge they can learn to do more with less (using whatever equipment they have, maybe even a phone to create good content). New kids need to learn how to manage what you can do with little. Struggles teach, people teach, not loans."

A Roblox YouTuber observed that the loan only helps established creators: "At the moment the only way content creators are able to earn money is by brand deals and collaborations, which isn't a good income source. This loan is just meant to benefit a select group instead of beginners who want to venture into this career path."

Muzzy♔, a TikToker, said: "Payment options is a huge issue for us. For example, the subscription tier on TikTok is locked out for us. Getting payment from TikTok to the bank account is a hassle. I lose US$ 40 per withdrawal due to third-party services and bank fees."

A Twitch streamer I spoke to also noted the difficulty in bringing his Twitch income into the Maldives. At least having PayPal or StreamLabs support would help a lot, he said.

If you have the passion for it, start creating right now. I started with a broken laptop uploading videos at 240p. Build the audience first, then invest in your setup. Working with what you have forces you to be more charismatic and entertaining. The audience is there for you, not your gear.

I will even give you an example: tomatoibis. He is making amazing videos showing his music skills.

On the other side, I see those high-budget podcasts that are popping up out of nowhere. There is no substance because it's content for the sake of content.

What happens when you are two years into this and still have this loan over your head? Are you going to force yourself to make videos with no passion? A six-month grace period is not empowerment. Your viewers can tell when you are not genuine. Don't get stuck in a debt trap. Content creation is supposed to make you independent. Not dependent.

The amount you can get depends on having a stable income. Perhaps filmmakers and musicians who need expensive performance gear?

The creative sector struggles with investors, but the term "content creators" is misleading when this realistically helps two percent of people under that umbrella. This is not for the average YouTuber or TikToker.

What would actually help? Platform monetisation support. Payment infrastructure. Even a green screen room in a library would do more than this loan scheme. Taking on debt shouldn't be thrown around as a catch-all solution, especially when the real problem is bringing money into the country, not lending it out at 9.5 percent profit.

  

WhoIsFishie is a gamer, YouTuber and independent security researcher.