Part 7/16:

Saudi Arabia's approach to shaping its international narrative on YouTube highlights a nuanced understanding of digital influence. Instead of direct governmental messaging, the kingdom invests heavily in content creation and promotion by funding influencers, hosting events, and building dedicated entertainment spaces.

Interestingly, Saudi-produced YouTube content like Themania — a self-help and lifestyle channel — has amassed over 150 million views, surpassing even some Western podcasts in popularity. Such figures demonstrate that the kingdom recognizes the potency of social media and is actively cultivating a cultural cachet that extends far beyond traditional diplomatic channels.