How Two Ethiopian YouTubers Are Bringing the World Closer in Local Language











For years, Ethiopian audiences seeking travel stories online often had to rely on English-language content from Western vloggers. Today, that’s changing. A new wave of local-language creators is taking viewers on journeys across the globe — without the cultural translation gap. Leading this movement are Abel Berhanu and Janny, two YouTubers who have turned their cameras, charisma, and curiosity into full-time careers, and in the process, built loyal communities eager to see the world through an Ethiopian lens.

Abel Berhanu: From “Side Hustle” to Million-Making Media Brand

Nine years ago, when Abel Berhanu uploaded his first travel-related video to YouTube, Ethiopian content creators on the platform were scarce. A television, radio, and advertising professional by trade, Abel saw YouTube initially as an experimental side project — one that would run alongside his media jobs.

The early days were brutal.He published 62 videos in a row with fewer than ten views each. Still, Abel kept uploading, convinced that the platform could one day be his ticket to both financial independence and fulfilling his childhood dream of traveling the world. That persistence paid off on the 63rd upload — a video about a local bank’s homeownership scheme that suddenly went viral, pulling in thousands of views within hours. From then on, his trajectory shifted.

At first earning around $100 per video, Abel reinvested into his channel, eventually leaving his day jobs to focus entirely on YouTube. Today, he runs five channels, employs a team of 11 staff in Ethiopia and the US, and holds multiple YouTube Creator Awards — including two Gold Play Buttons for surpassing one million subscribers.

While he doesn’t disclose exact monthly earnings, Abel is candid that his income “makes millions” of birr annually, fluctuating with video performance. YouTube, he says, is not just a paycheck but “a great source of wealth” for those willing to work hard, be patient, and learn how to package stories in ways audiences can connect with.

His formula blends cultural storytelling with journalistic curiosity. Abel has visited 63 countries and all 50 US states, producing content in Amharic that goes beyond scenic shots. His travelogues explore history, culture, lifestyle, and unique national quirks, often under challenging conditions ranging from extreme weather to restrictive filming laws. By filming in his native language, he opens up the world for Ethiopians who might not otherwise engage with English-only travel content.

Janny: From Uber Eats Deliveries to Global Adventures

Janny — whose real name and backstory remain less public than Abel’s — started his YouTube journey in September 2020 while living in the United States. His first videos were not about travel at all, but about reacting to Ethiopian music and livestreaming his experiences as an Uber Eats delivery driver. This relatable starting point helped him connect with Ethiopians abroad and at home, giving his channel an authentic, down-to-earth tone.

Over the past four years, Janny’s channel, jahnny VLOGS, has grown to 357,000 subscribers, 841 videos, and more than 53.8 million views. He has also built a broader digital presence, with 73,000 Instagram followers and an impressive 363,000 TikTok followers — making him one of the most multi-platform Ethiopian creators in the travel niche.

His breakthrough came with travel vlogs that mixed curiosity with candidness. One of his most watched videos — a Thailand nightlife exploration — has surpassed 800,000 views, pulling in both Ethiopian viewers and international audiences curious about his perspective. Other popular content includes visits to Saudi Arabia to see football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, explorations of “Little Ethiopia” communities abroad, and domestic adventures showcasing Ethiopia’s historic cities like Gondar.

Janny’s storytelling style is immersive and personality-driven, often putting himself at the center of the narrative so viewers feel like they’re traveling alongside him. He frequently collaborates with other Ethiopian YouTubers, expanding his reach and introducing his audience to new personalities.

Importantly, his decision to vlog in Amharic ensures his content resonates deeply with Ethiopians, especially those less comfortable with English. This linguistic choice has positioned him as a cultural bridge — showing global destinations through an Ethiopian lens while breaking down stereotypes about his homeland.

Why Local-Language Travel Vlogging Matters

For both Abel and Janny, producing in Amharic isn’t just a stylistic choice — it’s a strategic one. Ethiopia is a nation of over 120 million people with relatively low English fluency rates. Local-language travel content removes a barrier, letting viewers focus on the story, the visuals, and the cultural comparisons without translation fatigue.

In doing so, these creators have tapped into an underserved digital market. As Abel points out, Ethiopia has “very few” YouTubers with over a million subscribers, meaning the platform remains an untapped business opportunity for those who can deliver consistent, engaging content.

The Business of Being an Ethiopian Travel Vlogger

Both vloggers show that sustainable YouTube income in Ethiopia is possible — but it requires professional discipline:

Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond AdSense, they monetize through brand deals, sponsored trips, book sales (Abel), and merchandise.

High Output: Regular uploads keep their channels in YouTube’s recommendation algorithms.

Global & Local Licensing: Abel’s US business license and Janny’s multi-platform growth allow them to expand monetization options.

Team Building: Abel runs a full production team; Janny often collaborates to boost content variety and production value.

Cultural Relevance: Local language + Ethiopian cultural framing = higher domestic engagement.



Both creators have ambitions beyond their current milestones. Abel still dreams of visiting every sovereign country in the world, while Janny continues to explore destinations that blend adventure with cultural storytelling — often aiming to surprise his viewers with places they’ve never considered visiting.

For Ethiopian audiences, their work is more than entertainment. It’s a chance to experience the world without leaving home, to see global culture through Ethiopian eyes, and to imagine their own place in it.

In a country where digital opportunities are growing but still underdeveloped, Abel Berhanu and Janny are not just vloggers — they are digital pioneers, proving that with persistence, strategy, and cultural authenticity, Ethiopia can have a seat at the global storytelling table.