HStv celebrates 100 000 YouTube subscribers

Olga Muteiwa

Heart & Soul Broadcasting Services (HStv), Zimbabwe’s trailblazing digital media platform, a subsidiary of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) publishers of the Newsday, Zimbabwe Independent, The Standard and Southern Eye on Sunday are proud to announce that they have officially reached 100 000 subscribers on YouTube — a milestone that marks a new era for independent storytelling in Zimbabwe and the African diaspora.

Since launching in 2018, HStv has grown from a bold idea into a dynamic, people-powered platform driven by creativity, inclusion, and collaboration.

This milestone reaffirms their audience’s trust and reflects the vibrancy of a media house that listens, innovates, and connects.

“HStv's journey has always been about putting people first empowering voices, sparking creativity, and building something meaningful together,” said HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa.

“Hitting 100 000 subscribers is not just a milestone; it's proof that when you stay true to your purpose and audience, growth follows naturally.

“We're incredibly proud of what this community represents and even more excited for what's ahead.”

Independent and people-centred

As part of AMH, HStv maintains full editorial independence. Their mission is to foster transparent journalism, civic dialogue, and democratic engagement free from fear, bias, or censorship. They exist to serve the people, not those in power.

“We are committed to ensure that everyone is heard regardless of their political, racial and religious background, we are a platform for everyone and this has made us the first choice current affairs platform in Zimbabwe regardless of the fact that this has gotten us into trouble we remain to telling the story as it is,” said HStv head of current affairs Blessed Mhlanga

Local strength, global reach

According to their YouTube statistics, the largest portion of HStv's audience comes from Zimbabwe (43.8%), with particularly strong engagement in Harare. However, the platform's digital reach extends well beyond national borders.

HStv has become a global hub for Zimbabweans in the diaspora, attracting significant audiences from South Africa (22,4%), the United Kingdom (7,4%), Botswana (1,7%), and the United States (1,4%).

This global connection affirms HStv's role as a vital channel for bridging the gap between home and abroad through culture, news, and authentic conversations.

In addition to YouTube, HStv maintains a strong presence across multiple digital platforms, including TikTok with 18,6K followers, Facebook with 152,2K followers, and Instagram with 10,9K followers further extending its reach and impact across diverse audiences.

Content co-creation

What sets HStv apart is its unique ability to co-create content with its community. Whether through partnerships with youth organisations, NGOs, businesses, artists, or change-makers, HStv thrives on building media that speaks with not just to its audience.

The platform has collaborated with reputable organisations such as the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the National Aids Council, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, among others.

These partnerships underscore HStv’s commitment to impactful, inclusive, and community-driven storytelling.

Content that reflects and respects

HStv offers a wide variety of shows that speak directly to the realities and aspirations of our audiences.

From hard-hitting current affairs and political analysis HStv offers a wide variety of shows that speak directly to the realities and aspirations of its audience. From hard-hitting current affairs and political analysis to youth-focused talk shows, health programs, lifestyle features, and entertainment, the platform delivers content that is both relevant and engaging.

Flagship programmes such as FreeTalk provide in-depth coverage of current affairs, while youth-focused talk shows like Bro Code, Love Locked, and Mental Health create space for young voices to explore topics around relationships, identity, and culture.

Educational and wellness-centered content such as the Wellness programme further extends HStv’s impact. This diverse programming ensures that HStv not only informs, but also empowers and inspires its viewers.

Championing gender balance

HStv is proudly committed to gender equity, both within its newsroom and in front of the camera. The platform prioritises balanced representation, amplifies women’s voices, and intentionally creates space for female-led narratives and leadership.

HStv operates on a simple yet powerful belief: the future of media must be inclusive.

“I'm proud to affirm HStv's unwavering commitment to gender equity,” said programmes manager Unique Zimuto.

“We believe that true media leadership means intentionally creating space for diverse voices, particularly women's, ensuring our content both reflects and shapes a more inclusive future.”

Creative excellence in production

At the heart of HStv's success is a brilliant and youthful production team whose energy, design excellence, and storytelling craftsmanship bring every show to life.

From striking visuals and immersive narratives to seamless livestreams and compelling documentaries, creativity remains the platform’s defining hallmark.

In appreciation, Muteiwa shared: “Thank you, HStv family. This milestone belongs to you our subscribers, viewers, partners, and collaborators.”

“Thank you for believing in a media house that dares to be different.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering bold, meaningful, and transformative content that reflects the heartbeat of our nation and its people, both at home and across the globe.”

Here’s to the next 100 000 — and beyond.

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