Omoni Oboli’s ‘Love in Every Word’ has surged past 15 million views on YouTube in just over a week since its release on March 7, 2025, redefining Nollywood’s YouTube success and changing the trajectory of distribution for local filmmakers.
The romantic drama’s rise has showcased the transformative power of online marketing and digital distribution, which have propelled the movie to the number one spot on YouTube’s trending list as the platform’s fastest-growing Nollywood film.
Despite a brief copyright hiccup that saw the film temporarily pulled from YouTube, its return and subsequent success have made it a cultural phenomenon, sparking viral memes and setting ambitious new goals for the filmmaker.
Released on Omoni Oboli TV, the film -produced and directed by Oboli and written by Mfon-Abasi Micheal Inyang – tells the heartfelt story of two people, Chioma and Odogwu, played by Bamike ‘Bam Bam’ Olawunmi-Adenibuyan and Uzor Arukwe, navigating love, cultural differences, and personal growth.Its rapid ascent began with 4.3 million views in the first 72 hours, which grew to 7 million in three days, before a copyright claim by Chinonso Obiora (Skyberry) led to its removal on March 11, 2025.
The takedown ignited outrage among fans, with social media buzzing over the perceived injustice. However, Oboli and her team resolved the dispute within hours, restoring the film by March 12, 2025.
Oboli’s marketing strategy
The film’s success owes much to Oboli’s savvy online marketing strategy. Short clips posted on Instagram and TikTok showcase standout scenes—like Arukwe’s character affectionately calling Bam Bam’s character ‘Achanugo,’ declaring that he will marry her.
The short clips have racked up thousands of views and reposts, each sparking social media conversations on expectations from the dynamic of relationships with a rich Igbo man.
The ‘Achanugo meme’ has taken X by the storm, with fans repurposing the term in humorous and romantic contexts, further embedding the film in popular culture. This grassroots momentum, fuelled by social media engagement, has turned ‘Love in Every Word’ into a viral sensation, drawing both fans and critics to stream the one-hour-55-minute film.
