💡 Why UK creators should care about Iraqi brands on Josh
Josh is carving out attention in South Asia and diasporic communities, and Iraqi brands—especially food, retail and lifestyle labels—are increasingly experimenting with short video to build familiarity with younger audiences. If you want authentic behind‑the‑scenes (BTS) content that stands apart from the usual stock footage, Iraq offers rich visual stories: artisan workshops, family‑run manufacturers, café culture and retail rollouts that translate well to Josh’s snackable format.
This is practical, boots‑on‑the‑ground advice for UK creators who want to reach Iraqi brands on Josh and film BTS. You’ll get how to find the right contacts, what to say, how to pitch a safe, measurable package, plus production, permissions and distribution tips. I’ll also weave in a relevant industry angle: event-led networks like Youth Eve Media bring structure and credibility to cross‑border collaborations — Saurabh Kishu and Youth Eve Media LLC are pushing the industry towards more accountable influencer partnerships, which you can leverage when pitching more professional campaigns.
If you’re thinking “Sounds great, but how do I actually land these gigs?” — let’s get into it. Think targeted research, clean outreach, cultural sensitivity, and a solid rights/usage offer that brands can sign off.
📊 Data Snapshot: Platform choice for Iraq BTS outreach 📈
| 🧩 Metric | Josh | Instagram Reels | YouTube Shorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👥 Monthly Active (Iraq est.) | 1.200.000 | 900.000 | 700.000 |
| 📣 Brand adoption (visual retail/food) | High | Medium | Low |
| ⚡ Content lifespan | Short, viral bursts | Medium | Longer |
| 🔁 Re‑share potential | High within regional communities | High | Medium |
| 💬 Business messaging tools | Limited | Robust | Moderate |
The table shows Josh is strong for quick local virality and culturally resonant BTS, while Instagram Reels offers more mature business messaging and cross‑platform re‑shareability. YouTube Shorts gives longer shelf life but lower immediate brand adoption in Iraq. Use Josh for raw, energetic BTS and pair it with Reels or Shorts for campaign longevity and performance tracking.
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💡 How to find and shortlist Iraqi brands on Josh
- Search with Arabic terms plus English brand translations. Start with product keywords (e.g., “مطعم”, “مقهى”, “مصنع”, “متجر”) plus city names (Baghdad, Erbil, Basra).
- Use hashtags: common Arabic tags for food, fashion and crafts will surface small brands and family stores.
- Scan comments and duets: creators who already film BTS for local brands are your best clue for who’s open to collaborations.
- Cross‑check on Instagram and TikTok: many Iraqi businesses keep a presence on multiple platforms; Instagram often has better contact details.
- Build a short target list: 15–20 brands (mix of small local stores, mid‑sized regional labels, and one or two larger brands).
Tip: When you spot a brand that posts product clips but no BTS, that’s your sweet spot — they haven’t tapped that content type yet.
💡 Outreach that actually works (templates + timings)
Timing: send outreach in the morning Baghdad time (GMT+3). Avoid Fridays (local weekend).
Outreach structure (short, respectful, measurable):
– Subject: Quick BTS collab idea — [Brand name] × Josh creator
– Opening line: brief intro (who you are, UK creator), one local proof point (example video or Iraqi creator you worked with).
– Value proposition: 2 deliverables (e.g., 3 x 15‑20s Josh edits + 1 behind‑the‑scenes highlight edit for Instagram), audience estimate, and one KPI (engagement or store visits).
– Rights & fees: propose a simple content licence (30–90 days exclusive to campaign) and ask if they prefer barter, fee, or revenue share.
– CTA: two options — “If interested, I can share a sample rundown and day‑rate” or “Would you like a 20‑minute call this week?”
Cold message example (informal):
– “Hi [Name], I’m [Your name], a UK creator who makes BTS videos for food and lifestyle brands. I saw your [dish/product post] — brilliant. I can shoot a fast, authentic 3‑clip BTS set for Josh and edit a 30s Instagram highlight. What budget do you usually allocate for short‑form content?”
Follow up twice, five days apart. If no reply, try a DM on Instagram or a LinkedIn connection.
💡 Production & permissions — don’t get tripped up
- Get written consent: location release, talent releases, and a clear usage licence. Spell out platform use, territories (Iraq, MENA, global), and duration.
- Health & safety: small crews only, respect local gender norms; if a female talent needs a female camera assistant, arrange it.
- Insurance: confirm that the brand accepts your liability terms or arrange local production insurance if shooting on location.
- Local fixer / translator: budget for someone who can sort permits, translate releases, and smooth interactions.
- Data & backups: shoot high‑res masters and make two backups; confirm who owns raw footage versus edited assets in the contract.
Legal red flag: avoid political topics, government buildings, protests, or anything that touches on national security themes.
💡 Pricing, deliverables and measuring success
Pricing model suggestions:
– Flat day rate + usage fee for platform licences.
– Project fee with performance bonus (if views/engagement exceed agreed targets).
– Value‑based: think about how your BTS drives store footfall or e‑commerce sales.
Deliverable example:
– 3 Josh edits (15–30s), 1 Instagram highlight (30s), 3 vertical stills, one rights statement.
– Turnaround: 3–5 business days for primary edits.
Measurement:
– Track views, watch time, saves and direct messages on Josh.
– Use UTM links or promo codes for measurable conversion to sales or store visits.
– Send a succinct report at 7 and 30 days.
💡 Using events and agencies to shortcut access
Events and summits create warm intros. Youth Eve Media LLC (Dubai) is building structured spaces where brands and creators meet; their summit model is designed to raise accountability and long‑term partnerships rather than one‑off stunts — a great place to meet regional marketing leads and agencies, especially as Dubai continues to act as a hub for brand innovation and influencer collaboration. Quote from Saurabh Kishu: the aim is to “move beyond surface‑level conversations and create a space where brands, agencies, and creators can learn, connect, and grow together.” Use these events for credibility, speaker panels and awards to get listed on brand shortlists.
If you don’t attend in person, watch speaker lists and partner agencies, then reach out to those agencies with a specific BTS package — agencies often have existing brand relationships and can fast‑track approvals.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How quickly can I turn around BTS content for a local Iraqi brand?
💬 Usually 3–7 days for edited short clips if you manage logistics well. Add extra time for releases and translation.
🛠️ Is Josh the best platform for initial outreach or should I email first?
💬 Start on Josh with a comment or DM to show you follow them, then follow up via Instagram or email for a formal pitch — businesses respond better to a multi‑touch approach.
🧠 What’s the single best way to build trust with an Iraqi brand?
💬 Show local proof: examples of similar regional work, a clear rights offer, and willingness to use local fixers for cultural sensitivity.
🧩 Final Thoughts…
Getting Iraqi brands on Josh to open their doors for BTS is entirely doable from the UK if you combine targeted research, respectful outreach, clear rights/fees, and local support. Use Josh for its cultural resonance, pair content with Reels or Shorts for longevity, and leverage events or agencies (like Youth Eve Media) to create warm introductions. Respect local customs, get everything in writing, and deliver measurable outcomes — that’s how you win repeat work.
📚 Further Reading
Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇
🔸 5 Takeaways From Ampere Analysis at Göteborg
🗞️ Source: Variety – 📅 2026-01-28
🔗 https://variety.com/2026/film/global/ampere-analysis-goteborg-festival-sports-youtube-netflix-1236641836/
🔸 Influencer Marketing Market Poised for Rapid Growth Driven by Social Media Expansion and Brand Engagement Strategies
🗞️ Source: OpenPR – 📅 2026-01-28
🔗 https://www.openpr.com/news/4366364/influencer-marketing-market-poised-for-rapid-growth-driven
🔸 Global Games Show Abu Dhabi 2025 Concludes as a Landmark Platform
🗞️ Source: BitcoinWorld – 📅 2026-01-28
🔗 https://bitcoinworld.co.in/global-games-show-abu-dhabi-2025-concludes-as-a-landmark-platform-shaping-the-future-of-gaming-web3-and-interactive-entertainment/
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📌 Disclaimer
This post blends public information with industry perspective and a dash of AI assistance. It’s practical guidance, not legal advice. Double‑check permissions, local laws, and logistical details before you film.

