From YouTube to TV: How QJ League United Fans Across the Country

Kazakhstan’s youth football is steadily gaining widespread recognition, and the Freedom QJ League’s 2024 season has become a true breakthrough not only on the field but also beyond it. Thanks to an extensive focus on broadcasting, the league’s matches were watched by thousands of viewers nationwide, while teams, young talents, and their coaches received long-awaited attention from fans and the media.

 

YouTube Broadcasts: Accessibility for All

 

All 320 tournament matches were available on the league's official YouTube channel, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams regardless of location. Out of these, 116 matches featured professional commentary. Notably, some commentators were winners of a contest organized by the league itself. This approach not only gave aspiring talents a chance to shine but also provided viewers with engaging broadcasts filled with emotional storytelling.

 

National TV Channels: Boosting Popularity

 

National TV channels also contributed to promoting the tournament. Matches were broadcast on QazSport, QSport, InSport, and Sport+:

 

- QazSport aired 5 matches live on their website and as replays on television.

- Q Sport split broadcasts between its Q Arena and Q League channels, showcasing 37 matches.

- InSport aired 46 matches, while Sport+ showed 42 games.

 

This collaboration attracted a more mature audience accustomed to the traditional television format.

 

Expansion to Streaming Platforms

 

One of the standout features of the 2024 season was the expansion of the audience reach through popular streaming platforms. Freedom QJ League matches were not only broadcast on national television channels but also made available on services like Kinopoisk, Megogo, Bee TV, Freedom Media, and others. This made the games accessible to millions of users, offering them the flexibility to choose when and where to watch.

 

Most Popular Matches and Teams

 

In the U18 league, the most-watched match was between Aktobe and Kairat, drawing 4,559 viewers. Kairat emerged as the absolute leader in total views, with 60,092 viewers across the season (averaging 2,732 per game). Second place went to Taraz with 48,385 views (2,199 on average), followed by Aktobe with 46,552 views (2,116 on average). On television, Kairat was also the favorite — its matches were broadcast 9 times, while Tobol and Shakhtyor games were aired 7 and 6 times, respectively.

 

In the U17A league, the most popular match was Astana vs. Kairat, which attracted 6,228 viewers. Kairat once again led in total views (60,505, averaging 2,750 per match), followed by Aktobe (53,068, avg. 2,412) and Astana (52,026, avg. 2,365). TV channels also favored Almaty-based teams, broadcasting Kairat games 10 times and Zhas Kyran 9 times.

 

In the U17B league, the opening match between Ulytau and Akzhaiyk was the most-watched, with 2,600 viewers. The overall leader in views was Ulytau (17,984 for the season), followed by Zhetisu (17,119). Interestingly, both teams stood out not only for their popularity but also for their performance: Zhetisu scored the most goals, while Ulytau conceded the most.

 

The Freedom QJ League 2024 season demonstrated how a strategic approach to broadcasting can elevate youth football to a new level of popularity. The accessibility of matches on YouTube, collaboration with major TV channels, and the involvement of young commentary talent made this season unforgettable for both fans and participants alike.

 

Visit QJ League YouTube channel

 

Read more – How QJ League Helped the Zhanuya Orphanage: A Celebration of Football and a Generous Donation