Arafta races to 1 million YT subscribers, jolts global drama buyers

MUMBAI: Turkish drama Arafta has broken out globally, racing past one million YouTube subscribers in just 43 days and triggering a rush among international buyers to secure rights. The series marks a sharp proof point for a YouTube-first distribution model, as digital scale converts rapidly into licensing momentum.

Launched on YouTube in November 2025 by distributor GoQuest Media and producer Rains Pictures, Arafta has already been licensed across Turkey, Israel, Romania, India, Indonesia and Latvia, even as production continues. In Turkey, the show also began linear broadcast on Kanal 7 in December.

The numbers are emphatic. Total views have crossed 200 million, with the opening episode alone drawing more than 18 million views. The on-screen pairing of Emin Günenç and İlsu Demirci has fuelled social buzz, spawning fan edits and reaction videos that have kept the series trending across platforms. YouTube operations are managed by Turning Red Media.

The collaboration unites GoQuest Media, which previously scored with Kuma (The Other Wife), and Rains Pictures, known for hits such as Rüzgarlı Tepe (Winds of Love) and Kan Çiçekleri (Vendetta). Arafta centres on Mercan, played by İlsu Demirci, a woman navigating survival and sacrifice, and Ateş, portrayed by Emin Günenç, a wealthy man shadowed by his past. The drama traces the fine line between love and vengeance.

“With Arafta, we are extending the digital-plus-licensing model that worked so strongly for Kuma,” said GoQuest Media managing director Vivek Lath. “Crossing 18 million views for episode one and closing early international deals underline the appetite for premium Turkish drama beyond borders.”

Sevda Kaygısız of Rains Pictures said the response reflected more than viral metrics. “The engagement shows a deep emotional bond with audiences and reinforces confidence in Arafta’s long-term vision. Our partnership with GoQuest Media signals a new chapter in the global journey of Turkish drama.”