Oscars to Stream on YouTube Starting 2029 After 50 Years on ABC

A Major Shift in the World of Entertainment

YouTube has made a significant move by securing the global rights to the Oscars starting in 2029. This development marks a major shift in how major live events are distributed and highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry.

The Oscars have long been one of the most-watched television events of the year, drawing millions of viewers around the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced that YouTube will hold the global rights to the Oscars from 2029 through 2033. This means that the event will no longer be broadcast on ABC after 2028, ending a more than 50-year partnership with the network. However, the Oscars will still be available for free worldwide, but exclusively on YouTube and YouTube TV.

As part of the agreement, YouTube will also provide red carpet coverage and other behind-the-scenes content leading up to the awards ceremony. This expansion of content offers fans a more immersive experience before the main event.

The Rise of Streaming Platforms

This decision comes at a time when streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime are increasingly competing for exclusive rights to major live events. The Oscars, being one of the most-watched telecasts, is a highly sought-after asset. In non-presidential election years, it often ranks among the top 100 most-watched telecasts of the year.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the importance of the Oscars as a cultural institution in a statement. He said, "Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy."

Disney and ABC will continue to hold the rights to the Oscars through 2028, including the milestone 100th Academy Awards. Beyond the Oscars, the Google Arts & Culture initiative will provide digital access to select Academy Museum exhibitions and programs.

YouTube's Growing Influence

YouTube's evolution from a platform for short videos to a major player in the living room has been notable. According to the monthly Nielsen Gauge, YouTube has consistently held the top spot in share of TV viewing among media companies. In October, it had a 12.9% share, surpassing Disney (11.4%) and NBCUniversal (8.6%).

The way people consume content has also changed. A streaming data analysis company found that videos lasting 30 minutes or more accounted for 73% of total viewing on YouTube in the US in October 2024, up 8% from the previous year. YouTube has actively encouraged this shift by introducing new tools for creators to produce serialized shows that resemble traditional TV content.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

YouTube's plans to dominate the living room have been in the spotlight, especially following its recent public dispute with Disney over the cost of carrying channels like ESPN and ABC News on YouTube TV. Google shared data showing that YouTube TV was the No. 4 pay-TV service in the US.

Traditional media companies are responding to YouTube's expansion by collaborating with YouTube creators and podcasters, taking inspiration from the platform's success.