The Oscars to Stream on YouTube from 2029
Tuesday, 2025/12/23230 words3 minutes1356 reads
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a paradigm shift in the broadcasting of its prestigious Academy Awards ceremony. Starting in 2029, the Oscars will transition from its half-century tenure on ABC to stream exclusively on YouTube, marking a significant evolution in the show's distribution strategy.
This move comes as part of a multi-year agreement that grants YouTube exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033. The decision reflects the Academy's response to changing viewer habits and the increasing dominance of digital platforms in media consumption. It also aligns with a broader trend in Hollywood, where traditional broadcasting models are being challenged by the rise of streaming services.
The shift to YouTube is particularly notable given the Oscars' recent viewership trends. While the awards show has experienced a general decline in traditional television audiences over the years, it saw a modest uptick in 2025, with a significant portion of younger viewers accessing the content via mobile devices and computers. This digital pivot aims to capitalize on these changing consumption patterns and expand the Oscars' global reach.
Industry experts view this transition as a strategic move to rejuvenate the Oscars' appeal, especially among younger demographics. By leveraging YouTube's vast user base and accessibility, the Academy hopes to breathe new life into one of entertainment's most storied institutions while maintaining its cultural significance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
