YouTube to Become Exclusive Global Streaming Partner of the Oscars from 2029

Academy Awards Shift from Network TV to Digital Era with YouTube Deal

In a landmark transformation for global entertainment broadcasting, YouTube has secured exclusive worldwide streaming rights to the Academy Awards starting in 2029 . The agreement, which will run until 2033, brings an end to ABC’s nearly five-decade-long association with Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony and reflects the accelerating shift from traditional television to digital platforms for major live events.

End of a Historic Television Partnership

ABC will continue broadcasting the Oscars until 2028, including the 100th Academy Awards , preserving its legacy as the ceremony’s longest-running broadcast partner. However, declining television viewership and changing audience habits reportedly prompted ABC to seek revised financial terms, paving the way for a new digital-first strategy by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Scope and Value of the YouTube Agreement

From 2029, YouTube will stream the entire Oscars experience globally , covering the main awards ceremony, red carpet events, backstage segments and the Governors Ball. Industry estimates place the deal’s value at over $100 million , with YouTube outbidding traditional media giants such as Disney and NBCUniversal. Advertising will remain integrated into the broadcast, ensuring continued revenue generation for the Academy.

Expanding Global Reach Through Digital Access

A key feature of the agreement is free global access . Viewers worldwide will be able to watch the Oscars on YouTube without charge, while US audiences can also stream the event via YouTube TV subscriptions . Academy officials have stated that the partnership is designed to reach younger audiences and international viewers who increasingly consume entertainment online rather than through cable television.

What to Note for Exams?

• YouTube will stream the Oscars globally from 2029 to 2033 .

• ABC retains rights until the 100th Oscars in 2028 .

• The deal is valued at over $100 million .

• The Oscars will be available free worldwide with advertising .

A Broader Industry Trend

The move highlights a wider shift in live entertainment, as streaming platforms increasingly acquire high-profile global events. With Oscars viewership declining from 57 million in 1998 to about 18 million in 2025 , the Academy is betting on digital reach, interactivity and global accessibility to revitalise relevance in the evolving media landscape.