Oscars Set to Stream on YouTube in 2029, Leaving ABC Behind

The Academy Awards will transition from traditional television to digital streaming, announcing on March 15, 2023, that starting in 2029, the prestigious event will be streamed exclusively on YouTube. This decision marks a significant shift in how one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment calendar will be delivered to audiences worldwide.

According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, ABC will continue to broadcast the Oscars until 2028, a year that will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the awards. Beginning in 2029, YouTube will hold the global streaming rights to the Oscars until 2033, making it the primary platform for all Oscar-related content, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards, and nomination announcements.

Impact of the YouTube Partnership

Bill Kramer, chief executive of the Academy, and Lynette Howell Taylor, academy president, expressed their enthusiasm for this “multifaceted global partnership.” They noted that this collaboration will enhance access to the Academy’s offerings, reaching a larger international audience, which will ultimately benefit both Academy members and the broader film community.

While many award shows have explored streaming options, this move represents a first for the major awards—namely the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys—by completely moving away from broadcast television. YouTube, which boasts approximately 2 billion viewers, will stream the Oscars for free globally, as well as for subscribers of YouTube TV. The event will also feature multiple audio tracks in various languages and closed captioning to enhance accessibility.

Neal Mohan, YouTube’s chief executive, highlighted the cultural significance of the Oscars, stating, “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.”

Historic Shift from ABC

For much of its history, the Oscars have been broadcast on ABC, a network that has held the rights since 1961, with a brief interruption between 1971 and 1975 when NBC aired the show. The Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC responded to the announcement, expressing pride in being the home of the Oscars for over fifty years. The network emphasized its anticipation for the upcoming ceremonies, including the centennial celebration in 2028.

The viewership numbers reflect the Oscars’ enduring appeal. The 2025 Academy Awards attracted approximately 19.7 million viewers on ABC, a modest increase from the previous year, although this figure represents less than half of the peak ratings seen in 1999, when over 55 million viewers watched James Cameron’s Titanic win Best Picture.

In selecting YouTube over competing platforms such as Netflix or NBC Universal’s Peacock, the Academy opted for a platform with a vast audience reach but less established production infrastructure. Despite this, YouTube remains the most popular streaming service among younger demographics. A Nielsen report from November indicates that YouTube accounted for 12.9% of all television and streaming content consumed, outperforming Netflix, which held an 8.3% market share.

The Academy’s decision signifies a bold new direction for the Oscars, embracing a digital future while aiming to broaden its audience and maintain relevance in an evolving entertainment landscape.