The Oscars Are Moving to YouTube in 2029: ABC Deal Ends After 53 Years
In a historic shift for Hollywood's biggest night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on December 17, 2025, that the Oscars will leave ABC and stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029. This groundbreaking multi-year deal gives YouTube exclusive global rights to the Academy Awards through 2033, marking the end of a 53-year partnership with ABC.
Key Details
- •Start Date: 2029 Academy Awards ceremony
- •Deal Length: Multi-year exclusive through 2033
- •Access: Free, global streaming on YouTube
- •ABC Partnership: Ending after 53 years (since 1976)
- •Remaining ABC Broadcasts: 2026, 2027, 2028 ceremonies
Why YouTube?
The Academy's decision reflects a major strategic pivot toward global accessibility and younger audiences. According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, the partnership will "expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community."
Global Reach
YouTube's massive global platform will allow the Oscars to reach billions of potential viewers worldwide for free, a significant shift from traditional broadcast television's geographic and paywall limitations.
Viewership Decline & Changing Demographics
The move comes as the Oscars has experienced declining viewership over decades. While the 2025 ceremony saw a slight uptick, with a significant increase in younger viewers watching from mobile phones and computers, traditional broadcast numbers have struggled to match historical peaks.
Viewership Trends
- ↓Decades-long decline in traditional TV viewership
- ↑2025 saw slight uptick with younger demographic
- 📱Significant increase in mobile and computer streaming
- 🌍Growing international audience interest
What YouTube CEO Says
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and emphasized that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy."
Impact on Hollywood Streaming Wars
This announcement comes during a tumultuous period for Hollywood, with major studio sales, mergers, and steep production cuts reshaping the industry. The Oscars' move to YouTube further signals the entertainment industry's shift away from traditional broadcast television toward streaming platforms.
Broadcasting Context
Like major studios, cable networks including ABC have faced mounting challenges as viewers increasingly opt for streaming services. YouTube securing the Oscars rights represents a major victory in the ongoing battle between traditional broadcast and digital streaming platforms.
ABC's Final Three Years
ABC, which has broadcast the Academy Awards since 1976, will host its final three Oscars ceremonies in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The network released a statement saying it looks forward "to the next three telecasts" it will produce.
What This Means for Viewers
Free Global Access
Starting in 2029, anyone with internet access worldwide can watch the Oscars for free on YouTube, eliminating geographic restrictions and cable subscriptions.
Multi-Device Viewing
Watch on any device - phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs - wherever YouTube is available.
Live & On-Demand
The ceremony will stream live and likely remain available for replay after the broadcast.
Hollywood's Streaming Future
The Oscars' move to YouTube follows broader industry consolidation, including ongoing merger discussions between major studios. This landmark deal suggests that reliance on streaming platforms will continue to accelerate as Hollywood adapts to changing viewer habits and declining traditional broadcast audiences.
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