Oscars live on YouTube starting in 2029 as the Academy Awards enter a new digital era, shifting from traditional television to global streaming.
The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are set to enter a new digital era. Starting in 2029, the annual Oscars ceremony will be streamed live globally on YouTube, ending its decades-long run as a traditional broadcast television event.
The announcement signals a major transformation in how audiences experience Hollywood’s most prestigious film awards, reflecting the entertainment industry’s growing shift toward streaming platforms.
ABC’s Long-Running Oscars Era Comes to an End
ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Company, has been the official broadcast partner of the Academy Awards since 1976. For nearly five decades, the network aired the Oscars every year, making it one of the most enduring partnerships in television history.
Changing Viewer Habits Drive the Shift to Streaming
In recent years, viewership for major awards shows has declined as audiences moved away from cable television and toward digital streaming platforms. The Oscars have followed this trend, prompting the Academy to rethink how the ceremony reaches viewers worldwide.
2025 Oscars Ratings Show a Mixed Picture
The 2025 Academy Awards attracted approximately 19.7 million viewers in the United States, marking the highest audience in five years. Despite this increase, the figure remained far below the record-breaking 57 million viewers who watched the ceremony in 1998.
Why ABC Chose Not to Renew the Deal
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, ABC made an effort to retain the broadcast rights but avoided overpaying. The network reportedly found it increasingly difficult to generate strong profits from the Oscars due to changing advertising trends.
YouTube’s Global Streaming Strategy for the Oscars
Under the new agreement, YouTube will stream the Academy Awards live worldwide from 2029 through 2033. The platform will offer closed captions and multiple language audio tracks, making the ceremony more accessible to international audiences.
Industry Leaders React to the Announcement
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a vital cultural institution that celebrates storytelling and artistic excellence. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said the partnership would help inspire future filmmakers and expand global access to film history.
A New Digital Chapter for the Academy Awards
The decision to move the Oscars to YouTube reflects the broader transformation of the entertainment industry. From 2029 onward, the ceremony will evolve into a truly global digital event, reaching audiences far beyond traditional television.
The partnership with YouTube is expected to significantly expand the Oscars’ global reach. With billions of active users worldwide, YouTube offers the Academy an opportunity to connect with audiences who may not have access to traditional television broadcasts. This shift also allows viewers to watch the ceremony across multiple devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and tablets.
Streaming the Academy Awards live on YouTube aligns with broader industry trends, as major entertainment events continue to move toward digital-first distribution. Younger audiences, in particular, prefer flexible and on-demand viewing options, making streaming platforms a more effective way to sustain long-term interest in award shows.
As the Oscars live on YouTube era begins in 2029, the Academy aims to preserve the prestige of the ceremony while adapting to modern viewing habits. This transition may influence how other global award shows approach broadcasting, potentially reshaping the future of live entertainment worldwide.
When will the Oscars start streaming live on YouTube?
The Academy Awards will begin streaming live on YouTube worldwide starting in 2029, marking a major shift from traditional television broadcasting.
Why are the Oscars moving from TV to YouTube?
The move reflects changing viewer habits as more audiences prefer streaming platforms over cable television. YouTube offers global reach, accessibility, and multilingual support.
Will the Oscars still be available on television?
Starting in 2029, the Oscars will primarily stream live on YouTube. Traditional TV broadcasting is expected to end as part of the new agreement.
How long will the Oscars stream on YouTube?
The agreement between the Academy and YouTube will run from 2029 through 2033, covering multiple Academy Awards ceremonies.
Will the Oscars be available worldwide on YouTube?
Yes, YouTube will stream the Oscars globally with closed captions and multiple language audio tracks to reach international audiences.
