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YouTube Surpasses Disney, Paramount, WBD in 2025 Ad Revenue
The platform pulled in $40.4 billion in ad revenue, topping the combined haul from major Hollywood studios.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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According to new estimates, YouTube generated $40.4 billion in ad revenue in 2025, surpassing the combined ad revenue of $37.8 billion from major entertainment companies like Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery. This shift reflects the changing content consumption habits of audiences and how advertisers have adapted their strategies.
Why it matters
This milestone for YouTube underscores the platform's growing dominance in the digital advertising landscape, as traditional media companies struggle with shrinking linear TV audiences and rising production costs for their own streaming platforms. It highlights the broader shift in power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
The details
In 2024, YouTube's ad revenue of $36.1 billion fell short of the $41.8 billion collectively earned by Disney, NBCU, Paramount, and WBD. However, the tables have now turned, with YouTube pulling in $40.4 billion in ad revenue in 2025, surpassing the combined haul from these major Hollywood studios. This shift reflects the growing influence of digital platforms like YouTube, as audiences, especially younger viewers, spend more time consuming content on these platforms.
- In 2025, YouTube generated $40.4 billion in ad revenue.
- In 2024, YouTube's ad revenue was $36.1 billion, falling short of the $41.8 billion collectively earned by Disney, NBCU, Paramount, and WBD.
The players
YouTube
A video-sharing platform owned by Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, that has become a dominant force in the digital advertising landscape.
Disney
A major entertainment conglomerate that owns various media properties, including film studios, television networks, and streaming platforms.
NBC
A television network owned by Comcast Corporation, which also owns the NBCUniversal media and entertainment company.
Paramount
A major American media company that owns various film and television properties, including Paramount Pictures and Paramount Network.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)
A media and entertainment company formed by the merger of Discovery, Inc. and the former WarnerMedia division of AT&T, which includes properties like Warner Bros. and HBO.
The takeaway
YouTube's surpassing of the combined ad revenue of major Hollywood studios like Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery is a clear indication of the shifting power dynamics in the entertainment industry. As audiences, especially younger viewers, increasingly consume content on digital platforms, advertisers are following suit, underscoring the growing influence of tech giants like YouTube in the media landscape.
