Oscars Move From TV to YouTube: Global Live Stream Set For 2029
Breaking news: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a landmark shift for Hollywood’s biggest night. starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029, the Oscars will be streamed for free worldwide on YouTube, ending a decades-long television run on ABC. The agreement with YouTube spans five years and grants the platform rights through 2033.
The change marks the first major break from ABC, the longtime U.S. broadcaster, which is owned by Disney. The Academy, based in Los Angeles, confirmed the arrangement and emphasized a goal of wider global reach through online streaming.
Key details from the announcement:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | YouTube (free, worldwide streaming) |
| Start date | 2029, with the 101st Oscar ceremony |
| Duration of deal | Five years, through 2033 |
| Current broadcaster | ABC (Disney) |
| Other streamed events | Honorary Oscars at Governors Awards; Student Oscars available on YouTube |
Film Academy aims to reach a wider audience
The academy described the partnership as an effort to engage a larger, more global audience. In a statement, leaders noted that expanding access aligns with the academy’s international ambitions.
Financial terms were not disclosed publicly. The organization did specify that, along with the main ceremony, related honors and events will also stream on YouTube.
Why the shift matters for ratings and access
YouTube remains the largest video platform worldwide,with billions of users.The move is seen as a response to changing viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences, who have increasingly turned away from traditional television.Historical context shows the ceremony’s U.S. audience has declined over the years, with ratings shrinking from roughly 35 million in the mid-2010s to about 20 million in recent years.
Observers note that the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 will be the last to air on television, signaling a potential turning point for how major cultural events are consumed. The academy’s decision reflects a broader trend toward streaming-first distribution for high-profile entertainment.
Timetable and implications at a glance
From 2029, the Oscars will be freely accessible on YouTube worldwide.The platform’s global reach could heighten visibility for the awards show and related events,while shifting advertising and sponsorship dynamics away from traditional broadcast models.
| Timeline | Implications |
|---|---|
| 2029 | 101st ceremony streamed freely on YouTube worldwide |
| 2033 | End of multi-year digital rights period with current terms |
| 2028 | Last Oscars broadcast on traditional television (as per plan) |
| Beyond 2029 | Expanded streaming portfolio for related Oscar events on YouTube |
Evergreen insights for readers
This landmark shift highlights how cultural institutions evolve as consumer habits change. Streaming platforms can offer instant global access, enable interactive viewing experiences, and attract a younger demographic that is less inclined toward conventional TV. However, the move also raises questions about sponsorship models, audience measurement, and the role of traditional broadcasters in shaping national conversations around awards and cinema.
For readers, the transition invites reflection on how you choose to experience cultural rituals. Will a free YouTube stream make the Oscars feel more accessible, or will it alter the ceremonial atmosphere that has defined the broadcast for decades?
Engagement: share your perspective
Reader question 1: Do you plan to watch the Oscars on YouTube when the stream goes live in 2029? Why or why not?
Reader question 2: In your view, could streaming platforms like YouTube attract a broader, more global audience to major awards shows?
Have thoughts to share? Tell us in the comments and join the discussion about the Oscars’ next chapter.
