Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will air exclusively on YouTube beginning in 2029. The longstanding broadcast partnership with ABC will continue through the Academy’s 100th anniversary in 2028, after which the ceremony will move to the streaming platform.

This marks a major shift for one of entertainment’s most high-profile live events, moving from a traditional network broadcast model to a global streaming-first distribution. The announcement signals how legacy media and awards shows are adapting to changing viewer habits and the growing dominance of digital platforms.

Key details

• Exclusivity: The Oscars will be exclusively available on YouTube starting in 2029; ABC will continue to broadcast the show through 2028.
• Timing: The change aligns with the Academy’s centennial year ending in 2028.
• Potential reach: YouTube’s global platform could expand live access internationally and to cord-cutters who increasingly rely on streaming.

Why this matters

Moving the Oscars to YouTube could broaden the ceremony’s audience worldwide and open new monetization and interactive opportunities — from ads and sponsorship integrations to live, platform-native features like chats and community engagement. It also reflects a larger industry trend of major live events experimenting with streaming exclusives.

However, the move raises questions: will the shift change the show’s production or pacing to cater to streaming audiences? Could viewers who prefer traditional TV broadcasts be alienated? And how will rights, advertising revenue and international broadcasts be handled?

What to watch next

• Official terms of the deal and financials from the Academy and YouTube/Google.
• How international broadcast partners and advertisers respond.
• Whether other awards shows or live events pursue similar exclusive streaming deals.

Read the original report for more context: Engadget: Oscars move to YouTube in 2029.

Discussion: Would you prefer to watch the Oscars on YouTube or stick with a traditional TV broadcast? What changes would you expect or want to see in a streaming-first Oscars?