YouTube surpasses Disney, Paramount, WBD in 2025 ad revenue
Source: TechCrunch
Overview
YouTube has hit some impressive numbers in 2025.
According to new estimates from research firm MoffettNathanson— as reported by The Hollywood Reporter— the platform pulled in a staggering $40.4 billion in ad revenue, surpassing the combined ad revenue of Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which together generated $37.8 billion.
2025 vs. 2024
- 2025: YouTube ad revenue = $40.4 B (top of the four major Hollywood studios combined).
- 2024: YouTube ad revenue = $36.1 B, while Disney, NBCU, Paramount, and WBD together earned $41.8 B.
The tables have now turned, highlighting a major shift in content consumption and advertising strategies.
Why YouTube Is Outpacing Traditional Studios
- Traditional studios face shrinking linear‑TV audiences and rising production costs.
- Many are pouring millions into their own streaming platforms, yet they struggle to match YouTube’s growth momentum.
YouTube’s Overall Revenue
Alphabet reported that YouTube’s total revenue in 2025 reached $60 billion, driven largely by subscriptions—including YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and NFL Sunday Ticket. For context, this exceeds Netflix’s reported $45.2 billion for the full year (source).
In comparison, Disney’s media business (also heavily subscription‑dependent) generated $60.9 billion in revenue last year.
Comparison with Tech Giants
YouTube’s ad revenue still trails behind some tech giants. For 2025:
- Meta reported $196.2 billion in ad revenue (press release).
- YouTube’s fourth‑quarter ad revenue was $11.4 billion.
Advertisers continue to flock to YouTube because it captures a large share of younger audiences’ attention.
AI Investment
YouTube is expanding its AI capabilities. This week the company announced that it is extending its likeness‑detection technology to a pilot group of government officials, politicians, and journalists. The system identifies AI‑generated deepfakes and allows users to request removal if the content violates YouTube policy (TechCrunch article).