Adapted by:
John Tones
WriterI've been writing about culture for twenty-something years and, at Xataka, I cover everything related to movies, video games, TV shows, comics, and pop culture.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
YouTube celebrates its 20th birthday with data confirming its dominance in the audiovisual landscape. While it is not the world’s most-watched or most-followed social media platform, the Google-owned site is on the verge of overtaking giants such as Disney, according to forecasts from market research firm MoffettNathanson.
A lucrative year. In 2024, YouTube became the second-largest company specializing in audiovisual content, with revenues surpassing $54 billion. The only company ahead is Disney, which YouTube is projected to overtake in 2025—assuming its revenue growth continues and only Disney’s audiovisual segment is considered. Disney will remain the undisputed leader in overall media revenue, including its theme parks and consumer products.
YouTube, the new no. 1. Though YouTube ranks second in profits, it leads in other areas. In February 2025, Nielsen reported that YouTube had become the largest aggregate source of television content in the U.S., surpassing giants like Disney, Netflix, Fox, Paramount, Warner Bros., and Universal. This was achieved without becoming a Netflix-style platform, as its content is primarily licensed from other channels or generated by creators. For Google, YouTube is indispensable. MoffettNathanson estimates its value between $475 billion and $550 billion, accounting for 30% of Alphabet’s total worth.
YouTube TV. Although available only in the U.S., YouTube TV has become the leading live TV streaming service, with 8 million subscribers. It also offers on-demand content and includes programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, making Google’s offering particularly strong in sports and news.
YouTube’s paid services. YouTube also generates revenue through its subscription services, including YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, which allows ad-free viewing. This month, YouTube reported 125 million subscribers across both services, a significant increase from 100 million in April 2024. MoffettNathanson suggests YouTube’s revenue potential remains strong as it expands further into the on-demand streaming market.
The advertising business. YouTube has confirmed that TV consumption has overtaken mobile viewing, a shift that underscores two key points. First, advertising remains a crucial part of its business, generating $36 billion in profits in 2024. Second, YouTube’s next major competitors are clear: Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. This signals a shift away from its previous efforts to compete as a short-video social network in the style of Instagram or TikTok.
Image | YouTube
Log in to leave a comment