YouTube to host Oscars?

The Oscars may soon find a new stage. According to a Bloomberg report, YouTube is exploring the possibility of hosting the Academy Awards — a bold move that could shake up the entertainment and advertising industries alike. For nearly five decades, the ceremony has aired on Disney-owned ABC, a partnership secured until at least 2028. While ABC already streams the event on YouTube, securing primary rights would hand Google’s video platform the creative and commercial reins.

Why YouTube makes sense for the Oscars

For an event battling dwindling viewership, YouTube’s 2.7 billion monthly users offer a scale traditional broadcasters cannot match. The Oscars could instantly reach a younger, more global audience — many of whom have abandoned cable TV altogether. The shift would not just be about reach, but relevance.

YouTube’s interactive features could redefine how the world experiences the Oscars. Live chats, polls, behind-the-scenes content, and influencer collaborations could make the event more immersive than the passive TV experience. Imagine Hollywood A-listers sharing screen space — or even commentary — with digital-first creators who command loyal followings. This crossover between old-school glamour and influencer culture could spark the kind of buzz the Academy has struggled to maintain.

On-demand viewing also plays in YouTube’s favor. Instead of waiting for next-day replays or curated highlights, audiences could revisit viral speeches, red-carpet looks, or even the entire show at their convenience — aligning with changing content consumption habits.

The Catch

Still, the move isn’t without risks. Shifting away from traditional TV could alienate older viewers who remain loyal to the ABC broadcast. For many, the Oscars are as much about the tradition of “appointment television” as the awards themselves.

Technical reliability is another concern. Streaming giants have faced high-profile failures — Netflix’s Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul livestream last year is a recent example, where millions experienced buffering and poor quality. With the Oscars’ global audience, YouTube would need to prove it can deliver a seamless experience at scale.

If YouTube succeeds in winning rights, it won’t just be a win for Google — it could signal a new era for live entertainment and advertising. For brands, the Oscars on YouTube could open unprecedented opportunities for real-time engagement, interactive campaigns, and global visibility.