YouTube beats Disney, Paramount and WBD in 2025 ad revenue

YouTube had some impressive numbers in 2025.

According to new estimates from research firm MoffettNathanson — as reported by The Hollywood Reporter — the platform generated a staggering $40.4 billion in ad revenue, which is more than the combined ad revenue of Disney, NBC, Paramount and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Discovery (WBD’s), which totaled $37.8 billion.

This shift is a clear sign of how much content consumption has changed over the years and how advertisers have adapted their strategies.

YouTube’s 2025 ad revenues not only exceeded the combined total revenues of the four major Hollywood studios, but also represented a significant shift from the previous year. In 2024, YouTube’s ad revenue of $36.1 billion fell short of the $41.8 billion in ad revenue generated collectively by Disney, NBCU, Paramount, and WBD. The tables have now turned.

For decades, these studios have been the kings of entertainment, captivating audiences with big-budget films and hit TV shows. But while traditional studios struggle with shrinking linear TV viewers and ever-rising production costs, YouTube is moving forward quickly. Even as these companies pour millions into their streaming platforms, it’s becoming harder to keep up with YouTube’s momentum.

Last month, parent company Alphabet reported that YouTube’s total revenue in 2025 rose to $60 billion. A large portion of YouTube’s revenue now comes from subscriptions, which include services like YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and NFL Sunday Ticket. (For context, this is significantly higher than Netflix’s reported revenue of $45.2 billion for the full year.)

Disney, NBC, Paramount, and WBD also rely heavily on subscriptions; For example, Disney’s media business generated a total of $60.9 billion in revenue last year, when including subscriptions.

However, YouTube ad revenue still lags behind tech giants like Meta, which generated $196.2 billion in ad revenue in 2025. However, advertisers flock to YouTube because it is where audiences (especially younger viewers) spend their time. YouTube ad revenue reached $11.4 billion in the fourth quarter.

YouTube is also increasing its investments in artificial intelligence. The company announced this week that it is expanding its similarity detection technology to include a pilot group of government officials, politicians, and journalists. The technology identifies AI-generated deepfakes and allows users to request removal if they believe they violate YouTube policy.