YouTube generated $40.4 billion in advertising revenue in 2025, surpassing the combined ad revenue of Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery, which totaled $37.8 billion, according to estimates from research firm Moffett Nathanson reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The figures show how media consumption habits have shifted and how advertisers have adapted their strategies in response to the growing influence of digital platforms.
YouTube’s advertising performance represents a turnaround from the previous year. In 2024, the platform generated $36.1 billion in ad revenue, which was lower than the $41.8 billion collectively earned by the four Hollywood studios.
The new estimates indicate that the balance has shifted, with YouTube now surpassing traditional media companies in advertising revenue.
For decades, major Hollywood studios dominated the entertainment industry through films and television programming. However, these companies now face declining linear television audiences and rising production costs.
Even as studios invest heavily in their own streaming platforms, keeping pace with YouTube’s growth has become more challenging.
Alphabet reported last month that YouTube’s total revenue reached $60 billion in 2025. A significant portion of that income came from subscription services, including YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and NFL Sunday Ticket.
For comparison, Netflix reported $45.2 billion in total revenue for the year.
Traditional media companies also rely heavily on subscriptions. Disney’s media business, for example, generated $60.9 billion in total revenue last year when subscription income is included.
Despite the strong results, YouTube’s advertising revenue remains below that of larger technology companies. Meta generated $196.2 billion in ad revenue in 2025.
However, advertisers continue to shift toward YouTube because audiences, particularly younger viewers, spend significant time on the platform. YouTube reported $11.4 billion in advertising revenue in the fourth quarter alone.
YouTube is also expanding its investment in artificial intelligence. The company said this week that it is testing likeness detection technology with a pilot group that includes government officials, politicians, and journalists.
The system identifies AI-generated deepfakes and allows individuals to request removal if the content violates YouTube policies.