According to new estimates from research firm Moffett Nathanson ' as reported by The Hollywood Reporter ' the platform pulled in a staggering $40.4 billion in ad revenue, which is more than Disney, NBC, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD's) combined ad revenue, whose total came to $37.8 billion. YouTube's ad revenue for 2025 not only topped the combined haul from the four major Hollywood studios, but also marked a huge turnaround from the previous year. In 2024, YouTube's ad revenue of $36.1 billion fell short of the $41.8 billion in ad revenue collectively earned 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 as traditional studios struggle with shrinking linear TV audiences and the ever-rising costs of production, YouTube is speeding ahead. Even as these companies pour millions into their own streaming platforms, it's...
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