YouTube has officially transitioned from a digital video platform to the centerpiece of home entertainment. In its 20th year, the company announced that TV has surpassed mobile as the primary device for YouTube viewing in the U.S.—a major shift that underscores the platform’s evolution into the new face of television.

A New Era of Television

For the past two years, YouTube has led the U.S. streaming market, outpacing traditional TV networks and competing services like Netflix and Disney+. According to Nielsen, YouTube has held the top spot in streaming watch time, and now, with over 1 billion hours of content viewed on TV screens daily, it’s clear that audiences are embracing YouTube as their go-to entertainment hub.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlights how the definition of television is changing:

“The ‘new’ television doesn’t look like the ‘old’ television. It’s interactive and includes things like Shorts, podcasts, and live streams, right alongside sports, sitcoms, and talk shows.”

This shift is a direct result of strategic updates to YouTube’s TV app, such as improved navigation, real-time commentary through the “Watch With” feature, and second-screen integration that lets viewers engage with content via their smartphones.

YouTube Creators Are the New Hollywood

Beyond traditional content, YouTube is fueling a creator-driven entertainment industry, where individual YouTubers are producing professional-grade shows and movies. Studios like Alan Chikin Chow’s 10,000-square-foot production facility in Burbank represent the future of creator-led media.

Additionally, monetization opportunities for creators are expanding. More than 50% of YouTube’s top-earning channels now generate revenue beyond ads, including sponsorships, merchandise, and shopping recommendations. Channel memberships also saw a 40% increase in 2024, indicating stronger community engagement.

AI-Driven Innovation and Global Expansion

Artificial intelligence is further enhancing content creation and personalization. Features like AI-generated dubbing have allowed creators to reach global audiences, with over 40% of dubbed video watch time coming from users selecting alternate languages.

To protect creators, YouTube is also developing AI-powered detection tools to prevent unauthorized deepfake content and ensure user safety—especially for younger viewers.

The Future of YouTube TV

With over 8 million YouTube TV subscribers and 100 million YouTube Premium and Music users, the platform is well-positioned to dominate the next era of digital entertainment. Expanded ad formats, interactive features, and premium content offerings will continue driving YouTube’s transformation into the leading force in modern television.

As YouTube embarks on its next 20 years, one thing is clear: the future of TV is YouTube.

🔗 Source: YouTube Blog