YouTube's total revenue has surpassed $60 billion, according to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. This impressive figure includes YouTube's ads and subscription income, highlighting the platform's rapid growth in recent years.
The Rise of Subscription Services
YouTube's subscription services, including YouTube Premium and YouTube TV, have seen significant growth. With over 325 million paid subscriptions across consumer services, the company is focused on driving adoption for these services. To achieve this, YouTube introduced a lower-cost subscription tier, Premium Lite, which enables viewers to watch ad-free videos in specific categories.
AI-Powered Creations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the YouTube experience for both creators and viewers. Over one million channels have used YouTube's new AI creation tools to supercharge their creativity. Additionally, more than 20 million viewers have utilized the platform's new Ask tool, powered by Gemini, to learn more about the content they watched.
Integrating AI into the Platform
YouTube will continue to integrate new tools powered by Google's AI models, including the general-purpose world model Genie. This integration is focused on enhancing the creator experience at its core.
The Future of YouTube
As the video platform continues to evolve, it's clear that AI will play a vital role in shaping the future of YouTube. With over 700 million hours of podcasts watched on living room devices as of October 2026, up 75 percent from the same month in the prior year, it's evident that YouTube is positioning itself as the "new television" for consumers.
Exclusive Streaming Rights and Original Content
YouTube has secured exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars, Hollywood's most prestigious night, for a five-year period starting in 2029. This move marks the end of a more than 70-year run on broadcast television. Additionally, the platform has partnered with BBC to produce original content aimed at digital-native younger audiences.
Conclusion
As YouTube continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that AI will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobile apps. With its focus on subscription services, creator tools, and original content, the video platform is poised for continued success.