According to analysts at MoffettNathanson, YouTube could be worth between $475B and $550B as a standalone company. That would make it one of the world’s most valuable media platforms, surpassing the entire Walt Disney Company in revenue by 2025.
“This is the streaming winner,” said Michael Nathanson, partner at MoffettNathanson. “They don’t have to invest in content. They just hope the creators show up and build the business.”
With 20 trillion videos uploaded as of April 2025 and YouTube now leading TV viewership (capturing 12% of total time watched, according to Nielsen), the platform is now a global media force — and a critical pillar of Alphabet’s growth alongside Google Cloud.
But as YouTube dominates, it’s also under fire.
Legal Heat: YouTube Could Be on the Chopping Block
YouTube’s success has drawn regulatory scrutiny. A federal judge recently ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies in online advertising — and YouTube may be a prime target for divestment.
“Google will have incentives to encourage more competition possibly by loosening certain restrictions on media it controls — YouTube being one of them,” said Andrew Frank of Gartner.
How It Makes Money
YouTube’s business is firing on all fronts:
- YouTube Premium & Music: ~107M paid subs now, growing to 145M by 2027
- YouTube TV: ~11.5M subs expected by 2027
- Advertising: Still the backbone — powered by Google’s user data
- Creator Economy: Over $70 billion paid to creators between 2021–2024
“YouTube is the greatest thing of all time,” said creator Jacklyn Dallas, 23, who now makes a living on the platform. “There are all these doors that would never be open previously.”
The TikTok Threat
YouTube’s response to TikTok — Shorts — has been a mixed bag.
Yes, it keeps engagement high.
No, it hasn’t yet been a big money maker.
“It’s probably helping drive engagement, but not revenues,” said Nathanson.
Why It Still Matters
YouTube is Alphabet’s hedge against a slowdown in search as AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude steal attention. Alongside Google Cloud, YouTube now accounts for over 30% of Alphabet’s total revenue — and is its fastest-growing segment.
But with regulators circling, competitors rising, and a potential forced breakup looming, the platform’s next 20 years may be its most defining.
From “Me at the Zoo“ to media titan, YouTube is no longer just a video platform — it’s the front line in the global fight over Big Tech power.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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