YouTube generated an impressive $36 billion in ad revenue during 2024, with $10 billion earned in the fourth quarter alone. This continues a trend of record growth as the platform adapts by cracking down on ad blockers and enhancing its podcast offerings, which helped boost viewership.

YouTube is also recognized as the leading platform for podcasts, commanding 11.1% of the overall TV market share. This remarkable performance positions YouTube to potentially exceed its earnings in 2025 while providing free, ad-supported content to its viewers, especially as subscription fatigue grows among users of other streaming platforms.

The platform’s aggressive approach to monetization could spell a bright future if it manages to retain its substantial user base in the rapidly evolving streaming landscape.