The Big Screen Shift: Why More Americans Are Watching YouTube on TV

Plus: Disney and Hulu address streaming issues during the Oscars broadcast.

Author

Ryan Pearson
March 3rd, 2025 • Read: 4 minutes

What’s up, y’all? Ryan here from LA, and the Oscars may be over, but there’s still plenty to unpack. Let’s jump into today’s top stories.

First up: The Oscars drama didn’t end when the credits rolled. Advertisers missed out on 56% of the show’s content thanks to aggressive keyword blocking—when does brand safety go too far? Meanwhile, the Academy is weighing a move from Disney to Netflix or another streamer as its TV contract nears expiration. If Hollywood’s biggest night ditches traditional TV, what does that mean for future awards shows?

Streaming had its own set of issues. Hulu’s Oscars feed cut out right before the final awards, and Disney and Hulu scrambled to respond. On the red carpet, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos had to address the streamer’s handling of the ‘Emilia Pérez’ controversy. And behind the scenes, Disney pulled off an ambitious six-brand advertising stunt that had the industry talking.

Beyond the Oscars, YouTube just hit a major milestone—more Americans now watch it on TV than on their phones. What does that shift mean for creators and advertisers? Meanwhile, Cash App’s latest brand refresh is getting high praise, and McDonald’s is spilling the details on celebrity breakfast orders.

Let’s get into it—scroll for today’s top stories. 🚀

1. 🚫 Advertisers miss 56% of Oscars content due to keyword blocks

Want to reach Oscars fans? It turns out keyword blocking might be getting in the way. Adweek reports that advertisers are missing over half of Oscars-related content thanks to automated filters. While meant to protect brands, these filters could keep ads away from prime real estate.

2. 📺 The Oscars consider move from Disney to Netflix, other networks

Could the Oscars ditch traditional TV for streaming? With Disney’s deal set to expire in 2028, the Academy is weighing options—including a possible move to Netflix. As TV ratings drop and streaming dominates, Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw reports that this could be the biggest shake-up in awards show history.

3. 🎬 "It's the pictures that got small": How movies have changed in the era of streaming

Remember when going to the movies was an event? Streaming has flipped the script, with studios now prioritizing digital platforms over theatrical releases. Ben Mankiewicz (CBS News) explores how this shift has led to more films than ever but fewer shared cultural moments at the theater, as studios chase franchises and binge-worthy content.

4. 📺 More Americans watch YouTube on TV than on their smartphones—here’s what that means for creators and viewers

Think YouTube is just for scrolling on your phone? Think again—more Americans now watch it on their TVs, shaking up how content is made and consumed. Fast Company’s Yasmin Gagne reports that with longer watch times and a more engaged audience, creators may need to step up their production game, while advertisers get a fresh way to reach viewers.

5. 🎬 Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos on how streamer handled ‘Emilia Pérez’ controversy – Oscars red carpet

At the Oscars red carpet, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos weighed in on the Emilia Pérez controversy. Deadline reporters Antonia Blyth & Anthony D'Alessandro covered the Cannes-winning musical’s ongoing debate over its casting and themes. Sarandos stood by the film, emphasizing Netflix’s support for creative freedom, making it clear that despite the backlash, the company isn’t backing down from bold storytelling.

6. 📺 Disney and Hulu respond after Oscars streaming glitches

Oscars night wasn’t just rough for the nominees—Disney+ and Hulu users also had a frustrating experience. Streaming glitches caused delays and buffering, prompting a wave of complaints online. As Adweek (Bill Bradley) reports, this serves as yet another reminder that live-streaming still has some major hurdles to clear.

7. 🎬 Hulu prematurely ended its Oscars stream right before the final awards

Imagine watching the Oscars, waiting for Best Picture, and—poof—your stream cuts off. That’s exactly what happened to Hulu + Live TV viewers when the service abruptly ended its broadcast before the final awards. Reported by Chris Welch for The Verge, the incident left subscribers venting online and questioning Hulu’s ability to handle high-profile live events.

8. ✨ Inside Disney's stunning six-brand Oscars advertising stunt

Disney just turned Oscars ad breaks into a blockbuster event, showcasing exclusive previews from Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and more. As Fast Company reports, this six-brand marketing stunt proves Disney knows how to keep audiences hooked—even during commercials.

9. 💸 Cash App has the coolest brand style guide I've ever seen

Cash App just dropped a brand style guide that’s anything but ordinary. Ditching the usual design rules, it leans into creative freedom while keeping things cohesive. Joe Foley from Creative Bloq breaks down how this fresh approach is shaking up branding norms.

10. 🍔 McDonald's reveals celebrity breakfast orders after Oscars

Ever wondered what Christopher Nolan or Emma Stone eats for breakfast? McDonald’s just spilled the beans (or hash browns) on celebrity orders after the Oscars. According to Adweek, it’s a fun way for the brand to stay in the conversation and connect with everyday customers.

Thanks for reading! Enjoyed this edition? Share it with a friend or colleague!

  • Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here to receive future editions directly in your inbox.

  • Support the Newsletter: If you’d like to support my work, consider contributing via Buy Me a Coffee.

  • Stay Connected: For more insights and updates, visit my website or follow me on LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

  • Work with Me: Interested in partnering with me on sponsored content, consulting/advising, or speaking and workshops? Get in touch here.