At its fourth annual Brandcast event, YouTube made it clear that it’s not just keeping up—it’s setting the pace. From game-changing NFL announcements and bold new ad tech to iShowSpeed’s new series and creator-led podcast domination, YouTube laid out the future of streaming in one powerful night.
CEO Neal Mohan kicked off the event with a strong statement: “YouTube is the epicenter of culture.” He backed that up with numbers—like the fact that in the U.S., YouTube has topped TV watch time for over two years, according to Nielsen. He added, “Last quarter, people spent more time watching YouTube on their TVs than any other device.”
Creators are evolving too. More than 1 billion people are watching podcasts on YouTube each month as creators expand their reach into long-form and conversational formats.
YouTube Brandcast Recap: NFL Partnership Goes Global
The biggest headline? YouTube’s expanded NFL partnership. Starting September 5, 2025, YouTube will exclusively stream the Week 1 Friday Night game—Chargers vs. Chiefs—live from São Paulo, Brazil. This marks the first NFL game streamed internationally for free on YouTube TV.
But that’s not all. YouTube has locked in a multi-year deal with the NFL to stream the annual Super Bowl Flag Football Game. This follows the massive success of Super Bowl LIX’s Flag Football stream, which racked up over 6 million live viewers.
These moves aren’t just about games—they’re about globalizing fandom. By creating a seamless experience for sports lovers around the world, YouTube is becoming the ultimate hub for sports streaming.
YouTube Brandcast Recap: iShowSpeed Levels Up With “Speed Goes Pro”
During the Brandcast, iShowSpeed—one of YouTube’s biggest stars—announced his new show, “Speed Goes Pro.” The series will follow him as he sits down with top athletes and dives into their training and lifestyles.
Speed’s shift from livestream chaos to polished episodic content is a major moment for creator evolution. It proves that YouTube isn’t just a platform for going viral—it’s a place where influencers can build lasting franchises. This announcement plays directly into YouTube’s mission to amplify creators and turn internet personalities into mainstream names.
YouTube Brandcast Recap: Cultural Moments, Ads, and AI Integration
The Brandcast wasn’t just about content—it was about innovation in advertising too. YouTube announced its Cultural Moments Sponsorship, a premium package that lets brands align with major tentpole moments like:
- Awards season
- Fashion week
- Holiday events like Black Friday and New Year’s Eve
Also making waves? Gemini-powered ad formats. These AI-driven tools will identify and match ads to “peak moments” in videos—those high-engagement timestamps when audiences are most locked in. Think of it as next-level contextual targeting powered by Google’s AI.
Mary Ellen Coe, YouTube’s Chief Business Officer, summed it up:
“82% of U.S. viewers trust YouTube’s creators the most. It’s the #1 video platform viewers love—and we’re only getting better.”
YouTube Brandcast Recap Proves the Platform Runs the Culture
This year’s YouTube Brandcast recap wasn’t just a celebration—it was a statement. From exclusive NFL deals and creator content expansion to ad tech breakthroughs, YouTube continues to dominate in streaming, storytelling, and culture.
As TV, sports, and digital entertainment blur into one, YouTube is positioning itself as the one-stop destination for creators, fans, and brands alike. And with its eyes set on global domination, we can expect even more innovation in the months ahead.