YouTube’s Ecosystem Contributed $55B to US GDP and 490K Jobs in 2024
YouTube has released a report highlighting the significant impact of its creative ecosystem on the U.S. economy. The report, published on Tuesday, underscores YouTube’s role in fostering job creation and economic growth.
According to research conducted by Oxford Economics, YouTube’s creative ecosystem contributed over $55 billion to the U.S. GDP and supported more than 490,000 full-time jobs in 2024. This includes not only content creators but also a wide array of professionals and companies that support the YouTube ecosystem.
YouTube’s definition of its creative ecosystem extends beyond just the creators themselves. It encompasses video editors, assistants, publicists, and companies that cater to creators, such as Patreon, Spotter, and Linktree. These entities collectively benefit from and contribute to the platform’s overall impact.
Despite a shift in venture capital funding trends, with less investment flowing into the creator economy compared to previous years, YouTube’s influence continues to expand. The platform’s consistent and lucrative opportunities for creators play a crucial role in this growth.
In 2022, YouTube and Oxford Economics reported that the creative ecosystem created approximately 390,000 jobs and contributed over $35 billion to the U.S. GDP. The 2024 figures represent a substantial increase of 100,000 jobs and $20 billion in economic contribution.
One of the key factors driving these numbers is YouTube’s Partner Program, which allows eligible creators to earn 55% of the revenue generated from ads. This revenue-sharing model provides a reliable income stream for many creators, even those who are not among the platform’s top earners.
As the creator economy grows, advocates are pushing for better support from American institutions, including banks and the government. Many creators face challenges in accessing business credit cards and loans, despite their financial stability.
Recognizing the importance of the creator economy, U.S. Representatives Yvette Clark (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) recently launched the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus to support and promote the interests of creators.
