YouTube’s creator ecosystem contributed over $55 billion to the U.S. GDP and supported more than 490,000 full-time jobs in 2024, according to a new report from Oxford Economics. The findings reflect the expanding economic footprint of digital creators and those working in the broader network of companies and roles tied to YouTube’s platform.
The term “creator ecosystem” goes beyond content makers. It includes editors, producers, talent managers, and employees at creator-focused companies like Patreon, Spotter, and Linktree. The growth in this sector comes despite a slowdown in venture capital investment, which has cooled significantly from the highs of the early 2020s.
In 2022, YouTube’s creative economy was estimated to contribute $35 billion to GDP and support 390,000 jobs. The latest numbers mark an increase of $20 billion and 100,000 jobs over two years, highlighting the platform’s growing economic relevance.
Much of YouTube’s influence stems from its consistent monetization model. Eligible creators in the YouTube Partner Program earn 55% of ad revenue from their videos, which can translate to thousands of dollars in monthly income, even for mid-level creators. By contrast, platforms focused on short-form video, like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, continue to struggle with sustainable monetization strategies for creators.
