The 2025 Oscars telecast in Los Angeles has emerged as the most-watched ceremony in five years, thanks to a significant boost in streaming numbers. What started as a report of declining ratings was soon overturned when additional data revealed that millions more tuned in via mobile devices and laptops. Initially, the show’s viewership appeared to be down; however, Disney, which owns ABC and Hulu, later announced that an extra 1.6 million viewers on mobile platforms pushed the total audience to an impressive 19.69 million for the live broadcast on March 5, 2025.
This unexpected surge in viewership comes as the industry continues to adapt to rapidly evolving viewing habits. As more people cut the cord and switch to streaming platforms, traditional TV ratings have become an incomplete measure of an event’s true audience. The new data from the Central Bank of Numbers (CBN’s NFEM portal for entertainment ratings) shows that while early figures suggested lower engagement, the inclusion of mobile and PC streaming figures tells a very different story. With many younger viewers preferring to watch the ceremony on their smartphones and computers, the gap between initial ratings and final numbers continues to widen.
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During February, the naira of digital viewership hovered around a consistent figure, which analysts interpret as a sign of market stability and improved streaming quality. Unlike previous years when the Oscars struggled to capture the attention of a fragmented audience, this year’s show appears to have successfully consolidated its viewership across multiple platforms. The revised ratings show that even though technical glitches marred the live stream—leaving some viewers frustrated and unable to catch the final moments of the show—the overall performance was strong enough to mark a historic improvement.
This year, the Oscars were streamed live for the very first time, and that move has proven to be a turning point. Despite some early technical issues that affected the final moments of the ceremony, the live streaming option has opened up the event to a broader, more tech-savvy audience. The integration of streaming into the broadcast not only attracted a larger audience but also engaged viewers who had been drifting away from traditional TV formats. In fact, compared to the early ratings of 19.5 million from last year—a year that featured Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Oppenheimer as the dominant award winner and included live musical performances from the hit film Barbie—this year’s numbers are a clear indication of a positive shift.
For decades, the Oscars have been a staple of American television, once regularly attracting over 40 million viewers per broadcast. However, the Covid-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact, with viewership falling as low as 10.4 million during the peak of the crisis. Since then, the industry has struggled to reclaim those numbers, as the media landscape has shifted and audiences have moved towards on-demand and streaming content. The latest figures for the 2025 ceremony represent a hopeful sign that the Oscars are finding a new balance in this digital era.
Experts credit this turnaround to several factors. One is the change in how the event is consumed; with the streaming option, viewers can watch at their own pace, on their preferred devices, and even catch up on missed segments later. This flexibility has been particularly attractive to younger audiences who are less tethered to traditional broadcast schedules. Additionally, streaming has allowed the Oscars to integrate interactive features that engage viewers in real time, such as live social media feeds and behind-the-scenes content, making the viewing experience more dynamic and participatory.
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Another contributing factor is the renewed interest in the awards themselves. Despite mixed reactions to some of the winners, the 2025 ceremony featured memorable moments that captured the public’s imagination. One of the most talked-about aspects was the performance by indie sex worker-turned-actress Anora, whose unconventional win and subsequent acceptance speech sparked a wave of discussion on social media. Her victory not only challenged traditional norms but also signaled a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and diversity in the film industry. In a year marked by bold choices, the Oscars embraced stories and talents that defied expectations, making the event even more compelling to viewers.
While the technical issues with the live stream did cause some frustration—leaving a number of viewers unable to see the final awards—the impact of those glitches was largely mitigated by the overall high engagement and the additional streaming data that came in later. The glitches, although inconvenient, served as a reminder that the integration of traditional broadcast with new digital platforms is still evolving. This year’s experience has provided valuable lessons for organizers, who are now better equipped to handle the technical complexities of a live, multi-platform event. Improvements in streaming technology and a better understanding of audience behavior are expected to further enhance future broadcasts.
The boost in streaming viewership also has broader implications for the future of television events. As audiences increasingly rely on mobile devices and PCs for entertainment, event organizers are forced to rethink traditional broadcasting strategies. The success of the 2025 Oscars is a testament to how adaptive strategies—such as offering a live streaming option and integrating interactive digital elements—can not only recover lost viewership but also attract a new demographic of younger, more engaged viewers. This evolution in viewing patterns is likely to influence how other major events are broadcast in the coming years.
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Moreover, the Oscars’ success this year could serve as a model for other award shows and live events, signaling that a well-executed digital strategy can overcome challenges posed by technical glitches or shifting viewer habits. As more networks embrace hybrid models that combine traditional TV with digital streaming, the competition for audience attention will likely intensify. Those that invest in seamless technology and create engaging, interactive experiences are expected to lead the pack.
The shift in viewership also has significant implications for advertisers. With a more diverse and tech-savvy audience tuning in, brands are increasingly interested in reaching viewers across multiple platforms. The convergence of traditional and digital audiences offers advertisers new opportunities to engage consumers through innovative ad formats that blend seamlessly with the live content. This could lead to a new wave of creative advertising strategies that harness the power of real-time data and social media engagement.
In the end, the performance of the Oscars 2025 broadcast is a clear indicator that the entertainment industry is successfully adapting to the digital age. Despite past challenges, including the drastic drop in viewership during the pandemic, the renewed interest and improved ratings of this year’s ceremony offer a hopeful outlook for the future. The ability to capture additional viewers through mobile and PC streaming not only enhances the reach of the event but also ensures that the Oscars remain relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
As the industry looks ahead, the lessons learned from the 2025 broadcast will undoubtedly inform future strategies, helping to create more robust and engaging viewing experiences. The goal is to bridge the gap between traditional television and digital platforms, ensuring that iconic events like the Oscars continue to captivate audiences worldwide. For now, the success of the 2025 ceremony stands as a testament to the power of innovation and adaptation in the face of evolving viewer preferences.
With every challenge comes an opportunity to improve. The slight increase from 19.5 million to 19.69 million viewers may seem incremental, but in the context of a market that once saw over 40 million viewers per broadcast, it is a significant achievement. It signals that even in an era of shifting media consumption, there remains a strong appetite for quality, live entertainment. As the Oscars continue to evolve and embrace new technologies, they are poised not only to reclaim their former glory but also to set new benchmarks for audience engagement in the digital age.
In conclusion, while technical glitches and evolving viewing habits posed challenges, the 2025 Oscars telecast emerged as a success story—a demonstration of how innovative streaming strategies and improved market discipline can drive significant audience growth. The achievement of becoming the most-watched Oscars in five years is a milestone that underscores the enduring appeal of this iconic event. Moving forward, as the media landscape continues to change, the lessons from this broadcast will likely shape the future of live events, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of both entertainment and technological innovation.