TV Ratings: Networks Also Fighting for Viewers On Internet

TV news networks compete fiercely for audiences not only on television but also online, particularly on YouTube, where some have seen significant growth in 2025. According to Emplifi data, Fox News leads news channels in YouTube viewership this year.

Fox News amassed 2.3 billion YouTube views in 2025, a 109% surge from 2024, overtaking MSNBC, last year’s leader. MSNBC remains a strong contender, ranking second with 1.9 billion views. “We’re investing in original YouTube content, building a community, and meeting our audience on their preferred platforms,” said Brad Gold, MSNBC’s executive producer of content strategy and development, in a statement to The Wrap. He also expressed enthusiasm for the recent launch of the podcast “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace.”

Fox News’ YouTube dominance is largely attributed to President Donald Trump’s January 2025 return to the White House, which drove the network’s record-breaking TV ratings quarter. High-profile interviews further boosted its online presence, including Sean Hannity’s February 18 discussion with Trump and Elon Musk (7.4 million views) and Bret Baier’s interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (11.7 million views).

CNN ranks third with 1.1 billion YouTube views, followed by NBC News (639 million) and ABC News (604 million) in fourth and fifth places. CBS News trails with 300 million views but saw a 9% increase from 2024, unlike NBC and ABC, which declined. ABC News disputed Emplifi’s figures, claiming 745 million views based on internal metrics. An NBC News spokesperson highlighted the network’s strong TikTok presence, with 2.5 million views in Q1 2025.

YouTube allows news networks to expand their reach and boost ad revenue, with videos exceeding 1 million views potentially earning $2,000 to $6,000, per The Wrap, making it a critical platform for audience engagement and financial growth.