– Following its debut last year, the video platform returns to the event with an expanded programme focused on helping broadcasters, studios and creators unlock new audiences and revenue streams
MIPCOM Cannes has unveiled an expanded partnership with YouTube for its 2026 edition, reinforcing the platform’s growing role within the international television and streaming ecosystem. Taking place from 12-15 October, the world’s largest media and content market will host an enlarged YouTube presence designed to help broadcasters, studios, publishers and creators navigate an increasingly digital and interconnected entertainment landscape.
Building on its first major appearance at the market in 2025 (see the news), YouTube’s strategy this year shifts from introducing its value proposition to demonstrating practical pathways for growth. Central to the programme is a keynote by YouTube EMEA Vice President Pedro Pina, who will open the market in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals with a presentation focused on how traditional media companies can expand their reach and diversify revenue streams through digital distribution.
Pina will be joined throughout the week by Justin Connolly, Vice President and Global Head of Media & Sports at YouTube, alongside partnership teams and representatives from more than ten major media companies, who are expected to share case studies and success stories from across the global entertainment sector.
Returning to the exhibition floor with an expanded YouTube View hub, the platform will also launch a series of twice-daily workshops and panel discussions at the Hi5 Theater. Running from Monday to Wednesday, the sessions will explore monetisation strategies, Connected TV opportunities, audience-development tools and AI-powered content innovation. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping participants leverage YouTube Studio analytics, develop creator partnerships and build sustainable business models on the platform.
YouTube’s footprint will extend beyond MIPCOM itself and into MIPJUNIOR, which takes place on 10 and 11 October. As sponsor of the MIPJUNIOR Opening Happy Hour, the company will support networking initiatives for youth-content and animation professionals while hosting a dedicated session examining how both established entertainment brands and digitally native franchises are building fandoms and expanding their intellectual property among Gen Z and teenage audiences.
The expanded programme aligns with MIPCOM’s broader efforts to embrace emerging business models across the media sector. Alongside initiatives such as the MIP AI Entertainment Forum and MIP BrandWorks, YouTube’s enhanced presence reflects the growing convergence of traditional television, creator-led studios and digital-first platforms.
According to YouTube, worldwide audiences now watch more than one billion hours of content on television screens every day, underlining the platform’s growing significance within the Connected TV landscape and its relevance to broadcasters seeking new distribution opportunities.
“Last year marked a generational shift for MIPCOM, proven by YouTube’s historic debut. Their message to the industry was clear: ‘we only succeed when you do.’,” said Lucy Smith, director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJUNIOR. “This year, they are backing that up by doubling their presence, bringing their global leadership and offering the practical tools needed to shape the future of entertainment.”
Pina added, “The media landscape is shifting rapidly and YouTube is here to help broadcasters and studios grow. This year at MIPCOM, our focus moves from why media companies should be on YouTube to exactly how they can build a sustainable business on the platform. We want to show them a clear path to distribute and monetise content, driving shared success in the new streaming era.”
MIPCOM Cannes continues to attract leading players from across the international content business, bringing together broadcasters, streaming platforms, distributors, producers, creators, brands and technology companies from more than 100 countries. Further details of YouTube’s MIPCOM CANNES 2026 programme will be announced in the coming months.
