YouTube Shares its Brandcast 2026 Lineup

YouTube has officially revealed its star-studded lineup for Brandcast 2026, its annual showcase for advertisers and partners. The 2026 presentation will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian Trevor Noah.

Noah, who has built a massive following on the platform with his podcast What Now? and his YouTube-exclusive stand-up specials, represents the bridge between traditional broadcasting and digital-first content. Joining him as the headline performer is Grammy winner Chappell Roan.

Other major names scheduled to appear include:

• Alex Cooper: The visionary behind the Call Her Daddy podcast and the Unwell Network.
• Dude Perfect: The legendary trick-shot collective that has evolved into a global household name.
• The Savannah Bananas: The baseball trailblazers who have turned “Banana Ball” into a viral entertainment spectacle.
• Adam W: A comedy mogul who has used YouTube Shorts to generate over 19 billion views.

The event isn’t just about celebrity appearances; it’s about massive scale. According to Nielsen data shared ahead of the event, YouTube reaches over 238 million people aged 18 and older in the U.S. across all devices. CEO Neal Mohan and Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe are expected to lean heavily into the idea that YouTube is the #1 streamer in America.

A key focus for 2026 is the “Bring, Build, Boost” strategy. YouTube is encouraging brands to bring their existing social media assets, build deep partnerships with trusted creators, and boost that content using Google’s advanced AI tools. This approach aims to help advertisers reach audiences who may have abandoned traditional TV or other social platforms.

By focusing on these cultural moments, YouTube aims to show advertisers that their platform is where modern trends are born and lived