MIPCOM Cannes is set to welcome YouTube for its first major presence at the 41st edition of the world’s largest television and streaming content market, running from 13 to 16 October. Marking the platform’s 20th anniversary, this strategic debut is part of a wider initiative to embed the global creator economy more firmly into the core of the event.

This year’s edition will focus extensively on bridging the gap between digital creators, traditional television producers, distributors, platforms and brands. YouTube’s involvement includes the launch of a dedicated YouTube Space inside the Palais des Festivals, a headliner keynote by YouTube’s VP EMEA Pedro Pina in the Grand Auditorium, and a series of daily workshops and events across both MIPCOM and MIPJUNIOR (11–12 October).

This emphasis on the creator economy is reflected in a host of new programming strands designed to foster collaboration across sectors. These include the first international edition of BrandStorytelling, the US summit on brand-funded programming, which will run on 13 and 14 October. Developed in partnership with Sundance, the MIPCOM edition will bring together brands, creators and television professionals to explore fresh storytelling formats and showcase best-practice case studies.

The MIP Creative Hub on the Croisette Beach—formerly known as the Producers Hub—has also been reimagined as the central meeting point for creators, creatives, digital studios and brands. Aimed at sparking co-productions and dealmaking, it will feature extended meeting spaces and a curated programme geared towards connecting players across the value chain.

Meanwhile, the MIP Innovation Lab will return to the Palais with an expanded programme of keynotes, networking and demonstration sessions. Covering cutting-edge topics such as AI, FAST, Connected TV and streaming innovation, the Lab will also include a new workshop series hosted by YouTube focusing on monetisation, audience development and format innovation.

“MIPCOM Cannes 2025 is undoubtedly the year of the global creator economy,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJUNIOR. “We are proud to welcome YouTube during its milestone anniversary and to provide the ideal platform for building stronger connections between creators and the global television industry.”

YouTube’s VP EMEA Pedro Pina added: “This partnership marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 20 years of YouTube. It underscores our growing role in the international TV ecosystem and our commitment to supporting media companies in a shifting landscape.”

MIPCOM Cannes continues to serve as a key meeting point for over 10,500 delegates from more than 100 countries. By deepening its engagement with the creator economy and embracing new modes of content production and distribution, this 2025 edition aims to redefine the relationship between digital innovation and traditional media on a global scale.