YouTube Brandcast 2026 Taps Trevor Noah as Host, Chappell Roan to Perform
YouTube is gearing up for TV upfronts week with Trevor Noah set to host its 2026 Brandcast presentation for advertisers. The event will feature a lineup of popular YouTube creators, including Dude Perfect and Alex Cooper, who will share testimonials about the platform’s impact. The evening will be capped off with a music performance by singer Chappell Roan.
The Brandcast upfront will return to Lincoln Center in New York City on Wednesday, May 13, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and Google president Sean Downey will take the stage to showcase how YouTube is leading the way as the No. 1 streamer in the U.S. They will highlight how brands can leverage the platform to connect with viewers during their streaming, scrolling, searching, and shopping activities.
Trevor Noah, best known as the former host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” will bring his 4.5 million YouTube subscribers to the event. He will showcase his podcast, “What Now? With Trevor Noah,” and his exclusive stand-up special, “The LOST South African Show,” sponsored by Verizon. Additionally, Grammy-winner Chappell Roan, with 2.4 million YouTube followers, will grace the stage with a headline performance.
A lineup of YouTube creators is scheduled to make appearances at Brandcast, including Adam W, Alex Cooper, Ashley Alexander, Dude Perfect, Jesser, Kareem Rahma, Morgan Jay, Quenlin Blackwell, and The Savannah Bananas. These creators have amassed millions of subscribers and have built strong brands on the platform through various content genres such as comedy, sports, lifestyle, and music.
The event promises to be a celebration of the diverse and talented creators on YouTube and the opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences in innovative ways. With Trevor Noah at the helm and a stellar lineup of creators and performers, YouTube’s Brandcast is set to be a must-see event for advertisers looking to connect with their target audiences on the platform.
