Disney goes into business with YouTube comedy group Dude Perfect

Dude Perfect

Disney is delving further into the creator space through a new deal with Dude Perfect, the sports-focused American comedy group that made a name for itself on YouTube before expanding into a media company.

With the deal, which the companies described as an “integrated creative partnership” spanning entertainment, sports, consumer products, parks and experiences, the Mouse House will non-exclusively license a selection of short-form titles from Dude Perfect’s library for Disney+, ESPN and its social platforms.

In addition, Texas-based Dude Perfect will create original content for its own channels that is “inspired” by Disney franchises and events, including the upcoming Super Bowl, the 50th anniversary of Star Wars and the upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday.

Dude Perfect, founded by Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert, Tyler Toney, Cory Cotton and Coby Cotton, posted its first video in 2009. Since then, it has gained more than 60 million followers on its main YouTube page and more than 21 billion views.

The commercial opportunity was spotted by investors several years ago, with Highmount Capital investing around US$100m into the comedy group in 2024. The investment allowed Dude Perfect to open an 80,000-square-foot studio in Texas, where much of its content is shot.

For Disney, this represents its latest creator deal after last month partnering with 12-year-old Russian-American YouTuber Like Nastya. It also recently commissioned a family-focused, 20-episode project from Dhar Mann Studios.

“Disney has always been a place where great storytellers come to create, and Dude Perfect brings a distinctive voice and an inventive approach to everything they do,” said Disney’s chief marketing and brand officer Asad Ayaz.

“By building on our longstanding relationship, we’re able to give fans even more ways to experience and be part of the Disney stories they love.”