---
title: "YouTube and Google at SXSW 2026: A Guide to Sessions and Interactive Events"
date: 2026-03-11
source: YouTube Official Blog
source_url: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/google-youtube-sxsw-2026-guide/
tags: [sxsw-2026, innovation, creator-economy, panel]
summary: Google and YouTube bring a packed schedule to SXSW 2026, from creator partnership deep-dives to AI strategy sessions running March 13-18.
---

# YouTube and Google at SXSW 2026: A Guide to Sessions and Interactive Events

Google and YouTube are going big at SXSW 2026, with a packed schedule of sessions and interactive experiences running from Friday, March 13th through Wednesday, March 18th.

## Creator Economy Front and Center

YouTube's SXSW presence centers on the creator economy. A dedicated Brand & Marketing activation at the Austin Marriott Downtown lets attendees capture custom YouTube Shorts — a hands-on showcase of their creator tools push.

Key sessions include:

- **"Inside the Campaign: Deconstructing Successful Brand-Creator Partnerships on YouTube"** (March 13) — Adam W (21M+ subscribers) and Influential CCO Chris Detert unpack what makes creator-brand collabs actually work
- **"Your First 90 Days as a Creator"** (March 14) — A rare cross-platform conversation with leaders from Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat, moderated by creator strategist Antonia Alakija
- **YouTube Podcasts Keynote** at Podcast Movement Evolutions (March 13) — Product roadmap updates for the podcasting community

## Google's AI and Marketing Push

Google's Jonathan Zepp joins AdWeek's **Leadership Voices Live** series on March 15 to discuss creative strategy, digital innovation, streaming TV's shifting landscape, and how marketing leaders should navigate the unprecedented pace of AI-driven change.

## Key Takeaways

- Google/YouTube presence spans March 13-18 with sessions on creator tools, brand partnerships, and AI strategy
- Cross-platform creator session (Meta + YouTube + Snapchat) is a rare industry convergence
- YouTube Shorts activation signals continued investment in short-form creator tools
- All events require SXSW badges; some sessions need Platinum or Innovation tier