The New York Times in Exclusive Talks to Acquire Movie Platform Letterboxd for $330 Million

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The New York Times Company is reportedly negotiating to buy Letterboxd, a popular movie social platform with 28 million users, in a deal valued at $330 million.

The New York Times Company has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Letterboxd, an online social platform dedicated to movie lovers, for $330 million, according to a report published by The New York Times itself. This potential acquisition reflects the rapid growth and increasing popularity of Letterboxd, which has become a significant player in the movie community space.

Letterboxd serves as a social network where users share reviews, ratings, and lists of films they've watched, drawing comparisons to Goodreads but for movies. The platform's user base expanded dramatically from around 3 million in early 2021 to 28 million by April 2026. Notably, more than half of Letterboxd’s users are under the age of 35, indicating strong appeal among younger audiences.

Previously, Letterboxd was reportedly seeking a buyer, attracting interest from film studios such as A24 and Sony. However, A24 was reportedly priced out of the potential deal. While the platform is free to use, it offers paid subscriptions unlocking advanced features. For the current fiscal year, Letterboxd projects earnings of approximately $15 million, a sum significantly lower than the $330 million valuation the Times is offering.

The New York Times Company declined to comment on the acquisition details when approached by their own publication. The insider-tinged nature of the reports suggests credibility to the exclusive negotiation rumors. Should the deal close, it would mark a strategic expansion by the Times into movie-centered social media, complementing its existing digital media portfolio.

This development underscores the increasing value placed on niche social networks with engaged, younger demographics in the digital media landscape. Letterboxd’s community-driven model and growing subscription revenues make it an attractive target for established media companies looking to diversify and deepen audience engagement.