The key facts

  • The New York Times reported exclusive negotiations to buy Letterboxd for $330 million
  • The platform's audience grew from 3 million users in January 2021 to 28 million by April 2026
  • A24 and Sony had previously shown interest, but A24 could not match the price

Talks over the acquisition

The New York Times Company, according to the newspaper itself, has 'entered exclusive negotiations' to acquire Letterboxd — a social platform for film lovers, often compared to Goodreads, but for movies. The deal under discussion is worth $330 million. The company declined to comment on the publication by its own outlet; TechCrunch notes that the source, apparently, is close to the negotiations, so the report can be trusted.

Platform growth and the deal price

Letterboxd has grown rapidly in recent years: in January 2021 the service had 3 million users, and by April 2026 it already had 28 million; more than half of the audience is under 35. The service is free, with extended features available via a paid subscription. Expected revenue for this year is estimated at around $15 million — roughly 4.5% of the amount The New York Times Company is reportedly offering, according to the newspaper. That Letterboxd was looking for a new owner was reported back in April: at the time, the film studios A24 and Sony showed interest, but A24, as the New York Times writes, was 'outbid' on price.