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Ranked: The Brands That Gained the Most Value Last Year
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Key Takeaways
- Microsoft added $104 billion in brand value year-over-year, the largest increase among the world’s most valuable brands.
- Nvidia saw one of the biggest jumps, adding $96 billion in brand value amid strong demand for AI chips and data center infrastructure.
A handful of companies added tens of billions to their brand value in a single year, highlighting how quickly intangible assets like brand power can scale in the AI and platform economy.
According to Brand Finance’s 2026 Global 500 Report, Microsoft recorded the largest brand value gain over the last year, adding $104 billion. Close behind was Nvidia, whose brand value jumped $96 billion as its chips became the backbone of the rapidly expanding AI industry.
This visualization ranks the brands that gained the most value year-over-year as social platforms and tech giants posted major gains, including TikTok (+$48 billion) and Apple (+$33 billion).
Microsoft and Nvidia Lead in Brans Value Growth
Last year, Microsoft recorded the largest increase in brand value among the world’s 50 largest brands.
In particular, the company continues to benefit from strong growth in cloud computing and AI services integrated across its product ecosystem. Today, its brand is valued at $565 billion.
The table below shows the largest gains in brand value across leading global firms, based on marketing investment, brand strength, and financial performance.
| Rank | Company | Brand Value 2025 | Brand Value 2026 | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft | $461B | $565B | $104B |
| 2 | Nvidia | $88B | $184B | $96B |
| 3 | TikTok | $106B | $154B | $48B |
| 4 | Apple | $575B | $608B | $33B |
| 5 | $413B | $433B | $20B | |
| 6 | American Express | $40B | $57B | $18B |
| 7 | State Grid (China) | $86B | $102B | $17B |
| 8 | $91B | $107B | $16B | |
| 9 | $33B | $48B | $15B | |
| 10 | Amazon | $356B | $370B | $13B |
Meanwhile, Nvidia’s brand value more than doubled, reflecting the market dominance of its AI chips. Not only is it the world’s most valuable company by market cap, but demand continues to outstrip supply.
TikTok posted one of the biggest brand value jumps of the year, rising from $106 billion to $154 billion to rank third overall in brand value growth.
The short-form video platform’s surge indicates its massive global reach and high user engagement, which continue to attract advertisers and creators alike. TikTok’s brand value now exceeds several global giants, including Walmart ($141 billion), Samsung ($119 billion), and Facebook ($107 billion).
Big Tech Dominates the Rankings
Technology companies account for eight of the 10 biggest brand value gains in the ranking.
Apple added $33 billion, pushing its brand value to $608 billion in 2026, the highest overall valuation on the list. Meanwhile, Google gained $20 billion, supported by the continued strength of its search and advertising businesses, along with growing momentum around its Gemini AI platform.
Meanwhile, Amazon rounds out the tech giants on the list, gaining $13 billion.
Finance and Global Infrastructure Brands Rise
Outside of Big Tech, select finance and utility brands also saw strong gains.
American Express added $18 billion in brand value amid record-breaking quarterly earnings. Going further, the company’s market valuation has doubled in five years.
China’s State Grid Corporation ranked seventh overall, adding $17 billion in brand value. As the world’s most valuable utility brand, State Grid’s growth is closely tied to China’s expanding power infrastructure and its push toward cleaner energy systems.
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