Tubi – The streaming service you never knew you needed
Now, in the beginning these services were independently owned. These small companies (as brilliant as they were) couldn’t afford to purchase popular TV shows & popular movies so quite honestly they weren’t very good. They usually had these off brand movies & shows that you wouldn’t think of watching. The good news is that overtime (years) these services were bought by these huge entertainment companies & movie studios.
Eventually, they got it through their thick skulls that people would pay them to add their commercials to their absolutely back catalogue of shows & movies. So, basically these movie & tv studios dumped all this stuff on these add supported services. Some even went so far as to start their own!
Apps like Tubi, Freevee, & Pluto Tv, have your favorite TV show & movies for you to watch for free! The best part about it for me is that these services integrate with pretty much all smart tv’s and streaming players like the Fie tv stick, Apple TV & more. Now, this is actually the start of a new series on this blog. I plan to explore these services. Our first subject will be Tubi! I’ll also be exploring the different streaming players & smart tv that will allow you to explore these services & the best way to use them. So, join us & lower your monthly streaming costs.
The Business Model: Free and Ad-Supported
Tubi operates under an ad-supported business model, which means it provides content to users for free but inserts advertisements throughout the viewing experience. This model is a direct contrast to subscription-based services like Netflix and Disney+, which charge a monthly fee for access to their content libraries.And their content libraries kind of suck.Disney+ gets a pass because there libraries are full of classic stuff that you remember from your childhood. On the bedside Disney as a company has bought Star Wars & Marvel and completely screwed them up except for Deadpool & Wolverine.
It seems that they are making stuff for this magical audience that doesn’t exist. This audience is full of women (that never liked Marvel or Star Wars in principal) & thought that those who did were geeks & nerds. A good example of this is the Marvel so successful?to myself “this is the stuff that I read growing up and now it’s come to life!!!
Like Iron Man is almost a shot for shot remake of that first issue!!! Disnye’s other things ARE NOT. After the last bunch of malarkey they put out I cancelled my subscription to Disney + and have no plans to reap… EVER… well, back to Tubi.
Tubi’s ad-supported model benefits both viewers and advertisers. Viewers enjoy free access to a vast library of movies and TV shows without having to worry about subscription costs, while advertisers gain access to a large and engaged audience. Tubi generates revenue by selling ad space to brands, which is then played before, during, and after content is streamed. While the presence of ads may be a drawback for some users, Tubi’s approach is appealing to those who are unwilling to pay for a subscription but still want access to a broad range of entertainment.
The platform’s approach mirrors the traditional model of television, where viewers watch content for free but are interrupted by ads. In the digital age, this model has proven to be a viable alternative to the subscription-based streaming model, especially as more consumers seek ways to cut back on expenses.
Content Library: A Growing Selection for All Tastes
One of Tubi’s strongest selling points is its vast and diverse content library, which features thousands of movies and TV shows across a variety of genres. The platform boasts an impressive catalog that includes both well-known Hollywood titles and lesser-known gems. Tubi’s catalog includes movies from major studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and Universal, as well as content from independent filmmakers.
Movies
Tubi’s movie library spans a wide range of genres, from action and drama to horror, comedy, and documentary. The platform offers classic films, cult favorites, and new releases, often featuring titles that are not currently available on other free streaming services. For instance, Tubi has secured rights to movies like *The Terminator*, *The Blair Witch Project*, and *The Fugitive*. These titles help attract a broader audience, ranging from casual viewers to cinephiles… like me.
Tubi’s focus on free content also makes it an appealing destination for those looking for movies that are no longer streaming on subscription-based services or those who don’t want to pay rental fees on services like Amazon Video. While Tubi’s movie offerings may not have the latest blockbuster hits (these tend to go to platforms like Netflix and HBO Max first), it does provide a treasure trove of older and niche titles that might not be available elsewhere. Heaven for a TV freak such as myself.
TV Shows
Tubi’s TV show library is similarly diverse, featuring both classic series and more recent offerings. From network television hits like *The X-Files* and *CSI: Miami* to lesser-known series, Tubi has something for almost every taste. The platform is also home to a growing collection of animated shows, children’s programming, and documentaries, ensuring there’s content for users of all ages.
One notable feature of Tubi’s TV offering is its focus on entire seasons of older series, which provides an excellent opportunity for binge-watching. While the platform may not boast the same depth of original programming as Netflix or Hulu, it makes up for this with its broad selection of established shows.
Sports and International Content
I pretty much hate sports except for boxing & MMA. All the combat sports really. However, if your into that stuff Tubi’s got that stuff in spades.
In addition to movies and TV shows, Tubi has expanded into other categories like sports and international content. The platform has partnered with major sports networks to offer highlights, replays, and full games from leagues like the NFL, NBA, and more. This inclusion makes Tubi an attractive option for sports enthusiasts looking to catch up on the latest games or relive historic moments without the need for an expensive cable subscription.
Tubi also offers a growing selection of international content, particularly in genres like Bollywood films and Korean dramas. This international focus helps Tubi appeal to global audiences, offering them access to content that may not be readily available on other platforms.
Tubi’s Technological Features and Accessibility
While Tubi’s business model may be simple—free access to content with ads—the platform offers a range of features that enhance the user experience. Tubi is available on a wide variety of devices, from smart TVs and set-top boxes to mobile phones and web browsers. The platform supports apps on popular streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast, ensuring that users can watch their favorite content on any screen.
One of Tubi’s standout features is its user-friendly interface. The platform’s design is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Users can browse content by genre, popularity, or recently added titles, and they also have access to a search function to find specific movies or shows. For users who appreciate curated lists, Tubi regularly updates its content with themed collections and recommendations.
Moreover, Tubi is compatible with a range of screen sizes and devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. This allows users to watch content at home or on the go, making it a versatile option for people with different viewing habits. Unlike some of the other services that work just fine unlike some Tubi works just fine outside of the house.
Tubi’s Competitive Position and Challenges
As of 2023, Tubi has positioned itself as one of the leading ad-supported streaming services, alongside platforms like Pluto TV, Peacock’s free tier, and Crackle. However, while Tubi has carved out a strong foothold in the free streaming space, it faces significant competition from both free and paid services.
Paid services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video continue to dominate the streaming industry, thanks to their large budgets for original content and exclusive partnerships. However, Tubi’s ability to offer a free, ad-supported option makes it an attractive choice for users who do not want to commit to the monthly fees associated with these services.
One of Tubi’s biggest challenges is its reliance on ad revenue to sustain the platform. While ads can be a viable source of income, they also risk driving away viewers who find interruptions annoying. However, Tubi has taken steps to mitigate this by keeping the ad breaks relatively short compared to traditional TV programming, and many users seem willing to tolerate the ads in exchange for free content.
Additionally, Tubi faces competition from other free ad-supported streaming services (AVOD), such as Pluto TV and the free tiers of Peacock and Hulu. These platforms are also expanding their libraries and improving user experience, so Tubi will need to continue innovating and expanding its content offering to stay ahead in the market.
The Future of Tubi
Looking ahead, Tubi’s future appears promising. As more people seek alternatives to expensive subscription services, the demand for free, ad-supported streaming platforms is likely to grow. Tubi’s ability to offer a large and diverse catalog without charging subscription fees positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
Furthermore, Tubi’s ongoing efforts to improve its content library and expand its reach internationally should help it attract even more viewers. The platform has already made significant strides in offering a wide range of genres, but continued partnerships with major studios, sports networks, and international distributors will further strengthen its catalog.
Another exciting development is the possibility of original programming. While Tubi has largely focused on licensing content from third-party studios, there have been hints that the platform may eventually produce its own original shows and movies. This would help Tubi compete more directly with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, which have become known for their high-quality original content.
Conclusion
Tubi represents a new era in the world of streaming, where consumers no longer have to choose between expensive subscription services and limited, low-quality free options. By offering a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and sports content for free, Tubi has made a significant impact on the streaming landscape. Its ad-supported model, user-friendly interface, and extensive library have helped it attract millions of viewers around the world.
While Tubi faces challenges from both subscription-based services and other free streaming platforms, its focus on delivering free content without compromising on variety or quality makes it a compelling choice for those who want to enjoy entertainment without paying a subscription fee. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, Tubi’s ability to adapt and expand its offerings will likely play a major role in shaping the future of on-demand entertainment. So, try it for yourself. Download the app and give it a whirl. If you think its great throw it on your phone & tablet. You won’t be sorry!!!
Well, that’s it for this week. I’ll see you on the next one in which we go over another awesome free service: Pluto TV.
Lata!!!
L