Free Streaming Service Tubi Now More Popular Than Max and Apple TV+

Free Streaming Service Tubi Now More Popular Than Max and Apple TV+

As a budget-conscious viewer who’s been through the trials of expensive streaming services and their ever-rising prices, I must say that Tubi has truly become my beacon in the streaming wars. The service’s free accessibility and vast library have been a lifesaver for those of us who cherish the joy of discovering hidden gems without breaking the bank.


In a surprising turn of events, the free streaming platform Tubi, known for its longstanding claim of being completely free, has outranked more well-known competitors in terms of popularity. Notable contenders, including some major players in the streaming industry, find themselves lagging behind Tubi. This significant achievement by Tubi is not surprising given that it offers its services free to all users. Its impact is expected to cause a ripple effect, potentially challenging and reshaping the business models of other companies that rely on costly subscription services.

The information stems from a report in The New York Times, indicating that Tubi has seen significant success after experiencing a surge in popularity over the past 18 months. Although Tubi is not yet as popular as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, or Disney+, it has managed to outrank services like Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and Peacock due to its continued growth. This streaming service maintains its ad-supported business model, which has allowed it to thrive, and it recently delved into original programming as well.

In reference to one of its recent original films, “Slay”, Tubi CEO Anjali Sud asserts, “We challenge the idea that quality is determined by budget size or critical praise.” The movie follows four drag queens who find themselves transformed into vampire hunters and protectors of their audience. Marketing head Nicole Parlapiano elaborates on this by comparing it to a B-movie horror classic: “Tubi viewers don’t shy away from admitting they’d rather watch something like VelociPastor than the most popular show on HBO.” Indeed, neither statement is inaccurate. According to Parlapiano’s remarks:

We took what people thought were Tubi’s perceived weaknesses — older content, no stars, lower-budget movies — and we made it our strength. To be tied with Disney? That actually blows my mind. Their team is probably 100 times my size and I can’t imagine what their budgets are.

On Tubi, a diverse range of entertainment awaits viewers who rummage through its free streaming service bins. As stated in a recent article by The Times, horror, thriller, and true crime genres are the most viewed categories. However, Tubi offers more than just these popular choices. It’s filled with older programming, such as sitcoms, Academy Award-winning films, and lesser-known foreign movies. The selection is eclectic, encompassing a bit of everything. Another attractive feature is that viewers don’t need to create an account to watch; they can simply choose and hit play.

Tubi is only available to use in the United States, Australia, Mexico, and Canada.

How Does Tubi Stay Free in a Sea of High-Priced Streaming Services?

Tubi, currently under Fox Corporation’s ownership (acquired in 2020 for $440 million), has seen an impressive growth surge that leaves rival streaming services somewhat uneasy when viewing its viewership figures. In 2023 alone, Tubi generated a revenue of $900 million, following $775 million in 2022. Despite this prosperity, Tubi continues to uphold its free-for-all business model, with CEO Sud stating, “Our decision not to pursue profitability is deliberate.”

Although larger streaming platforms persistently increase their prices, nimble services such as Tubi and PlutoTV maintain an edge by catering to fans who aren’t always in search of the latest blockbusters. Reminiscent of stumbling upon a hidden gem while perusing video rental stores from the ’80s and ’90s, that’s the experience you get when browsing Tubi, which could be what keeps it thriving for years to come.

Tubi can be accessed on a variety of platforms, including Android and iOS devices, streaming services like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs in general, as well as through internet browsers.

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2024-08-13 21:31