Tubi Explodes in Popularity, Outranking Max and Apple TV+

Tubi, a free streaming service owned by Fox Corporation, has seen a significant surge in popularity over the past 18 months, surpassing competitors like Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and Apple TV+ in total viewing time. Initially met with skepticism regarding its legitimacy, Tubi has now established itself as a major player in the streaming market, ranking just below YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Its business model relies on advertising revenue and does not require user accounts, making it accessible and appealing to viewers. Tubi's library consists mainly of older shows and movies, including cult classics and niche genres, which resonate with its audience. Notably, Tubi has a strong following among Black viewers, with 46% of its audience identifying as such, and it skews older, with over half of its viewers aged 50 and above. Despite its growth, Tubi is not yet profitable, as it continues to invest in scaling its operations. Analysts suggest that the rise of free streaming services like Tubi is partly due to consumers' increasing tolerance for advertisements and the current volatility in subscription-based streaming. Tubi's executives believe that their unique approach, focusing on older content and lower-budget productions, has turned perceived weaknesses into strengths, allowing them to thrive in a competitive landscape.

- Tubi has surpassed major streaming services in total viewing time over the past 18 months.

- The service is free and funded by advertising, requiring no user accounts.

- Tubi has a significant audience among Black viewers and skews older than many competitors.

- The platform is not yet profitable but is experiencing revenue growth.

- Tubi's strategy focuses on older content and low-budget productions, which has contributed to its success.