What is Tubi? Streaming platform launches free service in the UK

Tubi, a new free ad-supported streaming service, launched in the UK on Tuesday, July 2.

The platform owned by Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation is already increasingly popular in North America, where it says it has nearly 80 million monthly active users.

Its UK launch will bring users more than 20,000 movies and TV episodes on-demand, including content from Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal and Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as a slate of Tubi Originals.

Tubi users can look forward to Hollywood films and British TV series, as well as art-house film and content from India’s Bollywood and Nigeria’s Nollywood.

Anjali Sud, chief executive officer of the streaming service, said: “Tubi has spent the last decade honing our approach to vast, free and fun streaming in North America, and we feel that now is the perfect time to bring that recipe to UK audiences. We are launching with one of the largest and most diverse content libraries in the UK, designed to indulge viewers in everything from blockbusters to original stories to hidden gems.

“Most importantly, we’re committed to listening to what resonates with UK fans, and bringing them more and more of what they love.”

David Salmon, managing director of international at Tubi, added: “At a time when traditional programming feels homogenous and when finding what to watch feels like a chore, Tubi has been effective at delivering delight beyond the monoculture with content that appeals to diverse and vibrant fandoms.

“We believe that we can build a brilliantly broad, culturally ambitious offering that puts UK audiences back at the centre, and makes it fun and easy to enjoy great entertainment from around the world.”

To start streaming Tubi, download the app on your device or visit the Tubi website.

Then, enter your first name, your age and your gender, and you'll be able to start watching.

What is Tubi?

Founded by Farhad Massoudi and Thomas Ahn Hicks of AdRise in San Francisco, the streaming service quickly gained a large following in the US after launching in 2014.

In February 2019, Tubi signed a distribution deal with NBCUniversal, which includes 400 TV episodes and films. It was later sold to Fox in March 2020.

Tubi is a rival to the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV+.