Free movie and TV streaming platform Tubi is looking to wade into the waters of original programming.
According to Bloomberg, sources indicate that first on Tubi’s list are original movies, but it’s also exploring TV shows in addition to a series of partnerships and other collaborations.
Right now, Tubi is home to a host of classic TV shows and movies as well as more modern options, with plenty of quirky programming thrown in for good measure. There are few places online, for instances, to watch hokey sci-fi like Space Precinct. Though this type of programming has attracted over 33 million users as of December 2020, owner Fox Corp. is looking to take those numbers even higher.
Fox Corp. originally acquired Tubi for nearly $500 million in March 20202, banking on Tubi as its own streaming platform since it was without its own. At the time, there were no plans in place to pursue any original shows or movies.
Those in the pipeline are meant to be “cheap and cheerful” options, as CFO Steve Tomsic indicated during an early investors’ conference. He called the forthcoming content “cost-effective.” It’s unclear what genres Tubi is seeking to explore, but it’s safe to say that there won’t be enormous blockbusters coming down the line.
Tubi remains completely free, and makes its revenue by running multiple ads during its content. There is no option for a paid tier, and there doesn’t appear to be plans for one. For a completely free service, Tubi is packed to the brim with programming already. Adding more movies and TV, especially original goodies that viewers can’t watch elsewhere, seems like a boon for the platform going forward.
