Rupert Murdoch’s Fox has launched an ad-supported streaming service, Tubi, in the UK market. The new service aims to compete with popular platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, Channel 4’s streaming service and BBC iPlayer.
Tubi launches with an impressive library of over 20,000 movies and TV episodes, featuring content from major studios including Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as its own original productions. Notable films include The Twilight Saga starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, the horror film Candyman, and the Tubi original reality series House of Heat.
“Tubi has spent the past decade refining our approach to free, fun streaming in North America, and we feel now is the perfect time to bring that recipe to UK audiences,” said Anjali Sood, CEO of Tubi. “Most importantly, we’re committed to listening to what resonates with UK fans, and bringing them more and more of what they love.”
Tubi in the US has 80 million active users and is tied with Disney+ in total viewing time, Fox reports. The UK offerings will also include films like Gerard Butler-starring Olympus Has Fallen, Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore, and horror comedy Happy Death Day. UK content includes episodes of Great British Menu, The Secret History of the British Garden, Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds, and Mary Berry’s Foolproof Cooking.
Competition in the streaming services market is fierce, with companies vying for market share amid huge losses and the cost of living crisis affecting consumers. During the Covid pandemic, streaming services have surged in popularity, prompting companies like Netflix, Disney and Apple to invest billions of dollars in high-budget shows to attract subscribers. However, with growth slowing, these companies are now focusing on cost-cutting measures and the pursuit of profitability.
Sports and live events have become increasingly important to media companies, with Netflix set to stream WWE wrestling and Disney planning to offer live sporting events from its ESPN network.
Tubi remains committed to its “100% free ad-supported” model with a “low ad load.” This contrasts with other streaming services that have offered ad-supported tiers at a lower cost in the race for subscriptions.
In related news, Murdoch-owned right-wing news channel TalkTV has announced it will stop broadcasting after two years and switch to an online-only format over the summer.