Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, marks its 11th anniversary today, celebrating a remarkable journey from a scrappy startup to a global leader in accessible entertainment. Launched in April 2014, by founders Farhad Massoudi and Thomas Ahn Hicks, Tubi pioneered the FAST model, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows at no cost to viewers. As it turns 11, Tubi’s growth—now boasting over 97 million monthly active users and 250,000 titles—underscores its role in reshaping how audiences consume content in a cord-cutting era.
Tubi’s early days focused on licensing lesser-known films, building a niche for budget-conscious viewers uninterested in Netflix’s subscription fees. Acquired by Fox Corporation in 2020 for $440 million, Tubi expanded rapidly, adding live news, sports, and original programming while maintaining its free-to-watch ethos. By 2025, it operates in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Costa Rica, with plans for further global reach. Its catalog now includes blockbusters from Paramount and Disney, alongside fan-favorite FAST channels like Law & Order and Unsolved Mysteries, drawing 1.4% of total U.S. TV viewing time in January 2025, a 40% jump from 2024, per Nielsen’s The Gauge.
The platform’s success lies in its simplicity and diversity. Unlike subscription giants facing churn—Netflix lost 1.2 million U.S. subscribers in 2024—Tubi requires no payment, only an optional sign-in for personalized recommendations. Its 400+ content partners, including Lionsgate and MGM, ensure a deep well of genres, from classic Westerns to anime, appealing to underserved audiences like multicultural and younger viewers. Tubi’s originals, such as House of Heat, and high-profile events like Super Bowl LIX streaming free in 4K, have elevated its profile, with 200 live channels adding real-time allure.
Advertisers have flocked to Tubi, fueling its growth with $600 million in U.S. ad revenue in 2024, as brands leverage its engaged audience. “Tubi’s model proves free doesn’t mean low-quality,” said Anjali Sud, CEO since 2023, noting its AI-driven personalization rivals paid services. Innovations like interactive ad formats and cross-platform accessibility on Roku, Fire TV, and mobile devices keep users hooked, with average viewing sessions exceeding 90 minutes.
As cord-cutting surges—59.6 million U.S. households have ditched pay-TV, per Evoca.tv—Tubi’s 11th year highlights its staying power. Competing with Pluto TV and The Roku Channel, it’s no longer just a nostalgia hub but a dynamic platform hosting recent hits and live events. Posts on X echo its popularity, with users praising its “insane selection” and zero-cost model. Looking ahead, Tubi plans to double down on originals and expand to Europe, aiming to remain the people’s streamer in a market where free is king.
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Update: We updated this story with the latest monthly active users numbers.