Best Streaming Platforms for Independent Films in 2026

The streaming landscape offers more opportunities for independent films than ever before. But with dozens of platforms available, which ones actually serve indie filmmakers?

This guide reviews the best streaming platforms for independent films in 2026, organized by business model, with honest assessments of acceptance rates, revenue potential, and audience reach.

Understanding Platform Types

Before diving into specific platforms, understand the models:

SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand)

• Viewers pay monthly subscription
• Examples: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu
• Revenue: Licensing fees or per-stream royalties

TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand)

• Viewers pay per rental or purchase
• Examples: iTunes, Google Play, Vudu
• Revenue: Percentage of each transaction

AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand)

• Free to viewers, supported by ads
• Examples: Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku Channel
• Revenue: Share of advertising revenue

FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV)

• Linear channels on streaming devices
• Examples: Pluto TV channels, Samsung TV Plus
• Revenue: Advertising-based

Top Platforms for Independent Films

Amazon Prime Video

Model: SVOD with TVOD options Audience: 200+ million Prime subscribers globally

Access for indie films:

• Prime Video Direct allows self-publishing
• Acceptance rate: Moderate (content reviewed)
• Revenue: Per-hour streamed in Prime, or TVOD splits

Pros:

• Massive built-in audience
• Self-service upload option
• Global reach
• TVOD option for additional revenue

Cons:

• Algorithm favors popular content
• Royalty rates have decreased
• Heavy competition for visibility

Best for: Films with broad appeal, genre content, documentaries

Tubi

Model: AVOD (free to viewers) Audience: 80+ million monthly active users

Access for indie films:

• Accepts through aggregators
• Moderate acceptance standards
• Growing indie catalog

Pros:

• Large and growing audience
• Free viewing removes friction
• Strong genre content performance
• Good for catalog titles

Cons:

• Lower per-view revenue than TVOD
• No promotional support for most titles
• Content must meet quality standards

Best for: Genre films (horror, thriller, action), films seeking volume views

The Roku Channel

Model: AVOD/FAST Audience: 80+ million Roku accounts

Access for indie films:

• Through aggregators
• Quality standards apply
• Growing content library

Pros:

• Built into Roku devices (no app download needed)
• Strong engagement metrics
• Mix of on-demand and linear

Cons:

• Competitive acceptance
• Revenue varies
• Limited marketing from platform

Best for: Films that perform well on smart TVs, genre content

Apple TV / iTunes

Model: TVOD (purchase/rental) Audience: Apple device users globally

Access for indie films:

• Through aggregators
• High quality standards
• Curated library

Pros:

• Premium audience willing to pay
• Higher per-transaction revenue
• Quality positioning
• Global availability

Cons:

• Smaller indie audience
• Must drive your own traffic
• Strict technical requirements

Best for: Prestige indies, festival films, documentaries

YouTube (Premium and Free)

Model: Mixed (AVOD, TVOD, SVOD via Premium) Audience: 2+ billion monthly users

Access for indie films:

• Direct upload or through content partners
• Low barrier to entry
• Multiple monetization options

Pros:

• Largest video audience globally
• Direct relationship with viewers
• Flexible monetization
• SEO benefits

Cons:

• Low AVOD rates
• Competes with all video content
• Not positioned as "film platform"

Best for: Building audience, supplementary distribution, short films

Vudu (now Fandango at Home)

Model: AVOD and TVOD Audience: 25+ million users

Access for indie films:

• Through aggregators
• Moderate acceptance
• Growing free tier

Pros:

• Dual revenue model (ads + transactions)
• Walmart integration
• Established movie audience

Cons:

• Smaller than competitors
• Less brand recognition
• Variable performance

Best for: Films targeting mainstream audiences

Pluto TV

Model: AVOD/FAST Audience: 80+ million monthly active users

Access for indie films:

• Through content partnerships
• Curated acceptance
• Genre channel opportunities

Pros:

• Linear channel experience
• Strong genre channels
• Owned by Paramount (resources)
• Good smart TV presence

Cons:

• Less discoverable on-demand
• Need aggregator relationships
• Competitive acceptance

Best for: Genre films suitable for channel programming

Plex

Model: AVOD Audience: 25+ million users

Access for indie films:

• Through aggregators
• Growing content library
• Tech-savvy audience

Pros:

• Dedicated film audience
• Clean interface
• Personal media focus
• Growing ad-supported library

Cons:

• Smaller audience
• Tech-focused demographic
• Variable revenue

Best for: Niche content, films for dedicated cinephiles

Kanopy

Model: Library-sponsored Audience: Library patrons

Access for indie films:

• Through aggregators or direct
• Strong documentary focus
• Educational positioning

Pros:

• Guaranteed payment (library purchases access)
• Documentary-friendly
• Educational institution reach
• Quality positioning

Cons:

• Limited commercial audience
• Must fit library interests
• Lower overall volume

Best for: Documentaries, educational content, social issue films

MUBI

Model: SVOD (curated) Audience: Cinephiles and art house fans

Access for indie films:

• Curated acquisition
• High standards
• Festival-driven selections

Pros:

• Prestigious positioning
• Engaged audience
• International reach
• Strong curation helps discovery

Cons:

• Very selective
• Limited catalog size
• Niche audience

Best for: Art house films, festival darlings, international cinema

Aggregators: Your Gateway to Platforms

Most indie filmmakers access platforms through aggregators:

Filmhub

• Access to 100+ platforms
• No upfront fees (revenue share model)
• Automated delivery
• Self-service platform

Quiver Digital

• Focus on AVOD platforms
• No upfront costs
• Revenue optimization focus
• Growing platform relationships

Indie Rights

• Hybrid distribution approach
• Marketing support options
• Revenue share model
• Platform relationships

Distribber (Closed)

Note: Distribber shut down in 2019, leaving many filmmakers without distribution. This underscores the importance of choosing stable partners.

Platform Comparison Table

Building Your Multi-Platform Strategy

Most successful indie films distribute across multiple platforms:

Phase 1: Initial Release

• TVOD platforms (iTunes, Prime purchase/rental)
• Premium positioning
• Drive traffic through marketing

Phase 2: Wider Release (30-90 days later)

• AVOD platforms (Tubi, Roku Channel, Pluto)
• Maximize audience reach
• Volume over price

Phase 3: Long Tail

• All available platforms
• Continuous availability
• Passive revenue accumulation

Marketing Across Multiple Platforms

When your film is on multiple platforms, marketing becomes complex. Which link do you share?

Filmcane solves this with smart links—one URL showing all platforms where your film is available. Audiences see every option and choose their preference.

Benefits:

• One link for all marketing
• Track which platforms perform best
• Update as new platforms are added
• Professional presentation

Revenue Expectations Reality Check

Be realistic about streaming revenue:

TVOD (per transaction):

• Rental: $0.70-2.00 to filmmaker
• Purchase: $3-7.00 to filmmaker

AVOD (per stream):

• Often $0.005-0.02 per minute watched
• Varies significantly by platform and ad rates

SVOD licensing:

• Wide range based on film and platform
• Often $1,000-50,000 for indies

Most indie films earn $5,000-50,000 total from streaming over several years. Set expectations accordingly.

Choosing the Right Platforms for Your Film

Consider these factors:

Genre Alignment

• Horror → Tubi, Shudder, Roku Channel
• Documentary → Kanopy, Amazon, Curiosity Stream
• Art house → MUBI, Criterion Channel
• Family → Amazon, Netflix, YouTube

Audience Demographics

• Younger viewers → YouTube, Tubi
• Affluent viewers → Apple TV, TVOD
• Cinephiles → MUBI, Criterion
• General audience → Amazon, Tubi

Revenue Goals

• Maximum reach → AVOD platforms
• Higher per-view → TVOD platforms
• Stable income → Library (Kanopy)

Get Your Film in Front of Audiences

Distribution gets your film onto platforms. Marketing gets it watched.

When you're distributed across multiple platforms, create your Filmcane smart link to give audiences a single destination showing everywhere they can watch. Track performance, understand your audience, and optimize your marketing based on real data.

Your film deserves to be seen. The right platform strategy makes that possible.