How to Get Your Film on Tubi: How It Works

Tubi is the largest free ad-supported streaming service in the United States. Owned by Fox Corporation and operated within its Tubi Media Group division since 2023, the platform has over 100 million monthly active users and a catalog of nearly 300,000 movies and TV episodes. For independent filmmakers, Tubi represents one of the most accessible major streaming platforms: no subscription paywall for viewers, a strong appetite for genre content, and a revenue share model that generates consistent AVOD income.

But getting your film on Tubi is not as simple as uploading a file. Tubi does not accept direct submissions from filmmakers. The platform licenses content through approved distributors and AVOD aggregators that handle content curation, technical delivery, metadata, rights management, and performance tracking. Understanding how this pipeline works is essential for any indie filmmaker considering Tubi as a distribution channel.

This guide explains how Tubi works, how content reaches the platform, how to choose an aggregator, what the technical requirements are, and what revenue you can expect.

Quick Answer

Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming platform (AVOD) owned by Fox Corporation with over 100 million monthly active users. You cannot submit your film directly to Tubi. Content reaches the platform through approved distributors and AVOD aggregators that handle submission, technical delivery, and rights management.

To get your film on Tubi, you need to work with an AVOD aggregator or distributor that has an existing relationship with Tubi. The aggregator submits your title to Tubi for consideration, and Tubi evaluates the content based on audience demand, genre fit, and performance data. If accepted, the title is licensed for a defined window, typically on a non-exclusive basis. Revenue is generated through advertising and shared between Tubi and the rights holder.

Technical requirements include: video quality minimum 720p (1080p preferred), closed captions required on all content, content ratings required, and specific metadata fields including poster, landscape, and hero images. Tubi deals are typically non-exclusive licenses for a fixed period, with revenue based on ad impressions. The platform has a strong appetite for genre content, particularly horror, thriller, and action films.

How Tubi Works

The AVOD Model

Tubi operates on an Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD) model. Viewers watch content for free, supported by ads that play before and during the film. There is no subscription fee. This removes the barrier to entry for viewers, which is why Tubi has grown to over 100 million monthly active users.

For filmmakers, the AVOD model means you do not charge viewers directly. Instead, you earn a share of the advertising revenue generated when ads play against your content. The more views your film gets, the more ad impressions it generates, and the more revenue you earn.

According to Molten Cloud's Tubi delivery guide, Tubi monetizes content through their own advertising infrastructure. Depending on your agreement, you receive a revenue share from ad impressions. You do not need to configure any ad settings yourself. Tubi handles all ad delivery.

Content Acquisition

Tubi does not operate a traditional open-submission pipeline. According to ScriptMatch's 2026 Tubi analysis, access is primarily through representation or established relationships with the platform's tracked decision-maker network, which spans approximately 89 contacts. The most reliable path for filmmakers is through an aggregator or distributor that already has a relationship with Tubi's acquisitions team.

Tubi evaluates content based on:

• Audience demand: Is there an existing audience for this type of content?
• Genre fit: Does the content align with Tubi's programming strategy?
• Performance data: How do similar titles perform on the platform?
• Rights availability: Are the territorial rights clear and properly documented?

What Tubi Is Looking For in 2026

Tubi's content strategy in 2026 is expanding in several directions:

• Creator-led programming: Content from digital creators and social media talent crossing into long-form
• Genre films: Horror, thriller, and action perform particularly well on the platform
• Unscripted and reality: True crime, reality series, and documentary content
• Comedy: Stand-up specials and comedy formats
• FAST-ready libraries: Content libraries suitable for 24/7 channel programming
• International content: Particularly from the UK and Latin American markets

The indie film Skit, produced for $65,000 and shot in eight days, secured a worldwide day-and-date premiere on Tubi, demonstrating the platform's willingness to work with low-budget indie content when the concept and audience strategy are strong.

How Content Gets on Tubi

The Submission Pipeline

According to NIA Media's Tubi distribution guide, most films on Tubi follow this path:

1. Filmmaker completes a project (film or series)
2. Project is pitched to a distributor or AVOD aggregator that has a relationship with Tubi
3. Aggregator submits the title to Tubi for consideration
4. Tubi evaluates the content based on audience demand, genre fit, and performance data
5. If accepted, the title is licensed for a defined window

Tubi is curated, not open-upload. Programming decisions are driven by data and audience behavior, not submission volume. This means that even with an aggregator, there is no guarantee your film will be accepted. The aggregator's role is to present your film in the best possible light to Tubi's acquisitions team.

Content Partner Application

Some content management platforms, like VideoNest, offer a pathway to Tubi through MRSS feed submission. According to VideoNest's Tubi feed documentation, the process involves:

1. Create a Tubi-compatible MRSS feed with required fields including content ratings, caption references, and series metadata
2. Get your feed URL from your content management platform
3. Apply to become a Tubi content partner through Tubi's content partner portal at tubitv.com/content-partners
4. Tubi's content team reviews your application and feed
5. If approved, Tubi ingests your feed and your content appears on the platform

This pathway is more relevant to content owners with libraries of multiple titles rather than filmmakers with a single film. For individual films, working through an aggregator remains the primary path.

Choosing an AVOD Aggregator

What an Aggregator Does

Because you cannot submit directly to Tubi, choosing the right AVOD aggregator is critical. A strong aggregator should:

• Be transparent about deal terms and revenue splits
• Clearly explain where your film fits on the platform (or does not)
• Handle delivery, quality control, and metadata properly
• Have real relationships with Tubi's programming team
• Put creator interests ahead of submission volume

Aggregator Options

What to Look For

When choosing an aggregator for Tubi distribution:

• Existing Tubi relationship: Confirm the aggregator has successfully placed content on Tubi before. Ask for examples of titles they have placed.
• Transparent reporting: How often does the aggregator report earnings from Tubi? Is the reporting detailed enough to understand your film's performance?
• Fair revenue split: Understand the percentage the aggregator takes from your Tubi revenue. Compare across multiple aggregators.
• Contract terms: How long is the agreement? Is it exclusive or non-exclusive? What are the termination terms?
• Multi-platform capability: Does the aggregator only place content on Tubi, or do they also handle other AVOD platforms like Pluto TV and Roku Channel? Multi-platform aggregators maximize your reach.

Technical Requirements

Video Specifications

According to VideoNest's Tubi feed documentation and Tubi's metadata instructions, content requirements include:

Metadata Requirements

Tubi requires detailed metadata for each title. According to Tubi's metadata instructions, required fields include:

Filenames must match exactly and are case-sensitive. This is a common source of delivery errors. Ensure all filenames in your metadata match the actual filenames of your delivered assets, including file extensions.

Image Requirements

Tubi requires multiple image assets:

• Poster image: Vertical poster art, typically 2:3 aspect ratio
• Landscape image: 16:9 horizontal image, minimum 1280x720
• Hero image: Wide hero banner for platform placement

All images should be high quality, representative of the film, and properly formatted. Poor artwork is one of the most common reasons for delayed or rejected submissions. For guidance on creating effective key art, see our guide on how to create a film key art package on a budget.

Revenue and Deal Structure

How Tubi Deals Work

Most Tubi deals are non-exclusive licenses for a fixed period. According to NIA Media, typical deal characteristics include:

• Revenue generated through advertising: You earn a share of ad revenue based on impressions
• Payments based on performance or flat licensing: Varies by deal
• No subscription fees for viewers: Free to watch, ad-supported
• Global or regional availability: Depends on your rights and the agreement
• Non-exclusive: You can typically place your film on other platforms simultaneously

Revenue Expectations

AVOD revenue is inherently variable. It depends on the number of views your film receives, the ad rates at the time of viewing, and the territory where the viewer is located. There is no guaranteed minimum revenue.

Factors that influence AVOD revenue on Tubi:

• Genre fit: Horror, thriller, and action tend to perform well on AVOD platforms
• Title metadata quality: Better metadata means better discoverability
• Key art quality: Strong poster and hero images improve click-through rates
• Audience size: Films with existing audience awareness generate more views
• Time on platform: Longer licensing windows allow more time for the algorithm to surface your film

Non-Exclusive vs. Exclusive Deals

Tubi typically offers non-exclusive deals, which means you can place your film on other AVOD platforms simultaneously. This is advantageous for indie filmmakers because it maximizes reach and revenue potential across multiple platforms.

Exclusive deals are less common on Tubi but may be offered for high-demand content. An exclusive deal typically comes with a licensing fee upfront, in exchange for keeping the film off other AVOD platforms for a defined period. Weigh the upfront payment against the potential revenue from broader distribution.

For a complete windowing strategy, see our guide on distribution windowing strategy.

When Tubi Makes Sense for Your Film

Tubi Is a Good Fit When

• Your film is genre-driven (horror, thriller, action, comedy)
• You want broad audience reach without a subscription barrier
• You are pursuing a non-exclusive AVOD strategy across multiple platforms
• Your film has completed its TVOD and SVOD windows and is entering the AVOD phase
• You want long-term catalog placement with ongoing ad revenue

Tubi May Not Be the Best First Window When

• You are prioritizing festival runs or awards campaigns
• You are targeting premium SVOD platforms first (Netflix, Apple TV)
• Your film has a very narrow niche with limited AVOD appeal
• You need guaranteed upfront revenue rather than performance-based revenue

Windowing Considerations

Tubi works best as part of a windowed distribution strategy rather than as a first-window destination. A typical windowing approach:

This is a general model. Some films go directly to AVOD if TVOD and SVOD offers are not forthcoming. The advantage of starting with AVOD is immediate audience access. The disadvantage is lower per-view revenue compared to TVOD.

For more on windowing strategy, see our guide on distribution windowing strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming Tubi Is Easy

Tubi is accessible, but it is not automatic. The platform evaluates content based on audience demand and genre fit. Submitting through an aggregator does not guarantee acceptance. Treat the submission process with the same care you would apply to any distribution deal.

Working with an Aggregator Who Does Not Explain Terms

Some aggregators are transparent about deal terms. Others are not. If an aggregator cannot clearly explain the revenue split, the licensing window, and the territory scope, find a different aggregator. You should understand exactly what you are signing before you sign it.

Delivering Poor Artwork or Metadata

Tubi's platform is visual. Your poster, landscape image, and hero image determine whether viewers click on your film. Poor artwork means poor performance, regardless of the film's quality. Similarly, incomplete or inaccurate metadata hurts discoverability. See our guide on poster typography and color theory for design guidance.

Treating AVOD as a Last Resort

Some filmmakers treat AVOD as a dumping ground for films that could not get SVOD or TVOD deals. This is a mistake. AVOD is a strategy, not a fallback. Tubi's 100 million monthly active users represent a massive audience. Films that perform well on AVOD can generate meaningful ongoing revenue. Approach AVOD with intention, not resignation.

Failing to Plan Distribution Windows

If you place your film on Tubi without planning your windowing strategy, you may undermine your ability to secure TVOD or SVOD deals. Some TVOD and SVOD platforms require exclusivity windows. Placing your film on Tubi first may disqualify you from these deals. Plan your windows before committing to any platform. For more on common mistakes, see our guide on film marketing mistakes.

What Filmmakers Should Do Next

1. Evaluate whether Tubi fits your distribution strategy. Consider your genre, your windowing plan, and whether AVOD revenue aligns with your goals. See our guide on distribution windowing strategy.

2. Research AVOD aggregators. Compare fee structures, Tubi relationships, and multi-platform capabilities. Get references from other filmmakers. See our guide on self-distributing your film in 2026.

3. Prepare your technical assets. Ensure your video file meets Tubi's specifications (minimum 720p, 1080p preferred). Prepare closed captions. Create poster, landscape, and hero images that meet the platform's requirements. See our guide on film delivery requirements.

4. Complete your metadata accurately. Every field matters for discoverability. Ensure filenames match exactly and are case-sensitive. Include content ratings, territory information, and all required image references.

5. Plan your windowing strategy. Decide where Tubi fits in your distribution timeline. If you are pursuing TVOD or SVOD deals first, plan the Tubi window to follow. See our guide on distribution windowing strategy.

6. Market your film. Tubi does not market individual titles. You need to drive audience awareness so that viewers search for and find your film on the platform. See our guide on how to promote your independent film online.

7. Create a smart link for your film. Once your film is on Tubi alongside other platforms, a smart link helps audiences find where to watch. See our guide on smart links for films.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my film directly to Tubi?

No. Tubi does not accept direct submissions from filmmakers. Content reaches the platform through approved distributors and AVOD aggregators that have existing relationships with Tubi. If someone tells you they can upload your film directly to Tubi, that is a red flag.

How much can I earn on Tubi?

AVOD revenue varies based on views, ad rates, and territory. There is no guaranteed minimum. Films that perform well on Tubi can generate meaningful ongoing ad revenue, particularly in genre categories like horror and thriller. Revenue is typically shared between Tubi and the rights holder, with your aggregator taking a percentage from your share.

What kind of content does Tubi want?

Tubi has a strong appetite for genre content (horror, thriller, action), creator-led programming, unscripted and reality content, comedy, and FAST-ready content libraries. The platform also licenses international content, particularly from the UK and Latin American markets. Content that is suitable for an ad-supported platform and has clear audience appeal performs best.

What are Tubi's technical requirements?

Video must be minimum 720p (1080p preferred) in .mov or .mp4 format. Closed captions are required on all content. Content ratings are required. You must provide poster, landscape, and hero images. Metadata must include exact filenames (case-sensitive), content type, and territory information.

Is a Tubi deal exclusive?

Most Tubi deals are non-exclusive, meaning you can place your film on other AVOD platforms simultaneously. Exclusive deals are less common but may be offered for high-demand content, typically with an upfront licensing fee. Non-exclusive deals are generally advantageous for indie filmmakers because they maximize reach.

How long does it take to get my film on Tubi?

The timeline depends on your aggregator's submission process and Tubi's evaluation period. Once submitted, Tubi's content team evaluates the film based on audience demand, genre fit, and performance data. If accepted, technical delivery and quality control typically take 1 to 2 weeks. The total process from aggregator submission to platform availability can take 4 to 8 weeks.

Should I put my film on Tubi before or after other platforms?

Tubi works best as part of a windowed distribution strategy. If you are pursuing TVOD (Apple TV, Amazon) or SVOD (Shudder, niche platforms) deals, those typically come first. AVOD on Tubi is often a later-window play that generates ongoing revenue after the initial windows have been exhausted. However, some films go directly to AVOD if earlier window deals are not available. See our guide on distribution windowing strategy.

Conclusion

Tubi is one of the most accessible major streaming platforms for independent filmmakers. With 100 million monthly active users and no subscription barrier, it offers reach that few other platforms can match. The AVOD model means your film is available to anyone with an internet connection, and the revenue share structure provides ongoing income based on actual viewership.

But accessibility does not mean automatic. You need an aggregator. You need to meet technical requirements. You need quality artwork and complete metadata. And you need to treat AVOD as a strategic distribution choice, not a last resort.

Plan your windowing strategy. Choose the right aggregator. Prepare your assets to specification. Market your film so that viewers can find it on the platform. And combine Tubi with other distribution channels to maximize both reach and revenue.

Once your film is available across multiple platforms, tools like Filmcane can help you create smart links that direct audiences to Tubi and every other platform where your film is available, track which marketing channels are driving the most views, and measure how your AVOD strategy contributes to your overall distribution revenue. The platform provides the audience. The strategy determines whether they find your film.