Streaming: Tubi returns to the UK

Tubi was available in the United Kingdom until 2018, when it had to withdraw due to the EU's General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

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Fox Corporation's Tubi has re-entered the UK market, attracting attention due to the market's saturation with streaming services and rising production costs. It was available in the UK until 2018, when it had to withdraw because of the EU's General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). However, Brexit has since created an opportunity for its return.

Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, provides over 20,000 movies and TV episodes, including exclusive originals. The UK market already includes major players such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV, as well as traditional broadcasters with their own streaming platforms. Tubi's success in the US, with nearly 80 million monthly users, indicates it could be a significant competitor.

The service targets younger and ethnically diverse audiences, areas it believes are underserved by existing streamers. Tubi's appeal lies in its free access and extensive, diverse content library, contrasting with subscription-based competitors.

While Tubi faces challenges, such as competition and content localization, it benefits from the increasing trend of "cord-cutting." The service is particularly appealing to advertisers due to its young, diverse user base and the active engagement of its viewers.

Tubi’s content library in the UK pairs some of the best Hollywood films with modern British classics, and offers series with well-known UK TV franchises alongside new areas of discovery – from Bollywood and Nollywood to Arthouse Cinema.

“At a time when traditional programming feels homogenous and when finding what to watch feels like a chore, Tubi has been effective at delivering delight beyond the monoculture with content that appeals to diverse and vibrant fandoms,” said David Salmon, EVP and Managing Director of International at Tubi. “We believe that we can build a brilliantly broad, culturally ambitious offering that puts UK audiences back at the centre, and makes it fun and easy to enjoy great entertainment from around the world.”