Netflix should start to worry, as the leader in free streaming is on its way to Europe. The platform has more than 20,000 films and series and is loaded with quality content that uses the formula of free access with advertising. Its expansion into Europe is going to be one of the most important issues in the sector for a long time.
In the United States, the free streaming platform Tubi has 80 million unique users per month. With this huge audience, it is a threat to subscription-based services, since all content is free. Of course, there are ads. But apart from that, what we can tell you is that Tubi brings together series and films from all kinds of producers, even those like Disney that have their own streaming services.
The United Kingdom welcomes you
The expansion in Europe begins with the United Kingdom, where users will be able to enjoy first-hand the benefits of access to a service that will not leave anyone indifferent. Its launch is taking place both as an application for mobile devices and in its web version, including content not only of American origin, but also productions from other markets. Of course, British films and series will be very important, but it has also been mentioned that its arrival in the United Kingdom will take place with content from places such as Nigeria and India.
The service is owned by Fox Corporation, Rupert Murdoch’s company, and was originally launched in 2014, which means that it has already signed its first decade of existence. Therefore, those responsible for the platform believe that it is the perfect time to begin expansion. And, logically, the United Kingdom is the ideal market given that they do not have to worry as much about the language as they would if, for example, they launched the service in Spain.
What content does Tubi have?
Tubi is not a producer of its own content like Netflix or Max. That is an important factor and something that will continue to differentiate the two types of service. However, there is a big difference between what Tubi offers and what other free services provide today, whether through video on demand or through television channels. That variety and quantity of Tubi content is something that few platforms manage to achieve.
However, some analysts believe that without its own content, it will be difficult for Tubi to succeed in the UK as it has in the US. And in Spain? We wanted to clear up any doubts and check out what Tubi offers first-hand to get an idea of ​​what we would find if the service were available in our market. When we go in, the first thing we find is that in the United States, the volume of content is much higher than in the UK, given that it exceeds 60,000 films and series. It’s a real outrage that makes it easy to find something to watch.
The second thing we can tell you is that the app is available in Spanish, an important fact given that it can be accessed by Spanish-speaking users residing in the United States. You can see this in the screenshots that accompany this news. Regarding the catalogue, we were quite surprised because, right off the bat, among the films featured on the cover are titles such as Wonder Woman, the 2017 version starring Gal Gadot, as well as Aquaman or the Harley Quinn film, titles that we would only expect to find on Max.
There are also a huge number of categories dividing up their content, series galore and live TV channels, although curiously, these do not play a leading role. And, from the interface, we can enter a section for children with content tailored to their age. The film selection is immense and you can find classic titles such as Goodfellas, Terminator or the first Batman by Tim Burton. And there is no shortage of much more modern films that guarantee free entertainment for hours. With series it is three quarters of the same. There are many of Max’s own productions, such as the classic series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and series of many other styles that, brought together in the same service, have a high appeal. There is also a lot of anime and children’s series.
In addition, in the screenshots you will have seen that, in the navigation bar, there is a Spanish button. This takes us to a section in which the films or series are in Spanish, although not in Castilian. But it is a good way to see that the service does not put limits on the variety of languages ​​available. On the other hand, films and series can be viewed with subtitles if we want.
The big question is whether Tubi will, after the UK, come to Spain or not. There is a clear interest in expanding the service across Europe and trying to gain market share in those countries where other ad-supported streaming services are succeeding. Spain fits into that category and could be a place where the platform would be welcomed with open arms. But, we suppose, we will have to see how its arrival materialises among the British first.
