Forget streaming subscriptions, Tubi launches in the UK with 20,000 free movies and shows

By James On Jul 1, 2024

Tubi has been a huge success in the US and Canada, offering over 20,000 free-to-stream movies and TV shows (albeit with ads). Now, even more audiences will get the chance to experience the service after announcing it has officially launched in the UK.

There’s plenty to get excited about, as in North America it offers an extensive library of blockbuster movies, popular TV shows, and exclusive Tubi Originals—and the best part? It costs absolutely nothing to sign up. So if you’re tired of shelling out money for the best streaming services, you have a new option to consider.

The UK version of Tubi sounds just as exciting, with its content library combining some of the best Hollywood films with modern British classics alongside genres “from Bollywood and Nollywood to Arthouse Cinema,” according to a press release. So it sounds like there’s going to be a real mix.

This is what Tubi looks like on your phone. (Image credit: Tubi)

“Tubi has spent the last decade working hard to refine our approach to large-scale, free, and fun streaming in North America, and we feel this is the perfect time to bring that recipe to the UK audience,” said Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi.

“We’re launching with one of the largest and most diverse content libraries in the UK, designed to delight viewers with everything from blockbusters to original stories to hidden gems. Most importantly, we’re committed to listening to what resonates with British fans and bringing them more and more of what they love,” she added.

What do you need to know about Tubi?

The Tubi home screen with tiles of movies and shows

Here’s a snapshot of what the Tubi home screen looks like. (Image credit: Tubi)

For those who don’t know much about Tubi or free ad-supported streaming, for starters, you’ll be faced with ads not only before you start watching a movie or show, but also during the viewing itself, just like when you watch live TV.

The good news is that the ads are fairly short, so if you don’t mind putting up with a few, Tubi is well worth your time. It’s a pretty good trade-off, considering you don’t have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription to access the library.

There are some big names in their library, too. Tubi has revealed that the UK service will feature over 20,000 movies and TV episodes on-demand, including curated content from major global distributors like Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal and Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as a robust lineup of exclusive Tubi Originals.

Viewers can watch via the Tubi website or app, meaning you can take the library with you wherever you go, just like other streaming services. And since you don’t have to give them a dime, it’s definitely worth checking out.