What is Tubi? New streaming service launches in the UK today - here's what you need to know

Tubi  launches in the UK from today with no signup or payment neededIt's free but users have to endure adverts - and you can't pay to get rid of them

British movie fans now have another way to catch up on their favourite content as Tubi becomes available in the UK for the first time.

The popular American streaming service is available for British viewers from today with 20,000 movies and TV episodes available on demand.

That includes classic British TV like Top Gear and Midsomer Murders right up to the latest blockbusters such as Jurassic World.

Tubi is completely free, but users have to endure adverts during and after their favourite content, much like rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

What's more, there's no sign-up or login process; you just have to download the app or visit the website to start watching.

American streaming service Tubi is owned by Fox and is completely free - although the catch is that users have to endure adverts

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After being launched in 2014 the streaming service gained an impressive following in the US, eventually being purchased by Fox in 2020.

Now, with 18 million monthly viewers TV claims to be the number one advertising-based video-on-demand service in the US.

To start streaming simply download the app on your device or visit the Tubi website.

You'll be asked to enter a first name, your age and your gender – and then you'll be able to start watching.

Some content does require you to sign up for a free account, but you can still use Tubi without doing so.

The service will launch through over 20,000 movies and TV episodes including classics like Top Gear

Tubi also claims that its platform uses 'machine learning' to deliver a personalised experience for each customer. 

When Tubi launches in the UK, it does so with 20,000 movies and TV episodes available – although this is less than the 240,000 movies and TV episodes available in the US. 

Since its takeover by Fox, US customers also get access to 250 live sport and news channels which UK customers will receive too. 

But even without that extra content, Tubi claims this still gives it one of the largest and most diverse collections of TV and movie content available in the UK. 

By comparison, Netflix offers of 5,000 films and 2,500 TV series.

Although Tubi is an American service it will launch with a large number of British tv shows including long-running detective drama Midsomer Murders

The free streaming service also includes major blockbusters such as Jurassic World (pictured)

The reason Tubi is able to offer so much content for free is that it is entirely supported by advertising revenue.

However, according to Tubi, the platform only includes three to five ads (totalling four to six minutes) per viewing hour, occurring every 12 to 15 minutes.

Netflix vaguely claims to have 'a few short ads per hour' – although users are generally exposed to about the same amount. 

But unlike its rivals, Tubi has no option for paying to get rid of ads. 

British fans will also be able to watch the gripping crime drama Broadchurch starring David Tennant (pictured)

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Netflix introduced the £4.99 tier with ads as a cheaper alternative to its paid streaming service back in 2022. 

Other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have also introduced cheaper subscription tiers which require users to watch some adverts. 

The main difference is that Netflix customers can pay to remove those ads by upgrading to the £10.99 standard tier. 

David Salmon, EVP and Managing Director of International at Tubi, says: '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.

'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.'

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