October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Tubi’s Record Growth: What the 2022 Announcement Meant—and What Changed by 2026

Tubi’s record-growth announcement came in May 2022, when it reported 51 million active users and 3.6 billion viewing hours. Here is what changed by 2026.
Opened Runtime10 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Tubi’s “record growth” announcement was made on May 2, 2022—not in 2026. The Fox-owned, free, ad-supported streaming service said it had reached 51 million active users and generated 3.6 billion hours of viewing during 2021, a 40% year-over-year increase in total viewing time. It also announced more than 100 Tubi Original titles for the following 12 months and a major expansion of its free, ad-supported streaming television channels.

Those numbers are now historical. In corporate materials published through August 12, 2026, Tubi describes a substantially larger service: more than 100 million monthly active users, more than one billion hours of streamed content each month, and recent profitability. The comparison is useful, but the figures measure different periods and are not always directly comparable.

The announcement was a 2022 NewFronts expansion

Tubi’s record-growth story began at the company’s May 2022 NewFronts presentation. Tubi announced the figures in a corporate release on May 2; the announcement was reported by TechCrunch on May 3. At the time, the company was presenting itself not merely as a free alternative to subscription streaming, but as a large-scale platform for personalized programming, FAST channels, and measurable advertising.

FAST means “free ad-supported streaming television.” Unlike a subscription service, a FAST platform offers programming without a traditional monthly subscription fee and pays for much of its operation through advertising. Tubi combines on-demand movies and television with scheduled, linear-style channels that viewers can enter without choosing a specific title first.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote
  • HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
  • Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
  • Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
  • TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.

The key 2022 figures

Measure What Tubi reported Timeframe
Users 51 million active users Reported in 2022, referring to the prior measurement period
Viewing 3.6 billion hours watched Calendar year 2021
Viewing growth 40% increase in total viewing time Year over year
Original programming More than 100 planned Tubi Original titles Following 12 months after the announcement
Library and channels More than 40,000 titles and over 100 sports and local-news channels Historical 2022 figures

The 51 million-user figure should be read exactly as reported: it was a 2022 company figure for “active users,” not the same metric as the “more than 100 million monthly active users” figure Tubi used in 2026. Likewise, 3.6 billion hours for all of 2021 should not be directly compared with a later monthly-hours figure without accounting for the different time periods.

What Tubi planned to add

Tubi said it would release more than 100 original titles during the next year. The programming emphasis included Black Cinema, thrillers, horror, science fiction, romance, and adult animation. That mix reflected a strategy built around identifiable communities and fandoms rather than a small slate of prestige productions designed to imitate the biggest subscription platforms.

The underlying idea was scale through personalization: build a large library, organize it around many interests, and use recommendations to help viewers find programming suited to them. For a viewer who does not want another monthly subscription, that model can be appealing because the service offers a broad range of programming in exchange for watching advertising.

Tubi also planned additional linear entertainment channels. The announced expansion included channels associated with The Masked Singer, TMZ, and Gordon Ramsay, as well as channels built around Tubi Originals and Tubi en Español. These additions were intended to make Tubi feel more like a television destination, not simply a searchable archive of free movies.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The advertising strategy was as important as the content strategy

Tubi’s 2022 presentation was aimed at advertisers as much as viewers. The company promoted several tools and formats intended to make free streaming inventory easier to buy and measure:

  • Campaign Insights: advertiser reporting and audience-analysis capabilities.
  • Content-cluster targeting: the ability to align campaigns with groups of related content or viewer interests.
  • Certified measurement integrations: third-party measurement intended to help advertisers evaluate reach and performance.
  • Frequency management: controls designed to reduce excessive repetition of the same advertisement.
  • In-app placements and prime-pod positioning: advertising opportunities within the service and in prominent commercial breaks.
  • Integrated marketing opportunities: campaigns connected to programming, channels, or larger entertainment properties.

Tubi also highlighted research claiming that 71% of its viewers were unreachable on cable, 56% were unreachable on linear television, and 27% were unreachable on other major free streaming platforms. These percentages came from Tubi-reported audience research. They are useful for understanding the company’s advertising pitch, but they should not be treated as independently established facts about the entire streaming market.

Rank #2
Sale
Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV
  • Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
  • Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
  • The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
  • No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
  • Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.

The company’s relationship with Nielsen was another part of that pitch. In 2022, Tubi said Nielsen measurement would expand across a footprint covering more than 25 device types. The goal was to give advertisers a more consistent way to understand audiences watching Tubi through different televisions, streaming players, consoles, and digital platforms.

How much did Tubi grow after 2022?

By 2026, Tubi’s reported scale was materially larger than the 2022 baseline.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Measure 2022 announcement 2026 update
Audience 51 million active users More than 100 million monthly active users, according to Tubi corporate materials
Viewing 3.6 billion hours during 2021 More than one billion hours of streamed content each month
Recent growth 40% year-over-year growth in total viewing time during the reported period 27% year-over-year growth in total viewing time in Fox’s fiscal 2026 second quarter
Revenue and earnings Expansion-focused announcement Fox reported 19% quarterly revenue growth; Tubi later said it had reached profitability
On-demand library More than 40,000 titles More than 300,000 on-demand movies and episodes claimed in current corporate materials

The figures show the direction of travel, but they are not a perfect before-and-after scorecard. The 2022 number referred to active users, while the 2026 number refers specifically to monthly active users. The 2022 library figure counted “titles,” while the 2026 figure counts movies and episodes, which can produce a much larger total. The catalog figures should therefore not be presented as like-for-like growth.

Fox’s fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings call supplied a separate financial datapoint: management said Tubi’s total viewing time rose 27% year over year and revenue increased 19% during the quarter. Fox also characterized approximately 70% of Tubi’s user base as cord cutters or cord nevers—people who have left traditional pay television or never subscribed to it. That audience profile is particularly relevant to advertisers seeking viewers outside conventional television distribution.

Creators became a major part of the expansion

Tubi’s later strategy moved beyond conventional acquired films, television series, and Tubi Originals. In June 2026, the company said its Tubi for Creators initiative had grown to more than 20,000 episodes from more than 300 creators.

The company also announced a multi-project, multi-year slate with Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks. The slate included additional seasons of Safe Space, a scripted workplace comedy, a stand-up special, and feature films. This is a significant change in emphasis from the 2022 announcement: Tubi was not only commissioning or licensing traditional entertainment, but also using creator-led programming to bring established online audiences into a free streaming environment.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote - HDR10+ & Dolby Vision
  • Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
  • Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
  • Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
  • Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
  • Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight

Creator programming can serve several purposes at once. It can provide recognizable personalities, supply a steady stream of episodes, appeal to communities that may be underserved by mainstream commissioning, and create content that is naturally promoted through social platforms. It also gives Tubi another way to differentiate itself from services competing primarily through large studio libraries.

Fire TV expanded discovery and advertising distribution

In June 2026, Tubi and Amazon announced an expanded partnership bringing Tubi’s Creatorverse programming to Fire TV devices in the United States. For viewers, the practical effect is easier discovery of creator-led Tubi content inside a widely used connected-TV ecosystem. For advertisers, Amazon DSP customers received priority access to related Tubi advertising inventory, according to the companies’ announcement.

The Fire TV arrangement matters strategically because distribution affects whether viewers discover a service at all. Tubi’s growth is not only a question of how many titles it owns or licenses; it also depends on how easily its programming appears on the screens and interfaces people already use.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sports and live-style programming broadened Tubi’s role

Tubi’s 2026 materials also describe a larger role for sports and event programming. In partnership with FOX Sports and FIFA, the service created a dedicated FIFA World Cup FOX Hub featuring related FOX Sports and FIFA programming.

Tubi also distributed The Fast Lane, a creator-led Formula 1 alternate broadcast, during selected 2026 races. An alternate broadcast offers a different presentation from the primary telecast, often with a distinct host, commentary style, or audience focus. For Tubi, this kind of programming connects the service to major cultural and sports moments without requiring it to become a conventional pay-TV channel.

These initiatives continue the logic behind the 2022 FAST-channel expansion. Tubi is combining scheduled viewing, event programming, creator personalities, and on-demand content so that users have more than one reason to open the service.

Rank #4
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+
  • 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
  • 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
  • Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
  • Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.

Measurement remained central in 2026

In February 2026, Tubi and Nielsen announced an expanded multiyear measurement partnership. Tubi cited Nielsen findings that ranked it as the number-one fully free, fully ad-supported streaming service, the number-two free AVOD platform in adults 18+ reach, and the number-four streamer in adults 18+ ad-supported reach.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Nielsen also reported that Tubi represented 6.2% of ad-supported streaming in the fourth quarter of 2025. These rankings and percentages should be attributed to Nielsen and Tubi. They depend on the definitions, comparison set, audience category, and measurement methodology used, so they should not be rewritten as a universal industry consensus or as a ranking that applies to every country and demographic.

The significance is nevertheless clear. Tubi’s business model depends on advertising, so independent or third-party measurement can be nearly as important as audience growth. A large audience is more valuable to advertisers when they can estimate who reached an ad, how often they saw it, and how that reach compares with traditional television or other streaming services.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

International growth: the United Kingdom

Tubi’s expansion also moved beyond the United States. In a July 2026 UK announcement, the company said it had added more than 900 movies and television episodes through agreements with 800 Pound Gorilla Media, the CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership, Fremantle, and Next Up.

A February 2026 Tubi release, citing Ampere analysis, said Tubi UK had nearly 75,000 movies and television episodes available and was the fastest-growing catalog among Europe’s free ad-supported platforms in that analysis. That is an Ampere-reported comparison cited by Tubi, not a claim that every European market has the same library or growth rate.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

International availability requires particular caution. Rights agreements differ by territory, and the same title may be available in one country but absent in another. Even within one country, device support, language options, channel lineups, and release dates can change.

Best Value
Sale
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
  • 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
  • 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
  • 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
  • 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
  • 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0

What the expansion means for documentary viewers

For documentary viewers, Tubi’s growth is best understood as a distribution story rather than a guarantee of any particular catalog. A free, ad-supported platform can make factual programming easier to sample because viewers do not have to add another recurring subscription merely to watch one film or series. Its combination of on-demand titles, linear channels, creator programming, and event hubs also creates several ways for audiences to discover unfamiliar work.

At the same time, “more than 300,000 movies and episodes” does not mean 300,000 distinct films, and it does not tell viewers how many documentaries are available in a particular country. Some catalog totals count individual episodes, and rights can expire or move between services. Anyone searching for a specific documentary should check Tubi directly, confirm the country setting, and verify that the title is available on the device they intend to use.

The important qualifications behind the numbers

  • Dates matter. The 51 million-user and 3.6 billion-hour figures belong to the 2022 announcement and its 2021 viewing period. The more than 100 million figure is a 2026 monthly-active-user claim.
  • Definitions matter. “Active users,” “monthly active users,” “hours watched,” and “hours streamed per month” are different measurements.
  • Catalog counts are not interchangeable. The 2022 figure referred to more than 40,000 titles; the 2026 figure refers to more than 300,000 movies and episodes.
  • Research claims need attribution. Audience-reach percentages come from Tubi or Fox research, while later rankings and the 6.2% share figure come from Nielsen findings cited by Tubi.
  • Availability varies. Programming, channels, languages, sports rights, and supported features depend on geography, device, and date.
  • Growth does not mean every project remains available. Original programming and licensed titles can change as rights and distribution agreements change.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Tubi announce its record growth?

Tubi made the announcement on May 2, 2022, during its NewFronts presentation. It reported 51 million active users and 3.6 billion hours watched during 2021, with viewing time up 40% year over year.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Are Tubi’s 51 million users and more than 100 million users the same measurement?

No. The 51 million figure was the active-user figure reported in 2022, while the more than 100 million figure is Tubi’s 2026 claim for monthly active users. The dates and definitions should be kept separate.

Is Tubi free to watch?

Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service, although programming and availability vary by location and device. Viewers may watch through supported browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, streaming players, consoles, and other platforms.

Does Tubi only offer on-demand movies and television?

No. Tubi has also promoted FAST channels, sports and local-news channels, Tubi Originals, creator-led programming, and event-focused hubs. The specific lineup changes by market and date.

Can I watch Tubi without a Fire TV Stick?

Yes. Fire TV is only one supported option. Tubi also lists platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles, browsers, and mobile devices. A Fire TV Stick can be useful for a television that lacks a compatible built-in app, but it is not required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Bottom Line

Tubi’s 2022 announcement marked the point at which the service openly presented scale, originals, FAST channels, and advertising measurement as one integrated strategy. By 2026, Tubi said it had grown to more than 100 million monthly active users, more than one billion streamed hours per month, a large creator operation, broader sports and connected-TV distribution, and recent profitability. The growth story is substantial, but the underlying figures come from different dates and definitions. Treat the audience, catalog, reach, ranking, and availability claims as company- or partner-reported measurements that must be read in their geographic and time context.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV
Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV
No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.; Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
$96.71

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. Güç Yüzükleri 2. Sezon 1-2-3. Bölüm İncelemesi: Sezonun Yeni ÇatışmasıAdmit one · BlogGüç Yüzükleri 2. Sezon 1-2-3. Bölüm İncelemesi: Sezonun Yeni ÇatışmasıOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime5 min
  2. Female Fighters: Inside the PKKAdmit one · ActivismFemale Fighters: Inside the PKKOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
  3. 21st Century WarfareAdmit one · Media21st Century WarfareOpened07 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.