Guides
September 09, 2025
Tubi Advertising for Small Business: Free Streaming on a Budget
Reach 74M+ monthly users on one of streaming's fastest-growing platforms
Table of Contents
While Hulu and Peacock get most of the streaming advertising attention, there's a platform quietly building one of the largest audiences in television: Tubi.
With 74+ million monthly active users and zero subscription fees, Tubi has become a go-to destination for cord-cutters who don't mind watching ads in exchange for free content. For small business advertisers, that's an opportunity worth understanding.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Tubi advertising, from audience demographics to costs, and how to actually reach Tubi viewers with your ads.
What Is Tubi and Why Should You Care?
Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service owned by Fox Corporation. Unlike Netflix or Disney+, viewers don't pay anything to watch. Instead, they watch ads, making it one of the largest ad-supported streaming platforms in the US.
The numbers that matter:
74+ million monthly active users (and growing)
Average viewing time of 2+ hours per session
50,000+ movies and TV shows in the library
#1 free streaming platform in the US by reach
Why does this matter for advertisers? Because Tubi viewers have explicitly chosen to watch ads. They're not paying to skip commercials like on premium services. This means higher engagement and completion rates for your ads.
Understanding Tubi's Audience
Tubi's audience skews differently than premium streaming services, which can be an advantage for many advertisers.
Demographics:
Slightly younger than cable TV audiences
Higher concentration of multicultural viewers
Strong presence in suburban and urban markets
Budget-conscious households (chose free over paid)
Entertainment-focused viewing habits
Viewing behavior:
Lean-back entertainment (movies, binge-worthy series)
Evening and weekend heavy
Often watching on larger screens (smart TVs, connected devices)
Longer viewing sessions than short-form video
For local businesses, this audience represents cost-conscious consumers who are still engaged with premium content. They're watching real movies and TV shows, not just clips.
Why Tubi Works for Small Business Advertising
Here's what makes Tubi particularly interesting for small business advertisers:
Ad-accepting audience. Unlike viewers on ad-free tiers who specifically paid to avoid commercials, Tubi users have opted into the ad experience. They expect and accept advertising as part of the deal.
Lower CPMs. FAST platforms like Tubi typically offer more competitive pricing than premium ad-supported tiers on services like Hulu or Peacock. The audience is valuable, but the inventory is more accessible.
Long-form content environment. Your 30-second ad runs during movies and full TV episodes, not 15-second YouTube clips. Viewers are settled in and paying attention.
No subscription barrier. You're reaching people who might not appear on paid streaming platforms at all. This extends your reach to audiences other channels miss.
Growing rapidly. Tubi's audience continues to expand as more viewers cut the cord and seek free alternatives. Early advertisers benefit from less competition.
Tubi Advertising Costs
Tubi advertising costs are typically measured in CPM (cost per thousand impressions), similar to other CTV advertising.
Typical CPM range: $15-30 for most small business campaigns
This is competitive with other streaming platforms and often lower than premium ad-supported tiers. The exact cost depends on:
Targeting specificity: Broader targeting = lower CPMs
Geographic focus: National vs. local campaigns
Time of year: Q4 holiday season costs more
Content placement: Premium inventory vs. general rotation
For context, traditional cable TV CPMs can range from $20-50+, while social media video CPMs vary wildly. Tubi sits in a sweet spot of premium environment at accessible pricing.
Minimum spend: Through platforms like Adwave, you can access Tubi inventory starting at just $50, making it accessible for testing.
Targeting Options on Tubi
While you won't have the same granular targeting as Facebook, Tubi offers meaningful ways to reach the right viewers:
Geographic targeting:
National reach across the US
State and DMA (Designated Market Area) targeting
Radius targeting around specific addresses
Local market focus for small businesses
Demographic targeting:
Age ranges
Gender
Household income estimates
Household composition
Content-based targeting:
Genre alignment (comedy, drama, action, etc.)
Content ratings
Daypart scheduling (morning, primetime, late night)
Device targeting:
Connected TVs
Mobile devices
Tablets
Gaming consoles
For most small businesses, geographic targeting combined with broad demographics provides the best balance of reach and relevance.
What Content Runs on Tubi?
Understanding Tubi's content library helps you know what environment your ads will appear in.
Major content categories:
Movies: Thousands of titles across genres, from classics to recent releases
TV series: Full seasons of popular shows
Reality TV: A significant category on Tubi
Documentaries: Educational and entertainment docs
Kids content: Family-friendly programming
News: Fox-affiliated news content
Your ad runs during commercial breaks within this content, similar to traditional TV. Viewers are engaged with full-length programming, creating a more receptive advertising environment than scroll-past social media.
How to Access Tubi Advertising
There are several ways small businesses can advertise on Tubi:
1. Programmatic platforms Tubi inventory is available through programmatic advertising platforms. This typically requires working with a DSP (demand-side platform) or agency.
2. Direct with Tubi/Fox Fox's advertising sales team handles direct buys, but these usually require larger minimum commitments more suited to enterprise advertisers.
3. Self-serve CTV platforms The most accessible option for small businesses. Platforms like Adwave aggregate inventory from Tubi and 100+ other streaming channels, allowing you to launch campaigns starting at $50.
The Adwave approach:
Create your ad using AI-powered creative tools
Set your targeting (geography, demographics)
Set your budget ($50 minimum)
Launch across Tubi and other premium channels
Your ad runs on Tubi alongside other streaming platforms, maximizing reach without requiring separate campaigns for each service.
Creative Best Practices for Tubi
Creating effective ads for Tubi follows similar principles to other TV advertising:
Format requirements:
Length: 15 or 30 seconds (30 seconds recommended for small business)
Aspect ratio: 16:9 (standard widescreen)
Resolution: 1080p HD minimum
Audio: Clear, professional quality
Creative tips:
Hook early: Capture attention in the first 3 seconds
Show your product/service: Tubi viewers are on big screens, so use the visual opportunity
Clear call-to-action: Website, phone number, or QR code
Brand prominently: Show your name/logo early and often
Consider the context: Your ad runs during entertainment content, so don't be boring
Don't have video? AI creative tools can generate professional TV commercials from your existing images and brand assets in minutes.
Tubi vs. Other Streaming Platforms
How does Tubi compare to other advertising options?
Tubi vs. Pluto TV: Both are free, ad-supported. Tubi has more on-demand content while Pluto emphasizes live, linear-style channels. Audiences overlap but aren't identical.
Tubi vs. Peacock (ad-supported tier): Peacock offers premium NBC content but at higher CPMs. Tubi provides more reach for less spend.
Tubi vs. Hulu (ad-supported tier): Hulu's ad tier reaches paying subscribers who chose to see some ads. Generally higher CPMs than Tubi but potentially higher-intent audience.
The best approach? Don't choose just one. Platforms like Adwave let you reach across Tubi, Pluto, Peacock, Hulu, and 100+ other channels in a single campaign, maximizing reach without managing multiple buys.
Ready to Reach Tubi's 74M+ Viewers?
Tubi represents one of the most accessible entry points into streaming TV advertising. Free platform, engaged audience, competitive costs, and growing rapidly.
The days of TV advertising being reserved for big brands are over. With minimum spends of just $50, you can test whether Tubi's audience responds to your business.
Create your first TV ad and start reaching Tubi viewers, along with audiences on 100+ other premium channels. Your ad could be running by tomorrow.