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Why Tubi CEO Anjali Sud thinks free TV can win again

Decoder with Nilay Patel · with Anjali Sud · June 17, 2024 · 67 min

Summary

Tubi's CEO Anjali Sud explains how free, ad-supported TV (FAST) is disrupting the streaming landscape as subscription costs rise. This episode offers valuable insights into a profitable ad-supported business model, competitive strategies against tech giants like TikTok and YouTube, and leveraging AI for content discovery and user engagement—critical for any e-commerce business navigating a competitive digital environment.

Key takeaways

Themes

brand & contentdtc strategyai & automation

Topics covered

ad-supported business modelstreaming competitioncontent recommendation aiuser engagement strategiescreator economyconsumer behavior analysis

Episode description

Tubi is a free and very rapidly growing streaming TV platform — according to Nielsen, it had an average of a million viewers watching every minute in May 2024, beating out Disney Plus, Max, Peacock, and basically everything else, save Netflix and YouTube. All those streaming service price hikes are driving people to free options, and Tubi is right there to catch them. CEO Anjali Sud joins Decoder to explain why she thinks Tubi's model "could be" profitable, and how Tubi competes not only against the premium streamers, but also against the big competitors for viewers' time: TikTok and Youtube. Links: As streaming becomes more expensive, Tubi cashes in on the value of free | Los Angeles Times Tubi’s new redesign wants to push you down the rabbit hole | The Verge Tubi Rabbit AI: ChatGPT can give you better movie recommendations | The Verge The future of streaming is free ad-supported TV and movies | The Verge It’s true: people like leaving their TVs on in the background | The Verge Stubios is the new name of Tubi’s fan-fueled studio program | The Verge Comcast has a Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV Plus bundle coming | The Verge A Disney, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle is on the way | The Verge Transcript: https://www.theverge.com/e/23942621 Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Callie Wright. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about brand & content?
Analyze how rising subscription fatigue in other industries can create opportunities for your 'free' or value-driven offerings.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Evaluate implementing AI-driven recommendation engines to enhance content discovery and user engagement on your platform, similar to Tubi Rabbit AI.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Consider how to compete for consumer 'attention share' against diverse digital platforms, beyond direct competitors.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Explore creating user-generated content initiatives or community programs (like Stubios) to foster brand loyalty and content creation.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Acknowledge the psychological aspects of consumer behavior, such as 'background' usage, and how they might apply to your product or service consumption.

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