Tubi is shaking up the streaming world by betting big on digital creators, and it’s a move that’s already sparking debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a platform traditionally known for free, ad-supported content truly become a hub for original, creator-driven storytelling? The answer might surprise you. Tubi, the Fox-owned AVOD service, has just unveiled an ambitious slate of original series exclusively featuring popular YouTubers and social media stars. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic pivot into the creator economy, one that’s already paying dividends.
Following the launch of its Tubi for Creators program in June, the platform has greenlit shows from a diverse lineup of creators, including Joey Graceffa, Kevin Fredericks (KevOnStage), Rock Squad, Shuang Hu (TheOneShu), Jahdai Pickett (Bigg Jah), and Dan & Riya. These series, exclusive to Tubi, aim to cater to viewers’ growing demand for bold, original narratives. Rich Bloom, Tubi’s general manager of creator programs, puts it bluntly: ‘Viewers who start their Tubi journey with creators show stronger retention. These stories resonate, and they’re bringing in an engaged, incremental audience.’
Several shows are already live, like Safe Space, where KevOnStage hilariously portrays an underqualified couples therapist, and Bloodsuckers: Origins, a prequel to Rock Squad’s teen vampire franchise. Baby Shu & Fwends offers a quirky twist, with TheOneShu playing a teenage version of herself. And this is the part most people miss: These aren’t just one-off experiments—they’re part of a larger strategy that includes partnerships with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and extensions with creators like MrBeast.
Upcoming releases are equally intriguing. The finale of Joey Graceffa’s Escape the Night is on the horizon, as is KevOnStage’s Bald Brothers: A Freestyle Comedy Show, co-starring Terry Baker. Bigg Jah’s comedy anthology L.A.U.G.H. and a new season of The Lesbian Homie promise laughs, while Dan & Riya’s Till Drama Do Us Part tackles the chaos of a destination wedding gone wrong.
Here’s the bold question: Is Tubi’s creator-first approach the future of streaming, or just a risky gamble? While some argue it’s a smart way to tap into younger, digital-native audiences, others wonder if it dilutes the platform’s identity. What do you think? Is Tubi onto something revolutionary, or is this just another fad in the ever-evolving world of streaming? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
