Tubi, launched in 2014 and now owned by Fox Corporation, has quickly risen as one of the top free streaming platforms in the United States. Unlike subscription-based services like Netflix or Disney+, Tubi offers a library of thousands of movies and TV shows completely free of charge. But with this generous offer comes the natural question: does Tubi have ads?
Yes, Tubi has ads. However, the number of ads is relatively low compared to traditional television and far less intrusive. These ads make it possible for Tubi to provide its entire library of movies and TV shows for free to viewers. If you’re comfortable with occasional ad interruptions, Tubi is an excellent, cost-effective streaming option.
Unlike other major streaming platforms that operate on a subscription-based model (SVOD), Tubi uses an advertising-based video on demand model, also known as AVOD. Viewers can access a vast catalog of films, documentaries, kids programming, and classic TV series without needing to pay a dime. The trade-off? Short, periodic advertisements break up the viewing experience.
This business model has proven to be increasingly popular as many households add more streaming platforms to their lineup but don’t want to rack up costly monthly fees. Tubi’s ad-supported model is ideal for viewers who are cost-conscious but still want variety.
Tubi generally includes pre-roll and mid-roll ads. Pre-roll ads play before the start of the content, while mid-roll ads are interspersed throughout the program similar to commercial breaks on traditional TV. These ads are typically:
On average, users might see between 4 to 8 minutes of ads per hour, which is significantly less than traditional cable TV, where ad content can range from 12 to 18 minutes per hour.
For many, the main motivation for choosing Tubi is its zero-cost nature. While Netflix and other SVOD platforms continue to increase monthly fees and crack down on shared accounts, Tubi maintains its free access model. Ads, then, become a small price to pay in exchange for:
The occasional interruption is a minor inconvenience for many viewers, especially those who have grown up watching regular television and are accustomed to scheduled ad breaks.
As of now, Tubi does not offer an ad-free plan. Unlike platforms such as Hulu, which has both ad-supported and ad-free tiers, Tubi remains solely ad-supported. This means all users view the same quantity and type of ads regardless of their account status.
There have been rumors and speculation about Tubi potentially offering a premium, ad-free tier in the future, but no such plans have been officially announced by the company. The uniformity in their free and ad-based model keeps things simple and consistent across devices and user demographics.
While ads are indeed present, they are carefully slotted into natural breaks in the content. Tubi uses algorithms to identify the best moments in a show or movie to break for commercials, helping to avoid jarring or poorly timed interruptions. Here’s what many users report about the viewing experience:
Most viewers have responded positively to how Tubi integrates its ads, frequently mentioning that the shorter ad loads are a fair trade-off for free access to premium content.
Tubi isn’t the only platform using an AVOD model. Other services such as Pluto TV, Crackle, Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), and Peacock’s free tier also feature ads to support content delivery. Here’s how Tubi holds up:
| Platform | Ad Frequency (per hour) | Ad-Free Option | Platform Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | 4-8 minutes | No | Diverse content including movies & TV |
| Pluto TV | 8-10 minutes | No | Live TV and on-demand content |
| Freevee | 4-8 minutes | No | TV series and popular films |
| Crackle | 7-10 minutes | No | Older and classic content |
As the table suggests, Tubi’s ad load is on par — or in some cases lighter — than many of its competitors, while its content library is broad and frequently updated.
Tubi appeals to:
If you’re someone who prefers uninterrupted viewing, Tubi might not be your ideal streaming service. But if you want a free alternative that delivers solid entertainment with minimal disruption, it’s worth exploring.
So, to answer the question: Yes, Tubi has ads. These advertisements allow the platform to offer thousands of hours of entertainment for free. The ad interruptions are short and smartly placed, often going unnoticed by casual viewers. As long as you can handle a few ads, Tubi remains one of the best free streaming services available today.