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Summary
Why pay for premium streaming? Free AVOD services, such as Tubi and The Roku Channel, offer an impressive selection of shows and movies that will rival any premium service. They even have some original content that you don’t want to miss.
The term “AVOD” is an initialism for “Ad-Supported Video on Demand.” Most AVOD services look and feel like Netflix, with hundreds of shows and movies tucked into dozens of different categories and genres. These services will also recommend content based on your interests, and they often allow you to add shows and movies to a watchlist.
Here’s the odd thing; not all AVOD platforms are free. The cheapest Netflix and Hulu tiers are technically AVOD, as they’re supported by ads. Paid AVOD services are a good option if you want to watch exclusive content without spending too much money.
As for the content offered on free AVOD services—well, their libraries skew toward “classic” material. If you’re a fan of old sitcoms like The Nanny, you won’t have any trouble finding something to watch on a free AVOD platform. These services carry plenty of new shows and movies, including some stuff that’s hard to find on premium platforms, but they mostly rely on old stuff.
On that note, some free AVOD services have original shows and movies. Tubi and The Roku Channel are the most notable examples, as they’ve managed to push out some pretty interesting stuff with big-name actors.
What Are the Best Free AVOD Services?
Several premium streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max, offer ad-supported memberships at a discounted rate. If you want to stream exclusive content on a budget, these AVOD memberships might be your best bet.
But we’re more excited about free AVOD content. There are several free AVOD services to choose from, and they’re generally available on all platforms. Not to mention, some free AVOD platforms may be preinstalled on your smart TV.
Here are the best AVOD services:
These services are available on most platforms, including your smart TV, streaming stick, tablet, smartphone, or computer. And most of them do not require an account. (That said, creating an account allows you to build a watchlist and sync data across devices.)
Related:FAST Is the Latest Trend In Streaming TV, but What Is It?
You should also check your smart TV for a built-in AVOD service. Most brands, includingSamsung,LG, andVIZIO, have free streaming apps that are exclusive to their smart TVs. These apps are usually highlighted on your smart TV home screen, but they may also be available as a shortcut on your remote.
Note that most of these free AVOD services include a selection of “FAST” or “Free Ad-supported Streaming TV” channels. If you’re interested in live TV, be sure to check out the channel guides on Tubi, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and other AVOD platforms.
Will Other Platforms Adopt the AVOD Model?
Ad-supported streaming is a profitable venture that generates billions in revenue each year. And because platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ now offer AVOD membership tiers, the AVOD industry is expected to generate around$90 billion in annual revenueby 2028.
Not to mention, free AVOD platforms are booming in popularity. A recentNeilson reportindicates that Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV are among the top-ten streaming platforms in the United States. In fact, Tubi’s viewership is equal to Max, and it barely falls short of Disney+.
It’s safe to assume that the AVOD business will expand. Traditional “premium” platforms seem intent on charging money for AVOD content, and they will find new ways to do so. But the free platforms are only getting better and better.
Free AVOD services also host some original content, and to our surprise, it’s actually quite good. The Roku Channel was responsible for that Weird Al biopic, for example, and it streams TV shows with celebrities like Keke Palmer and Martha Stewart.
Can Free AVOD Services Replace Premium Streaming?
The movies and shows that you enjoy watching are all a matter of preference. If you only watch classic shows and movies (especially sitcoms), you can probably replace your premium subscriptions with free AVOD platforms.
But most people won’t go that far. The content offered by free AVOD services is somewhat limiting, especially if you’re a fan of new shows and movies. Not to mention, AVOD platforms stream at a fairly low quality (720p with stereo audio), so they aren’t always the best option for movie night.
Instead, you should think of free AVOD services as a supplement to subscription-based services. Check out Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and other free apps to see what they offer. Then, cancel your least-used streaming services—it only takes a few minutes, and if you decide to rejoin these premium services, your account will still have its viewing history and watchlist.
Related:The Best Free TV and Movie Streaming Services
Bear in mind that AVOD services, including The Roku Channel and Tubi, also offer free live TV channels. While you may not be a huge fan of live TV, these channels are often the only way to watch shows like The Walking Dead or Star Trek for free.
