How Do You Get a Movie on Tubi? A Complete Guide for Independent Filmmakers

By Ostap Bender

Getting an independent movie onto Tubi can help filmmakers reach a massive audience without requiring a traditional theatrical release. But many filmmakers misunderstand how the process works.

Unlike YouTube or other open-upload platforms, Tubi does not function as a place where anyone can simply create an account and upload a finished movie. Most films on Tubi arrive through distributors, sales agents, or digital distribution platforms that have relationships with streaming services.

For independent filmmakers, getting onto Tubi requires more than completing a movie. You need a distribution strategy, professional deliverables, legal documentation, marketing assets, and a film that is positioned for the right audience.

Is Tubi free for filmmakers?

Tubi is free for viewers, but filmmakers do not typically upload movies directly to the platform.

Tubi is an AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand) streaming service. Instead of charging viewers a monthly subscription fee, Tubi generates revenue through advertising and licenses movies from rights holders.

For independent filmmakers, the most common ways to get a movie onto Tubi are:

• Working with a traditional film distributor

• Partnering with a sales agent

• Using a digital distribution platform

• Licensing directly through approved content channels

The right path depends on your film, your experience, your goals, and the type of distribution deal you want.

Can independent filmmakers submit movies directly to Tubi?

Generally, independent filmmakers cannot simply submit a movie directly to Tubi for immediate release.

Unlike platforms designed for individual creators, Tubi works primarily with professional content partners, distributors, and aggregators that deliver films meeting technical, legal, and editorial requirements.

This means most filmmakers need an intermediary that can prepare and deliver the film to Tubi. However, filmmakers without a traditional distributor do have other options.

How can you get your movie on Tubi without a distributor?

If you cannot find a traditional distributor or sales agent, one option is working with a digital distribution platform such as Filmhub.

Filmhub allows independent filmmakers and rights holders to submit their movies and make them available for licensing consideration by streaming platforms and other buyers. For filmmakers who have completed a feature but have not secured traditional distribution, platforms like Filmhub can provide a way to make a movie available to potential streaming partners without negotiating individual relationships with every platform.

However, submitting a film does not guarantee placement on Tubi or any other streaming service. Your movie still needs to meet professional standards and provide the materials buyers expect.

Typical requirements include:

• High-quality video masters

• Professional artwork

• Complete metadata

• Closed captions

• Music licensing documentation

• Chain-of-title paperwork

• Legal clearances

A completed movie is only the beginning. A distribution-ready package is what allows your film to move through the process.

Is Filmhub a good option for independent filmmakers?

Filmhub can be a useful option for filmmakers who want to pursue streaming distribution without going through a traditional distributor.

Potential advantages include:

• Making your film available to streaming buyers

• Maintaining more control over your rights

• Simplifying the delivery process

• Creating opportunities for licensing conversations

The tradeoff is that filmmakers may have more responsibility for marketing and audience development. A traditional distributor may provide sales expertise, platform relationships, and promotional support. A digital distribution platform can create opportunities, but filmmakers still need to understand their audience and actively promote their work.

How do independent movies get on Tubi?

The process typically follows several steps.

1. Complete your film

Before approaching distributors or streaming platforms, your movie needs to be professionally finished.

This includes:

• Final picture lock

• Professional sound mix

• Color correction

• Final credits

• Closed captions

• Trailer

• Poster artwork

• Metadata

• Legal documentation

2. Find the right distribution pathway

Independent filmmakers generally have three main options:

Traditional distributor

A distributor handles relationships with streaming platforms, retailers, and other outlets. They may manage delivery, sales, marketing, and licensing.

Sales agent

A sales agent focuses on finding buyers and licensing opportunities, often internationally.

Digital distribution platform

Platforms such as Filmhub connect filmmakers with potential buyers and streaming services. The best choice depends on your film, your goals, and how much control you want over the process.

What deliverables does a distributor need for Tubi?

One of the biggest surprises for first-time filmmakers is how much material is required beyond the movie itself.

A distributor may request:

Video deliverables

• Apple ProRes HQ feature file

• Apple ProRes HQ trailer file

• Textless versions when needed

• High-quality audio files

• Dialogue, music, and effects splits

Artwork

• High-resolution poster files

• Vertical key art

• Horizontal key art

• Hero images

• Layered Photoshop or Illustrator files

• Fonts used in artwork

Marketing materials

• Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

• Press kit

• Reviews

• Festival laurels

• Award information

• Behind-the-scenes footage

• B-roll

• Cast and crew interviews

• Production stills

Legal documents

• Chain of Title

• Certificate of Origin

• Copyright registration

• Talent agreements

• Composer agreements

• Music licensing agreements

• Errors and Omissions Insurance, when required

Accessibility materials

• Closed captions

• Dialogue lists

• Subtitle files

These materials allow streaming platforms to properly prepare, market, and distribute the film.

Why is metadata important for getting a movie on Tubi?

Metadata is the information that helps streaming platforms understand and categorize your movie.

It typically includes:

• Title

• Logline

• Synopsis

• Genre

• Cast

• Crew

• Runtime

• Release year

• Keywords

• Language

• Production information

Strong metadata helps your movie appear in the right searches and recommendations.

For example, an independent horror film should accurately communicate whether it is:

• Psychological horror

• Supernatural horror

• Slow-burn horror

• Haunted house horror

• Thriller

• Arthouse horror

The more accurately your movie is described, the easier it is for the right audience to discover it.

How long does it take to get a movie on Tubi?

The timeline varies depending on your distribution partner, the quality of your deliverables, and the platform review process.

A filmmaker with organized assets can move much faster than someone who needs to recreate artwork, track down contracts, or resolve music rights issues.

The process may take weeks or months after a distribution agreement is finalized. The biggest delays often come from missing paperwork rather than the movie itself.

How much does Tubi pay filmmakers?

There is no standard payment amount for movies appearing on Tubi.

Licensing agreements vary based on factors such as:

• Audience demand

• Genre

• Film quality

• Existing audience

• Distribution rights

• Territory

• Exclusivity

For many independent filmmakers, Tubi represents more than immediate revenue. It can provide:

• Audience discovery

• Additional licensing opportunities

• Long-term visibility

• A way for viewers to find older films

Is Tubi good for independent filmmakers?

Yes, especially for filmmakers working in genres with passionate audiences.

Tubi has become a major destination for discovering independent films, particularly:

• Horror

• Thriller

• Science fiction

• Action

• Documentary

• Cult films

Unlike some streaming services where smaller titles can disappear among thousands of releases, Tubi audiences often actively search for hidden gems and independent movies.

Why is horror one of the best genres for Tubi?

Horror has always been one of the strongest genres for independent filmmakers.

Unlike many genres that require expensive stars, locations, or visual effects, horror audiences are often willing to discover unfamiliar films if the concept is compelling. This makes platforms like Tubi especially valuable for indie horror.

Viewers frequently search for:

• Indie horror movies

• Psychological horror films

• Slow-burn horror

• Haunted doll movies

• Hidden gem horror movies

A strong concept and effective marketing can help independent horror films find audiences long after release.

What mistakes do filmmakers make when trying to get on Tubi?

Not preparing deliverables early

Many filmmakers wait until distribution is secured before organizing their files. This can create unnecessary delays.

Missing music rights

Unclear music licensing can prevent a movie from being released.

Weak artwork

Streaming audiences often choose what to watch based on a thumbnail. Professional artwork matters.

Assuming distribution equals marketing

A streaming release does not automatically create an audience. Filmmakers still need promotion, reviews, social media, and audience engagement.

Not understanding their audience

The best-performing independent films usually have a clear identity.

A distributor needs to know who the movie is for.

How did Mamochka get on Tubi?

Mamochka secured distribution through BayView Entertainment, allowing the film to reach streaming platforms including Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.

The process required preparing professional distribution materials, including the finished film, trailer, artwork, metadata, promotional materials, and legal documentation.

For independent filmmakers, the experience demonstrates an important lesson: distribution begins long before a movie appears on a streaming service. The filmmakers who prepare professional assets and understand their audience are the ones best positioned to take advantage of distribution opportunities.

What is the best way to get an indie movie on Tubi?

For most independent filmmakers, the path looks like this:

1. Make the best film possible.

2. Finish professional post-production.

3. Prepare all required deliverables.

4. Build credibility through festivals, reviews, and audience development.

5. Choose the right distribution path.

6. Deliver a complete package to your distribution partner or platform.

Getting a movie onto Tubi is not just about having a finished film. It is about making that film ready to be discovered. A successful streaming release requires the combination of a strong movie, professional preparation, and a clear understanding of the audience you want to reach.