Tubi has launched a new feature called “Scenes” designed to enhance user engagement and help viewers discover content from its extensive library. With over 200 live channels and 250,000 movies and TV shows, Tubi is leveraging short-form video to compete not only with streaming rivals like Pluto TV and The Roku Channel but also with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
What Is “Scenes”?
Scenes offers users a vertical feed of short clips, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, from popular TV shows and movies such as Django Unchained, Drumline, I Am Legend, Jumanji, and The Amazing Spider-Man. Available on Tubi’s mobile app for both iOS and Android, the feature allows viewers to swipe through these trailer-style videos. Key interactive options include:
- “Like”: Express interest in a clip.
- “Save”: Add the title to the “My List” section for later viewing.
- “Watch”: Jump directly to the full movie or TV show from the clip.
This streamlined approach aims to cater to the habits of mobile users who are often on-the-go. Mike Bidgoli, Tubi’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, explained, “We want to meet the viewers where they are, which on mobile means they’re on the go. A lot of the time, people are on a quick break between meetings or waiting for a ride. So we created a quick shot of entertainment.”
How It Works
The Scenes tab is located at the center of the app’s menu bar, offering a TikTok-style interface where users can scroll through clips tailored to their preferences. Powered by Tubi’s machine learning engine, the feature adapts to viewer interactions. For example, when users save titles to their “My List,” Tubi refines its recommendations to better suit individual tastes.
Unlike TikTok, which is exploring longer-form TV-style shows, Tubi uses short clips to encourage viewers to explore its vast library of full-length content. Bidgoli emphasized, “One of the flawed assumptions is that people have a lot of time [to spend] on their phone. But the reality is they don’t really have that much time.”
Why It Matters
The addition of Scenes is a direct response to evolving viewer habits, particularly among younger audiences who favor bite-sized content. This feature not only increases the likelihood of content discovery but also positions Tubi as a more dynamic platform in the competitive streaming landscape. By integrating short-form video, Tubi bridges the gap between traditional streaming services and social media-style content, making it more appealing to modern viewers. As Bidgoli noted, “What we need to do is create a quick shot of entertainment.”
With the launch of Scenes, Tubi combines the engagement potential of short-form video with its rich library of content, providing a unique viewing experience. This innovative feature ensures Tubi remains competitive in a crowded market while offering users a convenient way to explore and enjoy its vast selection of movies and TV shows. As Bidgoli put it, Scenes delivers “quick shots of entertainment” for today’s mobile-first audiences.
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