Video streaming apps like Tubi have revolutionized how we consume entertainment. While some giants in the industry like Netflix and Amazon Prime dominate the subscription-based (SVOD) model, platforms like Tubi are addressing a niche by offering completely free content supported by ads.
As content consumption continues to rise in 2025, more entrepreneurs are very interested in developing apps like Tubi. Their goal? Generating revenue through advertising while keeping the service for the users.
However, when we talk about developing a Tubi clone app, a question strikes every time, i.e., how much does it cost to build an app like Tubi? It is crucial for entrepreneurs to understand the cost and investment involved in Tubi-like app development.
So, in this blog, we have provided the estimated costs to develop an app like Tubi along with the factors that influence the costs to make you understand better. Also, we have provided a development process and top monetization strategies for your app.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to confidently begin building your own Tubi-like streaming app in 2025.
Latest Market Statistics for Ad-Based Video On-Demand and Tubi App
The following are some latest numbers for the ad-based video on-demand (AVOD) and the Tubi mobile application.
- The global ad-supported video on demand market was valued at $40.12 billion in 2024. It is expected to reach $150.8 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 14.2%.
- Tubi is one of the popular ad-based video-on-demand mobile applications.
- It had approximately 100 million monthly active users worldwide as of December 2024.
- Tubi had already crossed 10 billion streaming hours in the year 2024.
- In the year 2024, it crossed the mark of $900 million in revenue.
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like Tubi?
Tubi is a feature-rich ad-based video on-demand mobile application, popular in the USA. To build a simple Tubi-like app, the development costs may range between $15,000 to $30,000+.
Moreover, the cost to develop an advanced app like Tubi is estimated in between $35,000 to $60,000, or more.
At last, a complex Tubi clone video streaming app development costs lie in the range of $60,000 to over $90,000, or more.
| Type of App | Estimated Development Costs |
|---|---|
| Simple | $15,000 to $30,000+ |
| Advanced | $35,000 to $60,000+ |
| Complex | $60,000 to over $90,000+ |
*Please note that the development costs given above are only estimations. Actual costs may differ.
Top Factors That Drive the Cost of Building a Tubi-like App
The following are the top factors that affect the app development costs for an app similar to Tubi.
1. App’s Features and Functionalities
The major factors that influence the Tubi clone app development costs are number and type of features and functionalities you integrate. When you develop an app with basic functionalities, it will cost you less.
Similarly, adding advanced features and functionalities significantly increases the cost of development. In a similar way, the cost of development increases more when you build a complex app like Tubi.
2. Streaming Infrastructure and Content Delivery
In video streaming apps like Tubi, a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience requires a robust streaming infrastructure.
Hence, when you develop a similar app, you need to implement adaptive bitrate streaming along with a reliable CDN (Content Delivery Network).
These streaming infrastructure and content delivery components significantly influence the Tubi-like video streaming app development costs.
3. UI/UX Design
The UI/UX design of an app similar to Tubi also affects the development costs. Therefore, developing an AVOD app like Tubi with custom animations, platform-specific designs (mobile, TV, web), and responsive layouts increases both design time and final development costs.
4. Technology Stack
The final development costs for the Tubi clone video streaming mobile application also depend on the technology stack you are using to build it.
If you build an app with Flutter or React Native (cross-platform), it will cost less as you need to develop a single codebase, compatible across all platforms.
In contrast, if you develop using Android or iOS SDKs, it will cost you more, as you need to build separate codebases for the respective platforms.
5. Development Team Size and Location
Your development team also influences the Tubi clone app development costs. If your team is small, it will cost less. The more members in the team, the higher the development costs.
Similarly, if you hire developers from the USA, they will charge approximately $40 to $60/ hour, and if you hire mobile app developers in India, they will charge $15 to $30/ hour, significantly lowering your development costs.
6. Platform Compatibility
It will cost you more if you develop an app like Tubi that supports multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, Web, and Smart TVs.
You can lower the overall development costs by building a cross-platform video streaming app like Tubi.
However, note that you will require separate native apps for each platform to offer a premium experience to your users.
7. Third-Party Services and API Integrations
Tubi-like apps require integration with various third-party services like ad networks, analytics tools, cloud storage, payment gateways, and other APIs.
These services and APIs often involve setup fees or recurring charges, thus, they add to your overall development costs.
8. Content Licensing and Storage
Lastly, content licensing and storage also add to the development costs for building an app like Tubi. These factors do not fall directly into development costs; however, acquiring and storing video content requires a significant budget.
Licensing fees for movies, shows, or user-generated content rights can be high, and cloud storage for large video files is another recurring cost that may influence your final Tubi-like app development costs.
How to Develop an App Similar to Tubi?
By following the steps given below, you can develop an ad-based video streaming app like Tubi.
1. Define Project Requirements
First of all, you need to define the goals, like your target audience for which you will develop the app, similar to Tubi. Also, you need to determine the type of app you want to build, like native or cross-platform.
Moreover, decide what monetization strategies, apart from advertisements, you will leverage to generate revenue from your Tubi-like app.
2. Set Up Development Team
For the development team, you can hire mobile app developers in India, at lower rates, who have expertise in building video streaming mobile apps similar to Tubi.
Another cost-effective option is outsourcing the project to a top video streaming app development company with high ratings and positive client testimonials.
The benefit of this option is that they will take care of the development part completely, freeing you to focus on your business.
3. Design UI/UX
At this step, design the user interfaces for your app like Tubi. Study other AVOD apps in the market to take ideas and inspiration, and create your design.
Follow best practices to create an intuitive and decluttered interface. For this, you can use designing software like Adobe Photoshop or Figma.
4. Develop the App
After designing the UI/UX, start developing the frontend and backend infrastructures for your app, like Tubi. Integrate third-party services and APIs to enhance your app’s functionalities and align it with user expectations.
You can also add cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cloud to enhance your app’s functionalities, enhance user experience, and make your app stand out in the market.
5. Testing and Quality Assurance
Rigorously test your app like Tubi to identify if there are any bugs or glitches. If found, fix them and also check your app’s performance and compatibility on different devices and platforms.
You can also release its Beta version, gather feedback, and make relevant changes to the app, based on that feedback, before the release.
6. Deploy and Upgrade
Once testing is done, release your Tubi-like app on the Google Playstore and App Store. Follow their respective guidelines to approve your app at the earliest attempt.
Also, keep upgrading your application with new versions, content, functionalities, and user interfaces, to keep your app relevant for longer.
Monetization Strategies For an App Similar to Tubi
One of the biggest advantages of building a Tubi-like app is the ability to generate consistent revenue without charging users a subscription fee. The following are some proven monetization strategies that you can implement for your Tubi clone app.
1. Ad-based Video On-Demand (AVOD)
This will be your core monetization strategy. In this, you will need to display video ads before, during, or after the content.
These ads can be skippable, non-skippable, or interactive ads based on viewer behavior. Based on impressions and clicks, you will make revenue.
2. Programmatic Advertising
Another way to monetize your app, like Tubi, is programmatic advertising. You will integrate programmatic ad platforms like Google Ad Manager or Facebook Audience Network.
This will allow automated, real-time bidding for ad spaces, ensuring better ad targeting and higher revenue per impression.
3. Sponsored Content & Brand Collaborations
You can also partner with other brands and businesses to feature their sponsored movies, series, or banners within your app.
Moreover, you can also tailor these collaborations based on your user demographics and niche interests to ensure consistent revenue.
4. Freemium Model (Optional Hybrid Strategy)
Although Tubi is 100% free, your clone application can introduce a freemium model. You will offer an ad-free experience or early access to new content for a small subscription fee.
With this strategy, you can target those users who do not like interruptions during video streaming, while you generate revenue.
Conclusion
Tubi is one of the popular ad-based video on-demand applications. With the growing demand for free streaming content in 2025, entrepreneurs have a golden opportunity to build similar apps and tap into this thriving market.
To develop a Tubi-like app, the development costs start from $15,000 for a simple app with basic features, and go up to $90,000+ for a complex app with high-end technologies, design, and functionalities.
If you want to develop an app like Tubi, then partner with Developer Bazaar Technologies, the best mobile app development company in India, that has developed the top video streaming apps similar to Tubi, Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, and many others.
For more information, feel free to contact us or send us an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are ad-based video on demand (AVOD) apps?
Ad-based video on demand (AVOD) is a type of video streaming apps that offer users free access to video content and generate revenue from advertisements.
Q2. Which is better- cross-platform or native- to develop an app like Tubi?
The better option depends on your requirements and users. Cross-platform development is cost-effective and faster for reaching multiple platforms. On the other side, native development offers better performance and customization, making it ideal for large-scale streaming apps.
Q3. Can Tubi-like apps be launched globally?
Yes, you can develop and launch Tubi-like apps worldwide. However, it is worth noting that you’ll need to address content licensing, regional compliance, and language localization to reach global audiences effectively.
Q4. Is it legal to build an app like Tubi without owning content?
No, you must have legal rights to stream or distribute content. If you use unlicensed content, it can lead to copyright violations and legal consequences.
Q5. How long does it take to build an app like Tubi?
It takes around 3-5 months to build an app like Tubi. However, its timeline may vary based on different development-related factors.
Q6. Which is the best development partner to build an app similar to Tubi?
Developer Bazaar Technologies is the best development partner to develop your app like Tubi. We have proven experience in OTT and video streaming app development, a strong portfolio, and expertise in scalable architecture and ad integration. More details on our website.
Q7. How to get started with Tubi clone app development?
You can start by defining your goals, features, and budget. Then, reach out to our team to discuss your requirements, get a project plan, and begin the development process.
RM Mishra
Co-Founder
Developer Bazaar technologies
