NZ Media News

Tubi's 'Sesame Street' Deal Signals Growing FAST Opportunity for NZ Marketers

Tuesday, 31 March 20268 min read1 views

Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service, is expanding its content library significantly by adding 250 episodes of 'Sesame Street'. This move underscores the increasing prominence of FAST platforms and their potential as advertising channels for brands seeking engaged audiences.

What Happened

•Tubi announced a deal with Sesame Workshop to add 250 episodes of 'Sesame Street' to its free streaming service.
•The content spans from the series' inception up to Season 38, providing a broad historical collection.
•These episodes will become available on Tubi starting 1 April 2026.
•The addition significantly bolsters Tubi's family-friendly content offerings.
•This content acquisition highlights the competitive landscape for audience engagement within the streaming sector.
•Source: Variety, 31 March 2026

Why It Matters for NZ Marketers

•Increased availability of premium children's content on FAST platforms like Tubi expands reach to NZ families who may be cutting traditional pay TV.
•This bolsters Tubi's appeal in New Zealand, potentially growing its local audience and creating new advertising inventory.
•NZ marketers can explore targeted advertising opportunities within family-friendly programming, reaching parents and children in a brand-safe environment.
•The growth of FAST services offers an alternative to traditional broadcast and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) for reaching specific demographics in NZ.
•It signals a shift in content consumption habits among NZ households, favouring accessible, free entertainment options.
•NZ brands can leverage contextual ad placements alongside trusted content like 'Sesame Street' to build positive associations.

Strategic Implications

•Evaluate FAST platforms like Tubi as essential components of media plans, especially for brands targeting family demographics.
•Develop creative ad formats and messaging tailored for ad-supported streaming environments, focusing on engagement over interruption.
•Investigate data-driven targeting capabilities offered by FAST services to precisely reach desired NZ consumer segments.
•Consider partnerships or sponsorships with popular FAST content to enhance brand visibility and affinity.
•Monitor the evolving streaming landscape to identify new audience aggregation points and emerging advertising channels.
•Allocate budget to test and learn on FAST platforms, understanding their unique audience behaviours and ad performance.

Future Trend Signals

•Continued proliferation of FAST services, challenging traditional SVOD models by offering free, ad-supported alternatives.
•Increased investment by FAST platforms in acquiring high-value, recognizable content to attract and retain audiences.
•Growing sophistication in ad tech and targeting capabilities within FAST environments, moving towards more personalized ad experiences.
•A potential shift in media consumption, with consumers increasingly embracing hybrid models of paid and free streaming content.

Sources

Tubi Adding 250 Episodes of ‘Sesame Street’ to Free Streaming Service — Variety

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