Creator TV Takes Its Social Stars On-Demand

Creator TV, the Sabio Holdings-owned network, is launching its ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) library on Plex and Xumo Play, adding a binge-watching option to its existing linear FAST channel, as reported by Advanced Television. The move allows the network to better cater to younger, digital-native audiences by bringing social media talent to the living room TV on their own terms.

• From lean-back to lean-in: The launch adds a "lean-in" experience to Creator TV's existing "lean-back" FAST channel, which is already on services like Amazon Fire TV and Sling Freestream. "Our FAST channel is the window into our world, and if a viewer wants to binge a specific creator, they can do that with AVOD," stated Joe Ochoa, the network's Co-Founder and General Manager.

• The creator gold rush: Creator TV's expansion is part of a much larger trend, as free streaming platforms mine social media to fill their content libraries. Fox's Tubi made waves by snapping up thousands of episodes from YouTubers like MrBeast, while Samsung TV Plus inked a pact with Dhar Mann Studios for original productions, signaling a push beyond simply repurposing old content.

The convergence of social media and streaming TV is accelerating, reshaping how content is created, distributed, and monetized for a new generation of viewers who expect both scheduled programming and on-demand access. This AVOD launch appears to be the execution of a long-stated public strategy, with company leadership telegraphing the move months in advance. Beyond just aggregating content, the company is also pushing into original productions through a partnership with MADCOOL Media to develop new scripted and unscripted series.