Welcome to the first of ten features in TIDBIZ (The Industry Dot Biz). Each week, we will spotlight various aspects of the latest industry trends. We are living in a time where age is just a number; anyone from any walk of life can reach the pinnacle of success and the middleman, who has historically interrupted options for audiences, is becoming less vital. Creatives now have the opportunity to connect directly with their audience, independent of the barriers that have kept diverse talents disconnected.
Our first feature, which deserves more space than we have here, is: “The Rise of Independent Streaming Channels and Opportunities for Creators.”
In recent years, the landscape of media consumption has dramatically shifted from traditional cable television to on-demand streaming services. This transition has paved the way for independent streaming channels, which have emerged as vital platforms for diverse creators to showcase their work. Unlike major networks, independent services often prioritize inclusivity and representation, offering a broader range of voices and stories that resonate with underrepresented audiences.
Independent streaming platforms not only disrupt the conventional media model but also provide significant opportunities for creators who may have previously faced barriers in traditional media. These services welcome unique perspectives, allowing individuals from marginalized communities to tell their stories without the stringent limitations often found in larger corporations. Whether through submission forms for films and series, contests, or partnerships with creators, these platforms empower artists to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
As audiences increasingly seek content that reflects their experiences and identities, independent streaming channels are stepping up to meet this demand. Below, we explore some of the most inclusive streaming services available today, highlighting their unique contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in media, as well as the pathways for creators to bring their stories to life.
- 1. Allblk
- Owner/Parent Company: AMC Networks
- Overview: Allblk is a streaming service dedicated to Black storytelling, offering a variety of original series, films, and documentaries that center on the Black experience. The platform aims to amplify Black voices and narratives often overlooked by mainstream media.
- Price: $5.99/month
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Creators can pitch projects to Allblk by submitting their ideas through the AMC Networks development team. They typically review scripts and concepts that align with the platform’s focus on Black content, providing opportunities for new and established writers and filmmakers.
2. Revry
- Owner/Parent Company: Revry, Inc.
- Overview: Revry is a streaming service tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a diverse range of content including films, series, and documentaries that celebrate queer culture. Revry emphasizes inclusivity by showcasing stories from various sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Price: Free with ads or $4.99/month for an ad-free experience
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Creators can submit their content through Revry’s “Film Submission” page, where they accept various genres of LGBTQ+ content. They often encourage short films, series, and documentaries that reflect diverse LGBTQ+ experiences.
3. Univision
- Owner/Parent Company: TelevisaUnivision
- Overview: Univision is a leading Spanish-language streaming service that provides a wealth of content tailored to Hispanic audiences. The platform features telenovelas, news, sports, and original programming that reflect the diverse experiences of Latinx communities.
- Price: Free with ads or $7.99/month for premium content
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Aspiring creators can submit scripts and proposals through Univision’s network, often targeting content that speaks to Hispanic culture and community-oriented themes, particularly those aligned with their programming goals.
Additional Inclusive Streaming Services
4. Mubi
- Owner/Parent Company: Mubi, Inc.
- Overview: Mubi is a movie streaming service that focuses on international and independent films, showcasing diverse voices from around the globe. With a rotating selection of 30 films daily, Mubi emphasizes artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
- Price: $14.99/month; annual subscription available at $119.88
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, iOS, Roku
- Submit Your Work: Filmmakers can submit their films for consideration through the Mubi website, typically via film festivals or direct submissions. Mubi often features films from independent filmmakers that highlight underrepresented narratives.
5. Tubi
- Owner/Parent Company: Fox Corporation
- Overview: Dubbed “The Free Netflix,” Tubi offers an extensive library of movies and TV shows at no cost, making diverse content accessible to all. The platform features a variety of genres, including family-friendly options and films from underrepresented communities.
- Price: Free (ad-supported)
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS, Xbox
- Submit Your Work: Creators can submit films or TV content for Tubi through their partner submission forms, often focusing on independent content that aligns with their broad audience appeal.
6. Crunchyroll
- Owner/Parent Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Overview: Crunchyroll is a leading streaming service for anime and Asian content, providing a platform for diverse storytelling from Japan and beyond. The service promotes cultural exchange and representation through its extensive library of anime series and films.
- Price: Free with ads or $7.99/month for ad-free viewing
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Aspiring anime creators can pitch their projects to Crunchyroll through their content submission portal, focusing on original works that cater to diverse anime fan bases.
7. PBS Passport
- Owner/Parent Company: PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)
- Overview: PBS Passport offers a wide range of educational and cultural programming, including documentaries and series that highlight diverse voices and issues. The platform is committed to providing content that reflects the richness of American society.
- Price: Membership through local PBS stations
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Independent filmmakers can engage with PBS through local affiliate stations, often submitting proposals for documentaries and cultural programs that reflect community stories and issues.
8. Kanopy
- Owner/Parent Company: Kanopy, Inc.
- Overview: Kanopy partners with libraries and educational institutions to provide free access to a vast collection of films, including independent, documentary, and foreign titles. The platform emphasizes educational content and diverse storytelling.
- Price: Free with library card access
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Independent filmmakers can connect with Kanopy through educational institutions and libraries, providing a pathway for distribution that promotes diverse educational content.
9. Fandor
- Owner/Parent Company: Fandor, Inc.
- Overview: Fandor is a streaming service dedicated to independent and international cinema, showcasing films that challenge mainstream narratives. The platform focuses on promoting diverse filmmakers and unique storytelling.
- Price: $10/month; annual subscription available at $100
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Filmmakers can submit their films to Fandor through their submission form, emphasizing innovative and independent films that contribute to diverse storytelling.
10. The Criterion Channel
- Owner/Parent Company: Janus Films
- Overview: The Criterion Channel offers a curated selection of classic and contemporary films, emphasizing artistry and cultural significance. The service often includes films from underrepresented filmmakers and international perspectives.
- Price: $10.99/month; annual subscription available at $99.99
- Device Availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Apple TV, Roku, iOS
- Submit Your Work: Independent filmmakers can connect with Criterion through submissions related to unique narrative films, often featuring innovative storytelling that aligns with their brand.
Finally..
As the streaming landscape evolves, independent services are leading the way in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. By prioritizing underrepresented voices and stories, these platforms allow creators unprecedented access to share their work with audiences. For those who value inclusive content, exploring these streaming services is a step toward supporting a diverse array of narratives in entertainment. Next Week .. How to make the most money with your website. They are still profitable.
