What happens when TikTok creators get the opportunity to make their own television shows? Tubi is ready to find out.
The ad-supported streaming platform recently announced its first 10 original shows through its Creatorverse Incubator, a partnership with TikTok designed to help social media creators move into long-form entertainment. The projects feature several established TikTok personalities and cover everything from horror and comedy to dating shows and travel.
For creators who have dreamed of going beyond short-form videos, this partnership offers an interesting look into where the creator economy could be headed.
Tubi’s Creatorverse Incubator
The Creatorverse Incubator connects vetted TikTok creators with Tubi to develop original programming for the streaming platform. TikTok helped identify creators with existing audiences and distinctive creative styles. Then Tubi is provides an opportunity to turn their big ideas into full-length shows.
The first slate includes some unusual and creative concepts. Lynnell Jones Jr. is developing Feeling Super, an animated superhero comedy, while Allie Tran is bringing horror to the screen with Scare Tours. Other projects include a gender-bending dating show from Kai Cameron and a travel series following Marc Sebastian’s Australian adventures.
TikTok is also expected to use its Spotlight to promote the new Tubi originals. This will basically form an ecosytem loop which allows those creators to connect their existing audiences with their long-form projects.
Taking content beyond social media
One of the biggest takeaways from this partnership is that nurturing a solid social media following can open doors that may lead to opportunities beyond the social platforms they begin with.
Creators often spend years building audiences through short-form videos, livestreams, and other digital content. Now, streaming platforms are increasingly looking to those creators for built-in audiences, fresh ideas and unconventional deals.
Not every TikTok creator will have an opportunity to land a television deal through the Creatorverse Incubator. However, it does highlight the value of developing a recognizable creative voice, building an engaged community, and experimenting with different formats.