How free streaming services create a fanbase community experience?

Image generated by Sora

Shows and films can be an enjoyable experience, with the idea of learning something from them based on what the storyteller is trying to convey. Or evoke a certain emotion in a scene, whether it’s sadness or fear. However, people being able to discuss their thoughts and opinions about a film or show with others makes it an engaging experience.

During this year’s South by Southwest presentations, Peacock announced new features being included on the streaming service. Vertical video of the company’s IP will showcase moments that happen using AI to form the clips. Second, mobile games such as Law & Order and podcasts such as The Traitor for users to consume. Third, Bravo’s reality shows will have a fandom experience called Bravoverse, vertical clips of its shows and an AI Andy Cohen avatar help guide users to Bravo content they are looking to watch.

Why does this matter?

Users have multiple alternatives of media to consume, which affects the streamers receiving high engagement. One may watch a fifty-four-minute episode of Cross, then watch a podcast talking about the show on YouTube. After that, play Angry Birds as they head out of the house. Also, high retention of users leaving a streamer due to the end of a show or season. As the legacy streamers and Netflix see YouTube as the most-watched streamer on mobile and TV, they are trying to find a way to get users to stay on the platform longer by combining the TikToks of the world, video podcasts, mobile gaming, and fandom communities.

How can free streamers do something similar to this?

Tubi, Xumo, Mainstreem TV, and more could do mobile games on their original IP and most-watched indie films from indie filmmakers through a partnership. Second, can do quizzes over popular independent shows and movie trilogies as to what will happen next in the story before it releases. Third, create a section for fandom to engage over vertical clips where fans can chat with one another in the comments. All these three ideas can be created exclusively, where the free streamer team handles the distribution of this content themselves. Plus, do non-exclusively to creatives releasing their work on these free streamers by being in control of using these features themselves

Source:

“Community, Culture & Future of Entertainment.” YouTube, uploaded by SXSW, 15 March 2026