AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD? How to Pick the Right Release Strategy for Your Indie Film

It’s the question every indie filmmaker eventually has to face: where should your film live? Should you put it on a paid platform and aim for prestige? Drop it on an ad-supported streamer and reach the masses? Sell it directly to fans?

AVOD. SVOD. TVOD. Three distribution models. Three radically different outcomes. And no, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a BEST answer for you, if you know what each path offers and what it demands.

AVOD: Ad-Supported Video On Demand

(Think Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku Channel)

What It Is: Viewers stream your film for free and the platform runs ads during playback. You get a cut of the ad revenue based on how many people watch, how long they stay, and how ad-friendly your content is.

Why Filmmakers Love It:

• Low barrier to entry: No subscription required. Viewers click and go.
• Huge reach: Tubi alone has over 80 million monthly active users.
• Long tail visibility: Your film can gain traction over time without a big launch push.
• Real data: You can track views, retention, and revenue performance.

Why It Might Not Work for You:

• Revenue is unpredictable: CPMs vary, and some genres earn more than others.
• No prestige bump: AVOD still carries a “free bin” reputation with some gatekeepers.
• Heavy competition: Your film is listed alongside thousands of others.

Best For: Genre films, low- to micro-budget indies, filmmakers focused on wide audience reach, and those who want long-term revenue over short-term cash.

SVOD: Subscription Video On Demand

(Think Netflix, Hulu, Max, Prime Video’s subscriber catalog)

What It Is: Viewers pay a monthly subscription. Your film is licensed by the platform (either as an exclusive or non-exclusive) for a set fee or negotiated rev share.

Why Filmmakers Love It:

• Prestige factor: SVOD placement can validate your film and your brand.
• Flat licensing fees: Often provides upfront income with less financial risk.
• Global exposure: Platforms like Netflix offer international reach in one deal.

Why It Might Not Work for You:

• Hard to get in: Most SVOD platforms don’t accept unsolicited films. You need a distributor or aggregator with a direct relationship.
• No backend: Once you’re paid, that’s it. You don’t share in ongoing success.
• Control trade-off: Many SVOD deals are exclusive. You can’t share your film elsewhere.

Best For: Films with strong critical appeal, festival credentials, or built-in followings. Filmmakers looking to build industry credibility, not just views.

TVOD: Transactional Video On Demand

(Think iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Rentals, Vimeo On Demand)

What It Is: Viewers rent or buy your film à la carte. You earn a percentage of each transaction (usually around 70%.)

Why Filmmakers Love It:

• High margins: You earn more per viewer than on AVOD or SVOD.
• Direct relationship: Great for audience-building and data collection.
• No exclusivity required: You can use TVOD alongside other platforms.

Why It Might Not Work for You:

• High marketing pressure: People won’t pay for something they haven’t heard of.
• Limited organic discovery: Platforms don’t push indie content unless it’s trending.
• Short window: Most TVOD films peak early and taper off fast.

Best For: Niche documentaries, event-driven films, or creators with engaged followings (via email lists, social media, or crowdfunding). Also ideal for hybrid release strategies.

What the Poll Told Us

When we asked our audience which model they prefer for indie film releases, the responses were split almost perfectly.

• AVOD got the vote for reach. “If people can’t find it, they can’t love it,” one user said.
• SVOD won on prestige. Another said, “My audience sees Netflix as validation. It’s the only thing that got me press.”
• TVOD earned love from creators with tight communities. “I made a political doc with a built-in audience. TVOD gave me control and revenue.”

The takeaway? It’s not about what works. It’s about what works for you.

How to Choose the Right Path for Your Film

Ask yourself:

• Does your film have mass appeal? Start with AVOD.
• Is your film critically strong, festival-validated, or rep’d by a distributor? Aim for SVOD.
• Do you have a tight, committed audience who will pay to support you? Go TVOD.

But here’s the real key: you don’t have to choose just one.
The best indie filmmakers use all three.

Start on TVOD for a limited-time rental release, then shift to AVOD six months later. If you get a strong showing, parlay that data into an SVOD deal. Or reverse it! Start with AVOD, build demand, and then sell the SVOD rights.

That’s why Garvescope exists. We help you track your film’s performance, optimize your release, and connect with platforms who care about real data, not just laurels.

Don’t guess. Don’t wing it. Pick the platform(s) that match your goals and let your film grow.