In a familiar story echoing the struggles of many ad-supported streaming platforms, Mometu — a free, legal streaming service dedicated to independent filmmakers, international cinema, classic films, and underserved voices — is on the brink of permanent closure unless it can secure enough donations to relaunch. This comes as reports are coming in that the app has stopped working for many.
Launched in 2022 as a hand-curated alternative to algorithm-driven giants, Mometu positioned itself as a platform “built by and for film lovers” with less advertising than cable TV and no subscription required. It offered thousands of compelling movies and shows across web, apps, and major devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. The service gained attention for initiatives like its College Film Festival, which supported student filmmakers, and for premiering award-winning independent works.
However, like several other free streamers that have come and gone, Mometu announced it would shutter its operations soon due to unsustainable costs. While content remained available temporarily, the platform has now turned to its community for survival.
According to the site’s current message, supporters have a chance to help relaunch as Mometu 2.0. The new model would keep free ad-supported viewing as the core while introducing a low-cost ad-free tier and an optional supporter tier for those who want to contribute more. This hybrid approach aims to maintain accessibility for everyone while generating the revenue needed for long-term operation.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched specifically to “Save Mometu” and support independent streaming. Organizers emphasize that every donation and share helps preserve a space for indie film culture outside of big-tech algorithms.
“Mometu is more than a streaming service,” the campaign states. “It’s a curated independent space… Its impact includes helping a student fund their first feature and premiering award-winning debut works.”
Mometu joins a growing list of free, ad-supported video-on-demand services that have struggled with rising licensing costs, competition from larger players like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku Channel, and the challenge of balancing free access with financial viability. Many have either pivoted to paid models, introduced more aggressive ads, or shut down entirely.
Film enthusiasts on platforms like Reddit and Instagram have expressed disappointment, noting Mometu’s unique curation and focus on non-mainstream titles as a refreshing change from mainstream libraries.
Those interested can visit mometu.com or contribute directly through the Save Mometu GoFundMe.
Whether Mometu 2.0 succeeds may signal how viable truly independent, donation-supported free streaming can be in an increasingly crowded and expensive media landscape. For now, fans are urged to act fast if they want to keep this niche platform alive.
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