What is FAST? The Rise of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV

As the streaming landscape evolves, a new player has emerged as a dominant force: FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV). Consumers are increasingly looking for free, high-quality content, while advertisers are eager to tap into new audiences at scale. But what exactly is FAST, and why is it shaping the future of TV advertising?

What is FAST?

FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV, a streaming model where users can watch TV shows, movies, news, and sports without paying a subscription fee. Instead of a monthly charge, revenue is generated through advertising, making it similar to traditional TV but fully digital.

FAST platforms deliver content in two primary ways:

• Linear Streaming Channels – These mimic traditional TV channels, offering scheduled programming in a "lean-back" experience.
• On-Demand Content with Ads – Viewers can select movies or TV shows to watch at any time, but they include commercial breaks.

Some of the biggest FAST platforms include:

• Pluto TV (Paramount Global)
• Tubi (Fox Corporation)
• Freevee (Amazon)
• Roku Channel (Roku Inc.)
• Samsung TV Plus (Samsung Electronics)
• Xumo (Comcast)

Why is FAST Growing So Quickly?

🚀 Cord-Cutting Acceleration – With the rise of streaming and the decline of cable TV, viewers are looking for free alternatives to expensive subscriptions.

📺 Ad-Supported Streaming Boom – Consumers are more open to watching ads in exchange for free content, leading major media companies to invest heavily in FAST.

💰 Advertiser Demand – Brands are shifting TV budgets to Connected TV (CTV), where they can target audiences more precisely than traditional broadcast or cable.

📊 Data-Driven Advertising – Unlike traditional TV, FAST platforms allow advertisers to use first-party data, programmatic buying, and real-time measurement to optimize campaigns.

How Advertisers Can Leverage FAST

For advertisers, FAST provides a premium, cost-effective way to reach engaged audiences. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for TV advertising:

✅ Lower CPMs Compared to Traditional TV – FAST offers a cheaper way to buy TV inventory while still reaching large-scale audiences.
✅ Advanced Targeting Capabilities – Unlike traditional TV, FAST allows for demographic, behavioral, and contextual targeting.
✅ Measurable Performance – Advertisers can track impressions, engagement, and even conversions—something that wasn’t possible with linear TV.
✅ Growing Audience Demand – FAST platforms are seeing double-digit user growth as consumers continue seeking free, high-quality content.

The Future of FAST

With major media companies doubling down on FAST, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in the TV advertising landscape. Premium content is becoming free again—but powered by ads, not subscriptions.

Brands that embrace FAST early will benefit from lower ad costs, better targeting, and a growing audience base. Whether you’re an advertiser or a content provider, FAST is here to stay, and it’s reshaping the way we think about TV.

Are you integrating FAST into your media strategy? Let’s discuss! 👇

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