This is a huge opportunity for content distributors. Some FAST channel services are reaching over 50 million active users. Why Content Distributors Should Care About FAST Channelsĭespite the rise of paid VOD services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, traditional linear television still has a place in people’s homes. They give users the option to pick exactly what they want to watch or surf channels and accidentally stumble on their new favorite show. Many other free television services take this approach.
But it also has a large catalog of on-demand movies and TV shows to choose from. It has over 200 linear television channels playing continuously at any time. Some streaming platforms incorporate both FAST and AVOD content into their service. Creators put up their content, which gets monetized through ads. The most famous example of an AVOD platform would be YouTube. FAST is primarily a linear television experience. So what’s the difference between AVOD and FAST?ĪVOD is an on-demand service that lets you pick and choose what content you want to watch. And as their names imply, both services make their money through ad revenue. It’s very similar to FAST in that they’re both completely free to the end-user. What Is the Difference Between FAST and AVOD?ĪVOD stands for ad-based video on demand. You’ll find free content like older TV shows and movies, music videos, news stations, and sports channels, although some of these channels offer newer content as well. Here are some notable examples of FAST channels:Īll these services have programming that users would normally pay for through a traditional TV service. All they need is an internet connection, and they’re ready to go. Like other streaming services, FAST channels broadcast directly to the consumer. Ad support allows content distributors to give out their content for free.įAST channels don’t require any additional subscriptions or service bundles to enjoy.
What Does FAST Stand for in Streaming?įAST stands for free ad-supported streaming TV.
For content distributors, this opens up another opportunity to connect with audiences. FAST services like Tubi and Pluto TV account for tens of millions of hours streamed each month.
In a FAST service, everything is supported by ad revenue (instead of a subscription-based model like Netflix or a hybrid model like Hulu’s subscription-and-ad-supported tier).Ĭonsumer demand for FAST channels is rising. Usually, these services mimic a traditional linear TV experience, but they can also leverage some VOD content. FAST channels are streaming services that allow users to enjoy content for free.