FAST Space, the area where FAST channels operate. Streaming TV has been revolutionizing the way we watch video content for the past decade. With the rise of subscription-based services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, viewers can enjoy a vast library of on-demand shows and movies at their fingertips. However, there is also a growing demand for free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels that offer a linear, cable-like experience on connected devices.
FAST Space is the FAST Channel area
FAST Space channels are linear channels that run on various devices and/or channel aggregators called FAST platforms. They include, among others, Samsung TV Plus, Peacock, LG TV, Roku, XUMO, etc. Some channels can run only on one platform, while others are available on two or more of them. Users log into them to select and view FAST channels of their preference https://www.tvrev.com/news/shapirofastmap.
FAST channels have various content from old movies and TV shows to modern streaming content. However, there might soon be an explosion of niche content, including eLearning, fitness, faith-based channels, and so on, as companies are exploring new use cases around FAST.
One of the main advantages of FAST channels is that they are free to watch, being interspersed with advertisements that generate revenue for the content providers and the platforms. These ads are dynamically selected based on user information such as their devices, location, time, age, gender, etc., making them more personalized and relevant.
Another benefit of FAST channels is that they can be leveraged to bring more users to a premium offering while earning additional revenue through dynamic ads. A FAST channel can include the content of different durations and types to ensure a tailored experience for its viewers. Even its ads are extremely personalized as they are dynamically selected. The ad server can be fed user information such as their devices, location, time, age, gender, etc., and the more information that is fed to it, the more targeted the ads are. The channels can be leveraged to bring more users to a premium offering while earning additional revenue through dynamic ads. Think of it as a way of giving a free trial to users who then consume some content free of cost which drives them to subscribe to a premium pack by using the content itself as the main hook https://www.bsgroup.eu/blog/what-are-fast-channels/.
FAST channels are today’s fastest-growing connected TV video platforms. They extend the reach of traditional linear TV channels (e.g. cable) to connected devices, like CTVs, tablets or laptops. However, unlike traditional subscription-based TV, FAST channels are supported by dynamically inserted ads https://www.bsgroup.eu/blog/what-are-fast-channels/.
The FAST ecosystem is complex and rapidly evolving, with many players competing for viewership and ad revenue. According to eMarketer, US ad spending on connected TV will reach $11.36 billion in 2021, up 40.1% from 2020. FAST channels are expected to capture a significant share of this market as they offer a compelling value proposition for both consumers and advertisers.
To create a successful FAST channel, one needs to consider several aspects such as content licensing, channel programming, ad insertion technology, distribution strategy, monetization model, and user experience. These factors will determine the quality and attractiveness of the channel as well as its profitability and scalability.
Creating a FAST channel can be challenging and costly for newcomers in the streaming space. However, there are also opportunities for collaboration and innovation in this emerging field. For instance, some companies offer end-to-end solutions for creating and distributing FAST channels across multiple platforms. Others provide tools and services for optimizing ad performance and user engagement. There are also platforms that aggregate and curate existing FAST channels into one interface for easier discovery and access.
FAST channels are not only a new way of delivering video content but also a new way of consuming it. They combine the best of both worlds: the convenience and choice of streaming with the familiarity and serendipity of linear TV. They also create new possibilities for content creation and monetization in the digital age.
As more viewers cut the cord and switch to streaming devices, FAST channels will become an integral part of the streaming landscape. They will offer a diverse and dynamic range of content that caters to different tastes and preferences. They will also provide a valuable platform for advertisers to reach and engage with their target audiences.
FAST channels are here to stay and grow. They are the new frontier of streaming TV.