Streaming has evolved beyond the subscription model. These days, you don’t need to go over budget with another paid subscription to watch streaming content. Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) offers free, ad-backed access to movies, shows, and live channels, and combines the convenience of streaming with the feel of traditional television. This glossary page explores what FAST is and how it works.
In this post
Free ad-supported streaming TV, also known as FAST, delivers channels and on-demand content entirely for free, while generating revenue through advertisements that appear during programming, much like broadcast TV. FAST platforms appeal to audiences who want quality content without a subscription fee, providing access to the same type of content as subscription streaming services. Examples of FAST streaming services include Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Xumo.
FAST and AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) are both ad-supported streaming models, but they differ in delivery and experience. AVOD platforms, such as YouTube and Peacock’s free tier, focus on on-demand content that the user selects to watch. Viewers can choose specific videos, movies, or episodes, and are exposed to in-video and interstitial ads.
FAST, on the other hand, offers the experience of linear television by offering pre-programmed channels and live streaming, besides on-demand content. Users can “tune in” to a channel and watch content curated in a schedule format.
FAST platforms deliver continuous streams of curated content to viewers, supported by advertising revenue. In traditional TV, advertisers just purchase ad slots, but in this case, they get the benefit of digital targeting. The ad slots may appear pre-roll, mid-roll, or interstitially, ensuring visibility.
To achieve high-quality streaming with minimal buffering, FAST leverages cloud-based streaming infrastructure, content delivery networks (CDNs), and intelligent advertising solutions.
FAST streaming services can be categorized into a few types, depending on their offering.
Channel-based FAST mimics traditional TV channels, offering continuous programming in categories like news, sports, or lifestyle. Examples include Pluto TV and Xumo.
Curated on-demand FAST combines scheduled programming with an on-demand library of movies and shows. Lastly, there are niche FAST channels, which focus on specific genres or audiences, such as classic movies or reality TV.
While Linear TV follows a fixed schedule of programs, it often requires viewers to adjust their routines to catch shows at specific times. FAST recreates this experience digitally, enabling viewers to enjoy “channels” with scheduled programming, but gives them the convenience of streaming across devices, such as connected TVs, mobile phones, and tablets.
With linear TV, advertisers need to conduct polls and group research to understand viewing habits. Conversely, FAST platforms collect and evaluate data to provide valuable insights for advertisers. Platforms can track viewing habits, engagement, and ad effectiveness, offering a level of precision that traditional broadcast cannot.
FAST transformed the streaming and advertising market by offering benefits for viewers, content creators, and advertisers.
Viewers have free access to diverse content without subscriptions, flexible viewing across devices, and curated channel experiences.
Content creators enjoy the opportunity to reach audiences without relying solely on subscriptions. Advertisers benefit from reaching highly engaged viewers at scale with precise targeting and data-driven insights when compared to linear TV and AVOD.
