FAST
Free Ad-Supported Television
Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) is a streaming service model that provides consumers with free access to television content, supported entirely by advertising revenue rather than subscription fees. This model harks back to the traditional broadcast television framework but is adapted for the modern streaming era. FAST services offer a range of linear channels—organised by genre, theme, or even individual series—that stream content continuously, mimicking the experience of flipping through channels on traditional TV.
The content on FAST platforms can vary widely, from older, library content and niche genres to news broadcasts and sometimes even original programming. The service is attractive to viewers who are averse to adding another subscription fee to their budgets but still want access to a diverse array of video content. From an advertiser's perspective, FAST services provide a targeted platform for reaching audiences who are not subscribed to ad-free, premium streaming services. The embedded commercial breaks within the streaming content are the primary source of revenue for FAST platforms, just as with traditional television.
FAST is growing in popularity, particularly in markets with high saturation of paid streaming services, offering a no-cost alternative that broadens choice for consumers. It also provides a digital space for advertisers to utilize more advanced targeting and analytics capabilities than those available through conventional broadcast television. The rise of FAST services is indicative of the evolving landscape of television and streaming media, where the blending of old and new consumption models is creating more diverse options for viewers and advertisers alike.
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