Boardroom Definition
FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) refers to streaming services that deliver pre-programmed, linear TV channels to viewers at no cost, monetized entirely through commercial interruptions. Unlike on-demand platforms (like Netflix or Disney+), FAST channels mimic the traditional broadcast experience with a grid guide and scheduled programming. Major players include Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, and The Roku Channel.
The economic viability of FAST channels is calculated using ARPU (Average Revenue Per User), which in this model is strictly derived from ad impressions rather than subscription fees.
Ad ARPU = (Total Ad Impressions / Total Unique Viewers) * CPM
To maintain profitability, FAST platforms optimize for Fill Rate—the percentage of available ad slots that are successfully sold and served to a viewer.
Fill Rate = (Ad Impressions Delivered / Ad Opportunities Available) * 100
- Low Fill Rate: Results in "Slate" screens (blank screens with music) or repetitive house ads, signaling lost revenue potential.
The Real Scoop
In 2026, FAST is effectively "Cable 2.0." While the industry pivoted hard toward paid subscriptions (SVOD) in the early 2020s, "Subscription Fatigue" drove audiences back to the passive, lean-back experience of just turning on the TV and watching whatever is on.
The "Insider" reality is that FAST is a haven for library content. It is where "reruns" live in the streaming age. For advertisers, it is a high-volume, cost-efficient environment. While it lacks the prestige of a prime-time premiere on a paid service, it captures the "Unengaged Viewer" someone looking for background noise or comfort viewing and providing massive reach at a fraction of the cost of premium CTV.
Watch Outs
- Ad Repetition: Because fill rates can fluctuate, viewers often see the same commercial three times in a single break. This "frequency collision" degrades brand sentiment and causes viewer churn.
- The "Zombie" Viewer: Since FAST channels auto-play (often starting immediately upon turning on a Smart TV like Samsung), impression data can be inflated by devices playing to empty rooms. Always audit "Viewability" metrics strictly.
- Inventory Quality: Not all FAST channels are equal. A "News" channel on a major platform is premium; a "24/7 Fail Army" channel is essentially user-generated content repackaged. Ensure your DSP whitelists include only premium publishers.
