By: The BitMar Team.
Image Source: Gemini.
The way people watch television continues to evolve, with Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) emerging as a significant trend. These services offer linear channels, much like traditional television, but are delivered over the internet and supported by advertising, requiring no subscription fee. This model presents viewers with a familiar, scheduled viewing experience combined with the accessibility of streaming.
The growth of FAST platforms has been substantial. According to a March 2025 report from Gracenote, a Nielsen company, the number of active FAST channels across key markets like the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Canada has nearly doubled since mid-2023, exceeding 1,610 channels. The Gracenote report also indicates that the United States leads this market, hosting almost three-fourths of these available channels.
Contrary to early perceptions, FAST content is not solely composed of older library titles. The same Gracenote data reveals that over 70 percent of programming available on FAST channels was produced after 2010. This suggests a shift towards more recent content. Reporting on the Gracenote study highlights that popular genres include sports, reality, and news/commentary, with reality programming experiencing particularly rapid channel growth.
The expansion is further evidenced by industry analysis. KBV Research forecasts significant market growth, expecting the global FAST channels market size to reach substantial levels by 2030, driven partly by the increasing use of connected TV devices. Their analysis identifies linear channels as the dominant type within the FAST market, offering viewers a curated, scheduled programming approach familiar from traditional television.
This rapid expansion signifies a change in viewing habits. As reported by StreamTV Insider, the sheer number of FAST channels available (over 1,900 in the U.S. as of late 2023/early 2024) presents viewers with abundant choices. While some analysts question market saturation, viewing hours for FAST services continue to grow, indicating increasing consumer acceptance and use as a supplement or alternative within their entertainment options.
As the FAST landscape matures, viewers gain access to a wider variety of free programming options. This trend offers a different way to consume content compared to subscription-based on-demand services, potentially influencing how households assemble their entertainment choices and allocate their viewing time.
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