FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV. It's the category of streaming services that offer free, ad-supported content on connected TV devices like Tubi, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Peacock Free, Plex, and dozens of others. For viewers, FAST channels look and feel like cable TV: linear channels running scheduled programming, plus on-demand libraries. For publishers, FAST is a distribution and revenue opportunity that didn't exist five years ago.
How FAST Channels Work
FAST platforms operate like traditional TV in one important way: the platform controls the ad experience. Viewers watch for free; the platform inserts ads programmatically and splits revenue with the content provider. Publishers don't manage ad sales or viewer billing; they supply content and collect a share of the ad revenue their programming generates.
Content reaches FAST platforms through structured video feeds. An MRSS feed describes your channel's catalog and metadata in a format the platform can ingest, while the video itself is delivered over HLS, with an m3u8 playlist link serving the stream to the platform's players. When you publish new content, the feed updates and the platform picks it up automatically. The mechanics are similar to syndicating video to a news partner, just on a different delivery surface.
The Major FAST Platforms
| Platform | Parent | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Fox | Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | Largest FAST platform by monthly active users |
| Pluto TV | Paramount | Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web | Linear channel-heavy; 250+ channels |
| Samsung TV Plus | Samsung | Samsung Smart TVs, mobile | Pre-installed on all Samsung TVs |
| Plex | Independent | Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS5, Xbox, Web | Broad device coverage; strong on power users |
| Peacock Free | NBCUniversal | Broad | Free tier alongside paid subscription |
| The Roku Channel | Roku | Roku devices, web, select smart TVs | Deeply integrated into Roku platform |
FAST vs. SVOD vs. AVOD
These three acronyms describe different monetization structures in streaming:
- SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): viewers pay a monthly fee. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max.
- AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand): free, on-demand content with ads. YouTube is the dominant example.
- FAST: free, ad-supported linear channels on connected TV. Feels like cable, economics like AVOD.
FAST and AVOD are often grouped together because both are ad-funded and free to viewers. The distinction is the linear/on-demand structure and the connected TV context. See our breakdown of OTT monetization models for a fuller comparison.
How Publishers Earn Revenue from FAST
Revenue comes from the platform's advertising sales. When viewers watch your content, the platform serves ads and pays you a share based on the ad impressions your programming generates. The exact split varies by platform and isn't always disclosed publicly, but the structure is consistent: more views, more revenue.
CPMs on FAST platforms tend to be higher than web video because connected TV advertising commands a premium: living room screens, longer viewing sessions, and audience measurement similar to traditional TV. For publishers with quality content and a relevant audience, FAST can outperform web-based AVOD on a per-view basis.
What You Need to Launch a FAST Channel
The barriers to launching a FAST channel are much lower than traditional broadcast, but there are genuine requirements:
- Content volume: a channel needs enough programming to fill reasonable viewing sessions. Most platforms want at least a few hours of content; more is better for discovery.
- Rights clearance: you need to own or hold distribution rights for everything in the channel, including background music
- Technical feed: an MRSS feed describing the catalog and metadata, plus HLS delivery of each video via its m3u8 link, all meeting the platform's format and thumbnail specifications
- Platform application: most FAST platforms have an application or onboarding process, though acceptance criteria vary
The technical setup is where most publishers get slowed down. Each platform has slightly different feed and stream requirements, and managing them manually across multiple FAST destinations adds real operational overhead.
Distributing to FAST Channels with VideoNest
VideoNest helps you create the FAST channel itself. It builds and maintains the MRSS feed for your catalog and serves your videos over HLS, so platforms have everything needed to carry the channel. Distribution then happens on the platforms: destinations like Tubi and Roku carry the channel to their viewers. When you upload a new video, the feed updates and connected destinations pick it up automatically. The same library that powers your FAST channels also feeds your CTV apps, podcast directories, and editorial syndication partners — all from one upload.
For publishers with existing content libraries who want to reach FAST platforms, the process is: import your library, configure the feed, apply to the platforms you want to reach. VideoNest handles feed maintenance, format compliance, and automatic updates as you publish new content. The CTV distribution documentation walks through the setup, including the managed path where VideoNest handles the channel on your behalf.
If you want a deeper look at the revenue side, the CTV monetization guide covers how connected TV ad revenue works for publishers.
FAST channel questions
What are FAST channels?
FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV. These are free, ad-supported streaming channels on connected TV devices like Tubi, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Peacock Free, and Plex. For viewers they look and feel like cable TV, with linear channels running scheduled programming plus on-demand libraries. For publishers, FAST is a distribution and revenue opportunity on connected TV.
How do FAST channels work?
The platform controls the ad experience. Viewers watch for free while the platform inserts ads programmatically and splits revenue with the content provider. Publishers do not manage ad sales or viewer billing; they supply content and collect a share of the ad revenue their programming generates. Behind the scenes, a FAST channel runs on two technical layers: an MRSS feed that describes the channel catalog and metadata, and HLS delivery, where an m3u8 playlist link serves the actual video streams to the platform's players.
What is the difference between FAST, SVOD, and AVOD?
SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) means viewers pay a monthly fee, as with Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max. AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand) is free, on-demand content with ads, with YouTube as the dominant example. FAST is free, ad-supported linear channels on connected TV that feels like cable and has economics like AVOD.
How do publishers earn revenue from FAST channels?
Revenue comes from the platform's advertising sales. When viewers watch your content, the platform serves ads and pays you a share based on the ad impressions your programming generates. The exact split varies by platform and is not always disclosed publicly, but the structure is consistent: more views mean more revenue. CPMs on FAST platforms tend to be higher than web video because connected TV advertising commands a premium on living room screens with longer viewing sessions.
What do you need to launch a FAST channel?
You need enough content volume to fill reasonable viewing sessions, with most platforms wanting at least a few hours. You also need rights clearance for everything in the channel including background music, and a feed package that meets the platform's specifications: an MRSS feed describing the catalog and metadata, with each video delivered as an HLS stream via its m3u8 link. Finally, you complete the platform's application or onboarding process. The technical feed setup is where most publishers get slowed down, because each platform has slightly different feed and stream requirements.
How does VideoNest distribute to FAST channels?
VideoNest helps you create the FAST channel itself: it builds and maintains the MRSS feed for your catalog and serves your videos over HLS so platforms have everything needed to carry the channel. Distribution then happens on the platforms, such as Tubi and Roku, which carry the channel to their viewers. When you upload a new video, the feed updates and connected destinations pick it up automatically. The same library also feeds your CTV apps, podcast directories, and editorial syndication partners from one upload.