The Global FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) Channels Market size is expected to reach $20.7 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 15.0% CAGR during the forecast period.
Many companies are diversifying their portfolio by offering users a method to access music and entertainment content through current streaming subscriptions at no additional cost with the launch of free ad-supported TV channels (FAST). Therefore, the Mobile & Desktop Applications segment will register around 2/5thshare in the market by 2030. Because mobile devices are becoming more widely used, advertisers focus on employing digital ads to reach a larger audience. Additionally, rising smartphone, social media, and online video streaming service usage are anticipated to fuel market expansion in the upcoming years.
The major strategies followed by the market participants are Product Launches as the key developmental strategy to keep pace with the changing demands of end users. For instance, In May, 2023, Plex, Inc. announced new availability of new channels for its free ad-supported TV service. The new channels include 21 Jump Street, Unsolved Mysteries, British TV, ElectricNOW en Espanol, etc. Additionally, In May, 2023, Amazon.com, Inc. announced the launch of Fire TV Channels, a free and ad-supported (FAST) service for its Fire TV devices. The new service feature access to over 330 channels from a variety of categories.
Based on the Analysis presented in the KBV Cardinal matrix; Google LLC is the forerunner in the Market Companies such as Sling TV L.L.C., Tubi, Inc., Xumo Enterprise are some of the key innovators in Market. In May, 2023, Sling TV announced new features for Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported streaming TV service. The new features include access to over 100 new channels. Furthermore, the service now has access to 12 more exclusive channels.
Market Growth Factors
Rising demand for video streaming software due to incorporation of AI abilities
The development of the video streaming software sector is significantly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). Providers of video streaming software can increase video quality, optimize video distribution, and improve user experience overall with its AI-powered solutions. The capability of real-time analysis of massive amounts of data is one of the critical advantages of AI in video streaming software. This enables providers to understand user behavior, preferences, and interests and provide more relevant and personalized content recommendations. By enhancing the user experience, lowering costs, and enabling new services and solutions, advances in AI are anticipated to fuel the expansion of the market.
Growing usage of connected TV devices
The increasing popularity of video-on-demand (VoD) will likely stimulate market growth, as connected TVs support several well-known video platforms offering on-demand content. On connected TVs, customers can use various supported programs that offer educational insights for kids in addition to browsing the internet. The interactive features in educational software, such as remote cursors and voice input, can also be supported by connected TVs. The entertainment and education industries, among others, are embracing a wide range of connected TV sector trends, which include an expanding set of features and specifications, including motion control and monitoring with cloud based IoT platforms. In light of this the demand for FAST (free ad-supported TV) channels will grow as a result of the rise in connected TV devices.
Market Restraining Factors
Content piracy and expensive content creation
Streaming services are under increasing pressure to generate a profit as the cost of content production increases and the demand for unique content rises. Due to a lack of knowledge regarding the various phases of video content delivery, companies tend to invest more than required in video creation. Replication of video content for content creation across regions and verticals has become a common occurrence, resulting in a rise in overall costs. The internet structure makes it more difficult to track down pirated content, as the servers that leak the content are dispersed globally and may be hosted in several countries with various legal jurisdictions. Due to high content creation cost and threat of content piracy market expansion will be constrained.
Type Outlook
By type, the market is classified into linear channels and video on demand. In 2022, the linear channels segment held the highest revenue share in the market. Similar to traditional TV channels, linear channels provide a curated programming schedule. Viewers have a comfortable and familiar manner of consuming content due to this format. Linear channels in the FAST channels market provide viewers access to a wide variety of programming options, thereby attracting a larger audience.
Content Type Outlook
Based on content type, the market is divided into movies, music & entertainment, news, sports, and others. The music & entertainment segment acquired a substantial revenue share in the FAST (free ad-supported TV channels market in 2022. Many companies are diversifying their portfolio by offering users a method to access music and entertainment content through current streaming subscriptions at no additional cost with the launch of free ad-supported TV channels (FAST). Such free materials do not require a separate subscription or any other commitments; instead, ads entirely fund it.
Distribution Platform Outlook
On the basis of distribution platform, the market is bifurcated into mobile & desktop applications and web-based channels. In 2022, the web-based channels segment dominated the FAST (free ad-supported TV channels market. Easy access to web-based channels has been made possible by the growth of smartphones and other mobile devices. People now interact with content and services at any time and from any location because of mobile-friendly mobile apps and websites. How consumers consume media has changed with the emergence of web-based content platforms, including streaming services for movies, music, podcasts, and articles.
Regional Outlook
Region wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and LAMEA. In 2022, the North America region led the market by generating the highest revenue share. The growth of the regional market is ascribed to the region’s moving ad budgets to digital platforms, the growing popularity of streaming services, the rise in demand for free streaming content, and the rise in connected TV devices. In North America, streaming services are top-rated, with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu at the forefront. These elements have been created to support the market perspective for FAST channels and have provided a favourable environment for ad-supported streaming services.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stakeholders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Sling TV L.L.C. (DISH Network Corporation), Tubi, Inc. (Fox Corporation), Crackle Plus, LLC (CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.), Plex, Inc., Roku Inc., Xumo Enterprise (Comcast Corporation), Pluto Inc. (Paramount Global), Amazon.com, Inc., Rakuten TV Europe, S.L.U. (Rakuten group, Inc.) and Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
Recent Strategies Deployed in FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) Channels Market
Product Launches and Product Expansions:
May-2023: Sling TV announced new features for Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported streaming TV service. The new features include access to over 100 new channels. Furthermore, the service now has access to 12 more exclusive channels.
May-2023: Plex, Inc. announced new availability of new channels for its free ad-supported TV service. The new channels include 21 Jump Street, Unsolved Mysteries, British TV, ElectricNOW en Espanol, etc.
May-2023: Amazon.com, Inc. announced the launch of Fire TV Channels, a free and ad-supported (FAST) service for its Fire TV devices. The new service feature access to over 330 channels from a variety of categories.
Feb-2023: Sling TV introduced Sling Freestream, a free streaming service. The service features compatibility with Roku devices and access to over 41,000 on-demand movies.
Partnerships, Collaborations & Agreements:
May-2023: Sling TV came into partnership with Cineverse, an entertainment services provider, to bring its Crime Hunters channels over the Sling TV Freestream. The partnership enhances the channel lineup of Sling Freestream.
Feb-2023: Roku Inc. signed a partnership with Jellysmack, a media company, to integrate its linear channels with Roku Channel’s Live TV Guide. The partnership strengthens Roku’s Live TV Guide services.
Nov-2022: Roku Inc. partnered with AMC Networks, a US-based entertainment company, to feature its high-quality content and targeted streaming services on Roku’s streaming platform. The partnership enhanced Roku’s streaming platform.
Jul-2022: Crackle Plus, LLC signed an agreement with TCL Channel, a global entertainment services provider, to launch its FAST channels on TCL’s platform. The partnership builds on the company’s commitment to providing its customers with free entertainment services.
Mar-2021: Crackle Plus, LLC partnered with SpotX, a video advertising platform, to facilitate its video monetization. The partnership would allow Crackle to provide its partners with solutions for enhanced campaign performance.
Mergers & Acquisition:
Oct-2022: Google completed the acquisition of Alter, an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar startup engaged in helping brands and creators express themselves. Through this acquisition, Google would improve both the quality and quantity of the content provided to consumers.
Mar-2021: Roku Inc. completed the acquisition of This Old House, a US-based media brand. The acquisition aids Roku in its growth strategy.
Jan-2021: Roku Inc. acquired global distribution rights to shows of Quibi, a video streaming platform. The acquisition would aid Roku in its ability to provide its customers with top-notch entertainment content.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Type


    • Linear Channels
    • Video on Demand


By Content Type


  • • Movies
    • Music & Entertainment
    • News
    • Sports
    • Others


By Distribution Platform


  • • Web-based Channels
    • Mobile & Desktop Applications


By Geography


  • • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe


  • • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific


  • • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled


  • • Sling TV L.L.C. (DISH Network Corporation)
    • Tubi, Inc. (Fox Corporation)
    • Crackle Plus, LLC (CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.)
    • Plex, Inc.
    • Roku Inc.
    • Xumo Enterprise (Comcast Corporation)
    • Pluto Inc. (Paramount Global)
    • Amazon.com, Inc.
    • Rakuten TV Europe, S.L.U. (Rakuten group, Inc.)
    • Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)


Unique Offerings from KBV Research


  • • Exhaustive coverage
    • Highest number of market tables and figures
    • Subscription based model available
    • Guaranteed best price
    • Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free