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Summary
As premium streaming platforms continue to increase their prices, viewers are turning to FAST services to reduce the financial strain. FAST is the newest trend in streaming, and while it may seem tacky at first, the content offered by these free services can easily rival Netflix, Max, or Hulu.
The term “FAST” is actually an initialism. It stands for “Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV,” and the idea is quite simple; instead of copying the Netflix business model, FAST services allow you to stream television channels for free.
Essentially, FAST is the streaming equivalent ofbroadcast television. The similarities are impossible to ignore—FAST services are completely free (and usually don’t require an account), they use a channel guide for navigation, and they do not allow you to pause or rewind channels.
Most FAST channels are pre-programmed around a given theme, such as sci-fi, documentary, or horror. And a surprising number of these channels are dedicated to a specific show or franchise, likeI Love Lucy, The Walking Dead, or Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. That said, live sports and newsare a growing partof the FAST experience, and most FAST services offer some live local channels.
To be clear, you won’t find cable channels on a FAST platform. For that, you need an expensive service like YouTube TV or Sling. But FAST is surprisingly rich and unique. You can find a ton of great content on FAST, including shows and movies that are otherwise exclusive to platforms like Netflix or Max.
Not to mention, some classic shows and movies can only be streamed on FAST services. One example is Amen starring Sherman Hemsley—this show was popular during its run but hasn’t gotten any love from premium streaming companies. (That said, a lot of classic shows are still a staple of broadcast TV, which you can access using acheap antenna.)
What Are the Best FAST Services?
There are numerous FAST services available today. Most of them are platform-agnostic, meaning that they can be streamed on any of your devices—your smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer. That said, some FAST services are exclusive to specific hardware (such as a certain brand of TV).
Here are the best FAST services:
Most of these services are available on all platforms, including your desktop browser. So, regardless of the smart TV you own, you have plenty of FAST content to pick from. And you don’t need to make an account with any of these services, though an account will allow you to sync preferences and other data between your devices.
Related:What Are AVOD Streaming Services, and Why Should You Use Them?
Note that certain smart TV brands, includingSamsung,LG,Amazon Fire TV, andVIZIO, offer exclusive FAST channels for their customers. But these brands may throw exclusivity by the wayside at some point, as the FAST business model is experiencing significant growth.
Also, FAST services usually include a separate library of “AVOD” or “Ad-Supported Video on Demand” content. Even if you aren’t a fan of live or “linear” television, you’re able to still get some mileage out of Pluto TV, Tubi, and other platforms.
Other Streaming Services Will Adopt the FAST Model
The FAST TV business model is extremely successful, and it will only grow more successful as streaming prices continue to rise. ANeilson reportfrom July 2023 indicates that Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel are among the top 10 streaming platforms in the United States. Not only that, but Tubi makes up 1.4% of all U.S. television viewership, meaning that it’s head-to-head with Max.
More importantly, these free services bring in a ton of revenue. Tubi is expected togenerate $1 billionin advertising revenue in 2023—nearly twice the ad revenue of its previous year. While $1 billion is just a fraction of the revenue earned by some premium streaming services, it’s still a ton of money, and Tubi’s year-over-year growth is exceptional.
Based on this information, it’s no surprise that traditional streaming companies are interested in FAST. Netflix recently stated that it’s “keeping an eye” on the FAST business model, which would greatly contribute to its newad-basedrevenue stream. And Warner Bros Discovery, the corporation behind Max, plans to launch a FAST service “at the right time.”
Are FAST Services a Good Replacement for Cable?
As explained earlier, FAST services are comparable to broadcast television (also called OTA TV or antenna TV). Not only are FAST channels free and ad-supported, but they feature many of the shows and movies you’ll see on broadcast television—lots of old stuff, news, and local channels.
FAST services are also beginning to dip their toes into sports. And, notably, you can find some great new shows and movies on FAST platforms. The Walking Dead is a great example, as it’s something that usually requires a subscription with a premium service.
But you won’t find many cable TV channels when browsing FAST services. And when you do, they’re usually watered down. If you want to stream cable TV, you need to use a premium service like YouTube TV, Sling, or Hulu with Live TV.
The good news (or bad news) is that cable TV is in a pretty sorry state. Most cable channels are full of filler, reruns, and other junk that you’re able to watch just about anywhere else. Unless you’re a sports fan, FAST services may be a good replacement for cable TV.
Because FAST services are free and don’t require an account, you can test them at any time. Try a few FAST services and see if they can replace your cable package. It’s worth a shot.
