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What is free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST)?
Free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) is a category of streaming services that delivers linear-style, scheduled programming at no cost to viewers, supported entirely by advertising. FAST channels replicate the lean-back experience of traditional TV, with curated content streams organized by genre, theme, or brand, but delivered over the internet through connected TV (CTV) devices, smart TVs, and mobile apps.
FAST differs from subscription video on demand (SVOD) in that it requires no account or payment. Major FAST platforms include Roku Channel (aff), Tubi, and Pluto TV. As of mid-2025, nearly 1,870 FAST channels operated globally across 21 countries, offering roughly 34,000 unique titles, according to Nielsen company Gracenote.
How big is the FAST audience in the US?
FAST viewership is large and accelerating. FAST users in the US will reach 131.4 million in 2026, representing 54% of all CTV users, EMARKETER forecasts. That is a 5.8% increase from 2025.
Monthly active households watching FAST grew 12% year-over-year, average daily viewing hours per household climbed 16%, and average channel session duration increased 25%, according to a September Wurl report. These figures indicate that beyond just trying FAST, viewers are making it part of their regular viewing habits.
What are the largest FAST platforms?
Three platforms dominate the US FAST market by viewership in 2026, per EMARKETER forecasts:
- Roku Channel (aff). The largest FAST platform with 97.3 million US viewers. Roku's integration into its own hardware gives it a built-in distribution advantage, and its partnership with Amazon's DSP expands programmatic access for advertisers.
- Tubi. The second-largest platform with 92.5 million US viewers. Tubi is investing in contextual targeting through an expanded partnership with Viant, tagging content by emotional and thematic cues to improve ad relevance, per EMARKETER.
- Pluto TV. Paramount-owned Pluto TV reaches 68.6 million…