Hub: Consumers Embracing FAST Channels
February 5, 2025
The meteoric rise of free ad-supported streaming television channels continues to proliferate following Paramount’s acquisition of Pluto TV in 2017, and Fox’s acquisition of Tubi in 2020. By making premium content available for live streaming on free services, these companies supercharged the growth of FAST channels, with 70% of consumers now saying they tried a free streaming platform in 2024, according to new data from Hub Entertainment Research.
Now there are nearly 2,000 FAST channels available to TV viewers. With multiple platforms of the same channels, there are more than 5,000 access points to watch a FAST channel. This vast array of offerings has driven dramatic audience growth.
Hub found the the largest percentage of FAST users also subscribe to more than three SVOD services.
Initially considered alternatives to SVODs for budget-conscious consumers, FAST viewers are just as likely as non-viewers to be heavy spenders on TV subscriptions. These younger, tech-savvy viewers often have kids at home and tend to watch more hours of TV. FASTs are not primarily popular because they’re free but because they offer another option on the menu for people who love to watch TV, according to Hub.
The report contends that although the free aspect of FAST channels may not be their primary appeal, it does eliminate barriers to viewing by removing the need for registration or a monthly fee. Another advantage for FAST channels is the growing number of viewers who now start their TV sessions from the smart TV menu and its built-in apps — surpassing those who begin with a set-top box.
“For many viewers, the first thing they see when they turn on their TV is a widget for a FAST channel,” the report states. “Indeed, ease of use is one of the top reasons for choosing FAST channels, ranking significantly higher than even live TV from an MVPD, [online pay-TV], or antenna.”
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