TV fans are getting used to life in the FAST lane – and that makes viewer data all the more important for FAST channel providers.
FAST, or free ad-supported streaming television, is one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment industry, both in the U.S. and abroad. And the data makes that clear.
Consider, nearly half (48%) of U.S. viewers watch FAST channels atleast a few times per month, according to new Whip Media survey data. And of those viewers, seven out of 10 said that FAST channels were at least sometimes their first choice when it comes to how they watch their content. (Whip Media’s 2023 survey data was fielded in mid-July to 2,011 TV viewers in the U.S.)
The key takeaway: In the past year, 78% of FAST viewers said they are watching the same amount of FAST content – or more. FAST is gaining real traction, and there are a few reasons for it. For starters, the “F” in FAST is very appealing, especially as subscription costs continue to rise. Most TV fans are juggling a handful of SVOD (subscription video-on-demand) services like Netflix and Disney+, but the ability to weave in a free service or two can help viewers reduce their monthly streaming budgets. Couple that with the medium’s familiar viewing experience of turning on a TV and watching curated programming, and FAST operators have a strong foundation to build on with consumers.
But if you’re looking to start a FAST channel of your own, it’s important to remember the old adage that “content is king.”
Check out the full paper of “The Data You Need to Build a Thriving FAST Channel” written by Whip Media 
