FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) recreates the channel-surfing experience of broadcast TV on the internet: free, ad-supported channels that play a pre-programmed, linear lineup the viewer joins in progress. There is no catalog to browse and no title to pick — you tune into "channel 42" and watch whatever is on, with ads. Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, and the Roku Channel are canonical examples.
Technically FAST sits between linear TV and AVOD. It is delivered as a continuous linear stream (often assembled from VOD assets stitched into a 24/7 schedule), monetized with SSAI like AVOD, and presented through an electronic program guide (EPG). The engineering challenges are running many always-on channels, scheduling and playout, and dynamic ad insertion at scale.
FAST has become a major distribution and discovery surface because it has no signup friction: viewers start watching instantly, which makes it a powerful top-of-funnel for content owners.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
A FAST channel plays a linear schedule viewers join in progress, which makes playout, ad breaks, and delivery cost the main engineering work. We wrote seven volumes covering the video stack; for FAST start with Volume 2 on live HLS and DASH, then Volume 1 on encoding, with ad playback, CDNs, and streaming economics in Volume 3. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Launching FAST channels and need playout and ad breaks that hold up?
We will review your content and ad partners and send a FAST channel plan with playout, ad insertion, and cost per hour. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
