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.
