What are FAST channels?
FAST channels (free ad-supported streaming television) are linear, scheduled streaming channels that viewers watch for free, paid for entirely by advertising, much like traditional broadcast TV but delivered over the internet. They appear on services such as Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel and Tubi, often featuring themed or classic content.
FAST differ from AVOD (on-demand ad-supported streaming) because they run on a programmed schedule. They give content owners a way to earn from back catalogues and give advertisers inexpensive CTV reach.
FAST inventory is plentiful and sometimes resold through long chains, which can create quality and fraud risks. Buyers should check app-ads.txt, supply paths and whether impressions come from the TV maker's own platform or a reseller.