Industry

In terms of timing, we can safely say that FAST is a relatively recent phenomenon, even though the 'pioneer' Pluto was launched in 2013. The turning point for this new type of service was between 2019 and 2020: Viacom CBS acquired Pluto in 2019, and Fox Corporation acquired Tubi in 2020. Since then, these channels have developed exponentially: the number has grown from around 100 in 2019 to over 1,600 in less than four years, as can be seen from the graph below, taken from the “White paper created by the European Consortium FAST4EU with 3Vision” (for further information on this topic, a copy of the white paper can be requested here). And this growth continues at a rapid pace.



Revenues are also extremely significant and are constantly increasing. They rose from just over $5 billion in 2023 to over $8 billion this year, according to Omdia, and are estimated to reach nearly $11 billion by 2029.

Within the vast array of FAST channels, three main groups (tiers) can be identified:
• The first tier comprises original device manufacturers (OEMs: Original Equipment Manufacturer), such as Samsung, Vizio and LG. These companies offer their FAST services integrated into their devices. Distribution is limited, but they have the advantage of controlling the user interface.

• Second tier: 'Media conglomerates', i.e. large media groups that own platforms and generally manage AVoD and other types of channels (e.g. Vix, Tubi, Peacock, etc.).

• The third tier comprises traditional broadcasters / content giants that are increasingly entering this sector by offering FAST channels alongside their more traditional digital offerings.

When it comes to geographical distribution, the United States is clearly the primary home of this type of service, given that this viewing practice is already very popular there. According to a recent survey, almost one in three Americans (27% to be precise) watches at least one FAST channel every day (source: Evan Shapiro).
Although growth in the American market is slowing down as it is already mature, this is offset by the significantly better quality of the new channels entering the market. In the early years, the market was driven by aggregators and specialists (first and second tiers). Now, however, premium content owners are entering the market, many of whom already have a presence on traditional linear television channels (third tier), which has greatly raised the overall level of quality.
To read the rest of the article, along with four new Japanese formats and a Dutch digital-only reality show, go to:  Link

Axel Fiacco
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