Streaming services have become an integral part of how we consume media and entertainment in the modern digital era.
With the rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more, viewers now have endless options when it comes to on-demand movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other video content.
Adding to this increasingly competitive streaming landscape is FAST-Focused Attention Streaming Television.
FAST offers a unique approach to video streaming that aims to capture viewer attention in a world filled with distractions and short attention spans.
This brief introduction touches on the streaming service boom and introduces the emerging FAST platform model and its goals. The following article will provide a comprehensive deeper dive into FAST and its offerings.
What is FAST?
FAST stands for Focused Attention Streaming Television. As the name suggests, it is a form of streaming television programming that is designed to capture and retain viewer attention in an era of information overload and fragmented focus.
FAST channels offer a lean-back watching experience similar to traditional cable TV with continuous streaming content.
However, unlike cable, FAST does not require subscriptions, contracts, or fees. The platforms are entirely ad-supported, meaning viewers watch curated channels of content free of charge in exchange for regular advertising breaks.
While most major streaming services like Netflix offer on-demand viewing of specific titles, FAST channels automatically play programmed content in a linear sequence very much like live TV.
The aim is to offer a seamless viewing experience that requires less active decision-making on the part of the viewer.
Major FAST Platforms
Some of the most prominent FAST platforms that have emerged in recent years include:
- Pluto TV – Owned by Paramount, Pluto TV has over 300 channels and a massive on-demand library. They feature channels across genres like movies, news, sports, comedy, reality TV, and more.
- Tubi – Tubi has over 50k titles available on-demand and over 200 FAST channels. Fox Corp. acquired Tubi in 2020.
- The Roku Channel – The ad-supported Roku Channel offers hundreds of linear channels along with a growing on-demand library. Roku launched the channel in 2017.
- Samsung TV Plus – Pre-installed on all Samsung smart TVs, Samsung TV Plus launched in 2015 and offers instant access to over 1,600 channels.
- IMDb TV – Owned by Amazon, IMDb TV focuses heavily on movies alongside some FAST channel offerings. It’s available as an app and via Prime Video.
These major services demonstrate the rapid growth and demand for free, ad-supported FAST content.
While traditional cable and satellite providers once dominated linear programming, FAST has emerged as the new way to deliver that experience over the Internet.
Content Offerings
The content available across FAST platforms is generally older, classic movies and TV shows that are cheaper to license and distribute. This includes:
- Older series like 3rd Rock from the Sun, Scrubs, Forensic Files, and Cheers
- Classic films and franchises like Terminator, Die Hard, The Karate Kid, and more
- Vintage comedies like Saturday Night Live, The Benny Hill Show, Mystery Science Theater 3000
- Cult classic sci-fi and horror like Night Gallery, Sliders, and Fringe
- Throwback cartoons and kid’s content like Inspector Gadget, Power Rangers, Hey Arnold!
With minimal costs, FAST channels can air this recycled content freely and fill their programming schedules.
While the catalogs lack much new premium content, the sheer volume of classic shows and movies offers plenty to watch for free.
Pros of FAST
There are several advantages that FAST streaming offers to both viewers and content providers:
For Viewers
- 100% free access to endless content
- No subscriptions required
- Linear, lean-back watching experience
- Constantly updated libraries as more classics are added
- Ability to discover new-to-you films/series
For Content Providers
- Opportunity to monetize back catalogs of older content
- Revenue generated through ad placements
- Platform to retain rights to content rather than selling to competitors
- Quickly launch digital channels without overhead costs
- Large built-in audiences across major FAST platforms
For both sides, FAST presents a win-win distribution model for classic film/TV content through ad-supported streaming channels.
Limitations of FAST
However, FAST comes with some limitations:
- Light on new premium originals that viewers crave
- Often missing full series/season catalogs
- Limited ability to access specific titles directly
- Interruptive ad breaks can be repetitive and annoying
- Lesser ability to personalize preferences and recommendations
- Viewer data is not as rich as subscription services
The ad-based model also means less revenue potential versus subscriber fees and somewhat less control over programming decisions.
However, the lower content costs ultimately allow FAST to thrive as a free alternative.
The Future of FAST
FAST still accounts for a tiny fraction of overall streaming, but its audience is growing at a rapid clip. This growth is likely to accelerate as more publishers join the FAST ecosystem.
Expect FAST channels and apps to become available across all smart TVs, streaming devices, and other platforms. And the ad-supported model provides room for smaller indie creators to launch niche channels.
While FAST may lack premium originals now, partnerships with studios and networks could bring in some exclusives and fresher content down the line. Expect to eventually see some original FAST productions, as well.
As our media world increasingly shifts online, FAST provides a pathway for under-utilized libraries of film/TV content to gain new life. For viewers, this resurgence of classics offers hours of entertainment and nostalgia for free. The simplicity of streaming linear channels also provides a respite from endless scrolling and decision fatigue.
Conclusion
FAST offers a lightweight, ad-supported streaming TV solution that dials back the complexity while allowing you to kick back and enjoy a NON-STOP COMFORT entertainment experience.
With thousands of hours of classic shows, movies, and more at your fingertips for free, FAST provides the perfect complement to premium subscription services – or an affordable standalone option all on its own.
The growth ahead for FAST will be exciting to watch as even more treasured content gets resurrected and revived on the new wave of digital channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What devices can I watch FAST services on?
Ans: FAST channels and apps are available across most streaming platforms including smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, and Android mobile devices.
Q2: How many ads will I have to watch on FAST channels?
Ans: Ad frequency varies by service but expect roughly 5-6 minutes of ads per hour of viewing – comparable to basic cable.
Q3: Can I fast-forward or skip ads on FAST?
Ans: Unfortunately no, the ads are non-skippable like regular linear TV. You can use the time to take a quick break though!
Q4: Is the video quality on FAST channels good?
Ans: Video quality adjusts based on your internet bandwidth up to full HD 1080p resolution. Expect a DVD or better quality.
Q5: Can I watch FAST content offline?
Ans: The channels are only available through internet streaming so you can’t download or watch offline. It requires an active internet connection.
