2024 was another busy year for FAST. As economic pressures continue to significantly impact both consumers and content owners, the ad-supported market has further grown in importance. While the United States retained its status as the dominant FAST market, the year witnessed a notable surge in international activity. Major US studios strategically augmented their content portfolios and extended their reach into new global territories. Simultaneously, streaming platforms escalated content investment to unprecedented levels, and local broadcasters introduced premium local content offerings in markets beyond the United States.
10. M6 Becomes the Latest European National Broadcaster to Add FAST Channels
Local broadcasters are becoming ever more influential in the FAST and AVOD ecosystem as they have had to adapt to digital streaming. ITVX, 7 Plus and 10Play were some of the earliest movers, integrating FAST channels into their own platform alongside digital retransmissions of they broadcast channels. In France, M6 recently became one of the latest European broadcasters to add FAST to their digital offering, striking a unique deal with Pluto that saw content and channels shared between the two parties.
9. The Rings of Power: SVOD Goes FAST
One of the more interesting stories of 2024 was Samsung’s surprise acquisition of the first season of Amazon’s popular original series, “The Rings of Power”. Previously considered a destination for undervalued or niche content, this move signified a new chapter in FAST, highlighting it’s potential viability for new premium IP. This strategy reflects the evolving media landscape and the increasing importance of FAST channels in content distribution.
8. How Are US Studios Expanding FAST Portfolios Internationally
US Studios are expanding their FAST channel offerings globally, but face challenges with international launches. They must navigate different regulations, languages, and viewer preferences. Success hinges on localising content, including dubbing and subtitling, to resonate with audiences in each region. This expansion reflects the growing global popularity of FAST services and the studios' desire to monetise their content libraries in new markets.
7. US Studios Elevate FAST Movie Channels
Movie channels are a staple of the FAST proposition. As the market has matured, the demand for higher quality content has increased rapidly as the popularity of Movie channels has grown. US Studios like Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony have all identified this and launched their own channels featuring high quality films from their extensive back catalogues.
6. FAST & Furious: Movie Channels Continue to Thrive as Studios Look to Monetise Libraries
Movie channels have also been thriving on FAST services despite a general slowdown in channel growth. Genre-specific channels, like drama and horror, are doing well, reflecting the trends in the unscripted space for reality and true crime content. High quality movie channels are also often promoted at the top of platform EPGs, further highlighting their power in drawing in audiences.
5. What Content Strategies Are US Studios Using in the FAST Market
The major US Studios have quickly become some of the most influential players in the FAST market over the last few years. Paramount, Fox and MGM are all directly linked to some of the most important service providers, while the likes of Warner Bros., NBCUniversal and Lionsgate have sizeable portfolios of high quality channels that are especially sought after.
4. Churn in the FAST Channel Market Grows as Quality is Prioritised Over Quantity
One of the key markers of a maturing market is increased competition, brought on by more entrants into a crowded market. As a result, quality increases but lower performing competitors are forced out. FAST has experienced significant churn in the last 1-2 years as the market has matured and the major stakeholders have become more involved. Between August 2023 and 2024 around 27% of channels in the US were dropped by all major platforms.
3. How the Global FAST Market is Becoming More Refined
The global FAST market is becoming more refined. Conversations around FAST are shifting to monetisation as new content providers are forcing platforms to optimise EPGs due traditional media businesses improving channel quality. Single IP has been a consistent driver of channel growth in all markets, however, sports content is also becoming increasingly more prevalent in the market.
2. Why Are Single IP Chanels so Popular in FAST
Single IP channels are popular in FAST because they offer a clear value proposition by focusing on a single show or franchise, making content discovery easy for viewers. These channels often feature strong content like popular shows with large libraries. Both unscripted and scripted television series, including reality shows, true crime, dramas, and anime are particularly popular. They are also relatively easy to implement compared to curated channels. For content owners outside the US, Single IP channels provide an accessible entry point into many markets.
1. TF1+ Launches With Over Forty FAST Channels, Focusing on Local Single IP
At the beginning of 2024 TF1+ launched with over 40 FAST Channels, focusing on local content. The platform is part of the larger trend of national broadcasters moving into digital with their own offering of local FAST channels. TF1+’s FAST lineup is available through a TV guide that blends both their traditional TV channels with the dedicated FAST channels. The platform has a strong preference for single-IP and scripted content, and primarily features channels under its own ownership.