FAST channels

Programmers like free ad-supported TV channels because they’re an onramp to bring more viewers into ad-supported video-on-demand environments.

A weekly comic strip from AdExchanger that highlights the digital advertising ecosystem…  

There’s a prevailing narrative that supply-side platforms are releasing tools to cut out demand-side platforms in a desperate attempt to differentiate. But “it’s much more nuanced than that,” says Magnite CRO Sean Buckley.

Streaming services are increasing both their subscription prices and ad loads. Plus: Meta just broke the record for the biggest GDPR fine ever.

Pluto’s on-demand streaming is rife with ad repetition and poorly timed ad breaks, whereas the FAST ad experience felt much cleaner – and much less annoying.

Atmosphere TV is a streaming service that distributes FAST channels to gyms, restaurants, airports and bars in exchange for the ability to run ads on the content. Atmosphere pitches advertisers on the opportunity to reach newer and more exclusive audiences.

Video creators like Tastemade are blurring the lines between short- and long-form video. Tastemade launched in 2012 to create food-focused video content for social media platforms, but the exploding growth in connected TV viewership triggered a transition for Tastemade to expand into a broader media company that includes streaming channels.

The good news for streaming providers is that consumers are on board with how they deliver content, especially when they can save a few bucks with free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD). However, despite these free or low-cost ad-supported content options, streaming services are still struggling to gain and retain subscribers.

TV advertising is complicated enough without also having to worry about child-focused privacy regulations. But buyers and sellers need to consider the nuances when it comes to reaching and engaging children, including content relevancy and ad messaging strategies that differ depending on age.

At the Next TV Summit in New York City on Tuesday, legacy TV companies and the technology providers that serve them pushed back against an early eulogy for broadcast television. As old players reinvent themselves and new ones join the scene, TV distribution is coming full circle — broadcasters are focused on getting their network signals to stream on mobile devices and connected TV (CTV).