The Rise of FAST & What Sets It Apart

Content Consumption Trends Broken Down by Waypoint TV

The way we consume entertainment continues to evolve. From VHS to DVDs to cable and now streaming, all have led us to find new and free ways to enjoy the content we love. And in recent years, we have seen the substantial impact streaming services, namely FAST, have had on viewers, content creators, advertisers, and marketers.

What exactly is FAST? 

FAST stands for Free, Ad-supported Streaming Television played in a linear format. Linear means the content is scheduled in a predetermined grid, like on traditional cable with a channel guide and a variety of programming. FAST services include platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi, which are free to watch and offer a variety of live channels to the viewer. A FAST channel is what Waypoint TV is. Free to watch and partner with FAST services for added distribution. The availability of FAST services and channels has led consumers to migrate away from traditional cable. This shift has increased household FAST viewership time by 70% from Q2 2022 to Q2 2023. (Inscape Input Viewing Trends: Q2 2023 TV’s Evolving Landscape) 

Benefits of FAST

It’s Free

FAST has enabled consumers to spend less and watch more. This applies to outdoor TV channels like the Waypoint TV channel, which can now be accessed on FAST services like Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, and Sling freestream, which are free.

Easy to access

With no subscription for many FAST services, accessing FAST services is now easier than ever. Most people don’t know that many FAST services are already programmed into their smart TV’s. Viewers can also download apps like Tubi and Pluto TV by searching them in the search bar of their Smart TVs or on their connected devices like Apple TV. 

Variety of content

Viewers can watch a variety of content with just the click of a button. FAST services like Pluto TV now offer over 250 channels, including the NFL channel, CBS News, the Waypoint TV channel, and many more. Consumers also have more flexibility when it comes to watching their favorite TV shows with starting and stopping options on many devices.

Consumers are making it clear that streaming is the future of television. Streaming viewership has increased from 44.1% in 2021 to 53.8% today, while cable share has decreased from 46.9% to 37.1% (Inscape Input Viewing Trends: Q2 2023 TV’s Evolving Landscape)

According to Insider Intelligence, experts now predict that pay TV households will drop to 45.6% this year, and by the end of 2027, they will drop to 34.9% (Less Than 50% of US Households Now Subscribe to Pay TV, as Cord-Cutting Jumps More Than Expected. Insider Intelligence 2023)

One of the reasons for streaming viewership growth is due to the increased purchase of smart TVs. Smart TVs have climbed to nearly 80% of households in the US, according to 2023 Inscape Data. FAST services come included with many smart TVs like Samsung (Samsung TV Plus), Vizio (WatchFree+), and LG (LG Channels). These TVs include FAST Channels like Waypoint TV in their programming guides, which removes many barriers of entry for viewers. 

As times change, so does the way we consume our entertainment, and it's becoming evident that consumers are cutting cords and now prefer streaming their entertainment while spending less money. Waypoint TV is dedicated to evolving with these times and continues to lead the charge in providing free outdoor entertainment.