Free ad-supported TV (FAST) is rapidly expanding, fueled by several factors. Firstly, it aligns with the overarching shift away from traditional broadcast and linear TV towards streaming technology. In the U.S., streaming surpassed cable TV in July 2022, emerging as the most favored TV consumption method. Globally, streaming exhibits significantly higher growth rates compared to other TV alternatives.

Consumers worldwide are drawn to streaming for its superior selection and cost-effectiveness, constituting a mutually beneficial arrangement. FAST, as a streaming alternative, particularly resonates with budget-conscious viewers weary of subscription fees. A notable study indicates that a majority of respondents are willing to endure advertisements in exchange for monetary savings.

FAST is just getting started but need an ad stack

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The move aims to enhance Walmart’s advertising business by leveraging Vizio’s SmartCast OS and its 500+ advertiser partnerships. With over 18 million active SmartCast accounts, Vizio brings substantial market presence. This acquisition complements Walmart’s Onn brand and strengthens its competition against Amazon and Roku in the smart TV market.

“The acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System (OS) would enable Walmart to connect with and serve its customers in new ways including innovative television and in-home entertainment and media experiences,” says Walmart’s press release.

Regulatory approval is pending, with a 45-day window for potential alternative offers. Vizio’s recent software upgrade underscores its commitment to innovation amid competition from Hisense, TCL, and Roku TVs.

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Unifast Media (Unifast) Joins Forces with Static Waves Media (Static Waves), the Leading upcoming FAST-Focused platform.

Amsterdam, August 12 – In a major step towards European growth, Unifast Media (Unifast) has officially entered into a strategic representation agreement with Static Waves Media, the premier streaming platform with a focus on quality entertainment content.

With this partnership, Unifast and Static Waves has secured advantageous ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) distribution agreements in three key European markets, namely the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. Including Spark TV, Waterbear Network, Blocked and Bliss TV.

For the UK market, Spark TV will be conveniently accessible through Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels, while Dutch viewers can access the channel through Samsung TV Plus.

The headquarters of Unifast is located in the Netherlands, with plans underway to establish additional offices in the UK and Germany.

Driven by a mission to take CTV advertising by storm and better monetize FAST and thematic channels, Unifast stands poised to ad significant value to the CTV and FAST media landscape. Unifast stands in the EU and global market to foster collaborative partnerships as an ad serving and monetization partner,

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Amsterdam, June 23, 2023 – Unifast, the FAST Channel Advertising entertainment company boasting a EU focused audience of over 50 million views, has unveiled its latest advertising agreement via Samsung TV plus. Unifast has just introduced three new offerings under its FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) category, The Core, 1Million and Car Toon TV.

This launch signifies a significant achievement for Unifast as it strives to fulfill the rising demand for free ad-supported streaming TV advertising (FAST).

Adam Barstein, SVP of Streaming TV at The Core, emphasized, “Our commitment to enhancing the television viewing experience for our audience while delivering exceptional value to both viewers and advertising partners is underscored by strategic collaborations with major advertising partners like Unifast.”

The newly added series in this collaboration encompass:

“The Core”: One person’s determination to become the fastest man globally, despite being tied down in the entertainment business.
“1Million”: Spotlighting the illustrious content creators of renowned celebrities, revealing the stars behind the stars.
“Car Toon TV”: A non-stop collection of extreme mishaps for cartoon enthousiasts.

Unifast’s repertoire encompasses a diverse array of programming across its brands. The collaboration is set to infuse the platform with thousands of long and short-form videos. Over the past year, Unifast’s content on FAST platforms alone has accrued more than 1.2 billion minutes of viewing time, alongside tens of millions of views across various social media platforms.

About Unifast:

Unifast stands as a FAST Channel entertainment enterprise, engaging over 30 million viewers worldwide through streaming, CTV and via FAST Channel partners. Unifast provides advertising revenue for FAST Channel content owners on CTV by connecting advertisers and brands. Making FAST easy for advertisers and Content owners alike. Collectively, this nurtures curiosity, ignites laughter, and inspires individuals to lead bold, fulfilling lives. To learn more about the brands, data-centric marketing solutions, monteisation and advertising licensing services, visit www.unifastmedia.com.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of digital entertainment, the year 2023 has emerged as a pivotal period for the expansion of Connected TV (CTV) platforms, driven by strategic partnerships that are reshaping the way audiences consume content. As the boundaries between traditional television and digital streaming continue to blur, CTV is at the forefront of this transformation, thanks to a series of innovative collaborations that are reshaping the industry.

CTV, in essence, refers to the fusion of television and internet technology, allowing viewers to access content through internet-enabled devices like smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. This burgeoning medium has rapidly gained traction over the past few years, offering viewers an unprecedented level of convenience, personalization, and interactivity. The year 2023 has witnessed an acceleration in the adoption of CTV, primarily due to strategic partnerships that leverage the strengths of various companies to enhance the CTV experience.

Content Aggregators and Studios Join Forces

One notable trend is the collaboration between content aggregators and production studios. Streaming platforms have been forging alliances with major studios to secure exclusive content rights, ensuring that they have a steady stream of high-quality shows and movies to offer their subscribers. This competition for content has led to the formation of strategic partnerships that benefit both parties. Studios gain a reliable distribution channel, while CTV platforms attract subscribers with unique and sought-after content.

Advertisers Embrace Precision Targeting

The advertising landscape is also undergoing a transformation through CTV partnerships. Advertisers are drawn to CTV’s ability to deliver personalized advertisements to specific demographics, enabling more effective targeting than traditional TV advertising. In 2023, we’ve seen partnerships emerge between CTV platforms and data analytics companies, allowing advertisers to refine their campaigns based on real-time user insights. This data-driven approach enhances the viewer experience by delivering relevant ads while maximizing the value of advertising investments.

Tech Giants and CTV Innovations

Tech giants are making their presence felt in the CTV realm through strategic alliances that drive innovation. From hardware manufacturers collaborating with streaming platforms to optimize user experiences, to software companies partnering with CTV providers to develop cutting-edge interfaces, these partnerships are pushing the boundaries of what CTV can offer. In 2023, expect to see even more collaborations that enhance features like voice control, augmented reality integration, and seamless cross-device synchronization.

Global Expansion for CTV

The growth of CTV is not limited to any single region. Partnerships between international CTV platforms and local content providers are ensuring that viewers around the world have access to a diverse range of content that caters to their preferences and cultures. This globalization of content is made possible by partnerships that facilitate licensing agreements and content distribution networks, ultimately broadening the horizons of entertainment.

FAST is growing on CTV

As we navigate the remainder of 2023, the interconnectedness of CTV platforms with a variety of industry players will continue to redefine the entertainment landscape. These partnerships will drive the expansion of content libraries, refine advertising strategies, fuel technological advancements, and make CTV more accessible to a global audience. Ultimately, the evolution of CTV through strategic collaborations is a testament to the industry’s adaptability and commitment to delivering a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of television and media consumption, a paradigm shift is underway, and it’s being led by FAST channels. As traditional cable TV loses its dominance and streaming platforms continue to rise, Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels have emerged as a powerful force. Offering an array of content choices without subscription fees, FAST channels have not only captivated viewers but also opened new avenues for commercials and advertising. This phenomenon is reshaping the way advertisers connect with their audiences and presenting a bright future for the industry.

The Rise of FAST Channels

FAST channels represent a departure from the traditional cable subscription model, where consumers pay a recurring fee to access a bundle of channels. Instead, these channels offer a curated selection of content at no cost to the viewer. The revenue model relies on advertising, making it an attractive proposition for both content creators and advertisers.

Several factors have contributed to the rapid rise of FAST channels:

1. Changing Viewer behaviour:

Consumers are increasingly moving away from traditional cable TV and gravitating toward streaming services. FAST channels meet this demand for flexibility and variety while still being free. Data from Magnite shows that across the EU5 markets, -for every age group-, between January 2020 and May 2021, traditional TV viewing rose by 17%,while CTV consumption increased by 55%. That’s a huge trend.

2. Monetisation Opportunities:

For content creators and media companies, FAST channels offer an additional revenue stream through advertising. Advertisers are willing to invest in these channels due to their growing viewer base and shifting budgets from traditional TV to CTV, online streaming and the rise of FAST content.

3. Engagement and Interactivity:

Many FAST channels leverage interactive features that allow viewers to engage with ads. This two-way interaction enhances the viewer experience and can lead to better brand engagement. QR codes are being utilised more and more in these scenario’s

Transforming CTV Advertising

The impact of FAST channels on the advertising landscape cannot be overstated. As the popularity of FAST channels continues to grow, their impact on the advertising ecosystem will become even more pronounced. Advertisers are likely to allocate more of their budgets to these channels, recognizing their potential to deliver personalized and effective campaigns. Content creators, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to produce high-quality programming while maintaining revenue through advertising partnerships.

However, the success of FAST channels also hinges on maintaining a delicate balance between ads and content. Striking the right equilibrium will be essential to avoid overwhelming viewers with excessive advertising and potentially driving them away.

In conclusion, the future of commercials and advertising is undeniably intertwined with the trajectory of FAST channels. These channels are reshaping how brands engage with their target audiences, offering precise targeting, data-driven insights, interactivity, and integration. As the landscape continues to evolve, advertisers and content creators alike are presented with a unique chance to explore innovative strategies and create impactful experiences that capture the hearts and minds of viewers in this new era of television.

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