Leveraging a Robust Content Ecosystem
As traditional audience touchpoints fragment, FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) has emerged as a powerful way for brands and publishers to stay connected with viewers, whether or not they’re still engaging in other ways. A FAST channel offers a persistent, lean-back way to surface your content to new audiences and retain existing ones in a highly discoverable environment.
But as more and more brands have jumped on the FAST bandwagon, it has become increasingly clear that successfully operating one requires expertise. Our managed service allows brands to play in the “FAST lane” by providing a dedicated team of experts to help uplevel operations.
We recently announced our FAST partnerships with EntrepreneurTV and Black Enterprise, joining the USA Today FAST channel, which we already operate. As part of our managed service portfolio, we will take over linear schedule curation, audience-first content planning, targeted marketing, multi-platform distribution and partner relations, and full-scale monetization, which are intended to attract new readers and advertisers and deepen existing relationships.
The goal is to make these channels successful by leveraging our expertise as well as our relationships. That said, as FAST channels have proliferated, discoverability remains an obstacle. Without an existing following or a liberal promotional budget, users have trouble finding channels they like. The enduring value of niche content may be FAST’s most potent secret weapon, where success isn’t necessarily about the largest audience, but about highly loyal viewers who find their favorites and tune in regularly.
What’s Next for FAST
As the FAST ecosystem matures, the next phase will be defined by differentiation, discoverability, and deeper engagement. The platforms are getting more crowded, but also more sophisticated, so standing out will require more than just content volume. Channel owners will need to think about audience development, brand identity, and how to layer in new experiences that extend beyond passive viewing.
Expect to see innovations in interactive formats, shoppable content, live programming, and more integrated marketing opportunities. Advertisers, in turn, will continue to push for greater transparency, improved attribution, and contextual alignment with premium content.
At VideoElephant, we believe the next chapter of FAST will be driven by those who combine creativity with operational excellence. We’re proud to help our partners navigate this shift; whether they’re launching a channel from scratch or evolving an existing one.
