YouTube vs. FAST Channels: Why Smart Creators Need Both for Diversification, Audience Growth, and Revenue

While setting up a FAST Channel requires specialized expertise, the 16:9 format, is the same as it is for YouTube, so there are no additional production expenses. And, by bringing on an outside resource to manage operations, creators can lean on experts to handle behind the scenes functionality, while taking advantage of the Channel’s ability to bring in net new audiences - audiences they otherwise may not be able to access - and thereby earn incremental advertising revenue. Best-in-class creators do both: FAST for library monetization and YouTube for audience growth + engagement.

A diversified portfolio approach gives creators access to new audiences they may not otherwise reach, adding to their appeal to advertisers. And, especially for creators who have a strong, binge-worthy library, FAST can open a new revenue stream 

1. 1. As a free channel, FAST adoption continues to grow globally. That said, content matters.  Distribution deals require strong, unique content and a clear brand proposition in order to get platform carriage and retain an audience.
    
2. 2. FAST is the perfect complement to YouTube, it uses the same format, and is an extension of your creative platform.
    
3. 3. While FAST requires some initial investment of time and money (i.e., tech setup and distribution deals, programming schedule, EPG and compliance), contracting with an outside resource like VideoElephant, experienced in FAST, can make it possible and with little overhead, to add another revenue stream to a creator’s already successful efforts.

1. 1. YouTube is unbeatable for reach and engagement.
    
2. 2. FAST uses the same production format (16:9), so there are no extra content costs.
    
3. 3. FAST delivers net-new audiences and incremental ad revenue.
    
4. 4. Outsourcing FAST operations enables turnkey setup and ongoing channel management.
    
5. 5. Top creators monetize their back catalog with FAST, while building audience with YouTube.

If you're a creator you should absolutely be on YouTube, there are no cons. It's a Google platform and has massive reach. Beyond that, short-form video on social platforms including Instagram is driving most new viewership and monetization growth. Creators doubling down on Social are seeing major gains. 
 

Adding FAST to a creator’s portfolio expands the overall opportunity:  with that same content, and very little overhead, FAST enables creators to diversify distribution, drive new audiences and earn incremental revenue.  For help, contact us.