Gracenote, the content data business unit of Nielsen, has released a new report providing data and insights on the changing state of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) for distribution platforms and advertisers seeking to monetise consumer engagement with FAST programming.
According to the report, which is based on data from Gracenote’s own database, the number of active FAST channels in key markets including the U.S., UK, Germany and Canada have nearly doubled since mid-2023 to more than 1,610 today. Nearly three-fourths of the available FAST channels are in the U.S., the leading FAST market. Collectively, more than 178,000 unique programmes, episodes and movies are available on FAST channels.
A notable finding is that FAST channel content is no longer an archive of old content, with more than 70% of it produced since 2010.
Meanwhile, sports, reality and news/commentary programming make up the top three genres in FAST. Reality is the fastest-growing FAST channel genre with an increase of 626% from 19 to 138 channels since July 2024. The number of sports channels on FAST has more than doubled in the last year to 220 today.
Entertainment is the most common FAST channel genre, accounting for 303 channels. Gracenote defines the entertainment genre as TV programmes that are presented in a non-story-based format and usually filmed live in a studio.
Tim Cutting, Chief Revenue Officer at Gracenote, said: “FAST is in many ways a unique service, but its lifeblood is still content. So, programme-level metadata providing understanding of FAST content is more important than ever to audience engagement and advertising initiatives.”
The 2025 Gracenote FAST report is available for free here.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Andrew Llinares to step down as Fremantle’s Director of Global Entertainment
Andrew Llinares is to step down this spring from his position as Director of Global Entertainment at global producer and distributor Fremantle.
HBO Max to launch in UK and Ireland on March 26
Warner Bros. Discovery is to launch its streaming service HBO Max in the UK and Ireland on 26 March 2026.
5G broadcast trials underway at Winter Olympics
Italian public service broadcaster Rai and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are conducting new 5G broadcast trials during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which run from 6-22 February 2026.
Channel 4 unveils coverage plans for 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Channel 4 has unveiled the plans for its coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Germany to require streamers to invest in local content
Germany is to introduce investment obligations for streaming platforms and TV broadcasters.
.jpg)
