ITV

Tag: FAST Streaming

  • Warner Bros. Discovery launches five new FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus

    Warner Bros. Discovery launches five new FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is dialing up the entertainment quotient with the launch of five brand-new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels from Warner Bros. TV on Samsung TV Plus. This move promises a whirlwind of gripping storytelling, heart-pounding crime, mouth-watering food journeys, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and the most extreme jobs you’ve ever seen—all without spending a penny.

    With streaming becoming the go-to for audiences, these channels are curated to offer premium entertainment across Samsung Smart TVs and mobile devices, ensuring viewers can binge-watch their favourite genres wherever they go.

    A channel for every passion

    House of Crime – True crime fanatics, brace yourselves. This Hindi-language channel delivers nail-biting crime dramas and investigative series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    Foodie Hub – Calling all food lovers! From sizzling recipes to behind-the-scenes kitchen drama, this Hindi-language channel serves up everything from street food gems to Michelin-starred magic.

    Wild Flix – Animal lovers, rejoice! This Hindi-language channel is your passport to the untamed wonders of the animal kingdom, featuring awe-inspiring zoo stories and heroic animal rescues.

    Wheel World – Car and bike enthusiasts, start your engines. This English-language channel is a high-octane paradise packed with restoration stories, thrilling rides, and the best garages in the business.

    XXtreme Jobs – If you think your job is tough, wait till you see this. This Hindi-language channel dives into the world’s most dangerous professions, featuring fearless individuals tackling mind-blowing challenges daily.

    Commenting on the launch, Warner Bros. Discovery head of distribution and eurosport- south Asia, Ruchir Jain said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we are passionate about curating diverse and high-quality entertainment for our audiences. With connected TVs on the rise, we’re excited to expand our presence on Samsung TV Plus through these new channels. Our partnership with Samsung will enable us to bring our viewers the very best of WBTV—compelling storytelling, fresh perspectives, and truly global flavours.”

    With a strong focus on Hindi programming, these channels are expected to captivate both regional and urban audiences, delivering engaging content in their preferred language.

    Samsung TV Plus India head of partnerships & business development, Kunal Mehta shared the excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Warner Bros. Television to Samsung TV Plus. As a leader in FAST, we are committed to bringing top-tier content to our audiences. This partnership expands entertainment choices while delivering even more value and access to our viewers—and opportunities for advertisers.”

    With the rapid adoption of connected TVs and the rise of digital streaming, the FAST model has gained massive momentum. According to recent advertising trends, the global FAST market is expected to reach $18.7 billion by 2027, with viewership surging by 150 per cent in the last three years. In India, connected TV adoption has seen a 40 per cent year-on-year growth, making it a prime market for ad-supported streaming content.

    Streaming giants are increasingly shifting toward FAST to leverage higher ad revenues, increased viewer engagement, and deeper market penetration. This launch by Warner Bros. Discovery aligns perfectly with this evolving landscape, offering premium, ad-supported entertainment to a rapidly expanding audience.

    As streaming habits continue to evolve, advertisers are seeing a 25 per cent increase in engagement rates on FAST platforms compared to traditional TV ads. This shift highlights the growing appeal of free, high-quality content paired with targeted advertising strategies.

    The future? With this new launch, Warner Bros. Discovery and Samsung TV Plus are making premium entertainment more accessible than ever. Whether it’s the thrill of a mystery, the joy of a gourmet dish, or the awe of an untamed jungle, these new channels promise a content buffet like no other.

  • FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    MUMBAI: Not too long ago, TV lovers had two choices—pay up for endless subscriptions or rely on old-school cable. But just when you thought you were stuck juggling streaming bills like a circus act, FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) swooped in like a digital superhero. Forget flipping channels—now, viewers get premium content for free, advertisers get their dream audience, and content providers rake in the ad dollars. It’s a win-win-win, and Amagi’s latest Global FAST Report 14 Edition proves it.

    The report unveils staggering double-digit growth in both hours of viewing (HOV) and ad impressions, making it clear that FAST isn’t some fleeting trend—it’s an advertising revolution. Gone are the days when ads interrupted your binge session; now, they power the very shows you love.

    Amagi crunched the numbers from 3,300+ channels streaming via its SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) platform, Amagi Thunderstorm. The results? A jaw-dropping 95 per cent YoY surge in global HOV and a 65 per cent jump in ad impressions—because when it comes to FAST, the stream never stops, and neither do the ad dollars. If streaming had a crystal ball, it would be flashing ‘bright future ahead!’

    Key takeaways:

    . U.S. and Canada keep the FAST train running at full throttle, contributing the lion’s share of global ad impressions and HOV. Who needs cable when free streaming is this good?

    .  APAC is the new streaming superstar, boasting a blockbuster 132 per cent YoY increase in HOV and a 130 per cent spike in ad impressions. If FAST were a stock, you’d want to buy in now.

    . LATAM and EMEA aren’t sitting on the sidelines, with entertainment, news, and documentaries leading the charge. Because who doesn’t love free content that informs and entertains?

    .  Entertainment remains the undisputed champion of FAST, making up 40–45 per cent of global HOV. Drama, reality TV, and movies—FAST has it all, without the price tag.

    .  New FAST channels are shaking up the game, with 25 per cent of global HOV and ad impressions coming from channels launched after December 2023. The future of TV is FAST, and it’s only getting started.

    The streaming wars may be ongoing, but FAST has found its niche. Unlike SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), which relies on subscription models, FAST offers premium content free-of-cost, funded entirely by ads. Viewers have spoken, and their preference for free, high-quality content has set the stage for an advertising revolution.

    Amagi’s consumer survey of 500+ U.S. households revealed key trends:

    . 75 per cent of respondents watch free, ad-supported streaming content.

    . 66 per cent reported watching FAST channels multiple times per week.

    . 67 per cent noticed and engaged with overlay ads, proving the model’s efficacy for advertisers.

    FAST isn’t just standing alone—it’s merging with traditional Pay TV and SVOD models. Pay TV services now offer FAST channels, SVOD giants like Warner Bros. Discovery are experimenting with ad-supported tiers, and FAST services are enhancing their content portfolios with premium offerings.

    With global advertisers shifting their focus from Pay TV to CTV (Connected TV) and FAST, content providers are being forced to rethink their distribution strategies. Industry leaders like Dazn are already unifying conventional broadcasting with FAST to create a seamless viewing experience.

    As more regions embrace FAST, expect to see a sharper focus on localised content, better ad targeting, and stronger partnerships between streaming giants and advertisers. The numbers don’t lie—a 95 per cent rise in viewing hours and a 65 per cent spike in ad impressions make one thing clear: FAST isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting warmed up.

    So, whether you’re an advertiser chasing eyeballs, a content creator searching for the next big platform, or just someone who loves free TV with a side of perfectly timed ads, FAST is your new best friend.