Making FAST Work for Publishers

There’s been plenty of talk about FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV), but most of it focuses on big-name platforms and 24/7 linear services.

For publishers, the opportunity isn’t to launch a standalone FAST platform. It’s to take the underlying concept - a curated, channel-style feed of video - and use it in smart, strategic ways that serve your audience and your goals.

So what does FAST really mean for publishers?

Let’s unpack it.

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So… what is FAST, really?

At its simplest, FAST is about streaming video in a scheduled, linear-style format - with advertising as the revenue model. It’s like traditional TV, but streamed over the internet and free to the viewer.

But for publishers, it doesn’t have to mean creating a full-time broadcast operation. Instead, it can be a single feed - a stream of curated video content, made up of VOD clips, highlight reels, interviews, explainers, and yes, even live events when the moment calls for it.

Think of it as a digital channel you control. You set the tone, the pacing, and the programming - and it plays out to your audience whenever and wherever they choose to watch.

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VOD + Live = Flexibility

The real strength of this format is that it blends VOD and live seamlessly:

• Got a scheduled livestream or studio segment? Drop it in
• Want to stay “on air” 24/7? Fill the gaps with curated VOD or loop past segments
• Only go live occasionally? No problem - just weave live moments into a broader on-demand stream

This flexible approach means you can maintain a channel-like experience even without round-the-clock live content. You control the rhythm.

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One stream, or many?

Here’s the good news: you’re not limited to just one.

Once the system is in place, publishers can easily spin up multiple channels, each focused on a different theme or audience:

• A travel channel
• A motoring channel
• A current affairs or explainers channel
• A youth-focused channel
• Or even branded/sponsored channels

This creates more entry points for users, more flexibility in promotion, and more opportunities for targeted monetisation.

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Why consider FAST-style streaming?

Not every publisher will see value in a linear feed - but for those with a decent library of video content, it’s worth serious consideration. Here’s why:

• More time with your content:  a continuous stream can increase watch time by making it easier to tune in and stay tuned in
• Reduced friction: viewers don’t have to choose what to watch, they just press play
• New monetisation paths:  dynamic ad insertion and sponsorships can deliver real revenue, especially at scale
• Registration and acquisition:  a compelling stream can become a powerful incentive to register or log in
• Cross-platform reach:  from mobile to desktop to big screens, this format travels well
• Better use of existing content:  repackage, loop, or remix VOD to drive more value from what you’ve already produced
• Short-term or event-based use:  run a channel for elections, summer sport, or a major story cycle, then switch it off when the moment passes

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UX matters - a lot

If you go down this path, user experience isn’t just window dressing - it’s fundamental. A FAST-style feed must feel premium and intentional, not like an afterthought.

Key considerations are:

• Placement:  is it easy to find within your app or site?
• Presentation: does it look and feel like a channel, with branding or a sense of schedule?
• Controls:  is it lean-back or lean-forward? Do viewers need or expect a guide?
• Context: can users tell if it’s live or on-demand? Should they care?

The best experiences are effortless and engaging. Borrow what works from TV, but meet the UX expectations of digital-native audiences.

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Smarter monetisation with data and dynamic ads

A continuous stream can unlock new ad opportunities, especially when paired with a robust data and targeting strategy:

• Dynamic ad insertion to avoid baked-in ad placements
• First-party data to segment and personalise ad delivery
• Longer sessions and increased ad inventory due to lean-back viewing
• Thematic channels to attract category-specific sponsors or partners

It’s a way to get more from the content - and more from the inventory - you already have.

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Getting started: test the waters with a POC

This doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Publishers can trial the concept with a low-risk proof of concept.

Start by evaluating:

• Do we have enough owned or evergreen content?
• Do we have a clear goal - eg more watch time, ad revenue, registrations?
• Would a curated stream be a better or different experience than what we already offer?

Then test with a simple POC:

• One themed stream (e.g. “Top Stories This Week” or “Our Climate Channel”)
• A mix of VOD + occasional live segments
• A fixed loop (e.g. 30–60 minutes) refreshed daily or weekly
• Hosted on web or in your existing app
• Basic ad setup to explore revenue potential

Track the results:

• Are users staying longer?
• Are the ads delivering?
• Are there clear UX or operational hurdles?

If the results are promising, the model can be scaled and optimised over time - including multi-channel setups, distribution on big screens, or deeper monetisation strategies.

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Don’t forget the big screen

If your video content lends itself to lean-back viewing, FAST-style streaming can open the door to the living room - and that’s a space publishers can’t afford to ignore.

Whether through smart TV apps, casting, or integrations with aggregated services, the benefits are clear:

• Higher perceived value: content viewed on the TV carries more weight
• More watch time: the lean-back setting encourages longer sessions
• Household reach: you’re engaging everyone in the room, not just the individual on their phone

You don’t need to launch a full TV app on day one. But if a channel-style stream works on web or mobile, the big screen is a logical next step - and a way to future-proof your video strategy.

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What about the tech?

If you’re already using a video platform or CMS, you may have the tools to do this today. Stitching together a stream of VOD and/or live content is often more about configuration and curation than complex builds.

If you’re not sure what’s possible, start by asking your platform provider or tech team. You might be closer than you think.

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How Accedo can help

We work with publishers and media companies to explore FAST from every angle - from content strategy and UX design, to dynamic ad integration and distribution across web, mobile and big screen.

Whether you’re looking to test a single stream or build a fully branded experience, we can help you:

• Curate and launch channel-style video feeds
• Integrate with your existing video stack or OVP
• Design user experiences that sit naturally within your digital products
• Optimise monetisation through dynamic ad serving or sponsorship
• Extend your reach to the big screen via casting, smart TV apps or aggregators

FAST might not be for everyone - but if it’s right for you, we’ll help you make it work. Connect and talk to our FAST experts here.

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Final thought

FAST isn’t a box to tick or a trend to chase. It’s a flexible format that publishers can adapt to fit their audience, their content, and their commercial goals.

Whether you’re aiming to deepen engagement, monetise smarter, or create new video touch points, it’s worth asking:

Could a channel-style stream help us get more out of the content we already have?

If the answer might be yes - then it’s worth exploring.