Samsung TV Plus says it is now the top provider of free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels, with nearly 700 channels now streaming in the U.S.
The TV programming arm of the South Korean electronics giant has been a major player in the FAST marketplace for years, aiming to leverage Samsung’s position as the No. 1 maker of smart-TVs. Vizio, now owned by Walmart, along with TV makers like LG and TCL are also pursuing FAST. Roku licenses its operating system to TV makers, and Amazon is another FAST force via its Fire TVs and connected devices.
Of the almost 700 Samsung FAST channels, about 100 are exclusive, the company says, including offerings like Conan O’Brien TV and Letterman TV. Overall, the lineup spans categories like sports, music, kids, Spanish language, K-content, and general-entertainment film and TV. Local news coverage in 114 markets is also available via Samsung TV Plus. Globally, Samsung TV Plus offers more than 3,500 channels across 30 countries and a total of 630 million active devices.
Some industry veterans have expressed concern lately about FAST saturation in the U.S., given the ongoing challenges for viewers looking to discover programming and advertisers and programmers trying to reach and retain viewers. With cord-cutting continuing to shave the traditional pay-TV bundle by millions of subscribers a year, however, FAST has become an increasingly vibrant part of the TV ecosystem.
While it is no surprise that total viewing is on the rise thanks to an increase in the volume of channels, Samsung TV Plus also says engagement jumped 30% year-over-year in the first quarter. Along with live linear channels, the company has increased the number of shows and movies in its library by 70%.
The FAST space, which has existed for about a decade, has developed into a multi-billion-dollar advertising business. It has offered IP owners a venue for programming at a time when traditional syndication has been in marked decline.
Samsung revealed the stats ahead of the IAB NewFronts in New York. From May 5 to 8, Samsung and dozens of other players will make presentations to advertisers.
“With Samsung TV Plus, we’ve transformed what streaming can be by offering premium, personalized entertainment at a scale no other FAST service can match,” said Salek Brodsky, SVP and GM at Samsung TV Plus. “This year, we’re deepening that commitment by delivering even more high-quality content, richer viewing experiences, and greater variety of programming to ensure audiences always have something exceptional to watch.”
