The news: Creators are moving into connected TV.

• Walmart-owned CTV platform Vizio announced more than 40 new creator-led channels including personalities like MrBeast on its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, WatchFree+.
• Vizio is also introducing a series featuring chocolatier creator Amaury Guichon, available exclusively on WatchFree+.

The announcement follows similar moves from CTV competitors like YouTube, which recently began offering linear-style, creator-led series.

Why it matters: Greater advertiser investment in CTV and creator marketing, and growing audience interest in FAST services, could create new opportunities for marketing at their intersection.

• US FAST viewers will surpass 136 million this year, per our forecast, growing 5.1% YoY and representing over half of all US CTV viewers.
• 70% of US advertisers noted plans to increase CTV investments this year by an average of 17%, per Premion.