Nearly a third of the US population will be free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) viewers by 2027, accounting for a total of 114.5 million viewers, according to our September 2023 forecast. That large audience base, coupled with the rise of new players and the abundance of ad inventory, is making FASTs increasingly appealing to media planners—especially those on a budget.

As the economy improves in 2024, companies will be able to turn their focus toward technological advancements and upcoming regulations.

56% of US adults think ad breaks on free-ad supported streaming TV (FAST) services should be under 30 seconds, according to an August 2023 ViewNexa survey.

Connected TV (CTV) ad spend will exceed $30 billion in the US next year, according to our forecast. At a growth rate of 22.4% YoY, that makes CTV one of the fastest-growing ad formats we track. But where those ad dollars are coming from isn’t so simple.

32% of US adults are watching subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services less because they are watching more on free streaming services, per a July 2023 Aluma Insights survey. For 34% of US adults, viewing behaviors across streaming services haven’t changed as a result of free streaming services.

The majority (65%) of US consumers say that two or three ad breaks per 1 hour of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) are acceptable, according to a ViewNexa survey.

On today’s podcast episode, host Bill Fisher is joined by our analyst Paul Briggs and forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood to examine the size, advertiser opportunity, and competitors in the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service space.

FAST platforms like Roku, Tubi, and Pluto TV are gaining buzz from viewers and industry professionals alike. Find out more about the FAST landscape.

US linear TV ad spend is shrinking (8.0% YoY) as connected TV (CTV) ad spend grows (21.2% YoY). This year, US CTV ad spend will total $25.09 billion while linear will total $61.31 billion.

Free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services like The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV will bring in tens of millions of viewers this year, though time spent with the platforms isn’t comparable to that of Netflix or YouTube, according to our forecast. Still, marketers should keep an eye on these streaming services, especially those with parent companies like Paramount or Fox that may be able to spin free viewers into paid members.

On today's episode, we introduce you to the FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) services (e.g., Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV), explain how they became so popular, and look ahead to see what their ceiling is. "In Other News," we talk about whether the advertising space is on the mend and how significant of an ad player Microsoft is. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Ross Benes and director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman.

The past six months have been a roller coaster of rising consumer-goods costs, uneven employment news, and increased optimism about the end of the pandemic—all mixed with a tightening of discretionary spending. In September, consumers were cutting back on dining out and entertainment. What are they doing now?

UK consumers have a voracious appetite for digital video content, but the cost-of-living crisis is boosting ad-supported options, particularly broadcaster video-on-demand services. Netflix’s pivot to an ad tier, meanwhile, may have legs.

The over-the-top (OTT) streaming landscape is rapidly becoming as crowded as the early days of cable TV. It is vital that marketers understand the scale, reach, and prospects of the various players in the industry.

The US Hispanic population is young and growing faster than the general US population is. Their buying power will approach $2.8 trillion by 2026. Here’s a look at their media habits and how to reach them.

Paramount’s restructuring and layoffs bely their challenged market position: Pluto TV and Paramount+ are attractive streaming assets, but may not be enough to help them increase market share.

The UK is home to some of the most voracious digital video viewers, but planning a campaign across the plethora of video platforms is getting more and more complicated. An increase in ad-supported on-demand platforms is adding to the complexity.

Digital video viewership continues to rise in the UK, despite already high penetration. A thirst for subscription content hasn’t quite been sated, but with a cost-of-living crisis looming, ad-supported options might garner interest among consumers.