The FAST Channel Gold Rush: How to Create and Monetize Quality Streaming TV Channels/
FAST Channels, or free ad-supported streaming TV channels, are a new form of online video content that offer viewers a variety of programming without any subscription fees or sign-ups. FAST Channels can be either linear or on-demand, but the main difference from traditional TV channels is that they are delivered over the internet and supported by ads.
FAST Channels have several advantages for both viewers and content creators. For viewers, FAST Channels provide a cable-like experience, with a linear format and a guide, as well as the option to pause, rewind, or watch again live TV content. FAST Channels also offer a wide range of content, from movies and shows to news and sports, catering to different viewer preferences and interests. Moreover, FAST Channels are accessible on various devices, such as smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc., giving viewers more flexibility and convenience.
For content creators, FAST Channels offer an opportunity to reach a large and global audience of connected TV (CTV) users, who are more engaged and loyal than traditional TV viewers. FAST Channels also allow content creators to monetize their content through various ad revenue models, such as dynamic ad insertion (DAI), server-side ad insertion (SSAI), programmatic advertising, etc. Furthermore, FAST Channels enable content creators to leverage their existing content libraries and create curated channels that appeal to niche audiences.
However, not all FAST Channels are created equal. Some FAST Channels have taken advantage of the low cost entry into the market and have produced low quality services that audiences do not enjoy. Some of the common problems with these FAST Channels are:
- Poor quality and curation of content: Some FAST Channels use low-resolution videos, outdated or irrelevant content, or poorly edited or formatted content that does not match the viewer’s expectations or preferences.
- Random and intrusive ad breaks: Some FAST Channels insert ads in random places that interrupt the flow and continuity of the content. Some ads are also too long, too frequent, or too loud, which annoy the viewers and make them lose interest.
- Lack of compliance and security: Some FAST Channels do not follow the laws and regulations of each country where they operate, such as content ratings, privacy policies, etc. Some FAST Channels also do not protect their content from piracy and unauthorized use.
These problems can damage the reputation and credibility of FAST Channels and reduce their viewership and revenue potential. Therefore, it is important for FAST Channels to maintain high standards of quality and professionalism in order to compete in the online video market.
One way to achieve this is to create FAST Channels that are based on existing cable or satellite channels that have proven their quality, popularity, and profitability. These channels already have a loyal fan base, a strong brand identity, and a rich content library. By streaming their content over the internet using FAST Channel technology, they can expand their reach and revenue without losing their essence.
Some examples of successful FAST Channels that are based on existing cable or satellite channels are:
- Pluto TV: A streaming service owned by ViacomCBS that offers over 250 channels from various genres and sources. Pluto TV features channels from popular cable networks such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, etc., as well as original channels created by Pluto TV.
- Tubi: A streaming service owned by Fox Corporation that offers over 20,000 movies and TV shows from various studios and networks. Tubi features channels from popular cable networks such as Fox News, Fox Sports, FX, etc., as well as original channels created by Tubi.
- Xumo: A streaming service owned by Comcast that offers over 190 channels from various genres and sources. Xumo features channels from popular cable networks such as NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, etc., as well as original channels created by Xumo.
These streaming services have shown that creating FAST Channels based on existing cable or satellite channels can generate millions of hours of viewership and millions of dollars of revenue. They have also shown that they can coexist with their original cable or satellite counterparts without cannibalizing their audience or revenue.
However, creating FAST Channels based on existing cable or satellite channels is not without challenges. One of the main challenges is to find a suitable platform and partner that can provide the necessary technology, infrastructure, distribution, and monetization solutions for streaming TV. Many CTV platforms charge high fees or take high revenue shares from the broadcasters and content owners who want to stream their content on their platforms. This can reduce the profitability and sustainability of the FAST Channels.
That is why Kapang, a connected TV platform owned and operated by View TV Group, offers a unique solution for broadcasters and content owners who want to create FAST Channels based on existing cable or satellite channels. Kapang provides end-to-end solutions for creating and distributing FAST Channels on various online video platforms. Kapang also provides unique features and benefits for broadcasters and content owners who join Kapang as a FAST Channel, such as:
- Access to a large and global audience of CTV users, who are expected to grow to over 1.3 billion by 2024.
- Ability to leverage existing content libraries and create curated channels that cater to different viewer preferences and interests.
- Opportunity to monetize content through various ad revenue models, such as dynamic ad insertion (DAI), server-side ad insertion (SSAI), programmatic advertising, etc.
- Use of broadcast-grade technology that ensures high quality, reliability, and security of the FAST Channels.
- Compliance with the different laws and regulations of each country where the FAST Channels operate, as well as protection of the content from piracy and unauthorized use.
Kapang does not charge any fees or take any revenue share from the broadcasters and content owners who join Kapang as a FAST Channel. Instead, Kapang generates its own revenue from selling its own ad inventory on the FAST Channels. This way, Kapang provides a fairer and more transparent revenue model for broadcasters and content owners who want to stream their content on CTV platforms.
Kapang is a platform that helps broadcasters and content owners transition to the future of TV broadcasting with amazing monetization and technology. By joining Kapang as a FAST Channel based on existing cable or satellite channels, they can reach and monetize millions of CTV users across the UK and USA. They can also enjoy the benefits of streaming their content over the internet without compromising their quality, identity, or revenue.
Kapang is one of the first CTV platforms to offer this kind of solution for broadcasters and content owners who want to create FAST Channels based on existing cable or satellite channels. It is also one of the fastest-growing CTV platforms in the UK and USA, with over 170 channels in the UK and over 80 channels in the USA. Kapang is constantly adding new channels and features to its platform, making it one of the most innovative and competitive CTV platforms in the market.
Kapang is a platform that helps broadcasters and content owners create and monetize quality streaming TV channels. By joining Kapang as a FAST Channel based on existing cable or satellite channels, they can join the FAST Channel gold rush without losing their essence.