TV Networks account for 30% of top 100 FAST channels: Amagi report

Delhi: Amagi announced the release of its 12th Amagi Global FAST Report, which found that FAST delivers a significant impact to the business for TV Networks, and D2C streamers. 

With the increasing expansion of broadcaster-owned channels in FAST, Amagi insights found that TV networks account for 30% of the top 100 FAST channels, driving a 40% share in total Hours of Viewing (HOV) across these channels. Additionally, among Amagi-delivered FAST channels, Global HOV (31%) and ad impressions (26%) continued to show double-digit growth during the comparison period (Q2 2024 versus Q2 2023). 

These findings underscore the significant role that FAST channels play in the rapidly evolving streaming landscape, demonstrating FAST’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of new technologies and viewing habits.

"The latest edition of our report highlights the substantial role FAST plays in the streaming ecosystem," said Srinivasan KA, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Amagi. "With TV Networks accounting for a substantial portion of the top channels and viewing hours, it's clear that FAST provides a great avenue for traditional media companies to draw additional revenues in the digital age. This report also underscores the ongoing double-digit growth in global HOV and ad impressions, demonstrating the robust health of the FAST market."

"While regional differences remain in the types of content found on FASTs, the concept of free linear channels as a popular delivery mechanism is a universal phenomenon,” said Alan Wolk, Co-Founder/Lead Analyst at TVREV. Wolk authored the introductory note in this edition of the Amagi FAST report.

The newly released Amagi Global FAST Report offers data and insights derived from over 50 FAST services and 5,000-plus channels using Amagi THUNDERSTORM, the company's Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) platform. Additionally, the report incorporates findings from the 2024 Amagi Consumer Survey (April-June), which reflects the preferences and viewing habits of nearly 500 U.S. households across various income brackets.

Key takeaways from the 12th Amagi Global FAST Report (Data based on Amagi ANALYTICS and FAST channels that run on Amagi’s platform) include:

1. Consumers Increasingly Comfortable With Exploring FAST Offerings: 75% of Amagi's Consumer Survey respondents indicated they would create a free profile on a streaming service to sample FAST channels, and more than half would enter their credit card information.

2. FAST Sees Continued Growth Among Key Metrics Worldwide: Global HOV (31%) and ad impressions (26%) continue to show double-digit growth.

3. Growth of Broadcaster-Owned Channels: The total number of broadcaster-owned channels within FAST increased by approximately 2.5 times.

4. Increase of FAST Channels Within O&O Apps: The total number of FAST channels within O&O apps increased by almost 50%. 

5. Significance of Single IP Channels in FAST: More than 25% of entertainment channels are Single IP channels, driving more than 33% of HOV within the genre. 

Amagi is set to host the webinar “How FAST enhances streaming’s many business models” on July 31 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss opportunities associated with the new report.