Build a FAST channel for your brand on platforms like Pluto TV or Samsung TV

Every month viewers in the tens of millions use the most popular FAST services, which is why more and more brands are adopting this distribution model. But how do you bring your brand to a FAST channel platform?

In this blog, you will learn how you can manage to promote your brand effectively on FAST channel platforms and get the maximum reach and success out of it.

Many companies today face the challenge of promoting their product across multiple digital channels. With the proliferation of FAST channel platforms such as Samsung TV Plus or Pluto TV, there is an ideal opportunity to successfully spread your brand. On FAST platforms, monetization is realized through viewers watching ad-supported linear content. Contrary to traditional broadcast TV, FAST channels help to generate a higher advertising CPM, which is the amount your company receives per 1,00 ad views. For viewers, there are no fees or subscription rates.

When your company considers entering the growing FAST channel market, you have to make some basic technology and business decisions.

Choose a playout solution

First, you need a solution to turn your assets into a linear channel. The easiest way for companies to create a FAST channel probably is to use a cloud playout automation like makalu that enables you to quickly launch your channel without upfront investment. Makalu provides an end-to-end workflow from ingest to distribution, lets you schedule playlists and automate playout for linear channels. It supports all major file formats including those for FAST channels. Last but not least, makalu supports SCTE-based ad insertion technology that meets the demand for further monetizing content. Thanks to its server-side ad insertion (SSAI), makalu provides viewers with targeted and hence relevant advertising which cannot be skipped.

Decide on a FAST channel type

When it comes to starting a FAST channel to create further revenue streams on ad spend, it’s important to keep in mind there are different of FAST channels: platform agnostic and platform exclusive.

Platform agnostic FAST channel

FAST channels are available on various platforms such as Peacock, Pluto TV, Roku and Xumo.

Platform exclusive FAST channel

FAST channels are available on a single operating platform such as LG, Samsung TV Plus and Vizio Watchfree.

Use makalu to deliver your content and give viewers access to your FAST channel on the platform and device of choice. Although you can maximize the potential reach of your channel, you will have to collect analytics data to measure and understand its performance.