Pixalate Releases Global Q1 2026 Rankings For Connected TV Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) Bundle IDs With Highest IVT Rates: ‘Sling TV’ No. 1 on Roku, ‘ViX’ Leads on Amazon Fire TV

Why It Matters

High IVT percentages threaten ad spend efficiency and brand safety on rapidly growing FAST platforms, prompting advertisers to demand stronger fraud‑prevention tools.

Key Takeaways

• Sling TV tops Roku FAST apps with 47% IVT rate
• ViX leads Amazon Fire TV FAST apps at 45% IVT
• ABC 10 News San Diego records 35% IVT on Apple TV
• SAMSUNG TV PLUS shows 45% IVT on Samsung Smart TV
• Pixalate analyzed >4 billion impressions across 7,000 CTV apps

Pulse Analysis

The FAST (Free Ad‑Supported TV) model is reshaping the connected‑TV landscape, offering linear, channel‑style content without subscription fees. As advertisers flock to these inventory sources, the sector now accounts for billions of impressions annually, rivaling traditional broadcast in reach. However, the rapid expansion also attracts sophisticated invalid traffic, making measurement integrity a critical concern for brands and agencies seeking transparent ROI.

Pixalate’s Q1 2026 report highlights that several high‑profile FAST apps suffer from alarming IVT rates. Sling TV dominates Roku with a 47% invalid‑traffic share, while ViX commands 45% on Amazon Fire TV. Samsung TV PLUS registers the same 45% on Samsung Smart TV, and ABC 10 News San Diego leads Apple TV at 35%. These figures emerge from an analysis of more than 4 billion impressions across 7,000 unique CTV apps, underscoring that even well‑known brands are vulnerable to traffic quality issues.

For marketers, the data signals an urgent need to embed robust fraud‑detection solutions into FAST buying strategies. Platforms accredited by the Media Rating Council, like Pixalate, provide the analytics required to filter out non‑human and fraudulent impressions, preserving ad spend efficiency and brand safety. As the FAST ecosystem matures, advertisers who prioritize traffic validation will gain a competitive edge, while those overlooking IVT risks may face inflated costs and diminished campaign performance. Ongoing monitoring and collaboration with trusted measurement partners will be essential to sustain growth and trust in the FAST market.