Samsung: Free Streaming Apps Achieving Similar Reach as Broadcast TV

Why It Matters

FAST’s rapid mainstream adoption gives advertisers a large, affluent audience that rivals linear TV reach, reshaping where ad dollars are allocated. Samsung’s built‑in platform amplifies this shift by providing granular targeting and shoppable ad capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• FAST viewership grew 34% vs 10% for subscription (2022‑2026).
• 85% of U.S. households now watch ad‑supported streaming.
• Samsung TV Plus offers 750+ free channels, top‑viewed on Samsung TVs.
• Median TV Plus viewer income $104k, many earn >$250k.
• Global FAST revenue projected $17 billion by 2029.

Pulse Analysis

The FAST (Free‑Ad‑Supported Streaming Television) segment has moved from a niche option for cord‑cutters to a dominant force in the TV landscape. Driven by rising subscription fees and consumer demand for instant, on‑demand content, FAST viewership grew 34% from 2022 to 2026—outpacing subscription services, which only rose 10% in the same period. Today, 85% of U.S. households regularly consume ad‑supported streams, making FAST a mainstream viewing habit rather than a fringe alternative.

Samsung leverages this momentum through its TV Plus service, pre‑installed on every Samsung smart TV and delivering over 750 free channels across news, sports, movies, and kids’ programming. The platform’s integration with the Tizen operating system—America’s second‑most‑used connected‑TV platform—means one in four U.S. living rooms runs Samsung hardware, granting advertisers unparalleled reach comparable to broadcast TV. Device‑level data enables precise audience targeting, while a partnership with Amazon DSP introduces interactive, shoppable ads that turn viewing into immediate purchase opportunities.

For marketers, the implications are clear: FAST offers a scalable, data‑rich environment populated by affluent viewers—median household income $104,000, with a sizable segment earning over $250,000. Industry forecasts predict global FAST revenue will more than double, climbing from roughly $8 billion in 2023 to $17 billion by 2029. As advertisers shift spend toward these high‑engagement platforms, the line between traditional TV advertising and digital commerce continues to blur, positioning FAST as a pivotal battleground for future media dollars.