Parks Associates: Tubi, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV Are Top Three U.S. FAST Services

Why It Matters

FAST services have shifted from a secondary option to a core part of the streaming ecosystem, forcing advertisers and content owners to reallocate budgets and strategies toward ad‑supported models.

Key Takeaways

• Tubi leads U.S. FAST market, outpacing rivals
• Roku Channel holds second place, Pluto TV third
• 46% of U.S. internet households regularly use FAST services
• FAST growth fueled by subscription fatigue and ad‑supported demand
• Advertisers shifting budgets toward free, ad‑supported streaming platforms

Pulse Analysis

The latest Parks Associates report confirms that Tubi, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV dominate the U.S. FAST landscape, collectively capturing a sizable share of the 46 % of internet households that tune in to free, ad‑supported video on a regular basis. Tubi’s lead is notable because 95 % of its catalog is on‑demand AVOD, underscoring how a broad, easily accessible library can translate into higher viewership than traditional linear FAST channels. The ranking also surfaces rising contenders like Samsung TV Plus and XUMO Play, indicating that the market’s top‑ten is expanding beyond the three incumbents.

Consumer fatigue with multiple subscription services is a primary catalyst for FAST growth. As monthly streaming bills climb, viewers gravitate toward platforms that offer unlimited content without a recurring fee, relying on ads to subsidize the experience. This shift is prompting advertisers to follow the audience, reallocating spend from premium‑only environments to FAST inventories where reach is expanding rapidly. Content breadth, strategic distribution partnerships, and seamless user experiences have become decisive factors for platforms seeking to capture and retain attention in a crowded ad‑supported ecosystem.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the FAST sector is poised for continued acceleration. Brands are expected to increase programmatic ad buys within these services, leveraging data‑driven targeting to maximize ROI. Meanwhile, traditional subscription providers may explore hybrid models or acquire FAST assets to stay competitive. For content creators, the expanding ad‑supported market offers new revenue streams, but also intensifies the battle for premium inventory and viewer loyalty. Stakeholders that prioritize innovative ad formats and robust analytics will likely emerge as leaders in the evolving streaming economy.