RunnTV Launches Rewind Feature for FAST Streaming Channels

Why It Matters

The rewind feature enhances viewer retention and positions FAST platforms as more interactive, narrowing the gap with subscription‑based services. Licensing the tech could create a new revenue stream and set a standard for the rapidly expanding FAST market.

Key Takeaways

• RunnTV adds DVR‑style rewind to live FAST channels
• Feature currently live on select channels, expanding soon
• Built on PlayStudio, RunnTV’s in‑house OTT infrastructure
• Company plans to license time‑shift tech to other broadcasters

Pulse Analysis

Free ad‑supported streaming television (FAST) has surged globally, offering viewers a zero‑cost alternative to subscription‑heavy OTT services. Yet most FAST platforms have clung to a rigid, linear broadcast model, limiting user control and driving viewers toward on‑demand options. By introducing a Time‑Shift feature, RunnTV addresses this friction point, delivering a DVR‑like experience without the need for separate hardware or cloud recording services. This evolution reflects a broader industry trend: free streaming services must now prioritize flexibility to stay competitive.

RunnTV’s Time‑Shift capability is powered by PlayStudio, the company’s proprietary OTT and FAST infrastructure. The technology enables users to scroll back within an ongoing live stream, catching missed moments while staying within the channel’s ecosystem. Early deployment across a handful of channels demonstrates the feature’s stability and user appeal, and RunnTV plans to roll it out to additional channels in the coming months. By embedding rewind functionality directly into the streaming stack, RunnTV reduces latency and preserves the seamless, linear feel that many viewers still value.

Beyond improving the viewer experience, the feature opens a new B2B revenue avenue. RunnTV intends to license the Time‑Shift engine to broadcasters, other FAST operators, and streaming platforms seeking to augment their linear offerings. If adopted widely, this could standardize rewind capabilities across the FAST landscape, driving higher ad completion rates and longer session times. As advertisers look for more engaging inventory, the ability to retain audiences through flexible playback may become a decisive factor in the next phase of FAST growth.