Amagi’s 14th Global FAST Report reveals shift towards unified distribution strategies among content providers
Content providers are shifting towards unified, platform-agnostic distribution to amplify both reach and monetisation, according to Amagi’s 14th Global FAST Report. The traditional boundaries between video services are blurring, with pay-TV services now offering FAST channels, SVOD platforms introducing ad-supported tiers, and FAST services blending linear channels with AVOD content. To be more agile, efficient and profitable in addressing evolving consumer preferences, content providers are embracing unified distribution strategies that enable them to reduce costs instead of standing up separate teams and infrastructure.
“The media landscape is rapidly evolving, and the old ways of distributing content in silos just won’t cut it anymore,” said Srinivasan KA, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Amagi. “Our latest report shows a significant trend: viewers are flocking to free streaming services, but they’re getting frustrated with the fragmented experience of jumping between multiple platforms. This presents a clear opportunity in the market, as video services that can offer a seamless, integrated experience combining free, paid, and ad-supported models will stay on top. Content providers need to take a hard look at their distribution strategies, break down their silos, and unify operations. While unifying steaming operations will deliver efficiency, it’s ultimately about meeting the changing demands of today’s viewers.”
The 14th Amagi Global FAST Report offers data and insights derived from 3,300+ FAST channels that use Amagi Thunderstorm, the company’s server-side ad insertion (SSAI) platform. Additionally, the report incorporates findings from the January 2025 Amagi Consumer Survey, which reflects the preferences and viewing habits of over 500 US households across various income brackets.
Other key takeaways include:
- Of consumers surveyed, 65% of respondents find the streaming landscape confusing, while 75% would spend more time on a video service offering free, paid, and ad-supported options.
- Global hours of viewing (HOV) and ad impressions among Amagi’s FAST customers showed robust year-over-year growth of 95% and 65%, respectively.
- The US and Canada led channel growth with a 98% increase in HOV and 67% growth in ad impressions.
- The US and Canada also accounted for 50% of new channel launches, continuing their dominance in FAST.
- Entertainment remains the dominant genre worldwide, growing over 100% despite its large base while also accounting for 42% of new channel launches.
Read the full report here.