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What Are FAST Channels and Why You Should Know About It?

28/06/2023

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Everyone seems to have a streaming service to access entertainment, news, and sports content today. However, there are still free alternatives available, including FAST Channels. So what are FAST Channels? You may not be familiar with the term FAST Channels, but you are likely familiar with FAST Channels such as Pluto TV, Peacock, The Roku Channel, IMDb TV, and Samsung TV+.

With over a thousand FAST Channels on the market, advertisers must understand how to work with these new channels and the opportunities for their advertising dollars in 2025. Fortunately, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on FAST Channel meaning and help you make an informed decision.

What are FAST Channels?

FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) Channel is an exciting service that offers free streaming of TV programs without any subscription fees. It’s like regular TV but delivered over the internet on devices like CTV. You can enjoy a mix of TV shows, movies, and digital content on these channels. Log in at the scheduled time to watch your favorite programs or movies, and although there may be occasional commercials, it’s just like watching traditional TV. Get ready for a convenient and entertaining streaming experience with FAST Channel!

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defining-fast-channels

Source: Serverside.ai

How FAST Channels Work?

Simply put, FAST Channels offer a similar experience to traditional TV watching, where you tune in to specific shows on specific channels at set times. However, FAST Channel takes it further by allowing streaming through internet-connected devices. These channels stream content from networks and providers supported by ads, making them completely free for viewers.

FAST Channels combine the convenience of traditional broadcast with the streaming landscape, eliminating the need for actively selecting programs on a streaming platform. They work on connected TV devices like game consoles, Roku TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire. They can be used alongside popular subscription streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It’s an exciting way to enjoy a wide range of content without additional costs.

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The Benefits of FAST Channels

the-benefits-of-fast-channels

Source: Tom’s Guide

Although subscription video-on-demand (VOD) services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are becoming more popular, conventional linear TV is still widely watched. Up to 50+ million monthly active consumers of several FAST channel services exist. For media outlets, this is a golden opportunity.

Let’s discover some of the key benefits:

Acquire New Audiences

Distribution via FAST Channels can help you reach new audiences. Numerous services deliver viewers to your channel on your behalf. The free access model also attracts viewers who may not be willing to pay for subscription-based services, thus increasing the potential viewership and engagement.

Discover Niche-Specific Viewers

In addition to mainstream channels, FAST Channel services enable the distribution of niche content.

Your channel is more discoverable due to these platforms’ channel-surfing nature. Users will not always remain on a single channel for an extended period of time and will frequently peruse until they find something intriguing. Thanks to FAST channel switching, users can transition from one stream to another with minimal latency.

Establish a New Revenue Source

Profitability is another reason why content distributors should consider FAST channels.

Just like traditional TV, FAST channels can earn revenue through ad impressions. The channel owner gets paid based on how many people see the ads. The average adult watches almost five and a half hours of video content daily, so the number of views can increase.

Develop Targeted Advertising

Fast channels offer great opportunities for targeted advertising. Advertisers can utilize user data and preferences to reach specific audiences with relevant ads. This not only makes the ads more effective but also boosts the return on investment for advertisers. As a result, more advertisers are encouraged to collaborate with the distributor, leading to a positive and fruitful partnership.

Enhance Flexibility and Agility

FAST channels offer distributors the advantage of flexible and agile content delivery. They can frequently curate and update their content libraries, aligning with real-time audience preferences and trends. This adaptability empowers distributors to quickly respond to changing viewer preferences and elevate the overall viewing experience.

The Different Types of FAST Channels

the-different-types-of-fast-channels

Source: Digital TV Europe

Conventional vs. Premium FAST Services

Conventional FAST services provide linear channels with ad gaps, whereas premium FAST services offer additional alternatives, such as pay-per-view and subscriptions, that enable users to avoid advertisements.

Platform Exclusive vs. Platform Agnostic FAST Services

With Platform Agnostic FAST Services, users can access their favorite content on any device they prefer. Exciting options like Pluto TV, Xumo, Peacock, and Roku offer this versatility.

In contrast, platform-exclusive FAST services are limited to specific operating systems. This means users need to buy TVs from particular manufacturers to access those specific FAST services. For example, LG channels are exclusive to LG webOS televisions. Additional examples include:

  • Samsung TV+ (used for Samsung smart TVs)
  • Vizio WatchFree (used for Vizio smart TVs)
  • TiVo+ (used for TiVO devices)

Niche/Syndicated vs Branded FAST Channels

Generally, syndicated channels are curated and managed by an established FAST service. There are various thematic channels on Xumo, such as Action, Black Cinema, and Science Fiction.

Meanwhile, Branded FAST channels are usually published/operated by content creators or owners.

get-start-with-fast-channels

Source: CLUB PCBOX

SupremeTech Helps You Get Started with FAST Channels

So what are FAST channels? In a word, Fast channels have revolutionized the way viewers access and consume content.

To explore the world of FAST Channels and embark on your streaming journey, SupremeTech offers comprehensive solutions. Our end-to-end OTT streaming solution – OTTclouds – can help you ensure seamless content delivery and an exceptional viewer experience with top-notch content accessible from all devices. OTTclouds aims to create a one-stop service for content enterprises to catch up with the technology trend, distribute their videos, programs, and ads to their current internet users and continue growing their business.

Contact us now to take a step forward and discover the exciting streaming possibilities with SupremeTech’s OTT Streaming Solution.

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    On September 6–7 of 2025, we hosted our very first AI-Driven Development Hackathon. Ten teams, all made up of SupremeTech members, stepped out of their daily routines to take on real business challenges. Within just 22 hours, they brainstormed, coded, and pitched solutions showcasing their creative application of AI-powered tools. This Hackathon was more than a competition. It was an opportunity for SupremeTech’s members to experiment with AI in practical ways, strengthen their teamwork, and grow into product builders in the AI era. And, of course, they get themselves a chance to win VND 100,000,000 in prize money. Real business challenges from retail & tourism industries Before jumping into the final pitches of 10 teams, let’s take a look at the challenges that will later inspire their creativity. Some of them are quite familiar topics, while others might be a bit more challenging and out-of-the-box.  As CEO Mr. Bình explained: “When shaping the problem statement, I wanted to balance three things. First, it had to be close enough to our real business so that outcomes could have practical value. Second, it needed to challenge teams to apply AI meaningfully not just add AI as a decoration, but use it to create efficiency or new capability. And third, it should be simple and open enough so that everyone, regardless of role, could participate and learn something from the process.” Though this Hackathon centers the theme of “AI-Driven Development”, each challenge was designed to be: Close to real business needs so that outcomes could have practical applicationsAI-driven, but in a practical and meaningful way, to create efficiency or new capabilitiesOpen enough for all roles to participate, learn, and contribute Now, let’s dive into the details of each challenge.  Omnichannel E-Commerce & Loyalty App for Retail Brands This is one of SupremeTech’s current areas of expertise and key services. By including it as a challenge topic, teams worked on solutions that are highly applicable to existing clients, directly supporting our clients’ business growth.  For participants who face this challenge, it could be both a blessing and a curse. We’ve been building and managing a variety of EC and loyalty systems for clients. But when it comes to building a new one using AI, replicating the past experience may not be a smart choice. Judges, for sure, would want to see some real enhancements in the development process empowered by AI, not to mention the creativity in the strategic approach to this very familiar topic.  The original statement requires teams to develop an application that solves the problem of disconnected retail experiences. The solution should unify online and offline shopping while deeply integrating loyalty programs and personalization.  There could be a huge number of variations coming up from this statement. Stay tuned for the highlight performance!  Destination and Experience Management System for Tourism Managing group travel is a complex task often disturbed by miscommunication and inefficiencies. In a tourism hub like Da Nang, where businesses host frequent tours and events for a very large group of travelers, the ability to streamline logistics and improve participant engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction.  For companies, such apps not only reduce operational headaches but also enhance the overall brand experience they deliver. It can even drive sales if well structured and managed. In this statement, teams are required to develop a platform that streamlines group trip management. The solution should enable organizers to coordinate transportation, schedules, and interactions in one place, instead of relying on scattered tools like messenger apps.  The topic reflects SupremeTech’s own company trip pain points and has strong application potential for Da Nang’s tourism and hospitality businesses. Talent & Performance Management System for HR Apart from two industries above, in the third problem statement, we aimed to tackle the challenges of every human-driven company like ourselves.   When it comes to an integrated platform that not only tracks performance but also supports continuous growth and recognition, there’s very few choices.  This statement requires teams to develop an application that solves the problem of fragmented performance management. The solution should integrate goal setting, performance tracking, continuous feedback, and talent development into a single platform, helping organizations build a transparent culture where employees are recognized and aligned with business goals. How teams build the product is as important as the product itself Just as important as what teams built was how they built it. The Hackathon wasn’t only about coming up with clever ideas, it was about proving that execution, process, and teamwork are just as critical as the final product.  Many teams leaned on AI not just as a tool but as a true co-pilot: using AI-assisted frameworks to prototype faster, automating repetitive tasks, automating testing, and finding smarter ways to accelerate Agile development. What stood out was how teams adapted their workflows to make the most of AI. Some rethought their sprint planning with AI-driven insights. Others applied AI models to cut down on development cycles. And many discovered new ways to collaborate more effectively by letting AI handle the heavy lifting.  The Hackathon turned into a live experiment in how AI can reshape the way we build software. Creativity isn’t just in the idea itself, but in the entire journey of bringing it to life. Perspectives from the leaders and the participants From leadership: The Hackathon aligned employees with real client challenges, ensuring that innovation can directly contribute to business value. It proved that AI can be embedded into everyday problem-solving, not just theoretical projects. As Vice President Mr. Vĩ shared: “AI has already been selectively applied in SupremeTech’s real projects, depending on client expectations and suitability. In many cases, it helps optimize software production costs and shorten time-to-market. Through this Hackathon, I hope to spread the AI-assist mindset to a larger part of the company, so that AI gradually becomes embedded across all projects: enhancing efficiency, improving quality, and ultimately bringing benefits to both clients and the company. This year’s Hackathon focuses more on unlocking internal strength and setting a direction for the future. If everything goes according to plan, we will publish AI-assisted development as a new service offering. It is a clear statement that AI is being strategically applied at SupremeTech to deliver tangible value to our clients.” From participants: The challenge statements sparked two different but equally positive reactions.  Some teams loved how practical and relevant they were by mirroring the real projects we handle at SupremeTech. This gave them the perfect chance to not only test AI-assisted development but also to build solutions that might one day become our next official product. On the other hand, many appreciated how broad the challenges were. It leaves space for bold ideas and limitless creativity. With that freedom, participants could push boundaries, think like product owners, and imagine possibilities beyond the usual project scope. Conclusion The SupremeTech AI Hackathon 2025 proved to be more than an internal competition. From a business perspective: Participants gained experience and insights that sharpened their ability to think with a business mindset, ensuring their solutions were tied to real market needs. From a technical perspective: The event introduced an AI-assisted development process and innovative frameworks that can be applied immediately in client projects. By turning challenges into opportunities, the Hackathon reinforced SupremeTech’s positioning as a future-ready partner, capable of combining innovation, culture, and technical excellence to deliver AI-driven value to clients.

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        This September 6–7, SupremeTech will host its first AI-Driven Development Hackathon, a landmark event designed to inspire teams to embrace artificial intelligence as a core part of how we work, innovate, and grow. The Hackathon is not just a competition. It is a statement of SupremeTech’s belief that learning and innovation are the backbone of both personal and organizational growth. Through this event, our engineers and product teams will have the opportunity to experiment, challenge themselves, and use AI to reimagine the way they work. By fostering creativity and adaptability, the Hackathon aims to enhance work efficiency today while leading the way for AI-assisted development as a core strength of our future. Why Hackathon Matters Now There are several ways companies may choose to approach and apply AI in their working process: training, workshop,… For SupremeTech we want to inspire our developers with a fun blend of innovative and competitive experiences. Hackathon is exactly the format we’re looking for. They compress ideation, experimentation, and execution into an intensive timeframe, creating an environment where bold ideas can quickly turn into actionable solutions. Furthermore, the high pressure of time would foster teamwork, collaboration and bonding to the next level. At SupremeTech, the AI Hackathon 2025 will serve as: A safe space to test AI ideas from concept to execution.A platform to help employees step out of their comfort zones and practice product-building skills.An accelerator of cross-functional teamwork, where developers, designers, and product leaders work together with AI as a co-pilot.A signal to clients and partners that SupremeTech is forward-looking, innovation-driven, and committed to AI adoption. 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Evaluation Criteria:Projects will be assessed across four dimensions: Business Value: Market fit, feasibility, economic efficiency, and contribution to SupremeTech’s brand.Engineering Quality: Coding standards, scalability, maintainability, security, and UI/UX design.Technical Execution: Completion of core features, testing outcomes, innovative use of AI tools, and potential for future expansion.Presentation & Pitching: Clarity of communication, demo quality, time management, team passion, and user experience. Main Business Domains Covered: The Hackathon challenges will center on the Retail sector, with a strong emphasis on Omnichannel and Luxury Retail Businesses. 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Stay Tuned for Our Upcoming Updates The SupremeTech AI Hackathon 2025 is the beginning of a larger journey. It is about preparing people to work smarter with AI, strengthening a culture of innovation, and ultimately shaping the future of AI-assisted development in SupremeTech and beyond. By creating this space for learning and experimentation, SupremeTech is reaffirming its commitment to being both a reliable partner today and a forward-looking innovator tomorrow. 📩 Read more articles about us here: https://www.supremetech.vn/blog/

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            SupremeTech’s Hackathon 2025 is not just a coding competition, it’s a place where bold ideas are tested, limits are broken, and new connections are formed. Every team carries its own story – about why they joined, their role in the group, or what they expect to gain after this intense yet inspiring journey. Among them, we had the chance to chat with Quang Dũng, a Technical Leader at SupremeTech, who is participating in a Hackathon for the very first time – while also taking on the role of team leader. Usually busy with deadlines and lines of code, this Hackathon is his opportunity to step away from routine work and challenge himself in a completely different way. We listened to his thoughts on challenges, pioneering spirit, and what he hopes to take away from this event. Let’s join SupremeTech and Quang Dũng in this conversation about the Hackathon! Q&A with Quang Dũng 1. Is this your first time joining a Hackathon?Yes, this is my first Hackathon. Everything feels new: the intensity, the pressure, and how teamwork changes under strict time limits. I wanted to experience this firsthand and compare it with the usual way of running projects. 2. What made you decide to sign up for the event?I wanted to challenge myself – to see how far I can go applying AI in real-world work. This is an opportunity for me and my team to pioneer ways of leveraging AI Copilot in a small group project of 3–5 people, while learning new workflows and testing practical applications. And of course, the prizes are also very attractive – hard to resist! Who knows, maybe I can go home and tell my wife that just two days of Hackathon brought back 50 million VND! (laughs). 3. What is your role in the team? If given the choice, what field would you like your project to be applied to?I’m the team leader – responsible for planning, setting the initial direction, and building a sample demo so everyone has a clear vision. In other words, I set the rhythm so the whole team can work smoothly together. If I had the chance to choose a project topic, I’d want it applied to practical areas like booking/reservation systems or internal management tools such as resource and project management. These fields are highly relevant to business needs and can create immediate value. 4. If you had to describe SupremeTech’s AI Hackathon in three words, what would they be? Challenge – Pioneer – Connection. Challenge: because everyone here must push beyond their own limits.Pioneer: because we are applying the latest AI technologies to real-world problems.Connection: connecting people, ideas, and the future of technology. 5. What do you expect to gain from this Hackathon? In my daily work, I’m often involved in project estimation. I expect this event will help me learn how to integrate AI Copilot into product development workflows. That could make estimations more accurate, save time, and improve overall efficiency at the company. In other words, what I look forward to most is not just the prize, but the knowledge and experience that can truly be applied to work. >> Read related articles: How a Hackathon Changed My Life – A Personal Story from the CEO of SupremeTech Closing SupremeTech’s Hackathon is more than a tech playground, it’s an opportunity for each individual to test themselves, learn, and break past their own limits. Stay tuned for the next tech journeys at SupremeTech, where even the smallest ideas can spark big changes!

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