Glossary/Adtech & Programmatic/FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV)
Adtech & Programmatic
FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV)
Linear-style streaming channels that are free to viewers and funded by ads.
By Brandon Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated November 2026
Short answer
FAST, or free ad-supported streaming TV, refers to linear-style streaming channels that are free for viewers to watch and funded entirely by advertising. Channels run on a programmed schedule, much like traditional TV, and are distributed through smart TV platforms, streaming devices, and apps, typically discovered through an on-screen program guide.