Parks Associates Reveals Leading FAST Services in the US Streaming Market

Parks Associates Unveils Leading FAST Services in the US

In a groundbreaking report, Parks Associates has published its first-ever list of the top ten Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) services in the United States, with famed platforms like Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV taking the top three spots. This development signifies a notable shift in viewer habits, especially as more consumers turn to free streaming alternatives amid rising subscription costs and content fatigue.

The data, drawn from Parks Associates' comprehensive Streaming Video Tracker, shows that approximately 46% of internet households in the U.S. are actively engaging with FAST services for their long-form video content needs. This growing interest highlights the significant role these services now play in the broader streaming ecosystem.

The Leaders of the FAST Market

According to the rankings, Tubi has established a commanding lead over its competitors, displaying a robust subscriber count and engagement levels. With its vast library of content and user-friendly interface, Tubi has effectively captured the attention of viewers across varying demographic groups. Following closely behind is The Roku Channel, which has managed to sustain its position as a leading service due to its strategic partnerships and content variety. Pluto TV rounds out the top three, showcasing impressive viewer engagement that underscores the increasing demand for free streaming options.

As the landscape continues to evolve, other significant players are also making their presence felt. Samsung TV Plus and XUMO Play are emerging as noteworthy platforms, steadily growing their audiences in this competitive environment. Their innovative strategies and diverse content offerings contribute to the ongoing expansion of the FAST market.

Changing Dynamics in Viewing Habits

Michael Goodman, the Director of Entertainment Research at Parks Associates, emphasizes the critical role of FAST services in today’s viewing landscape: "FAST services are no longer a secondary viewing option, they are a central part of the streaming landscape. The gap between leaders like Tubi and the rest of the market underscores the importance of content breadth, distribution partnerships, and user experience in driving viewer engagement."

Moreover, mid-tier services such as LG Channels, VIX, and Local Now are demonstrating steady growth in viewer preference, indicating a healthy diversification within the FAST market. At the same time, newcomers like WatchFree+ (Vizio) and Sling Freestream have also made the top ten list, highlighting the expanding pool of options available to viewers.

The Future of FAST Services

As advertisers recognize the shifting landscape, they are increasingly directing their campaigns toward these burgeoning FAST environments. The anticipated growth in this sector seems promising as anticipated through 2026 and beyond, offering marketers new opportunities for engagement with consumers who prefer ad-supported content.

Goodman is set to dive deeper into these trends and provide further insights during his presentations at the upcoming TVOT (TV of Tomorrow) MONTREAL 2026 conference. He will discuss crucial topics regarding CTV (Connected TV) advertising and the evolving dynamics of viewer engagement.

In summary, the rise of FAST services like Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV amplifies a significant trend in today’s streaming industry, reflective of both changing viewer preferences and economic considerations. As audiences continue to migrate toward free streaming options, the ramifications for traditional subscription models remain profound, pushing the industry towards a future of increased competition and innovation.

For more information on Parks Associates and its various market insights, interested parties can request a demo of the Streaming Video Tracker or connect with industry analysts for tailored reports.