Business Insider taps Magnite to power its move beyond YouTube into FAST

This move signals a strategic shift for digital-first publishers seeking to monetize established audiences outside the walled gardens of social platforms. By adopting independent ad tech like SpringServe, Business Insider gains the transparency and inventory control necessary to compete with traditional broadcasters for premium CTV budgets. This trend reflects a broader industry movement where news organizations utilize FAST as a 'front door' to owned ecosystems. Watch for whether other YouTube-reliant publishers migrate to independent ad stacks to capture a larger share of the growing CTV ad market.

The launch arrives amid a significant expansion of the free ad-supported streaming television market. Gracenote data from March 2025 indicates that active FAST channels in the U.S. and key international markets surpassed 1,600, nearly doubling since mid-2023. This growth is increasingly driven by specific niches, including local news and premium video documentaries. Comscore reported in August 2025 that total viewing hours across major FAST services surged 43% year-over-year, reflecting high consumer demand for free, professionally produced content.

Magnite has frequently positioned its SpringServe technology as transition infrastructure for traditional and digital publishers moving into streaming. In April 2026, the company expanded its partnership with AMC Global Media to unify linear and streaming programmatic buying via its ClearLine solution. Similarly, per a July 2026 report from StockTitan, Magnite recently secured ad-serving roles for Samsung’s smart TV home screen inventory and Hearst News. These deals emphasize a consolidation of power among independent sell-side platforms as publishers seek data sovereignty.

For Business Insider, which is owned by Axel Springer SE, the CTV expansion follows a period of diversifying revenue streams beyond standard digital display. While YouTube remains a critical reach vehicle, Adweek reported in July 2026 that the new standalone app and FAST channel allow the company to pursue 'passive revenue' from its massive video library. Industry analysts at Media Play News noted in May 2026 that FAST has evolved from a 'free afterthought' into a core revenue driver, particularly for creators and publishers who already possess scaled video footprints.