FAST’s Channel-Count Arms Race Hits 1,572 Channels
A LinkedIn post cites FASTMaster Intelligence data showing that as of February 2026 there are 1,572 unique FAST channels across nine platforms, with Prime Video (824) and The Roku Channel (693) leading by channel count. It also highlights genre growth from 2020 to 2026, including Sports FAST channels rising from 38 to 115 (over 200% growth) and increased availability of Local News FAST channels.
Key Takeaways
- FAST now totals 1,572 unique channels across nine platforms (Feb 2026).
- Prime Video leads channel count with 824; The Roku Channel follows with 693.
- Sports FAST has more than tripled since 2020 (38 → 115), signaling accelerating rights-lite sports packaging.
- Local News FAST growth is filling gaps left by declining local newspapers—an emerging distribution lane for community coverage.
- More channels ≠ more viewing: discovery, curation, and measurement become the real competitive moat.
Why It Matters
FAST is shifting from “free TV alternative” to an oversupplied channel marketplace where distribution leverage matters as much as content. When Prime Video and Roku can each field hundreds of channels, the battle moves to EPG placement, recommendation systems, ad yield, and unified measurement—not just adding more feeds. Sports’ 200%+ growth shows buyers are packaging live-ish inventory and shoulder programming without paying top-tier rights. Meanwhile, Local News FAST is becoming a civic and commercial wedge: a low-CAC audience play with highly targetable local ad demand. The meme: channel count is the new app count—until discovery breaks.
Read full article at linkedin.com
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