The 2026 FAST Trend Report, published by FAST Channels TV, highlights how Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) is rapidly becoming a core layer of the global television ecosystem, with India also emerging as a significant growth market.

The report underlines that FAST is no longer a niche segment but a strategic focus area for streaming platforms, advertisers and media companies seeking scalable audience engagement and monetisation opportunities.

According to the report, the FAST market is projected to grow from about US$10.6 billion  in 2025 to US$12.23 billion in 2026, and is forecast to exceed US$41 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 15.4 percent. The report notes that such sustained expansion signals long-term strategic relevance for ad-supported streaming rather than a temporary trend.

The study states that the growth reflects evolving audience consumption behaviour, with around 73.6 percent of total television viewing now involving ad-supported streaming models. Viewers are increasingly opting for free or low-cost content offerings that combine the familiarity of linear television with the flexibility of digital streaming.

The report further observes that India’s television landscape is undergoing a significant transformation driven by FAST adoption. The country’s connected TV user base has grown by about 87 percent over recent years, while nearly 91 percent of the population engages with advertisements while consuming content. This shift indicates strong advertiser interest and expanding digital viewership patterns across the country.

It also cites the rise of local FAST channels as evidence of the transition. Platforms such as Swastik Stories, which initially reached about 50 million viewers across major connected TV platforms, demonstrate how regional and culturally relevant content is helping accelerate adoption. The expansion of such channels reflects growing demand for accessible, ad-supported entertainment across diverse audiences.

For advertisers and media strategists, the report emphasises that FAST is moving beyond an experimental distribution model to become an essential layer linking content, audiences and advertising revenue. The evolving video ecosystem, it suggests, is steadily aligning towards data-driven monetisation and measurable returns, positioning FAST as a key driver of future media growth.