In the ever-evolving world of streaming, FAST channels are proving to be more than just a budget-friendly alternative—they’re becoming a dominant force in global content consumption.
According to the latest insights from the Gracenote Data Hub, a Nielsen-owned analytics platform, news and horror genres are driving the most significant growth in the FAST ecosystem.
Gracenote’s Q3 2025 update reveals that the number of active FAST channels has surged by 14% since Q1 and a staggering 76% since 2023, now totaling nearly 1,850 channels worldwide. This expansion reflects a broader shift in viewer behavior, as audiences increasingly seek curated, linear-style programming without the subscription price tag.
The enhanced Data Hub now compares FAST with subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Paramount+, offering a holistic view of the streaming landscape. While SVOD platforms boast over 645,000 titles, FAST channels are catching up fast with 197,000 programs globally.
One standout insight: FAST channels feature more recent content. Nearly 50% of FAST programming was produced in the last five years, compared to just one-third on SVOD. When expanding the window to the last 15 years, FAST still leads with 80%, versus 68.5% on SVOD.
FAST’s genre composition is led by Documentary (16.1%), followed by Drama (10.6%) and News (9.9%)
But when it comes to growth, news content surged by 37%, followed closely by horror, which jumped 30%—a clear signal that viewers are craving both real-world updates and adrenaline-fueled escapism.
Meanwhile, SVOD platforms saw the biggest uptick in sports content, which grew 13.2% in the last quarter, outpacing movies (+10%) and TV shows (+9.2%). FAST sports programming dipped slightly (-3.7%) in the same period but remains up 14% year-to-date.
Gracenote’s Data Hub, which tracks content in over 70 languages across 80 countries, is more than a numbers game. It’s a strategic tool for video services, content owners, and advertisers looking to optimize distribution, licensing, and media buying. With granular visibility into programming trends, the Hub helps stakeholders make smarter decisions in a fragmented and fast-moving market.
As FAST channels continue to expand and diversify, the rise of genres like news and horror underscores a broader appetite for timely, immersive, and emotionally resonant content—all delivered in a format that feels familiar, yet refreshingly free.
For media buyers, platform operators, and content creators, the message is clear: FAST is no longer just a trend—it’s a transformation.
