Advertising‑funded streaming is gaining significant momentum across Europe, with a new industry report highlighting the growing strategic relevance of FAST Channels.
The State of TV & Video 2026 FAST Special, published by FUNKE Channels, a subsidiary of German media company FUNKE Mediengruppe, and digital consultancy valantic, examines how viewing behaviour, business models and competitive dynamics are shifting across German-speaking countries (DACH) and internationally.
The study draws on market research, international best‑practice examples and insights from industry stakeholders. It outlines how the structural transition towards digital, IP‑based distribution is reshaping the entire value chain – from content acquisition and channel curation to advertising sales and platform partnerships.
The report confirms that linear television remains the most‑used video format in the DACH region. However, its share is steadily declining as video‑on‑demand, subscription streaming and social video continue to grow, particularly among younger audiences. The authors note that cable and DTH satellite distribution are increasingly being replaced by IP‑based delivery, accelerating the shift towards platform‑driven digital models.
The authors also highlight that the VOD market is entering a maturity phase in which growth is driven less by new users and more by monetisation. This shift places greater emphasis on pricing strategies, advertising models and content efficiency
FAST has now established itself as a stable and fast‑growing segment of the streaming market. Built on curated, linear channels funded by advertising and primarily accessed via smart TV platforms, FAST appeals strongly to price‑sensitive audiences. The market continues to expand, but competition is intensifying as channel supply grows faster than demand and advertising budgets move from traditional TV to digital, programmatic environments.
New developments such as single‑IP channels, live content and AI‑driven localisation are driving international scale. The report concludes that FAST is evolving into a strategically relevant component of the wider video market, offering new reach and monetisation opportunities for media companies.
The report is aimed at content providers, advertisers, platform operators, telcos and media groups seeking to sharpen their strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving market. It can be downloaded here.
