You get a TV channel. And you get a TV channel. And you get a TV channel!
Seriously, though. FAST is a no-brainer opportunity for publishers sitting on large libraries of video content.
Business Insider has announced plans to launch its own FAST channel, selecting Magnite’s SpringServe to power ad serving and programmatic monetization. FAST, or free ad-supported streaming TV, essentially lets companies create always-on, streaming TV channels that viewers can watch for free, with advertising supporting the content.
Until now, Business Insider’s video strategy has largely centered on YouTube, where it has 38 million subscribers across its channels. A FAST channel gives BI another way to package that existing video library into a continuous TV-like experience, distribute it across connected TV and streaming platforms, and generate ad revenue from it.
Why This Matters:
FAST isn’t just the future of streaming. It’s already a sizable business.
FAST channel growth has exploded over the past few years. In 2026, FAST users in the U.S. are expected to reach 131.4 million, representing 54% of all CTV users, according to EMARKETER (roughly 6% growth year-over-year). Advertising dollars are following, with global FAST ad spend projected to surpass $10 billion by 2027.
For Business Insider, the opportunity is pretty straightforward: it already has a massive library of video content. FAST gives it another place to distribute and monetize that content.
That matters even more as publishers look for new revenue streams while AI and changing search behavior put pressure on referral traffic. If you already have a deep catalog of video, turning some of it into an always-on streaming channel can create another source of ad revenue without starting from scratch.
Experts React:
Business Insider sees FAST as a natural extension of its growing video business.
“Business Insider has built a powerful video and documentary brand that resonates with audiences globally,” says Ryan Dadd, Business Insider’s GM of Video. “As our streaming business matures, launching a FAST channel is a natural next step that gives us more control over how our content is experienced and how we partner with advertisers.”
Our Take:
Why haven’t more publishers done this?
If you have a scaled library of video content, there are now several ways to make more money from it: YouTube, licensing, syndication and FAST. For publishers with enough quality content, launching an always-on channel seems like an increasingly obvious addition to that mix.
Business Insider probably won’t be the last publisher to make the jump. (I mean, if Chick-fil-A can become a CTV publisher, actual publishers can become CTV publishers, too.)
