Traditional television continues to lose viewers to free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services, according to new research from Parks Associates.

The research firm’s quarterly surveys of 8,000 U.S. internet households found that 46% of U.S. internet households regularly use FAST platforms to watch long-form video content.

“FAST services are no longer a secondary viewing option — they are a central part of the streaming landscape,” said Michael Goodman, director of entertainment research at Parks Associates. “The gap between leaders like Tubi and the rest of the market underscores the importance of content breadth, distribution partnerships, and user experience in driving viewer engagement.”

A new study released Wednesday by Parks Associates identified Tubi, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV as the top three FAST services in the U.S. Research compiled through the company’s Streaming Video Tracker found that Tubi “significantly outpaced competitors and reinforced its dominant position in the rapidly expanding FAST ecosystem.”

Parks Associates noted that Tubi has achieved that position even though 95% of its programming is available on demand through its ad-supported video-on-demand model.

The report said the growth of FAST services reflects a broader industry shift as consumers increasingly seek free, ad-supported alternatives amid rising subscription costs and streaming fatigue.

Other FAST platforms showing audience growth include Samsung TV Plus and XUMO Play, according to Parks’ latest rankings.

Parks Associates said advertisers are increasingly following audiences into FAST environments, positioning the sector for continued expansion through 2026 and beyond.

From the Inside Radio article, "Competitive Info: FAST Channels Gain As Traditional TV Declines, Parks Finds."