Where Can You Distribute a FAST Channel?
The major platforms for FAST channel distribution — Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Pluto, Tubi, Plex, and more. What each platform requires, how to get on them, and which ones matter most.
FAST distribution has exploded since 2020. There are now dozens of platforms where viewers watch free, ad-supported streaming TV — from device manufacturers running their own FAST services to aggregator apps to major broadcasters building FAST tiers.
This guide maps the landscape: which platforms are worth pursuing, how to get on them, and what each one requires.
The FAST distribution landscape
Tier 1: Essential platforms (highest reach)
These platforms have the largest FAST audiences and should be the first targets for any channel:
Roku Channel Store / Roku Channel Roku is the largest CTV platform in the US. Channels distributed through a FAST aggregator (like Vidiyo) appear in the Roku app automatically. A standalone branded Roku channel requires development and certification. Nearly 90 million streaming households globally as of Q4 2024, representing more than half of US broadband households (Roku Q4 2024 earnings).
Amazon Fire TV / Freevee (now part of Amazon Ads) Amazon's FAST ecosystem. Channels on aggregator apps appear on Fire TV automatically. Amazon's own FAST service has been consolidated into Amazon's ad-supported tier. Fire TV is the second-largest US CTV platform.
Samsung TV Plus Samsung's built-in FAST service on Samsung smart TVs. High reach (Samsung is the largest TV manufacturer globally). Getting a channel on Samsung TV Plus requires either working with an approved content aggregator or applying directly to Samsung. Their vetting process is selective.
LG Channels LG's equivalent — built into LG TVs. Similarly selective; typically requires working with an approved content partner.
Vizio WatchFree+ Vizio's built-in FAST service. Vizio has significant US smart TV market share. Distribution requires partnership with a content aggregator or a direct deal.
Tier 2: Major aggregator platforms
These are the destination FAST apps that viewers install specifically to watch free channels:
Pluto TV (Paramount) One of the largest standalone FAST aggregators, with 250+ live channels in the US as of 2025. Getting a channel on Pluto requires applying through their content partnership program. Pluto is selective — they focus on content that fits their programmatic categories and has meaningful library depth.
Tubi (Fox) Second-largest FAST platform. Primarily VOD but has linear channels. Similar application process to Pluto.
Plex TV Originally a media server platform, Plex has built a substantial FAST service. Growing fast, particularly for film and specialty content. Content submissions available through their partner program.
Peacock Free (NBC Universal) NBCUniversal's streaming platform has a free tier that includes FAST channels. Harder to get onto directly — typically for established media companies.
Tier 3: Smaller / emerging platforms
Xumo (now part of Comcast) Regional and niche content, primarily Comcast-distributed. Partners through a content submission process.
Philo Live TV streaming but includes FAST channels in some packages. Smaller audience.
DistroTV An aggregator that distributes channels to multiple platforms. Useful as a one-stop aggregator submission.
Frndly TV Smaller FAST platform focused on family content. Niche but targeted.
How to get onto the major platforms
Through a FAST platform (fastest, most accessible)
The fastest path to broad distribution is launching on a platform that already has relationships with device manufacturers and aggregators. When your channel launches on Vidiyo:
- It's immediately available on web, iOS, Android
- Distribution via the Vidiyo app on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV
- No individual platform applications required
This gets you distribution without needing relationships or approvals from each platform independently.
Direct application (slower, more selective)
Applying directly to Pluto, Tubi, or Samsung TV Plus requires:
- Demonstrating content depth (typically 50+ hours of content, often much more)
- Content that fits their category mix
- A compelling pitch about your audience
- Often, an existing audience you can demonstrate
Major platforms receive hundreds of channel applications. They're selective. A new channel with 20 hours of content and no existing audience is unlikely to get approved.
The practical sequence:
- Launch on an aggregator platform (get live, build audience)
- Grow to 10,000+ monthly viewing hours
- Apply to Pluto/Tubi with viewership data as proof of demand
- Use the data to make your case
Device manufacturer deals (hardest)
Getting a channel directly onto Samsung TV Plus or LG Channels independently is difficult. Both platforms work primarily through approved content aggregators. The path is: grow on aggregator platforms, then the aggregator submits your channel for device manufacturer consideration.
What platforms require
Most platforms have similar requirements, with variations:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Content depth | 4-100+ hours (varies by platform) |
| Content format | HLS stream, XMLTV EPG |
| Closed captions | Required on all platforms |
| Content rating | Must be tagged (TV-G, TV-14, TV-MA, etc.) |
| Stream uptime | 99.5%+ availability expected |
| Content policy | No adult content without gating, no illegal content |
| Channel artwork | Channel logo, banner, poster art |
Samsung and LG have stricter requirements around content depth (50+ hours) and content quality standards.
Prioritizing your distribution strategy
For a new FAST channel, the right sequence:
- Launch on a FAST platform to get immediate distribution and start building viewership data
- Focus on content quality and scheduling — this is what grows your audience
- Measure viewership by platform and time to understand your audience
- Apply to Pluto/Tubi once you have 20,000+ monthly viewing hours and can demonstrate demand
- Pursue Samsung/LG/Vizio via your FAST platform's aggregator relationships once you're established
Chasing every platform at launch is counterproductive. Your first 6 months should be about content quality and schedule consistency, not distribution breadth.
What's next
Ready to launch your TV channel?
Vidiyo handles the infrastructure (HLS playout, SSAI, EPG, and cross-platform distribution) so you can focus on programming.
Start free. No credit card.