Use this checklist before going live with a FAST channel. Going through each item doesn't guarantee perfection, but it prevents the most common and costly launch mistakes.

Content

Content library has at least 4 hours of unique programming. Enough for a meaningful day without immediate loops.
All content is in an accepted format. MP4 or MOV, H.264, at minimum 720p.
You have the broadcast/FAST rights to every piece of content. Verify rights explicitly, including music licensing.
All content has closed captions. Required by every major TV platform. Auto-generated captions are acceptable if accurate.
Content is trimmed of YouTube/podcast-specific intros and outros. Remove platform-specific callouts, subscribe buttons, social handles, etc.
Aspect ratio is consistent. All content should match your channel's configured orientation (landscape, portrait, or square).

Channel setup

Channel name is set. Clear, descriptive, searchable. Avoid generic names.
Channel description is written. 2-4 sentences explaining what the channel is and who it's for. This appears in EPG and TV platform guides.
Channel category is selected. Choose the most accurate primary category for best ad targeting and viewer discovery.
Channel logo is uploaded. Minimum 500×500px, PNG preferred, transparent background. Readable at small sizes.
Channel banner/header art is uploaded. 1920×480px or as specified by your platform.

Schedule

Schedule is built at least 7 days forward. TV platforms request EPG data for the next 7 days. Gaps show as "Unknown Program."
Primetime slots (7-11 PM) are filled with your best content.
Auto-scheduler or filler content is configured for gaps. No dead air.
No content is scheduled beyond its rights window (if rights are time-limited).
Episode titles and descriptions are set on each content item. These populate the EPG.

Technical requirements

Closed captions are attached to content items. WebVTT or SRT format uploaded alongside content files.
Content ratings are configured. TV-G, TV-14, TV-MA, etc. Some platforms require content ratings.
Stream is playable in a browser or test player before publishing.
HLS manifest loads without errors (if you can access it directly for testing).

Ad settings

Ad break schedule is configured. Number of breaks per hour and break duration.
VAST ad tag URL is entered (if using your own ad server alongside Vidiyo's demand).
Revenue share terms are reviewed with your platform.
Floor prices are configured (or you've accepted the platform defaults while building audience).

Legal / compliance

Rights are documented. For every piece of content, you can name the source of your rights (you own it, licensed from X with FAST rights, public domain).
FCC caption compliance verified. All content has accurate English captions (for US distribution).
Content policy compliance. No content violating your platform's TOS or relevant laws.
Music rights are clear. Every piece of music in your content is either original, licensed with broadcast rights, or under a CC license permitting commercial broadcast.

Pre-launch testing

Watch 15 minutes of the channel live. Confirm video loads, ads serve, captions display, and there are no buffering issues.
Check EPG display. View the channel in your platform's guide view and confirm episode titles, descriptions, and times are accurate.
Test on at least two devices. Web browser and one TV device (Roku, Fire TV, or phone if TV isn't available).
Verify stream URL shares correctly. Copy the channel URL and open it in an incognito window to confirm it works for unauthenticated viewers.

Promotion (pre-launch)

Announce to existing audience (email list, social followers, podcast audience) before launch day so you have day-one viewers.
Channel URL is documented and shareable.
"How to watch" instructions are ready for your audience (which devices, which app, how to find the channel).

Post-launch monitoring

For the first 48 hours after launch:

Check concurrent viewer count. Are viewers appearing? (May be small initially — that's normal.)
Check for stream errors in your platform's error reporting.
Verify ad serving — are impressions being logged?
Review EPG accuracy — any wrong titles, wrong times, or gaps?
Confirm auto-scheduler is filling gaps and not leaving dead air overnight.

30-day check-in

After 30 days live, review:

Total viewing hours
Top content pieces by viewership
Fill rate and eCPM
Where are viewers coming from (which platforms, which referrers)?
What content caused the biggest drop-off in viewership when it aired?

Use this data to adjust your programming and content acquisition strategy for the next 90 days.

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.

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