TV channel guides
Launch a FAST channel, or find free live TV. Setup, monetization, distribution, and what to watch.
What is SCTE-35? SCTE-35 is the standard for signaling ad breaks inside a video stream. Learn how splice markers work and how SSAI uses them to insert ads.
What is a VAST tag? VAST is the XML standard that tells video players which ad to play and how to track it. Learn the handshake, plus VAST vs VPAID vs SIMID.
How to improve ad fill rates on your FAST channel — what determines fill, how ad waterfall works, the role of floor prices, and practical steps to increase revenue without degrading viewer experience.
How to build and maintain a 24/7 FAST channel schedule — the difference between a programming grid and a playout schedule, scheduling strategies, handling gaps, and what happens when content runs short.
How to take an existing YouTube content library and turn it into a 24/7 linear FAST channel — rights considerations, download and transcoding workflows, what YouTube content qualifies, and how to build a schedule from your catalog.
When FAST channels need DRM, what DRM systems exist for HLS streams (Widevine, FairPlay, PlayReady), what the tradeoffs are, and why most independent FAST operators don't need it at launch.
How Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) work for FAST channels — the XMLTV format, what data TV platforms require, how EPGs are generated from your schedule, and how to improve your EPG metadata for better discovery.
The key metrics for FAST channel operators — concurrent viewers, average watch time, ad impressions, fill rates, CPMs, and how to use analytics to make programming and scheduling decisions.
The exact image specifications required for Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, and other FAST platforms — channel logos, banners, poster art, and episode thumbnails with pixel dimensions, file sizes, and design best practices.
What content works for FAST channels — technical specs, minimum library size, content rights requirements, formats accepted by major platforms, and what not to launch with.
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.
How independent news organizations, journalists, and local news operations can use FAST channels to reach TV audiences — the format options, monetization, and what makes news content work on linear TV.
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