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New rankings are here. And they show that the FAST market is changing fast.
Pixalate, a global platform for ad fraud prevention and privacy compliance, just published its latest report: the Global Top 25 FAST Apps for Q1 2025. It highlights which free ad-supported TV (FAST) apps lead on different CTV platforms. For advertisers, these rankings mean one thing: fresh opportunities to reach millions of viewers cost-efficiently.
The FAST trend isn’t slowing down. It’s growing into a major force on the Connected TV (CTV) screen.
FAST apps are taking over — and it’s big news for advertising
FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported TV. These apps let viewers watch live, linear content, just like traditional TV, but for free. No subscription. Just ads.
What started as a niche solution for cord-cutters is now reshaping how people watch content on the biggest screens in their homes. Platforms like Pluto TV, Sling TV, Tubi, and Plex offer 24/7 entertainment, news, sports, movies, and more — all supported by ad revenue.
According to Pixalate, their latest rankings are based on more than 5 billion programmatic ad transactions. The data is cleaned from Invalid Traffic (IVT), so advertisers get an accurate picture of where real impressions happen.
In simple words, FAST apps today are not just about saving budgets. They’ve become key real estate for advertisers who want scale, performance, and real audience reach.
Who’s leading where: Top FAST apps by device
Here’s a closer look at the leaders across major CTV platforms based on Pixalate's Q1 2025 data:
Roku
Sling TV jumped to No. 1. A clear signal, audiences love their live sports, news, and entertainment. Other big players: Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Xumo Play, and Tubi.
Amazon Fire TV
Pluto TV continues to dominate here. Tubi, Sling TV, Plex, and ViX also made the top five, showing consistent viewer demand for free content.
Apple TV
Plex took the crown as the most popular FAST app on Apple TV. Pluto TV, CBS Sports, Fox Business, and Scripps News fill out the leaderboard.
Samsung Smart TV
Plex leads again, proving its strong cross-platform presence. Samsung TV Plus, Sling TV, Tubi, and Pluto TV round out the top five.
It’s easy to spot the recurring names. Pluto TV, Sling TV, Tubi, and Plex have built trusted, high-volume FAST environments across devices. Advertisers who want reach can’t ignore them.
Past data also shows growth areas. For example, Apple TV’s FAST traffic is accelerating which is a great place for brands to test new ad placements. Meanwhile, Roku remains a stable ecosystem with reliable, popular players like Sling and Pluto TV.
Why advertisers should care about these rankings
This isn’t just industry news. It’s a direct signal for media buyers to rethink CTV strategy.
FAST = affordable scale
FAST apps provide millions of ad-supported impressions. CPMs stay reasonable, which makes it easier to boost reach without stretching the budget.
Cross-platform means more opportunities
The smartest advertisers spread their CTV campaigns across devices. Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung, combining them brings broader exposure and higher campaign efficiency.
Apple TV’s FAST growth = untapped potentia
Previous Pixalate reports show FAST apps booming on Apple TV. For brands, this means new inventory, fresh audiences, and room to experiment.
Roku stability = safer bet
Roku’s ecosystem consistently delivers. Pluto TV, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, advertisers know these placements work and scale.
Cleaner traffic, better results
In Q4 2024, FAST apps on Roku had a 14% IVT rate, lower than many other app types. Less fraud, more genuine views, and better campaign outcomes. That’s exactly what brands need.
Let’s be honest, as FAST apps grow, the line between "premium" content and "free" streaming is disappearing. The audience? Still watching. The ads? Still running. The difference? More accessible, more efficient, and often with surprisingly high viewability.
How advertisers can take action
If FAST isn’t in your CTV plan yet, it should be. And this is how to start:
Review your current CTV media mix
Many advertisers over-focus on big subscription services. But high-performing FAST apps offer massive reach, often for less. With SmartyAds, you can access 1.1 billion monthly impressions, including premium CTV traffic across FAST apps according to CTV MediaKit 2024. Get in touch with SmartyAds to explore your options.
Tap into private deals and curated packages
Secure PMP or curated deals that target top FAST apps like Pluto, Sling, or Plex. That means premium placements, controlled environments, and less wasted impressions.
Use data to optimize your budget
Each platform behaves differently. SmartyAds provides insights to guide smart spend across Roku, Apple TV, Samsung, and Fire TV. No guesswork, just real results.
Don’t miss niche and diverse audiences
Platforms like Zepheere or Veranda focus on specific groups (immigrants, young professionals, sports fans). With the right targeting, FAST campaigns can unlock new audiences with high buying power.
Final thoughts: FAST is becoming prime real estate
FAST apps are no longer a “cheap alternative.” They’ve become a key part of how millions consume content and how advertisers drive real results on CTV.
Whether you focus on performance, brand awareness, or both, FAST offers scalable, efficient video inventory with global reach. Add lower IVT rates, strong cross-platform players, and growing audience demand, and it’s clear:
FAST isn’t the future. It’s happening now. Want to unlock the power of FAST for your campaigns?
Let’s talk! Contact the SmartyAds team and we’ll help you maximize your CTV results.
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