Free streaming financed by advertising: This is the easiest way to summarize and describe what is known as free ad-supported streaming television (FAST). Pluto TV is probably the most well-known service of this type for users in German-speaking countries. The Paramount portal, which can also be used without registering, offers 100 channels sorted by interests and broadcasters, free of charge. The whole thing is streamed, albeit linearly, just like a traditional (private) TV station.
Free but with ads
Amazon has now announced something very similar, namely the Fire TV Channels (via Engadget). These are to start soon in the USA, the mail order company has these in the course of the New Fronts 2023 announced – this is or was a presentation of the group’s advertising-based TV content.
This is what the free Fire TV Channels will look like
The Fire TV Channels are news, sports, music video, lifestyle, travel and entertainment channels that are free to watch, but users have to live with advertising. The only requirement is a Fire TV device. The content in the USA comes from the NHL (ice hockey), PGA (golf), the gossip portal TMZ, ABC News and the media group Cond Nast, among others. “With Fire TV Channels, we’re offering a simple, category-based experience that makes it easy for you to find what you want to watch while constantly expanding the range of content,” said Executive Manager Charlotte Maines.
The start will take place in the summer, Amazon announced that they could win around 400 partners for this. There hasn’t been any announcement regarding European markets yet, but one can certainly assume that the Fire TV Channels will end up with us sooner or later – Amazon usually takes such steps or product launches worldwide.
- Amazon launches the Fire TV Channels in the US: free and ad-supported.
- Partners include the NHL, PGA, TMZ, ABC News and Cond Nast.
- 400 partners to start in summer.
- Comparable to Pluto TV: linear and free, but with ads.
- Users require a Fire TV device.
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