1. Focus on Content: To be successful, a FAST Channel must offer good content that appeals to a wide range of viewers. This means providing a mix of popular programming, sports, local news, mainstream music content, factual programming, and true crime. While some channels focus on only one or two genres, the Channel must be able to offer a little something for everyone. In addition, the channel should consider going premium and offering exclusive content that can’t be found elsewhere. This will help to attract paying subscribers and generate additional revenue. Finally, the channel should focus on underserved genres that are not well represented on other channels. This could include sports, local news, mainstream music content, factual programming, and true crime. By offering a unique mix of content, any FAST channel can become a destination for viewers who are looking for something different
2. Smooth Ad Breaks: Maintaining a FAST Channel means creating an experience that is not only entertaining and informative, but also easy and smooth for users. Part of this involves finding content that is well-suited for ad breaks. This content should be engaging enough to keep users from scrolling through their feed or changing the channel, but it should also be appropriate for the commercial breaks. For example, if a FAST Channel is airing a cooking show, ads for kitchen appliances would be a good fit. Similarly, if a FAST Channel is airing a show about fashion, ads for clothing and cosmetics would be a good match. By carefully selecting content that is conducive to ad breaks, FAST Channels can create a seamless and enjoyable experience for users.
3. Origin, Go Local: The FAST channel lineup in Europe is still mostly international, with only a few local channels available. This is not ideal for viewers who want to stay up-to-date on current affairs in their own country. Local channels provide a more personal and intimate experience, as they are tailored specifically for the region in which they are broadcast. They also tend to be more engaging, as they often feature stories and interviews with people from the local community. For these reasons, it would be beneficial for the FAST channel lineup to go local in order to better serve its audience. international channels can still be available, but viewers should have the option to choose between local and global programming.
3. Depth: A FAST Channel must have Depth. This means that it must have at least 100 hours of content with a 10%-25% monthly refresh. The refresh rate is important because it ensures that the channel has new and relevant content on a regular basis. The depth of the channel is also important because it gives viewers a reason to keep coming back. If a channel only has a few hours of content, viewers will quickly exhaust all of the available options and move on to something else. However, a channel with a hundred hours or more of content will give viewers a reason to keep coming back for more. In order to create a successful FAST Channel, it is essential to have both depth and a regular refresh rate.
​5. Programming Blocks. A programming block is a basic unit of television programming that contains a set of scheduled shows. A channel must have these blocks in order to be successful. The programming block allows the channel to keep a certain theme throughout the day. This is what makes the channel unique and differentiates it from the others. It also keeps viewers engaged by providing new and interesting content regularly. Seasonality is also important when it comes to programming blocks. For example, a channel that airs mostly reruns of old sitcoms would not do well during the summer months when people are looking for new and original content. By planning their schedule around seasonality, channels can ensure that they are always offering viewers something fresh and exciting.
