In a landscape where streaming services have become increasingly popular, a new report from Samsung Ads Canada has shed light on the growing prominence of free, ad-supported streaming television among Canadian viewers. The consumer survey, released this week, indicates that a staggering 60% of Canadians have tuned into FAST content within the past seven months, with nearly a third of those viewers engaging with FAST platforms in the last 30 days alone.
The report highlights the widespread adoption of FAST services, with 49% of surveyed individuals regularly using these platforms for their entertainment needs. Among the various FAST providers, Samsung TV Plus has emerged as the dominant player in the Canadian market, offering an extensive array of over 150 channels spanning news, sports, general entertainment, movies, music, and children's programming. The service boasts a diverse mix of content, including simulcasts of popular FAST streams from the United States, such as Conan O'Brien TV, NBC News Now, and MotorTrend FAST, alongside region-specific channels like CBC News Explore, The Weather Network, and CTV at Home.
This surge in FAST usage coincides with a broader trend of Canadians increasingly subscribing to streaming services. According to Convergence Research, revenue from connected TV services in Canada experienced a notable 14% growth last year, reaching CA $3.73 billion (approximately U.S. $2.71 billion). While a significant portion of this revenue can be attributed to subscription sales, Canadians are also gravitating towards ad-supported tiers offered by major platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, as well as FAST services that are entirely free and supported by advertisements.
Justin Fromm, the head of insight at Samsung Ads, emphasized the transformative nature of FAST, stating, "For consumers, FAST is TV. As the seismic shift from linear to streaming continues to rise in Canada, FAST is becoming the new entertainment platform that gives viewers access to premium content, without subscription fees, when, how, and where they want it. As more content becomes available, we anticipate FAST flourishing in the marketplace, similarly to the U.S."
The Samsung report also delves into the viewing preferences of Canadian FAST users, revealing that movies rank among the most-watched FAST channels, closely followed by comedy and live news streams. Interestingly, more than a third of Canadians regularly access FAST platforms that are integrated directly into their television sets, with Samsung leading the market as the largest seller of smart TV sets in the country.
As the media and entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the rise of FAST in Canada mirrors the efforts of companies to address the growing demand for ad-supported streaming options in the United States and Mexico. With its unique blend of premium content, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, FAST is poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of television consumption in Canada and beyond.
The embrace of FAST by Canadian viewers underscores the shifting dynamics of the entertainment industry, as consumers seek out diverse and accessible content options that align with their preferences and lifestyles. As more Canadians turn to FAST platforms for their daily dose of entertainment, it is evident that this innovative streaming model is here to stay, promising to redefine the way we consume and engage with television content in the digital age.
Korea Stock Exchange: 005930.KS
Current Price: ₩71,400
Change: + ₩200 (0.28%)
Based on the technical analysis model, Samsung Electronics' stock is currently in an uptrend. The moving averages and MACD indicate a positive sentiment, with the stock price trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. The Fibonacci levels suggest that the stock has the potential to reach higher levels of resistance, while the Bollinger Bands indicate a slight expansion, signaling increased volatility. The success of Samsung TV Plus and the growing adoption of FAST services in Canada are likely to have a positive impact on the company's overall performance, as it strengthens its position in the streaming market and diversifies its revenue streams. However, investors should monitor the stock's behavior near key resistance levels and be aware of any potential market fluctuations.
