Gracenote, a subsidiary of Nielsen that specializes in entertainment metadata and content IDs, has introduced a new offering called the FAST Program. This program aims to assist content companies in efficiently distributing their Free Ad-Supported Streaming (FAST) channels and programming through major streaming platforms. The announcement was made at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam.
By utilizing advanced data enrichment services, the Gracenote FAST Program plans to expedite the time-to-market for FAST offerings, which have become increasingly crucial for content monetization strategies. As FAST has evolved into a proven revenue driver through advertising sales, content owners now recognize the necessity of high-quality normalized metadata and connected content IDs to facilitate distribution on streaming platforms. Additionally, they understand the importance of driving program and channel visibility, as well as increasing viewership.
The Gracenote FAST Program offers expert enrichment of editorial and contextual data, along with access to rich program imagery. These enhancements contribute to increased channel engagement. Furthermore, by assigning Gracenote IDs to participants’ content, the program streamlines placement on major streaming platforms through Gracenote Listing Distribution Services and enables easier content discovery. Participants in the program will also receive a “Gracenote Certified” designation, providing an advantage when pitching their FAST offerings to platforms that prefer standardized Gracenote metadata and IDs.
The launch of this service coincides with the growing popularity of FAST offerings and the revenue they generate. For instance, NBCUniversal and Roku recently announced a partnership to launch several FAST channels dedicated to long-running shows in NBCU’s library, such as Murder, She Wrote, the original Saved by the Bell, and Little House on the Prairie.
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Gracenote highlighted a Statista projection that estimates worldwide revenue generated by FAST channels to reach $18 billion by 2028, with the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, India, Canada, and Brazil leading the markets.
Vikram Kulkarni, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Gracenote, acknowledged the rapid rise of FAST as one of the most significant recent developments in the global video ecosystem. Kulkarni stated that based on their position within this ecosystem, Gracenote is uniquely positioned to help content publishers of all sizes benefit from the maturation of FAST. They are committed to assisting publishers in achieving better FAST content visibility, consumption, and monetization.
The introduction of the Gracenote FAST Program addresses the growing demand for streamlined distribution of FAST channels and programming across major streaming platforms. By leveraging advanced data enrichment services and providing standardized metadata and content IDs, content owners can enhance their visibility and engagement on these platforms. With FAST offerings projected to generate significant revenue in the coming years, the timing of this program positions Gracenote as a valuable resource for content companies seeking to capitalize on this growing market.
