This week marked the launch of our new podcast: FASTer with Amagi. Hosted by Ben Goodfriend, FASTer features engaging conversations with the industry experts, creators, and technologists defining the future of Free Ad Supported Streaming TV (FAST).
In our debut episode, Evan Shapiro – Owner and Cartographer of ESHAP, discusses his journey spanning theater, television, and digital media, the genesis of the media-utility bundle, the future of FAST, and more…
Listen to the full episode of the podcast here
How might FAST help untangle the often chaotic media universe?
Against the backdrop of crowded CTV interfaces, Shapiro advocates for freedom and flexibility. He envisions a future where FAST, AVOD (Advertising Video On-Demand), and SVAD (Subscription Video On-demand with Ads) blend into a single, elegant experience: users' content preferences seamlessly woven into app curation, data-driven insights, and relevant advertising.
In Shapiro's words, "I'm in a FAST linear environment, and I don't want to watch the next show. I want to watch more of the same show I just watched — click — and I'm in that experience. Now, I'm in the driver's seat, which is exactly what free video needs to do in order to cater to its consumers."
READ MORE: How FAST channels complement on-demand strategy
How can FAST cater to the 'search' mindset of younger audiences?
To continue growing, FAST must prioritize viewer engagement. But does engaging a 17-year-old look the same as engaging a 65-year-old? Shapiro says no. He specifically highlights the contrasts in viewing habits of those over and under 35.
Viewers over 35:
- Grew up with a linear TV experience/scheduled programming
- Possess 'linear television muscle memory'
- Exhibit patience for week-by-week television viewing
Viewers under 35:
- Primarily have an on-demand mindset
- Engage with platforms like YouTube and TikTok for content discovery
- Prefer binge-watching
In order to attract a younger, higher-income audience, FAST services must consider the search-oriented mindset. Shapiro invokes YouTube to drive this point home. YouTube – the second-largest search engine – drives extended viewing sessions by super-serving users with unlimited choices.
When asked where will sports fans and viewers watch the Super Bowl ten years from now, Shapiro said, "In my vision of the future, you turn on the television, the Super Bowl will just play, and you won't necessarily understand exactly where it came from."
LEARN MORE: Connecting with Gen Z and maximizing content reach
How will interactivity play a role in retail media?
Apart from personalized, seamless, and search-oriented offerings on FAST, interactivity will also be a critical contributor to retail media's growth.
Imagine this: You're watching a show on your Vizio TV, now owned by Walmart, and you see an actor wearing a sweater you love. With just a scan/click on an interactive ad unit (CTA button or QR code), that sweater is on its way, arriving at your doorstep in two days. This ad experience enhances product discoverability through content and revolutionizes how we interact with media. And, companies like Warner Brothers, Paramount, NBC, and Disney are efficiently leveraging it to promote their own products like show launches – while being non-invasive, contextually relevant, and considering optimal ad frequencies.
"The ability to integrate creator and gatekeeper economy content next to each other in one ad experience is going to be a game-changer." – Evan Shapiro
Tune into our podcast series on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
View our full webinar series here
Discover how Amagi can help you reach the next mile in FAST: Get in touch with our experts
