Observed Signal · Jul 13, 2026 · Market Trend · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Cord Cutters Shift to Free FAST Streaming
A survey of more than 1,200 U.S. cord cutters shows a growing shift away from multiple paid streaming subscriptions toward free, ad-supported FAST services. Respondents reported smaller paid lineups — 53.1% pay for three or fewer services, 67.4% for four or fewer, and 78.8% for five or fewer — while 9% pay for no TV streaming services at all and 21% pay for one or fewer. The move toward free platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel is driving FAST growth and prompting major media companies (reportedly including Disney) to consider ad-supported free tiers. The trend reflects subscription fatigue, cost sensitivity, and an increasing role for ad-supported monetization in streaming distribution and viewer discovery.
Growth of FAST/free AVOD impacts streaming distribution, ad monetization, subscriber strategies, and may prompt major media companies to adopt ad-supported tiers.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Survey of more than 1,200 cord cutters was referenced.
- 53.1% of respondents reported paying for three or fewer television streaming services.
- 9% of surveyed cord cutters said they pay for no television streaming services.
- The article highlights free, ad-supported FAST platforms including Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel.
- Reports indicate Disney is preparing to launch a free, ad-supported streaming tier.
Connected Companies & Entities
6 Entities mapped“Tubi has built a reputation for its massive on-demand library....”
“Pluto TV offers a linear channel experience reminiscent of traditional television....”
“The Roku Channel integrates seamlessly with streaming devices, and others continue to expand with live news, sports highlights, and niche pr...”
“Reports indicate that Disney is preparing to launch a free streaming service, potentially making portions of its extensive library available...”
“Please add Cord Cutters News as a source for your Google News feed HERE....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Free Streaming Wins: 70% Use AVOD/FAST, TiVo Study
TiVo’s Q4 2025 Video Trends Report finds free, ad-supported streaming is growing rapidly as consumers juggle an expanding mix of paid and free services. The average U.S. household now uses more than 10 video sources (6.7 paid, 3.6 free), spends $161.17 per month on video entertainment, and watches 5.2 hours of video daily. The study reports 70% of consumers use AVOD or FAST services; FAST viewers watch an average of 7.5 channels and 66% say FAST is their primary live-TV source. SVOD accounts for ~27% of viewing while AVOD/FAST account for ~13%; local content is nearly 30%. Sports viewing is increasingly fragmented (fans need 2.7 services on average), and discovery remains a major challenge, with 40% of viewers checking multiple apps before choosing what to watch.
Comscore: Ad-Supported Streaming Surges 43%
Comscore's 2025 State of Streaming report shows a major shift toward free and ad-supported video: ad-supported services saw a 43% year‑over‑year increase in hours watched. The report notes Netflix’s ad-supported tier now accounts for nearly half of its U.S. household viewing hours (up from about one-third a year prior). Comscore estimates more than 96 million households use a connected TV and consume content across roughly seven services, underpinning FAST and AVOD growth driven by consumer demand for value and simplicity. Jen Carton, SVP of Product Management at Comscore, frames FAST and ad-supported options as culturally resonant and commercially viable. Comscore is hosting a webinar to unpack the data and has a recent partnership with TiVo to strengthen cross‑platform measurement.
Monster Jam Primetime Series Debuts Oct 1 on FAST Platforms
Monster Jam announced that its weekly streaming series, Monster Jam Primetime, will debut on October 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on the Monster Jam Channel. Two new episodes will premiere every Thursday across nine free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, VIZIO WatchFree+, Pluto TV, LG Channels, Plex, Local Now, Rakuten TV, and Xumo Play. Episodes will also be available on the Monster Jam YouTube channel. The series features highlights from the 2026 season, including Racing, Skills competitions, and Freestyle, with analysis and behind-the-scenes content.
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