Publishers Have Adopted FAST Channels for New Revenue
Digital publishers are now leveraging FAST channels and out-of-home screens to reach viewers beyond mobile and social platforms.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Media
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Digital publishers are increasingly expanding their reach by syndicating content to FAST channels and out-of-home screens. These platforms offer new monetization opportunities as outlets seek audiences outside of traditional web environments.
Why it matters
Publishers are shifting focus toward television streaming and public digital displays to capture longer viewer dwell times. This pivot responds to the need for new revenue streams beyond the volatility of mobile and social media traffic.
Video Elephant currently maintains a library of 6 million videos across 16 languages and manages 12 FAST channels. The firm services 200,000 digital screens in the US where viewers engage with content for an average dwell time of 45-50 minutes.
The players
Video Elephant
An international syndication firm managing video archives and FAST channel operations for digital publishers.
Johnny O'Neill
A long-tenured executive at Video Elephant who joined the firm shortly after its 2012 founding.
The Guardian
A major international news publisher that has recently expanded its video strategy into the FAST channel market.
Washington Post
A prominent legacy media organization now utilizing FAST channels to distribute news content to streaming audiences.
New York Post
A national news publisher that launched its own FAST channel in 2026.
The details
To operate a FAST channel, publishers typically need an initial library of 200 hours of content and the capacity to refresh at least 20% of that library monthly. Aggregators act as the bridge, licensing these archives to streaming platforms or physical locations like retail and waiting areas that are connected to the internet. This model allows publishers to transform static video assets into recurring television-style programming.
Timeline
2012: Video Elephant was founded.
2013: Johnny O'Neill joined the firm.
2026: The New York Post launched its FAST channel.
Market Landscape
The current movement by major publishers to launch dedicated streaming channels follows the industry-wide trend toward FAST channel aggregation established by earlier market entrants. This shift signals a broader move to treat digital video archives as long-form television assets.
Owners with existing video archives should assess whether their content volume meets the 200-hour threshold required to enter the FAST market. Evaluate whether current production workflows can support a 20% monthly content refresh rate before committing to syndication partners.
The takeaway
The move toward FAST channels represents a transition from treating video as a secondary social media asset to a core television product. Operators should audit their current archives to determine if they hold the minimum 200 hours of content required to begin streaming syndication.
Further reading
Explore how global firms are shifting content strategy in the Media section.
More information
View the full service capabilities and distribution network at the Video Elephant official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Press Gazette.
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