NewFronts: Now Samsung Has a FAST Channel Of Its Own
Image courtesy of Samsung
Smart TV set maker Samsung is moving deeper into the TV network and programming business.
At the NewFronts on Tuesday, Samsung announced the launch of the Samsung Television Network, an owned an operated channel on its Samsung TV Plus streaming platform. If that sounds a bit like The Roku Channel, you’re catching on.
As the power in the TV business has swung to owners of technology and data, smart TV and streaming device makers are realizing that their control of the “last mile” between the advertising industry and the consumer gives them control. Control over data. Control over promotion. Even control over which networks and streaming services a viewer has access to.
As public companies such as Roku and Vizio (now a part of Walmart) have shown, making devices is a low- to no profit business. But there’s money to be made selling ads, data and even the ability to reach streamers.
Samsung Ads is ramping up ad capabilities including interactive experiences, custom content and shoppable formats, as well as enhanced data and targeting tools.
“It’s no longer enough for marketers to justify the status quo—they need breakthrough performance, and that’s exactly what Samsung Ads is built to deliver,” said Michael Scott, VP & Head of Ad Sales & Operations at Samsung Ads. “This year, we’re empowering our partners to go beyond the limits of traditional CTV with next-gen innovation, strategic partnerships, and tools that turn attention into action and media into measurable impact.”
The new Samsung Television Network is a free ad-supports streaming television (FAST) channel that will feature some of the most popular programming already available on Samsung TV Plus, including David Letterman’s and Conan O’Brian’s shows, series like Killing Eve plus live sports and special events like the upcoming Jonas Brothers concert tour.
Samsung TV Plus already features nearly 700 channels. As if that’s not enough, it will be adding a channel from Spotify’s The Ringer podcast network. Also coming to the platform is programming from online creators in categories including comedy, DIY, gardening, cars and sustainability, Billboard News as part of a deal with Billboards , Korean content on a SMTOWN 2025 channel and live NHL hockey from Victory+ and minor league baseball from Bally Sports Live.
Samsung said it has new tools for marketers including Optima reach, which identifies unexposed viewers across linear and streaming, enable advertisers to reach more customers and reduce waste. Its’ Creative Canvas will enable advertisers to turn video assets into interactive ads.
Advertisers can reach viewers using ShoppingBreaks, a format that will launch later this year that will enable viewers to buy directly from their TV, encouraged as creator-hosted, short-form content plays during ad breaks within Samsung TV Plus.
It says it is also making more TV data available to clients to use in clear rooms to enable matching. Samsung’s Audience Collective uses artificial intelligence to create more than 600 audience segments that brands can target, ranging from travelers to audio book enthusiasts.
“We’re not just redefining what advertising can do, we’re reengineering the entire relationship between content, data, and commerce,” said Travis Howe, Global Head of New Product Solutions, Samsung Ads. “Samsung Ads is creating a world where media doesn’t just reach audiences—it moves them. From interactivity to full-funnel performance, we’re turning the screen into a truly intelligent, action-driven service.”
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Fox’s Tubi streaming service is also ramping up its ad game.
During its NewFront presentation Tub launched formates including Tubi Moments, Carousels and Shoppable Second-Screen Experiences, plus deals with Amazon, Kochava and Moloco.
Tubi Carousel ad
“As Tubi scales from emerging to essential, we are focused on providing ad solutions that meet the needs of brands across industries, from CPG to auto and more, driving outcomes across the funnel so dollars can work smarter and harder when you need it most,” said Jeff Lucas, Chief Revenue Officer, Tubi. “Today is an exciting step forward as we continue to create innovative solutions for brands to connect with viewers who have significant and growing purchasing power.
Among the new ad products from Tubi are:
Tubi Wrappers: Tubi lets studios to reach entertainment fanatics through Tubi Wrappers. by taking over Tubi’s homepage to promote upcoming theatrical releases with animated backgrounds, auto-play trailers, high visibility branded UI elements and a call to action.
Carousels: Carousel Ads enable brands to create immersive virtual showrooms or product showcases on the Tubi homepage, featuring tiles with a custom video, multiple images and or QR Code.
New Pause Ad Formats: Animated Pause Ads feature a sound-off, looping video background to give advertisers more creative possibilities.
Tubi Moments: Tubi is enhancing its content library by tagging scenes to capture the tone, sentiment and visual cues, enabling brands’ ad creative to appear contextually in relevant moments within the content viewers are watching.
Tubi Storefronts: A Tubi Shop features collections of goods—clothing, home funishings, etc.—inspired by content viewers are consuming. Advertisers can start up a Tubi Storefront within the Tubi Shop in minutes.
Tubi Prime: Tubi Prime guarantees ad placements within the streamer’s most popular, brand-safe content. Through upfront deals, advertisers can select from content lineups like “Tubi Top 50” and “Popular with Gen Z.”
Working with the Amazon DSP, Tubi will be able to provide retail media advertisers with closed loop measurement. Tubi is also working with Loloco to optimize CTV advertising to drive installs and continued engagement with app markets.
Data providers including Polk and NCS to provide measurement and attribution for marketers in categories including autos, pharma, finance and quick-service restaurants.