Molotov dives into FAST with seven-channel launch

French OTT service provider Molotov has launched seven free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels in a move it said was in line with its strategy to grow its advertising revenues through ad-supported VOD.

The addition of the seven linear streaming channels – Mango, Mango Séries, Mango Cinéma, Mango Kids, Mango Docs, Mongo Histoire and Mango Novelas – will supplement the outfit’s existing Mango AVOD service.

Molotov said it had developed a proprietary technology for VOD-to-linear conversion.

The group said that growth in popularity of connected TV meant that FAST had come to represent the future of free television, giving viewers and publishers an ideal way to match a continued preference for linear TV consumption with the benefits of digital advertising.

Molotov’s move comes as it faces strong competition in the French. Market from Paramount’s Pluto TV, which offers a wide range of FAST offerings.

Molotov said that the development of its AVOD service and the investment in FAST would be one of its priorities for the remainder of 2022, promising the integration of new content offerings and channels.