Samsung TV Plus hits 100 channels and soars in streaming time

AUCKLAND, Yesterday: Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 channels in New Zealand. Since launching in 2022, viewing time has skyrocketed 96%, with audiences streaming over 12 million hours in the past year.

The addition of 30 new premium channels fueled audience growth, pushing monthly watch hours past a million. Top ten channels in 2024 include ‘bingeable’ and owned-and-operated formats.

Shark Tank, The Wicked Tuna Channel, and the nostalgic Throwback TV channel are fan favorites. FAST services are on the rise, with Statista predicting 29% of Kiwis will watch by 2027, generating over $ 7 million.

Recent channel additions include McLeod’s Daughters, the first binge channel for this content in New Zealand, Unsolved Mysteries, and Hot Ones. Launched in 2022, Samsung TV Plus has expanded its content across news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, music, and movies, making quality free content easily accessible.

“As more audiences shift to ad-supported environments, our commitment to premium, first-to-FAST content will grow.”

A Magnite study shows ad-supported streaming is gaining traction in New Zealand, with 65% of TV viewers tuning in. On Samsung Smart TVs, three-quarters of households spend time streaming, and one-third watch no linear TV.

Cameron Crain, Product Manager Samsung TV Plus ANZ, said: “FAST remains one of the newest kids on the block. We are evolving the viewing experience, with a new user-friendly design making content discovery easier. Engagement has spiked, with monthly active users up 21% this year.”

“As more audiences shift to ad-supported environments, our commitment to premium, first-to-FAST content will grow.”

Alex Spurzem, General Manager Samsung Ads ANZ, added: “Reaching this milestone highlights the consumer demand for free streaming content in exchange for ads. Growing audiences are creating new, cost-efficient opportunities for brands to reach viewers on the big screen.”