FAST Channel Launch Checklist

Use this checklist before going live with a FAST channel. Going through each item doesn't guarantee perfection, but it prevents the most common and costly launch mistakes.

Content

• Content library has at least 4 hours of unique programming. Enough for a meaningful day without immediate loops.
• All content is in an accepted format. MP4 or MOV, H.264, at minimum 720p.
• You have the broadcast/FAST rights to every piece of content. Verify rights explicitly, including music licensing.
• All content has closed captions. Required by every major TV platform. Auto-generated captions are acceptable if accurate.
• Content is trimmed of YouTube/podcast-specific intros and outros. Remove platform-specific callouts, subscribe buttons, social handles, etc.
• Aspect ratio is consistent. All content should match your channel's configured orientation (landscape, portrait, or square).

Channel setup

• Channel name is set. Clear, descriptive, searchable. Avoid generic names.
• Channel description is written. 2-4 sentences explaining what the channel is and who it's for. This appears in EPG and TV platform guides.
• Channel category is selected. Choose the most accurate primary category for best ad targeting and viewer discovery.
• Channel logo is uploaded. Minimum 500×500px, PNG preferred, transparent background. Readable at small sizes.
• Channel banner/header art is uploaded. 1920×480px or as specified by your platform.

Schedule

• Schedule is built at least 7 days forward. TV platforms request EPG data for the next 7 days. Gaps show as "Unknown Program."
• Primetime slots (7-11 PM) are filled with your best content.
• Auto-scheduler or filler content is configured for gaps. No dead air.
• No content is scheduled beyond its rights window (if rights are time-limited).
• Episode titles and descriptions are set on each content item. These populate the EPG.

Technical requirements

• Closed captions are attached to content items. WebVTT or SRT format uploaded alongside content files.
• Content ratings are configured. TV-G, TV-14, TV-MA, etc. Some platforms require content ratings.
• Stream is playable in a browser or test player before publishing.
• HLS manifest loads without errors (if you can access it directly for testing).

Ad settings

• Ad break schedule is configured. Number of breaks per hour and break duration.
• VAST ad tag URL is entered (if using your own ad server alongside Vidiyo's demand).
• Revenue share terms are reviewed with your platform.
• Floor prices are configured (or you've accepted the platform defaults while building audience).

Legal / compliance

• Rights are documented. For every piece of content, you can name the source of your rights (you own it, licensed from X with FAST rights, public domain).
• FCC caption compliance verified. All content has accurate English captions (for US distribution).
• Content policy compliance. No content violating your platform's TOS or relevant laws.
• Music rights are clear. Every piece of music in your content is either original, licensed with broadcast rights, or under a CC license permitting commercial broadcast.

Pre-launch testing

• Watch 15 minutes of the channel live. Confirm video loads, ads serve, captions display, and there are no buffering issues.
• Check EPG display. View the channel in your platform's guide view and confirm episode titles, descriptions, and times are accurate.
• Test on at least two devices. Web browser and one TV device (Roku, Fire TV, or phone if TV isn't available).
• Verify stream URL shares correctly. Copy the channel URL and open it in an incognito window to confirm it works for unauthenticated viewers.

Promotion (pre-launch)

• Announce to existing audience (email list, social followers, podcast audience) before launch day so you have day-one viewers.
• Channel URL is documented and shareable.
• "How to watch" instructions are ready for your audience (which devices, which app, how to find the channel).

Post-launch monitoring

For the first 48 hours after launch:

• Check concurrent viewer count. Are viewers appearing? (May be small initially — that's normal.)
• Check for stream errors in your platform's error reporting.
• Verify ad serving — are impressions being logged?
• Review EPG accuracy — any wrong titles, wrong times, or gaps?
• Confirm auto-scheduler is filling gaps and not leaving dead air overnight.

30-day check-in

After 30 days live, review:

• Total viewing hours
• Top content pieces by viewership
• Fill rate and eCPM
• Where are viewers coming from (which platforms, which referrers)?
• What content caused the biggest drop-off in viewership when it aired?

Use this data to adjust your programming and content acquisition strategy for the next 90 days.

What's next

• How to start a FAST channel
• FAST channel analytics
• Channel scheduling for 24/7 playout