How Samsung TV Plus Reached 100 Million Users – Samsung Global Newsroom

Samsung Electronics’ free, ad-supported streaming service, Samsung TV Plus, has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100 million monthly active users (MAU) globally. This represents a 12 million user increase in roughly a year and two months, building on a base of 88 million users reported in October 2024.

The Rise of FAST Amidst Subscription Fatigue

The growth of Samsung TV Plus coincides with a broader shift in the media landscape, as consumers grapple with the increasing costs and fragmentation of paid over-the-top (OTT) services. Viewers are experiencing fatigue from the sheer volume of content and difficulty in locating desired programming. Samsung TV Plus offers a contrasting experience, providing instant access to content without subscriptions or additional sign-ups.

Did You Know? Samsung TV Plus was initially launched in 2015, predating the widespread adoption of the FAST service model.

From TV Hardware to Media Platform

For 19 years, Samsung has maintained a leading position in the global television market. The success of Samsung TV Plus demonstrates how the company is leveraging this hardware dominance to evolve into a comprehensive media platform ecosystem. The platform currently offers approximately 4,300 channels and 66,000 videos on demand (VOD) across 30 countries.

Content Evolution and AI Integration

Samsung TV Plus is expanding its content beyond traditional entertainment. The platform is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the viewing experience, exemplified by the “All-in-One AI Integrated Channel.” This channel revives popular dramas from the 2000s, remastered in high definition using AI-driven technology. The platform has also added channels featuring popular creators like “Pani Bottle” and “Hip Euddeum,” focusing on travel and fitness content.

Samsung TV Plus is bolstering its Korean content offerings through partnerships with leading Korean media companies, becoming a significant provider of K-content in the United States, including live concert streams.

A Competitive Force in the Streaming Market

With 100 million monthly viewers, Samsung TV Plus now achieves viewership comparable to the three major global broadcasting networks. This signifies a transition from a simple TV feature to a competitive platform alongside established media companies.

Expert Insight: Samsung’s success with TV Plus highlights the potential for hardware manufacturers to directly engage with consumers through content delivery, bypassing traditional media distribution channels and creating new revenue streams.

Samsung’s strategy centers on three key factors: instant access without additional hardware, AI-driven content curation, and a continuously updated content library. Choi Joon-hun, Head of the TV Plus Group at Samsung Electronics, stated that the company will continue to strengthen its competitive edge by diversifying channels and securing premium content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service offered by Samsung Electronics that provides instant access to live and on-demand content without requiring subscriptions or sign-ups.

How many channels and videos are available on Samsung TV Plus?

Currently, Samsung TV Plus boasts around 4,300 channels and 66,000 videos on demand (VOD) across 30 countries.

What types of content are available on Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus offers a diverse range of content, including traditional entertainment, dramas, travel, fitness, and K-content, with an increasing focus on AI-enhanced content and live events.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Samsung TV Plus could further expand its content offerings and explore new technologies to enhance the user experience. The platform may also seek to deepen its partnerships with content creators and broadcasters to secure exclusive programming. This proves also possible that Samsung will continue to leverage AI to personalize content recommendations and improve the overall viewing experience.