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Castify.ai allows you to build and distribute your own linear channel
OTT insider
Leah Leonarda Grantz
July 24, 2025
Basic overview
Founded
2013
Headquarters
Los Angeles, USA
Ownership
Acquired by ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) in 2019
Service type
Free ad-supported streaming service (FAST)
Geographical availability
Primarily US, expanding to the UK, Germany, Spain, and more
Languages
English, Spanish, German, Danish, Finnish, French, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish
Content & features
Content types
Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows, news, sports
Channels & content
CBSN, MTV, Comedy Central, crime, food, and niche channels
Unique features
Linear TV experience, customizable channel lineup, ad-supported model
Target audience
Budget-conscious viewers, families, sports enthusiasts
Revenue & monetization
Revenue model
Free ad-supported (AVOD)
Ad formats
Pre-roll, mid-roll, banner ads, native video ads
Estimated revenue
Over $1 billion annually (recent estimates)
Advertising revenue
$494 million in Q2 2025
Monetization strategy
Revenue generated through ad placements during live TV and on-demand content
Ad server/platforms
Works with platforms like Roku, Xandr, and SpotX to deliver ads in various formats (pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll, native ads)
Main buyers
DSPs (Demand-Side Platforms) like Google DV360, The Trade Desk, Xandr, media agencies, and direct advertisers
Growth & popularity
User base
80 million monthly active users globally (as of Q2 2025)
Viewing stats
3.7 billion total viewing hours in the first half of 2024, up 8% year-over-year
Recent milestones
Acquisition by ViacomCBS (2019), international expansion
Competitors
Tubi, Roku Channel, Xumo
Unique selling point
Free content with ads, combining live TV and on-demand content
Expansion plans
Continued growth in international markets, localized content offerings
Pluto TV has made a significant impact on the free ad-supported streaming market, becoming one of the leading platforms in the rapidly growing FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) space. By offering an extensive library of live TV channels alongside on-demand content, Pluto TV has revolutionized the way viewers experience linear TV without the burden of a subscription. Its user-friendly, free model has earned it millions of viewers, and its future looks promising as the world increasingly shifts towards ad-supported streaming platforms.
Pluto TV is a free ad-supported streaming service that provides viewers with access to live TV channels and on-demand content. It allows users to enjoy a traditional TV viewing experience with access to various genres such as news, sports, movies, and entertainment, without any cost. Unlike subscription-based services, Pluto TV’s monetization comes from ads, offering an appealing alternative for those who want to enjoy a broad selection of content at no charge.
Pluto TV was founded in 2013 by Tom Ryan, Ilya Pozin, and Nick Grouf in the United States. The company’s mission was to create a service that merged the convenience of streaming with the familiarity of traditional TV. Initially starting as a startup offering a combination of live TV channels and on-demand content, Pluto TV caught the attention of ViacomCBS (now known as Paramount Global), which acquired the service in 2019. Under its new ownership, Pluto TV has expanded its reach significantly, growing into one of the top FAST platforms worldwide. Pluto TV's investors include ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global), which provided the significant capital for the service’s expansion post-acquisition. Other investors and stakeholders were involved in its initial funding rounds, helping it grow to its current position.
Pluto TV primarily operates on an ad-supported revenue model. It offers free access to viewers while monetizing through various types of ad placements, including pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads. This strategy allows the platform to maintain its free-to-access nature while generating revenue for both itself and content creators. From Castify.ai’s perspective, content creators can leverage ad-supported strategies through platforms like Pluto TV, using premium ad placements such as native video ads, sponsored pages, and home-page takeovers. These placements enhance the viewer experience without disrupting the content flow, providing a streamlined yet monetized experience.
Pluto TV operates on a free, ad-supported streaming model, which generates revenue through advertisements placed during both live TV and on-demand content. As one of the leading FAST platforms, Pluto TV has seen substantial growth in its revenue over the years. In 2021, the platform generated an estimated $1 billion in ad revenue, driven by its expanding user base and increasing demand for ad-supported video content. The acquisition by ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) in 2019 further bolstered Pluto TV's revenue potential, enabling it to secure premium content and extend its reach globally. As Pluto TV continues to expand into international markets, its revenue is expected to grow even more, making it a dominant force in the FAST streaming space.
Pluto TV offers a diverse range of content, including live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows, sports, news, and entertainment. Popular channels on the platform include CBSN, MTV, and Comedy Central. In addition to these, Pluto TV provides specialized channels for genres such as crime, food, and comedy, along with movies and exclusive shows. This broad spectrum of content makes Pluto TV an appealing option for viewers of all ages and preferences.
Pluto TV's ad strategy centers on a seamless integration of ads into both live TV and on-demand content. Ads are strategically placed in a non-intrusive manner to mimic the traditional TV viewing experience while ensuring that viewers still enjoy the content they came for. This free, ad-supported model benefits both the viewers and content creators, as it maintains accessibility for viewers while providing monetization opportunities for content owners. From Castify.ai’s perspective, platforms like Castify.ai allow content creators to integrate premium ad placements such as native video ads and sponsor pages. This approach ensures that ads do not interrupt the viewer’s experience, creating a positive balance between engagement and revenue generation.
Pluto TV is available on a wide range of platforms, ensuring that users can access it across multiple devices. The service can be streamed on Smart TVs (such as LG, Samsung, and Vizio), popular streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, as well as gaming consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Additionally, Pluto TV is accessible through mobile apps for both iOS and Android. While Pluto TV originally launched in the United States, it has since expanded to several other regions, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain, with plans for further international growth
Pluto TV offers content in multiple languages, ensuring that its diverse global audience can enjoy the platform in their preferred language. In the United States, the service primarily operates in English, but it also provides Spanish-language options for Spanish-speaking viewers. As the platform expands internationally, Pluto TV has localized its content for markets in the UK, Germany, and Spain, offering content in English, German, and Spanish, respectively. This multilingual approach enhances the viewing experience for a broader audience and supports Pluto TV’s growth in diverse regions.
Pluto TV’s popularity grew significantly after its acquisition by ViacomCBS in 2019. This acquisition allowed the service to expand its content offerings and global reach. Over time, Pluto TV has become one of the leading players in the FAST space, with millions of users across the US and beyond. As more viewers embrace free, ad-supported content, Pluto TV's popularity continues to rise.
The name "Pluto TV" is inspired by the planet Pluto, symbolizing a vast and expansive universe of content that is available to viewers at no cost. The name reflects the platform’s mission to provide free TV access to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Pluto TV’s goal is to offer endless entertainment options, just as the planet Pluto is distant yet vast in its reach.
Pluto TV stands out for its unique combination of live TV channels and on-demand content. The platform offers customizable programming lineups, giving viewers the ability to enjoy the flexibility of on-demand streaming while also providing the traditional feel of live TV. Pluto TV seamlessly integrates ads into both live TV and on-demand videos, delivering a traditional TV experience without the subscription fees. From Castify.ai’s edge: Content creators using Castify.ai can offer similar features, such as customizable branded apps and AI-driven recommendations, all while monetizing content with a hybrid ad-supported model. This makes Castify.ai a powerful tool for content owners looking to replicate Pluto TV’s success in engaging viewers while generating revenue.
Pluto TV primarily targets budget-conscious viewers who enjoy both live TV and on-demand content. Its audience includes families, sports enthusiasts, and entertainment seekers, with a broad spectrum of content that caters to different age groups and interests. The platform appeals to those looking for a free and accessible alternative to traditional cable TV. From Castify.ai’s targeting: Content creators using Castify.ai can leverage detailed audience data to target specific groups, just like Pluto TV does with its personalized content recommendations. By optimizing content for different demographics, content owners can enhance engagement and maximize revenue opportunities.
Pluto TV has established itself as a leader in the FAST streaming space, providing free access to a vast range of live TV channels and on-demand content. Its ad-supported model has proven successful in attracting millions of viewers, while also offering content creators valuable monetization opportunities. As ad-supported streaming continues to gain traction, Pluto TV's growth is set to continue.
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