After licensing films, TV shows and content from the worlds of Steven Bartlett, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, Samsung is taking the next step in the evolution of its free streaming TV platform by leaning into top digital creators and delivering their video content through dedicated channels.
The new free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels landing on Samsung TV Plus in the coming weeks will include content from high-profile, independent content creators like Dhar Mann, Mark Rober, Michelle Khare, Smosh, The Try Guys, Epic Gardening, The Sorry Girls, and Donut Media.
Many of these independent creators got their starts on other platforms — specifically, YouTube — but their videos will be collated into new FAST linear channels that will be exclusive to Samsung’s free streaming platform, Samsung TV Plus. In some cases, such as the agreement with Mann, Samsung will support the production of new content that will only be offered on Samsung TV Plus, the company said on Monday.
“This is a major milestone for us as storytellers and producers,” Mann said in a statement. “Creating original episodes for Samsung TV Plus allows us to expand the reach of our mission, and bring purposeful, uplifting stories directly into even more people’s homes. It’s a powerful new chapter—not just for our shows, but for how Creators can lead on streaming.”
Samsung TV Plus is also partnering with former NASA engineer and science content producer Mark Rober, who boasts nearly 70 million subscribers across platforms. The new Mark Rober TV channel will showcase his signature educational and entertaining science-focused videos aimed at viewers of all ages.
“Bringing my work to Samsung TV Plus means sharing the wonder of science and engineering with even more families,” said Robert said on Monday. “This is about bringing curiosity and creativity front and center, right where the family gathers.”
Samsung touted the benefits of bringing independently-created content to its platform during its IAB NewFronts presentation earlier this year. Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus, said the new Creator initiatives reflect the company’s long-term vision for FAST.
“Samsung TV Plus is building a home for today’s top Creators on FAST, bringing their content into a premium, curated environment designed for the biggest screen in the home,” Brodsky said in a statement. “This marks a new era where the most innovative and influential storytellers can reach audiences at scale in a way that elevates their voice and preserves creative intent.”
Samsung TV Plus is available by default on all newer-model Samsung smart TVs, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets and Samsung’s smart monitors powered by Tizen OS. The platform is also available on smart TVs that use a licensed version of Tizen OS for their connected TV operating system, including those made by RCA and Loewe.
Samsung TV Plus supports more than 700 FAST channels in the United States and over 1,000 FAST channels globally. Last October, the company said Samsung TV Plus has more than 88 million monthly active users.
