RunnTV has introduced a new Time-Shift feature for FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels, allowing viewers to rewind and revisit recently aired programming on live streaming channels. The launch positions the platform among the first globally to introduce DVR-like functionality within the FAST ecosystem.
The feature has initially been rolled out across select channels available on the RunnTV platform, with plans to expand support to additional channels in the coming months. Through the new functionality, viewers can move backwards within live streams, introducing greater flexibility to FAST television viewing.
The development reflects broader changes in streaming consumption patterns, where audiences increasingly expect on-demand convenience even within live television environments. FAST television has experienced significant global growth in recent years, although the viewing experience has largely remained linear, requiring audiences to consume content in real time.
By integrating Time-Shift capabilities into FAST channels, RunnTV aims to bridge the gap between traditional linear television and on-demand streaming models. The feature allows users to rewind and catch up on recently streamed programmes without leaving the live channel environment.
Manish Sinha, founder and ceo, RunnTV, said, “FAST television has seen tremendous global growth, but the viewing experience has remained largely linear — if you miss a show, you miss it. With our Time-Shift feature, we are bringing the flexibility of on-demand streaming to live FAST channels. Viewers can now rewind and catch up on recently streamed programs, they want to, on FAST channels. We believe this is a major step in evolving the FAST viewing experience.”
The technology powering the feature has been developed through PlayStudio, RunnTV’s proprietary FAST and OTT technology platform. PlayStudio supports FAST channel creation, management, monetisation, analytics and distribution for broadcasters and content owners.
RunnTV said the Time-Shift functionality will also be made available to broadcasters, FAST operators and streaming platforms through PlayStudio, enabling third-party integration into their own FAST services and applications.
Sinha said, “What makes this particularly exciting is that the technology powering this capability is part of our PlayStudio FAST solution. Through PlayStudio, we are also enabling broadcasters, FAST channel operators and streaming platforms to implement the same feature within their own services.”
The move reflects increasing competition within the FAST segment, where platforms are looking to differentiate through enhanced user experience and technology-led innovation. By introducing rewind functionality while retaining ad-supported monetisation structures, RunnTV aims to offer viewers greater control without disrupting the commercial FAST model.
The company said the Time-Shift feature has been designed to maintain compatibility with existing advertising frameworks, allowing platforms and broadcasters to preserve monetisation opportunities while improving audience accessibility and engagement.
The launch also highlights the growing convergence between linear television and digital streaming experiences. Features traditionally associated with DVR and video-on-demand platforms are increasingly being adapted for free streaming television environments as audience expectations evolve.
RunnTV plans to continue expanding the feature across more channels while exploring additional product enhancements intended to combine the convenience of digital streaming with the simplicity and accessibility of linear television.
Through PlayStudio, the company also aims to strengthen its position within the FAST technology ecosystem by providing broadcasters and content owners with infrastructure tools for channel management, distribution and monetisation across connected TV and OTT environments.
With the introduction of Time-Shift, RunnTV is positioning itself around viewer flexibility and technology innovation within the rapidly growing FAST streaming category.
