Google TV Now Provides More Than 130 Free Channels

JAKARTA - Google seems to be getting more and more serious with ad-supported free TV channel offerings. Google has reportedly launched 10 new free channels for Google TV users, including FBI Files, Johnny totaling TV, and ION Plus. This latest update increased Google's number of free channels from around 80 last year to over 130.

Google TV's Live tab received a major update last year, which includes more than 800 free TV channels offering a variety of content. Google periodically adds a collection of free channels over the past year, with the latest updates adding more options.

According to StreamingBetter, 10 new Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels appear to be rolling out as part of the June 2024 update. These new options include:

Google relies heavily on its content partnerships with Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, and Haystack for most of the FAST channels available on Google TV, but this portfolio includes an increasing number of company-owned channels. Initial lists include the 77 channels, but the number is now increasing to more than 130.

The Google channel is listed under Google TV on the Live tab, and users don't need to install third-party apps to start watching. However, channels from content partners require related apps and, in some cases, may also ask users to create free accounts for the service.

Google's FAST channel seems to be a great source of ad revenue for this search giant as they recently announced a new Google TV network for advertisers specifically for these channels. This can generate more free channels in the future, giving Google TV users more options.