The landscape of digital distribution has officially shifted, and for the horror community, the results are nothing short of a bloodbath—in the best way possible. According to a new report from Variety TV, Samsung TV Plus has officially cracked the 100 million monthly active user mark. This milestone, reached at the start of 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) and suggests that the days of juggling ten different paid subscriptions just to find a decent slasher flick might be coming to an end.
The tech giant reported that streaming hours on the platform increased by a staggering 25% year-over-year throughout 2025. While marquee live events and news traditionally drive these numbers, ScreamDesk has observed a significant trend: the explosion of 24/7 horror hubs that provide a continuous stream of genre gems, ranging from cult classics to modern indie nightmares. For those of us who live and breathe the macabre, the rise of Samsung TV Plus represents a return to the 'appointment viewing' of the 80s and 90s, but with a modern, high-definition twist.
The FAST Revolution and the Horror Community
Why is this 100 million user benchmark so important for horror fans? Historically, the horror genre has thrived in the fringes—late-night cable slots, dusty VHS rental shelves, and now, the specialized corners of FAST channels. Unlike traditional SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) platforms like Netflix or Max, which often bury their horror catalogs under layers of algorithms, FAST services like Samsung TV Plus offer dedicated, curated channels that run 24/7.
Engagement on these platforms reached new heights in 2025 because they offer something paid services often lack: the element of surprise. There is a unique thrill in tuning into a 'fear' channel and catching the middle of a creature feature you haven’t seen in a decade. This 'lean-back' experience is driving the 25% growth in streaming hours, as viewers move away from the 'decision fatigue' of searching for titles and instead let the curators do the work for them.
Analyzing the 2025 Growth Spurt
Samsung's report highlights that the growth was largely fueled by marquee live events and a broadening of their channel collection. In the realm of cinema, this has meant more partnerships with independent distributors who are looking for ways to monetize their libraries without being locked behind a paywall. For a genre like horror, which boasts one of the most loyal and active fanbases in entertainment, the FAST model is a perfect match.
As we look at the data from 2025, it’s clear that the 'horror-verified' content on these channels isn't just filler. It’s a primary driver of retention. Samsung’s ability to deliver double-digit viewership growth suggests that the platform is successfully capturing the 'cord-cutter' demographic—horror fans who are tired of price hikes and are looking for high-quality, free alternatives to sustain their cinematic cravings.
What This Means for the Future of Genre Films
With 100 million users now tuning in monthly, the leverage for horror filmmakers is changing. We are likely to see more 'FAST-exclusive' horror premieres and potentially even original content funded directly by these ad-supported platforms. If 2025 was the year of growth, 2026 is shaping up to be the year where FAST services become the dominant force in genre distribution.
The success of Samsung TV Plus proves that there is a massive appetite for accessible, free content. For the independent filmmaker working on the next great indie hit, these 100 million users represent a massive, built-in audience that was previously gated by expensive subscription tiers. As we move further into 2026, expect the 'Scream' to get even louder on your Samsung devices.