Why ad-supported streaming platforms need ReelSphere’s geo-targeted weather content to thrive 

• FAST channel revenue is projected to grow to $17 billion by 2029, creating significant opportunities for weather-driven content in the ad-supported streaming landscape.
• Hyperlocal weather content increases engagement on FAST channels by meeting audience demands for personalized forecasts.
• A remarkable 98% of advertisers see value in sponsoring weather content on ad-supported streaming platforms, showcasing its role in boosting revenue.
• ReelSphere helps broadcasters turn unsold ad inventory into sponsor-ready weather segments that generate revenue.

Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels are dominating the media landscape. Consequently, this dynamic and competitive market creates new challenges for broadcasters looking to captivate audiences and maximize ad revenue. Enter ReelSphere, The Weather Company’s innovative weather content creation solution.

The ReelSphere platform delivers hyperlocal, geo-targeted, personalized weather forecasts 24/7 at scale backed by the most accurate weather data available. By transforming ad inventory into relevant, sponsor-ready weather content, ReelSphere creates a perfect alignment between what viewers want and what advertisers need.

It’s no secret that the FAST channel industry is experiencing rapid growth with revenue projected to surge from $8 billion in 2023 to $17 billion by 2029.¹ How do you plan to reap those rewards? For broadcasters, ReelSphere isn’t just another tool – it’s an essential component of a successful monetization strategy.

Using AI to engage viewers with hyperlocal and relevant content

Weather remains one of the most consistently consumed types of content, especially when it’s produced by one of America’s most trusted brands. According to research:

ReelSphere capitalizes on this demand by filling air time with snackable, hyperlocal forecasts that align with viewer interests. For example, a golf enthusiast might see a weather segment that highlights ideal tee times for their region, while families planning a weekend outing could view a tailored forecast featuring the best times for outdoor activities. Undeniably, personalization at this level makes sure viewers remain engaged with the content, resulting in longer watch times and increased ad impressions.

Turning unsold ad inventory into revenue

We’re all too familiar with seeing unsold ad inventory filled with placeholder messages such as “We’ll be right back” or repetitive promotional material. What do these messages really say? Lost revenue. Roughly 35% or 750M impressions go unsold each year.⁵ Let’s do the math:

• 115 million FAST channel users in the U.S.⁶
• Average of three viewing hours per day⁷
• Approximately 18 ads served per hour = 2.2B annual impressions⁸

ReelSphere monetizes slate by replacing it with sponsor-ready weather segments and alerts audiences crave. Sponsors can seamlessly incorporate their messaging, such as a logo overlay or a short call-to-action, choosing among various placement options:

• Integrated within the weather segment
• Pre-roll
• Post-roll
• Standalone ads

New York City running forecast: by ReelSphere

Within these placements, ReelSphere can deliver timely messages that correlate with the real-time forecast. For instance, a sunscreen brand might sponsor a summer weekend weather update, while a car manufacturer could highlight all-weather vehicle features during a winter storm.

Callaway sponsor ad embedded within a ReelSphere video.

Incorporating contextualized, ad-supported streaming weather content helps sponsors reach their target audience with relevant messaging at the right time.

Local trust, network-wide reach: The ReelSphere advantage

ReelSphere not only offers broadcasters dynamic, on-demand weather streaming content, it leverages modern AI to help them produce this content at scale.

Broadcasters can train the ReelSphere AI to replicate voices of their own on-air talent, preserving the familiarity and trust their audience expects. Or, choose built-in narration by The Weather Company talent.

ReelSphere also scales across multiple streaming platforms, including OTT, FAST, and CTV. This means broadcasters can generate sponsor-ready weather content customized for different regions, conditions, and audiences while maintaining consistency.

Why ReelSphere is a must-have for FAST channel operators

ReelSphere offers broadcasters a seamless way to easily integrate local weather streaming into their programming, all but guaranteeing a better viewing experience while maximizing ad revenue. By transforming unsold ad inventory into engaging weather segments, ReelSphere helps turn a problem into profit.