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Samsung TV Plus Doubles Down on Digital Creators as FAST Channel Expansion Accelerates

Samsung TV Plus Doubles Down on Digital Creators as FAST Channel Expansion Accelerates

by | Jul 28, 2025 | Business News, Trending | 0 comments

Photo Credit: Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash 

Samsung is making bold moves in the streaming landscape—this time by embracing the massive influence of digital-first creators. After previous content deals with names like Steven Bartlett, David Letterman, and Conan O’Brien, the tech giant is now leaning heavily into the creator economy, signaling a pivotal shift in strategy for its free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, Samsung TV Plus.

In a new wave of partnerships announced Monday, Samsung revealed that it will launch several new dedicated channels showcasing content from some of the most prominent independent creators on the internet. These creators, who rose to prominence largely through YouTube, will now have exclusive FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus—a platform pre-installed on millions of Samsung devices around the world.

Among the lineup are names that will be instantly recognizable to digital natives and casual viewers alike: Dhar Mann, Mark Rober, Michelle Khare, Smosh, The Try Guys, Epic Gardening, The Sorry Girls, and Donut Media. This expansion reflects not just a content acquisition strategy, but a cultural pivot: Samsung is betting that the future of television isn’t just about Hollywood blockbusters or late-night comedians—it’s about creators who built their brands online and command loyal, global audiences.

A New Platform for Purpose-Driven Storytelling

Take Dhar Mann, for example—a filmmaker and entrepreneur known for producing short, inspirational stories with moral lessons that reach millions. His videos rack up billions of views across platforms, and now, they’re getting a dedicated home on Samsung TV Plus.

“This is a major milestone for us as storytellers and producers,” Mann shared 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.”

For Samsung, this isn’t just about syndicating pre-existing YouTube content. In select cases, including Mann’s, the company is supporting the production of original, exclusive content that will only be available on Samsung TV Plus. That means these aren’t just repackaged playlists—they’re professionally curated linear channels designed to deliver a seamless, lean-back viewing experience.

Bridging Entertainment with Education: Mark Rober Joins In

Another high-profile addition is Mark Rober, the former NASA engineer turned viral science educator. With nearly 70 million followers across platforms, Rober is known for his wildly entertaining science experiments and engineering videos that make learning fun.

With his new FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus—Mark Rober TV—fans can expect a curated stream of his best educational content, reaching audiences who may never have encountered him on YouTube.

“Bringing my work to Samsung TV Plus means sharing the wonder of science and engineering with even more families,” said Rober. “This is about bringing curiosity and creativity front and center, right where the family gathers.”

In an era where educational content for children and families is increasingly sought after, Samsung is making a strategic move by positioning creators like Rober in a space traditionally reserved for legacy media brands. His content is ideal for both active learning and passive entertainment, making it a natural fit for Samsung’s living room-first experience.

Curated Channels, Not Just Playlists

It’s important to understand that Samsung TV Plus isn’t replicating YouTube. The new channels are not just random video feeds—they’re structured, curated, and formatted to mimic the linear TV experience. This taps into a growing demand for effortless viewing: unlike platforms where users must actively search and click through recommendations, FAST channels provide an always-on stream of content with minimal decision fatigue.

During this year’s IAB NewFronts presentation—a major event where digital publishers and platforms pitch their content to advertisers—Samsung emphasized its growing investment in creator-led content. Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus, made it clear that this wasn’t a short-term experiment but a key pillar of their long-term strategy.

“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. “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.”

Why Creators are the Future of FAST

There’s a seismic shift happening in the media world—from traditional television to creator-driven ecosystems, and from subscription fatigue to ad-supported models. Younger audiences, in particular, are more drawn to relatable, authentic creators than polished network productions. They value content that reflects their own humor, values, and curiosities—and they trust creators in a way they never trusted corporations.

FAST platforms like Samsung TV Plus are perfectly positioned to ride this wave. They offer free access, rely on advertising (which creators are already familiar with), and are pre-installed on devices that millions already use. By bringing creators into this space, Samsung is not just expanding its content library—it’s reshaping what viewers expect from a television platform.

Moreover, as platforms like Netflix and Disney+ increase subscription prices and clamp down on password sharing, users are growing weary. A recent survey by All About Cookies found that 84% of users have canceled at least one streaming subscription, and nearly half cited rising costs as the primary reason. In this climate, free, high-quality, creator-led content becomes an extremely attractive alternative.

The Bigger Picture: Samsung’s Global Push

Samsung TV Plus isn’t just big in the U.S.—it’s part of a global streaming strategy. As of now, the platform supports over 700 FAST channels in the U.S. and more than 1,000 globally, spanning regions from Europe to Asia. In October 2024, Samsung revealed that its streaming service had reached 88 million monthly active users, making it one of the fastest-growing FAST platforms in the world.

Samsung has cleverly leveraged its hardware dominance to fuel its streaming ambitions. The app comes pre-installed on all newer Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy tablets, and smart monitors running on the Tizen OS. It’s also available on select third-party smart TVs that license Samsung’s operating system, such as models from RCA and Loewe.

This kind of native integration gives Samsung a competitive edge over standalone services. It shortens the discovery funnel, placing content directly in front of users the moment they turn on their TV or device. And now, with the addition of creator-led channels, the company is banking on familiarity and loyalty—bringing creators fans already love into an environment that feels new, intuitive, and communal.

The Advertising Angle

Behind all this innovation is a simple but powerful monetization model: ads. FAST platforms thrive on advertising revenue, and creators are no strangers to sponsored content. What Samsung offers is scale: by centralizing and curating creator content into formal channels, advertisers can now buy media against predictable audiences in a brand-safe, living-room context.

For creators, this opens up new revenue streams and elevates their content into a more premium tier—away from the chaos of open-platform algorithms and demonetization issues. For Samsung, it’s a way to bring in premium advertisers while keeping users engaged for longer durations.

Final Thoughts: A Glimpse Into Streaming’s Future

What Samsung is doing here is bigger than just adding new channels. They’re redefining what it means to be a television creator in 2025. No longer is success confined to studio-produced sitcoms or Netflix originals. Independent creators are now front and center—on the biggest screens, backed by billion-dollar companies, and driving viewership with content that was once considered fringe or niche.

This isn’t a pivot—it’s a revolution.

And with Samsung TV Plus leading the charge, don’t be surprised if the next time you flip on your smart TV, you find yourself watching a video by your favorite YouTuber—only now, it’s airing like a show, not just a post.

Samsung TV Plus Doubles Down on Digital Creators as FAST Channel Expansion Accelerates

Bubba Wallace Makes History: First Black Driver to Win NASCAR’s Brickyard 400

by | Jul 28, 2025 | Business News, Latest, Trending | 0 comments

Photo Credit: Photo by Frank Albrecht on Uns

In a powerful and long-awaited moment for motorsports and diversity in American racing, Bubba Wallace etched his name into history books by becoming the first Black driver to win the prestigious Brickyard 400, one of NASCAR’s most iconic crown jewel races. This monumental victory not only marked a personal milestone for Wallace but also a turning point in the narrative of diversity and inclusion in a sport that has long battled its cultural legacy.

The win came at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, widely regarded as one of the most hallowed grounds in racing. With blistering speed and razor-sharp precision, Wallace clinched the victory by just 0.222 seconds ahead of 2023’s defending champion, Kyle Larson, denying him the opportunity to become just the fourth driver in NASCAR history to win the Brickyard in back-to-back years.

For Wallace, this wasn’t just a win—it was a release, a declaration, and a rebuke to every doubt ever cast on his talent.

“That adrenaline rush is crazy,” Wallace said post-race, still catching his breath after a tense and physically draining event. “I’m worn out. Unbelievable. To win here at the Brickyard, knowing how big this race is, knowing all the noise that’s going on in the background—to set that all aside is a testament to these people here on this 23 team.”

A Victory 100 Races in the Making

This triumph at the Brickyard ended a 100-race winless streak for Wallace, whose last victory came in 2022 at Kansas Speedway. Before that, he claimed his first Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021—an emotionally charged victory that came amid ongoing national conversations about race, representation, and identity.

Unlike those earlier wins, which were heavily symbolic, this Brickyard victory felt deeply competitive and clean. It was not won on the back of weather-shortened conditions or accidents; this was a pure driver’s race—strategic, aggressive, and hard-fought to the last turn.

Driving Under the Banner of Legends

Wallace races for 23XI Racing, a team co-founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. He drives the No. 23 Chumba Casino Toyota, a nod to Jordan’s legendary basketball jersey number and a symbol of ambition for the team itself.

From the outset, the mission of 23XI Racing was to break boundaries—on the track and off it. Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR, historically perceived as a predominantly white Southern sport, added much-needed attention and funding to efforts pushing for a more inclusive culture.

Jordan has long emphasized that he didn’t enter NASCAR for tokenism—but for winning. And with Wallace’s win, that goal is being realized.

The Final Lap: A Battle of Nerves

The race was tightly contested, but the final laps were a mental chess match. Kyle Larson, known for his dominance on various track types, was breathing down Wallace’s neck in the closing laps. Every fraction of a second mattered.

Top Finishers: A Packed Field

Behind Wallace, the final standings included some of the sport’s top-tier talents. Kyle Larson took second place. Wallace’s team co-owner and driver Denny Hamlin crossed the line in third, proving once again his enduring form. Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski secured fourth and fifth, respectively.

The rest of the top 10 featured Todd Gilliland, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Alex Bowman, and Carson Hocevar, showing the depth and competition that made the Brickyard 400 such a spectacle this year.

The Brickyard: One of NASCAR’s Four Pillars

To understand the weight of Wallace’s win, one must understand the stature of the Brickyard 400. It’s one of NASCAR’s four crown jewel races, alongside:

  • Daytona 500 – the “Super Bowl” of NASCAR.
  • Coca-Cola 600 – the grueling test of endurance held in Charlotte.
  • Southern 500 – steeped in tradition and held at Darlington Raceway.
  • Brickyard 400 – a unique race held at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a track that also hosts the Indianapolis 500, making it a shrine for all forms of motorsport.

These events aren’t just races—they’re legacy-makers.

Winning any one of them ensures your name is forever remembered in NASCAR lore. And for a Black driver to accomplish this, given the sport’s checkered history on diversity, it cannot be overstated: this is seismic.

Historical Significance: The Ghost of Wendell Scott

The magnitude of Wallace’s win is especially potent when viewed against the backdrop of Wendell Scott, the first Black driver to win a race in the NASCAR Grand National Series—way back in 1963. However, Scott was not awarded the trophy in person that day due to racist fears of crowd reactions. It wasn’t until 2021, nearly 60 years later, that his family was given the trophy posthumously.

Bubba Wallace has often paid homage to Scott, saying that without him, his own career wouldn’t have been possible. And with this Brickyard victory, Wallace builds upon that legacy—not just filling the shoes of pioneers but shattering ceilings they could only dream of.

Why This Win Matters Beyond Racing

Wallace’s win speaks to more than just motorsport fans. It resonates across broader cultural and generational divides. He is a symbol of:

  • Perseverance: Going winless in 100 races and still showing up with focus and fire.
  • Representation: Being a Black man in a white-dominated sport and staying true to himself.
  • Resilience: Facing criticism, boycotts, and social media abuse, yet never backing down.

He’s taken bold stances—such as advocating for the removal of Confederate flags at NASCAR events and speaking openly about racial inequality—which earned him both praise and scorn. But with this win, he lets performance speak louder than politics.

Reactions From the Racing World

Following the race, drivers and racing legends took to social media and post-race interviews to applaud Wallace’s performance.

Hamlin, his co-owner and a fierce competitor, was proud—despite finishing behind his own driver.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled for Bubba and this team,” Hamlin said. “This was one of the most complete races he’s driven. He earned every bit of this one.”

Even Kyle Larson, always a competitor and once the center of his own controversy over racial remarks in 2020, offered his congratulations.

“He drove a great race. Clean and fast. That’s what it’s about,” Larson said in a brief statement.

A Look Ahead: Iowa and the Playoffs

The next NASCAR Cup Series race is scheduled for August 3rd in Iowa, where Wallace will look to continue this momentum. With a playoff spot now secured, he has the chance to shift focus from survival to dominance.

This win might just be the fuel that pushes Wallace deeper into the postseason, maybe even toward a championship. And that, in itself, would be another history-making moment.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Win

In a sport often criticized for being slow to evolve, Bubba Wallace’s victory at the Brickyard 400 is more than just a milestone—it’s a message.

It tells every underdog that perseverance pays off.
It tells every doubter that talent transcends background.
It tells every young fan watching from the sidelines—especially those who look like Bubba—that the racetrack has room for them too.

As he stood on Victory Lane, the iconic bricks of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway beneath his feet, Wallace wasn’t just a winner. He was a symbol of change, of hope, of earned triumph in a world that still doesn’t hand those things out freely.