Target Platform

What is a Target Platform?

A target platform is the specific destination where streaming content is delivered for viewers to watch. In the world of connected TV and streaming, this includes services and devices like Sling, Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Sinclair’s STIRR, Pluto TV, and others. These platforms host live and on-demand channels, manage ad inventory, and offer user interfaces that let viewers access content.

For content creators, publishers, and distributors, the target platform is where their programming becomes available to audiences. Choosing the right platform can affect reach, revenue, viewer engagement, and ad performance.

Why Are Target Platforms Important?

Target platforms are central to how streaming TV operates today. They provide the infrastructure that enables content to be discovered, streamed, and monetized. These platforms handle distribution, playback, and often advertising technology.

For FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels, target platforms serve as the front door to audiences. Without a platform to deliver to, content can’t be watched — and without viewers, monetization doesn’t happen.

Partnering with multiple target platforms also helps publishers diversify their audience and avoid over-dependence on a single channel or ecosystem.

How Target Platforms Work

Target platforms integrate with content delivery systems like playout servers or streaming origin points. They receive scheduled or on-demand video content and format it for playback across devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile apps, and web browsers.

Each platform has its own technical requirements, such as video formats, ad specifications, metadata standards, and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) layouts. Publishers must often tailor their content pipelines to meet these standards.

Use Cases for Target Platforms

Target platforms help streaming publishers achieve key business goals:

• Content Distribution: Making content available where viewers are already watching.
• Audience Growth: Tapping into the built-in user bases of major smart TV ecosystems.
• Ad Monetization: Generating revenue through programmatic or direct ad sales.
• Brand Visibility: Building channel recognition across premium destinations.

For example, a sports publisher might launch a FAST channel on multiple target platforms to reach viewers during off-season months. Or a studio could syndicate a library of evergreen content across platforms with different audience segments.

Target Platforms in the Streaming Ecosystem

Target platforms are a foundational part of the streaming TV supply chain. As more viewers shift from cable to connected TV, platforms become gateways to content.

Wurl helps streamline this process by enabling publishers to deliver channels to multiple target platforms from a single workflow. Through products like Global FAST Pass, content can be formatted, scheduled, and distributed efficiently — with robust support for playout, ad insertion, and compliance.

By managing integrations with each platform’s technical and business requirements, Wurl ensures that channels are available, discoverable, and profitable across the global streaming landscape.