A new survey conducted by Roku Canada has revealed some insightful information about the Canadian streaming TV landscape. Notably, Canadians are embracing free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels in record numbers, marking a culture shift.
According to Roku’s sixth annual Video on Demand (VOD) Evolution study, the number of TV streamers who can be reached by in-stream ads rose to 85% in 2025, up from 69% in 2024, with nine-in-10 Canadian TV streamers using ad-supported streaming. More than 43% of TV streamers are watching cable channels through streaming services as well.
Time spent with ad-supported content has risen in the past year from 7.3 hours a week in 2024 to 10.2 hours a week in 2025. When it comes to ad-supported subscription video-on-demand (ADSVOD) services, 69% access these services in the last month, an increase of 50% year-over-year. Meanwhile, standard SVOD services usage declined slightly, with 80% of TV streamers accessing SVOD services compared to 85% last year.
“The shift to ad-supported streaming is real, now used by nearly nine in 10 Canadian TV streamers,” says Ivan Pehar, Director of Ad Sales at Roku Canada.
To get content they want while managing the cost of subscriptions, 12% of TV streamers will switch from one paid-for subscription to another one, remaining the same year-over-year. More TV streamers are finding that streaming platforms can replace cable TV, at least to some extent. Cable or satellite viewing continues to fall among TV streamers in Canada, from 6.8 hours a week last year to 6.3 hours a week this year, and 14% have cancelled their cable.
For 43% of TV streamers, weekly TV viewing time is spent on ad-supported streaming services for both live and on-demand content. More than two-in-five (44%) of TV streamers say that it is stressful finding something new to watch on TV streaming apps. When it comes to advertising, 64% of TV streamers find interactive ads useful, rising to 83% of 18-34s. It’s also worth noting that nearly six-in-10 (59%) of TV streamers say that they feel more positively toward brands that highlight products that are Canadian-made in their ads.
FAST channels, Roku notes, offer a traditional “lean back” TV experience where you can turn on the TV and watch whatever is on. Interestingly enough, it’s a harken back to the “old days” of TV that streaming purported to revolutionize. FAST channels offer scheduled programming around a shared theme, helping them rise in popularity. Indeed, 56% of TV streamers use streaming services to watch live or scheduled channels, including broadcast channels traditionally found on cable, and FAST. More than a third (35%) of TV streamers say they enjoy watching themed live TV channels while 41% say they enjoy turning on a TV channel and watching whatever is on.
The Roku Channel hosts more than 200 FAST channels, including French-language channels, for streamers looking to enjoy a linear TV experience with regular in-stream and breaks.
Roku’s VOD Evolution Canada survey examines Canadian TV streaming behaviour and trends. It’s based on an online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ who use the internet and watched TV at least once in the last month. Fuse Insights research commissioned by Roku took place between June and July 2025, with a sample size of 2,018 Canadians nationally in English and French representative by age, gender, and geography.