YouTube has big plans for Coachella 2026, when the popular music festival returns for its two-weekend run. Yes, the Google-owned streamer will once again provide livestreaming of the performances for fans unable to make the show this month — but now, there’ll be music video-themed FAST channels, known as Stations.
FAST TV stands for “free, ad-supported television,” a popular category of streaming services that offer content without a paid subscription. Stations, much like popular linear TV services like Tubi and The Roku Channel — or even FAST channel offerings on Prime Video — offer viewers an old-school, stress-free and passive viewing experience.
During Coachella, these Stations, according to The Verge, will operate as “24-7 linear streams preprogrammed with videos from artists performing at the festival.” Instead of endlessly searching for something to click to play, “Coachella TV” on YouTube will feature a mix of iconic archival performances, artist interviews, documentaries and 2026 festival highlights, with Stations curated by the artists and creators.
Google didn’t immediately respond to our request for comment.
YouTube has already begun rolling out the new feature with a handful of musicians, including Grammy-winning artist Bruno Mars, who has used his YouTube Station to promote his new album, The Romantic.
YouTube’s senior product management director, Kurt Wilms, told The Verge that they have yet to set a date for when Stations will be available to all creators. But there is a plan in place to make this feature available to all.
“Anyone will be able to go in, make a playlist and click ‘Start a Station,'” he said. “That’s what we want to get to, ultimately.”
