U.S-based streaming service Plex is launching a new free ad-supported streaming TV channel in the Canadian market as it looks to continue its momentum with user growth in the market.

Plex Picks is the service’s first owned-and-operated FAST channel. As opposed to its other channels, which are focused on specific genres or programs, the channel will feature a live lineup of movies and TV series across genres, including crime, horror, mystery, sci-fi and thriller.

The channel will launch on May 10.

Plex has been available in Canada since 2019 when the U.S.-based company launched its ad-supported streaming service in more than 200 global markets. Its live FAST offering was added to its platform the following year.

According to Plex’s internal data, it has tripled viewership in Canada year-over-year, based on both number of users and minutes watched.

That increase has come following a major expansion of Plex’s offering for Canadian viewers. It has doubled the number of FAST channels within its service to nearly 250, with the new additions including MotorTrend FAST TV and BBC Food, as well as ones dedicated to series such as Doctor Who, Midsome Murders and Baywatch. The number of AVOD titles has now also topped 30,000.

Plex has been focusing on establishing new partnerships to deepen its content library and draw in new viewers, including Canadian distributors like VVS Films and Elevation Pictures, as well as global studios like BBC, All3Media and Fremantle.