Security takes time at airports and airlines want to look after their best customers, so they have arrangements with TSA/airport officials to create a shorter line for passengers with status and passengers in premium cabins. Doesn't affect what happens when you get to the end of it.
This is free to members of Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS programs, active duty [US] military, DoD employees and other federal employees with security clearance. For everyone else it costs $85/5 years ($17/year~) and may require an in-person interview.
I'd argue that if you are a frequent traveller, this is BETTER than status at the moment. The TSA Pre line is shorter and moves quicker than even the express line. And if you travel even semi-regularly $85/5 years is almost nothing compared to the time and hassle savings (look at it as one trip's lost lounge access).
If you live nearby (or can easily get to) a Canadian border point, NEXUS is an even better value. $50 for five years, includes Global Entry privileges, and you get expedited access in and out of Canada - dedicated lanes if you drive, Global Entry-style kiosks if you fly. It can take a month or two for your interview however as both governments have to approve you.
I do have mixed feelings about forking over money to a system I would much rather see replaced or overhauled. However, considering how often I've flown in the last couple years, my NEXUS membership has absolutely been worth it for Pre-√ alone, and the times I've used NEXUS/GE have been equally handy.
For example American Express credits the fee for global entry on their higher end cards:
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/expedite-your-tra...
But, that said, fast track security is the exact same security as regular security, it just have more staff allocated (at the airline's expense), so the lines will (usually) be shorter. Also, fast track will have a high percentage of experienced travellers that know to pack their liquids in a plastic bag, to remove their laptops and shoes, and when etc, and especially know the total futility of engaging with the security staff at all, so things tend to flow faster.
These days, though, they've gotten rid of that and now if you want precheck you have to enroll in it or get it from another trusted-traveler program (Global Entry, in my case).
Some airlines have had a separate lane set up to funnel their status-holders to the front of the normal security lines, too, though that seems hit-or-miss in these days when most of the frequent flyers have precheck in some form or another.