Roku, a pioneer in the streaming industry, introduced The Roku Channel in September 2017, marking its entry into the world of over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VOD) streaming services.
Over the years, The Roku Channel has undergone significant expansion and development, becoming a powerhouse in the streaming landscape. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what channels come with Roku, its history, expansion, and diverse content offerings.
What are Roku Channels?
Roku Channels refer to the streaming services and applications on the Roku platform. These can include free and premium channels, offering a wide selection of content to Roku users.
Roku Channels cover a broad spectrum of genres, ensuring viewers can find content that aligns with their preferences. Explore the table below to have a quick snip at Roku channels journey:
| Key Milestones | Details |
| Launch Date | – September 2017 |
| Expansion | – Expanded to Canada by August 2018. – Launched in the U.K. in April 2020. – Entered the Mexican market in October 2022. |
| Strategic Acquisitions | – Acquired the content library of Quibi in January 2021, rebranded as Roku Originals. |
| Content Diversity | – Offers nearly 350 linear streaming channels. – Genres include news, movies, sports, entertainment, music, kids’ content, home design, comedy, crime, reality, sci-fi, and more. |
| Premium Subscriptions | – Provides premium options for over 50 services, including Discovery+, Paramount+, HBO, Showtime, and more. |
| Roku Originals | – Ad-supported original content featuring well-known personalities. – Spanish-language content with creators like Jennifer Lopez and Juanpa Zurita. |
| Recent Developments | – Expanded on-demand content by almost 2000 hours in February 2023. – Captured 1.1% of all U.S. TV use in May 2023. |
This table provides an overview of key milestones, including launch dates, international expansion, strategic acquisitions, content diversity, premium subscriptions, Roku Originals, and recent developments of The Roku Channel.
Which are Premium Channels on Roku?
Roku offers premium channel subscriptions for various services, allowing users to access exclusive and premium content.
Some premium channels available on Roku include Discovery+, Paramount+, HBO, MGM+, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, Fuse Plus, Vix Premium, and more. Users can subscribe to these premium channels for an enhanced, ad-free streaming experience.
What Channels Come with Roku for Free?
When searching for what channels come with Roku for free, you will see that Roku provides both free and premium options.
Many channels on the Roku platform are free and ad-supported, providing users with a wide range of content without any additional cost. However, premium channels and services typically require separate subscription fees. Let’s take a look at the Free Roku Channels:
ABC News Live: Provides live and on-demand news coverage from ABC News.
Bloomberg: Offers business and financial news, interviews, and analysis.
Cheddar: A news network covering business, technology, and cultural trends.
NBC News Now: Delivers live and on-demand news content from NBC.
Newsy: A news network providing straightforward reporting and analysis.
WeatherNation: Offers live and on-demand weather-related content.
Pluto TV: A free streaming service with various channels covering news, entertainment, sports, and more.
FilmRise Free Movies: Features a collection of free movies spanning various genres.
Comedy Central Pluto TV: Provides a selection of comedy shows and stand-up specials.
Crackle: Offers a rotating selection of movies and TV shows for free.
Tubi: A free streaming service with diverse movies and TV shows.
Popcornflix: Features a variety of free movies and TV shows.
Redbox Free Movies: Provides a selection of free movies for streaming.
Roku Originals: The Roku Channel’s original programming is available for free with ads.
Please note that the availability of channels differs by region, and new channels may be added over time. Additionally, some free channels may offer premium content or have optional subscription services within the channel.
How to Watch Roku Channels?
Watching Roku Channels is a straightforward process, and here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Set Up Your Roku Device
Ensure your Roku device is appropriately set up and connected to your TV. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the Roku device to your television and power source.
Connect to the Internet
Connect your Roku device to the internet. Depending on your smart device and preferences, you can use a wired or wireless connection. Follow step-by-step on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Create a Roku Account
You’ll have to create a Roku account if you don’t own it for yourself. Visit the Roku site on a computer or mobile device and follow the sign-up instructions. Make sure to link your Roku device to your account during this process.
Access the Roku Home Screen
Once your Roku device is set up and connected, you’ll see the Roku home screen on your TV. This is the central hub for accessing channels and content.
Navigate to the Roku Channel Store
On the Roku home screen, you can scroll down & choose “Streaming Channels” to access the Channel Store. It helps you browse and add channels to your Roku device.
Browse and Add Channels
You can explore various categories in the Roku Channel Store or use the search function to find specific channels. Select a channel you want to add and press the OK or * button on your Roku remote to view more options. Go with the option “Add Channel” to add it to your Roku home screen.
Go to Your Roku Home Screen
Click on the Home option on your Roku remote to return to the main screen. You’ll now see the channels you’ve added on your Roku home screen.
Open and Watch Roku Channels
Navigate to the channel you want to watch using the arrow keys on your remote. Click the OK or * button to open the channel. You can now browse and select the content you want to watch from there.
Manage and Remove Channels (Optional)
If you want to manage your channels or remove any, go to the Roku home screen, navigate to the channel you want to manage, press the * symbol on your remote, and choose the desired option (move, remove, etc.).
Explore The Roku Channel (Optional)
If you want to explore The Roku Channel, which is a free, ad-supported channel offering a wide range of content, you can find it on your Roku home screen or add it from the Roku Channel Store.
That’s it! You are now ready to enjoy watching Roku Channels on your Roku device. The process may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your Roku device, but these general steps should guide you through the setup and channel installation process.
How Much Does the Roku Channel Subscription Cost?
The Roku Channel itself is a free, ad-supported platform. However, it offers premium channel subscriptions that come with their own costs. The subscription fees for premium channels on Roku differ depending on the specific channel or service. Users can choose the premium channels they want and subscribe to them individually.
What Type of Content is on the Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel features a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, entertainment, music, kids’ programming, home design, comedy, crime, reality, sci-fi, and more. With nearly 350 linear streaming channels and over 80,000 TV shows and movies, The Roku Channel caters to diverse interests and preferences.
What Platforms is the Roku Channel Available on?
The Roku Channel is available on Roku streaming devices and Roku-enabled smart TVs. Additionally, it is accessible on other streaming platforms, including Google TV, Android TV OS devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Apple TV, and Samsung smart TVs. This broad availability ensures users enjoy The Roku Channel on various devices.
What Channels Come with Roku? A Comprehensive Exploration
Roku Channels offers a comprehensive and diverse streaming experience, ranging from free, ad-supported options to premium subscriptions. Whether users are interested in news, movies, sports, or original content, Roku provides a versatile platform with various channels to cater to every viewer’s preferences.
Roku stands out as a leading streaming platform that caters to a broad spectrum of viewer preferences. With an extensive library of channels, Roku offers a seamless streaming experience for users interested in news, movies, sports, or original content.
The platform’s versatility is highlighted by the availability of free, ad-supported options and premium subscriptions, providing users with various choices to tailor their entertainment experience. For content creators or businesses looking to launch their FAST TV app or channel, partnering with a reliable and experienced technology partner is crucial.
Alphanso Technology emerges as a viable and innovative solution for those seeking a trusted ally in the dynamic world of streaming. Their expertise can be instrumental in bringing your vision to life, ensuring a successful launch and optimal performance for your FAST TV app or channel on the Roku platform.
With Alphanso Technology’s support, you can take full advantage of the diverse streaming landscape and connect with audiences worldwide. Elevate your streaming experience with Roku, and explore the possibilities of launching your FAST TV app or channel with the expertise of Alphanso Technology. Specify your FAST channel development requirements by contacting us at sales@alphansotech.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels are available on The Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel offers nearly 350 linear streaming channels, providing users with various content. This includes movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more.
How can I watch Roku Channels?
Watching Roku Channels is simple. Set up your Roku device, connect to the internet, create a Roku account, and access the Roku Channel Store to add channels. Navigate to your Roku home screen to open and watch the channels you’ve added.
What type of content does Roku Originals offer?
Roku Originals delivers free, ad-supported original content, including Spanish-language content. Content creation partners for Roku Originals include well-known personalities such as Cisley Saldaña, Liz Jenkins, Mariel Saldaña, Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Rich Eisen, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
How can I launch my FAST TV app or channel?
If you want to launch your FAST channel TV or app, consider partnering with Alphanso Technology. Our expertise in streaming solutions can help bring your vision to life, ensuring a successful launch and optimal performance on the Roku platform. Contact Alphanso Technology at sales@alphansotech.com for more information.
Can Alphanso Technology assist with FAST channel development?
Yes, Alphanso Technology can assist with FAST channel development. We offer innovative solutions and support to content creators and business owners looking to establish their presence in the dynamic world of streaming. For specific development requirements, reach out to Alphanso Technology at sales@alphansotech.com.