Roku Devices, Channels, OS Explained for Streaming Entrepreneurs (2024)

In this age of cord-cutting, every household is looking for cordless streaming options to power their TVs. In this process, IPTVs have evolved rapidly in the past few years. And Roku is a pioneer in this field. Even in the age of Fire TV and Apple TV, Roku TV and streaming devices have succeeded in keeping 50% of the CTV market in North America. This number speaks of its popularity.

Roku channels give viewers the flexibility to stream diverse types of content over the internet, including some of the most popular video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

In this blog, we will simplify Roku TV and streaming devices for streaming entrepreneurs like you! We will tell you about the Roku OS and ecosystem, the market size of Roku, the future projection of Roku, and everything else you need to know! We will also guide you through the process of creating and launching your own Roku Channel without any coding. So, let’s get started!

What is Roku TV?

Roku TVs are those smart TVs that have a built-in Roku Streaming Platform. These smart TVs usually run on the Roku OS and are a part of the Roku TV and Streaming ecosystem. Many of these TVs are sold by Roku on their official website and are developed by TV developers like TCL.

To understand these Roku TVs better, you will need to know about the Roku streaming devices, Roku OS, and Roku TV ecosystem first. So, let’s begin by understanding what is Roku.

What is Roku?

Well, Roku is actually the name of a company that revolutionized video streaming through TVs in North America. Started in 2008, they are probably the fastest-growing streaming device manufacturers in the world.

Now what does Roku make? Over the years, Roku has manufactured some of the most popular media streaming devices that can work with any type of TV, provided your TV has an HDMI port in it. The devices developed by Roku, like the Roku streaming players, Roku smart home setups, and Roku audio setups run on Roku’s own operating system, called the Roku OS.

What is Roku OS?

Roku OS is an in-house operating system of Roku that was built specifically for the smart and connected TV setup. The main motto of this OS is to keep the UI of the Roku TV and streaming devices user-friendly so that you can search for your favorite shows and content rapidly and conveniently.

They also let you customize your home screen, as Roku OS has many built-in themes for the home screen, from which you can choose your own.

Most of the devices running on Roku OS are compatible with digital voice assistants like Alexa,

And Google Assistant. It is also compatible with Apple AirPlay and Apple HomeKit. Hence, these devices can be operated very easily.

More on Roku Streaming Players

Roku streaming players are the series of streaming devices that Roku makes. These streaming devices are very easy to use and work with most of the TV models. You can use these streaming devices to stream content from the internet directly on your TV.

Some of the Roku Streaming players, along with their features and official prices are tabulated below.

Roku OS and TV – Origin and History

Roku’s journey started in the mid-1990s when its founder Anthony Wood wanted to have a simpler process of recording his favorite TV shows. Some years later, he saw that connected TV and smart TVs can solve not only this problem but many other problems too. That is why, he started creating the world’s first TV OS, which is now known as the Roku OS.

In 2008, the first Roku streaming player (which was also the first device of the Roku TV ecosystem) was launched. And, it was operating on the Roku OS!

Within the next 6 years, Roku sold over 10 million devices, which inspired them to do more, as the viewers liked it a lot. And what happened in the next few years is history. Roku became the most popular connected TV ecosystem in the US.

We have tried to cover this fascinating journey of Roku through some major dates, which are tabulated below.

What is Roku TV Stick? How to Use It?

Roku Streaming Sticks, often called Roku TV Sticks, are HDMI streaming devices developed by Roku. These small pen-drive-shaped streaming devices get connected directly to the built-in HDMI port of your television and get hidden behind your TV.

Using it is extremely simple. You just need to plug it into your TV, and connect it to wifi. It will start operating instantly. You can now choose your home screen, browse your favorite apps and channels, and start streaming your favorite content!

Roku TV Channels Providers

Roku channels are nothing but the streaming platforms available on Roku. Roku offers over 350+ free channels, along with some other paid Roku channels. A list of such channels can be found on Roku’s official page here.

You can download any of these “Channels” from the Channel Store of Roku OS. One such special channel is “The Roku Channel”. It is Roku’s in-house channel that gives you access to free and premium TV channels, shows, and content.

If you are a streaming entrepreneur and want to create your own Roku Channel where you can publish your video content and make money from it, you can take the help of Roku TV Channel Providers. These are companies that help you create and launch your own Roku Channel without any coding or technical know-how.

Top Roku TV Channel Providers

The following platforms will help streaming entrepreneurs like you create and launch your own Roku Channel:

1. Muvi One
2. Uscreen
3. VPlayed
4. ViewLift
5. Frontlayer

Muvi One is currently one of the most-loved and highly-rated no-code platforms for Roku TV App Development. Its extremely easy-to-use UI and completely no-code solution help you create a custom-branded Roku Channel packed with cutting-edge features. We will see more about the process of creating your own Roku Channel using Muvi One in our upcoming sections.

3 Ways To Create Your Own Roku Channel

There are three main ways to create your own Roku Channel:

1. Using a No-Code Platform
2. Roku Direct Publishing
3. Hiring Freelance Developers or Development Firms

Using a No-Code Platform

The first option is to use one of those no-code platforms or Roku Channel Providers we listed above. This is the simplest and most affordable option. It is ideal for video creators who want to avoid complex technicalities. Platforms like Muvi One, Uscreen, or VPlayed handle the entire channel creation process for you. You just need to pay the subscription fees associated with these services.

Roku Direct Publishing

This is Roku’s own free channel creation tool. It offers a user-friendly interface with pre-designed templates. It lets you build a basic channel without coding knowledge. But for more advanced features, you might need to use platforms like Muvi One.

Also, in this case, you’ll handle things like content hosting, channel branding, and managing the feed yourself. While this is a DIY approach, it requires some technical know-how and might not offer the same level of customization as the first option.

Hiring Freelance Developers or Development Firms

This route gives you the most control and flexibility for crafting a highly customized Roku channel. However, it’s the most expensive and time-consuming option. You’ll need to hire a developer or development team to build the channel from scratch according to your specific needs.

This is only for large companies with significant budgets and complex requirements. But even for them, it will be really time-consuming. Apart from that, there are chances of disputes if the hired developer leaves the project mid-way.

Create Your Roku TV Channel with Muvi One

If you are looking to leverage the immense potential of the Roku Streaming Ecosystem in the easiest way possible, Muvi One is absolutely the right choice! Launching a Roku Channel using Muvi One won’t need any major effort from your side. In fact, you won’t even need any tech team or developers as you won’t have to write a single line of code!

You just need to follow the steps given below:

• Step 1 – Signup with MUVI One. Click here to sign up.
• Step 2- Once your account is created, log in to your CMS dashboard.
• Step 3 – Go to the content library and add your content (both live and pre-recorded content are supported).
• Step 4 – Now, go to the Apps section and choose the app you want to build. In this case, you will have to choose the Roku TV app (which means Roku Channel).
• Step 5 – Choose the app design template and customize the look and feel of your app.
• Step 6 – Setup monetization and payment gateways
• Step 7 – Enable in-app purchases and payments
• Step 8 – Configure your Roku TV App, and submit the app application form.

As soon as you submit the app application form, our developers will start working on it. Ideally, the preview version of your app should get delivered to your mailbox within a few hours.

Key Features of Muvi One

Some of the key features of Muvi One include:

• Multi-DRM Security: Protects your video and audio content with multi-DRM encryption. We support various DRM platforms like Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay, and Microsoft PlayReady. This leads to compatibility across devices. Multi-DRM helps in preventing unauthorized access and piracy.
• Built-in CDN: Delivers your content efficiently around the world the globe. Our built-in AWS CDN ensures smooth streaming without buffering for viewers even in remote parts of the world.
• Easy-to-Use CMS: Upload, organize, and manage your video library with a user-friendly content management system.
• Automatic Encoding & Transcoding: Ensures your videos are compatible with various devices and internet speeds by automatically adjusting the format.
• Multiple Monetization Models: Generate revenue through subscriptions, pay-per-view, advertisem*nts, and rentals.
• Built-in Payment Gateways: Accept payments securely from viewers worldwide with integrated payment gateways.
• Fully Customizable Player & Website: Create a branded website and video player that reflects your identity.
• Advanced Analytics: Gain insights into user behavior, engagement, and revenue with a comprehensive analytics dashboard to optimize your service.
• Recommendation Engine: Keep users engaged by suggesting content they might enjoy based on their viewing habits (similar to Netflix).
• Live Streaming: Stream live events alongside your on-demand video library.

Are Roku TV Channels and Apps the Same Thing?

There is a lot of misconception regarding the Roku TV apps and channels. Some people think that both of these are the same, while others think that Roku TV App and Channel are two different things. Well, it’s now time to bust the myth.

If you are using any Roku Device, you must be aware of the Roku Channel Store. The name itself suggests that it is a store from which “Channels” can be added for your viewing. But this same store hosts “Apps” too, within it!

Actually, Roku TV Channels are a type of Roku TV app which stream on-demand or live content. However, there are some other apps too on Roku OS, like screencasting apps, photo viewing apps, and even some games. These are referred to as “Apps” only.

But, at the end of the day, if you are speaking from a streaming point of view, then Roku Channel and Roku TV App will mean the same thing to you.

Roku Smart TVs – Road to Future

Moving a step forward from its streaming device products, Roku has now launched Roku Smart TV – a smart TV that runs on Roku OS. It has Roku Streaming built-in, hence you don’t need to attach any separate Roku device to access Roku’s content on it.

So, it’s clear that Roku is now concentrating to diversify its device portfolio, and is not restricted to only streaming devices and IPTV boxes anymore. And it is clearly bringing in the results.

In the first quarter of 2023, Roku reported that they now have 71.6 million active accounts worldwide. This number is currently at its highest level to date. And in the coming years, this number is expected to grow by 20 million, to reach 90 million active users.

Market and Growth Projection of Roku TV, Streaming Devices, and Ecosystem

In the US, the connected TV market is projected to touch US$ 100 billion by 2030. And if Roku keeps growing at the same CAGR as the overall connected TV market, which is 18.9%, then it will surely touch annual revenue of US$ 13 billion by 2030.

Currently, there are 36,589 apps and channels available on the Roku Channel Store, published by over 9900 app developers. Out of this, a whopping 94.64% comprise free channels, while only 5.63% are paid channels. This shows that viewers have surely loved the free ad-based streaming on Roku.

And this app ecosystem is growing at a rapid pace. On average, 16 new apps get published on the Channel Store every single day. Hence, the streaming market players are really interested in the Roku smart TV ecosystem.

Navigating the Roku TV

Bought a new Roku TV and wondering how to use it? Let’s take you on a short trip to the Roku TV!

Add New Channels

Looking to add your favorite channels on Roku TV? You can do it easily by following the steps given below:

• Go to the home screen.
• Now click on “Streaming Channels”. It will open the Roku Channel Store.
• Browse through the channels available on the channel store. You can also enter text input in “Search Channels” for easy browsing.
• When you get the channel of your choice, click on “Add Channel”.

Your channel will be installed and added to your Roku TV!

Searching for Something to Watch on Roku

You can use Roku Search using your remote to search for any content on your Roku TV. If your remote has the search button, then directly click on the search button to go to the search screen. And if your remote has the voice command option, then “Go to Search” by using the voice prompt.

Once the search bar opens, type the channel or the content that you want to search. It’s as simple as that!

Using Voice Commands

Using voice commands is really easy on Roku TV. Especially if your Roku remote comes with a voice control button on it. You just need to click on that button and give the commands.

IF YOU NEED ANY HELP IN NAVIGATING THROUGH OR SETTING UP YOUR ROKU TV OR WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ROKU TV AND CHANNELS, YOU CAN POST YOUR QUERIES IN ROKU’S OFFICIAL COMMUNITY. CLICK HERE TO VISIT ROKU COMMUNITY PAGE.

What Are the Differences Between Roku TV and Smart TV?

Though Roku TV is also a type of smart TV, the Roku OS makes it a bit different from the other smart TVs in the market. We have tabulated some of the major differences between Roku TV and other Smart TVs below.

To Sum Up

Roku TV, Roku Channels, and Roku streaming devices are already the most popular streaming ecosystems in the US, and in the next few years, it is set to grow even further. So, it is the right time to start your own Roku channel, and the easiest way to do so is by using Muvi One.

With Muvi One, you get 100+ industry-leading features, including a built-in CDN server, built-in multi-DRM security, unique and trendy design templates, and more! Sign-up to start your 14-day free trial today!