Roku Expands Free Programming Channel to Web

You don’t need a Roku to watch its free programming anymore. 

The maker of connected TV devices on Wednesday launched web browser support for the Roku Channel, which offers a streaming library of free programming from studios including Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. The move signals a more direct push into the free streaming space already populated by services like Crackle and PlutoTV. 

“We want to be the best destination for free streaming entertainment,” said Rob Holmes, vp programming and engagement at Roku. “We’re delighted to deliver even more value to our customers without subscriptions, complicated logins or fees.” 

Roku is also launching a new navigation on the home page of its devices that will make it easier to find free content across its network of apps. The “Featured Free” button will now offer direct links to free content from apps including ABC, The CW, Fox and more. 

“With Featured Free, we’re making it easy for our customers to see the great, free content already available on the Roku platform in one place, while creating value for our content providers by connecting them with Roku’s growing audience,” said Holmes.

The Roku Channel launched last fall to curate a library of free programming from a variety of film and TV studios. It also aggregates free content from participating channels on its platform. It is now the fifth-most-popular streaming channel on the Roku platform.

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