Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) and YouTube announced the availability of YouTube TV on select Roku devices. The deal is intended to allow Roku users to stream live sports, local and national news, and shows the moment they air on live TV.
For $35 a month following a free trial, users will get access to live TV from nearly 50 networks. Sports and premium networks are also available for an additional monthly charge.
"We are thrilled to bring YouTube TV to our customers," said Tedd Cittadine, vice president, Content Distribution, Roku. "YouTube TV connects Roku users with great live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks in a channel built specifically for TVs."
"We love TV - from the shows to live sports to the can't-miss events. We built YouTube TV to give consumers a better way to experience this great content," said Christian Oestlien, product management director, YouTube TV. "The way people watch TV is ever-evolving, and expanding our reach through the Roku platform was a great fit."
Additional features include:
- Cloud DVR with no storage limits
- "Library" tab that includes access to recorded shows
- "Home" tab with personalized recommendations, including top picks and "resume watching"
- "Live" tab with a program guide
- Background playback
- Ability to share with up to five other household members
Currently, YouTube TV is available in more than 80 metro areas. YouTube TV is available in the Roku Channel Store now.
According to Parks Associates, Roku is the leading U.S. provider of streaming media players, with 37% of U.S. households owning and using a Roku device as of Q1 2017.