Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Blu-ray, DVD & 4K Media Players

Roku Faces Off With Google Over YouTube Access – Resolved!

Roku has enjoyed a lot of success, but that might be in jeopardy if Google removes YouTube from Roku devices due to the inability to negotiate a new agreement. Roku is painting Google as the villain.

Roku Home Screen with YouTube App Crossed Out

UPDATE 12/10/2021: YouTube users on Roku can breathe a sigh of relief. In a brief statement, Roku has announced that its issues with Google over YouTube and YouTube TV access appear to have been resolved. Current users can continue viewing and new users can download and install the apps. No further details have been mentioned at this time.

The following is archived information regarding the original controversy.

The past couple of years has been very successful for Roku. Its streaming platform is not only widely available on plug-in streaming devices, but its OS streaming platform is built into a growing number of TVs and soundbars

However, the real key to Roku’s success is providing access to well over 5,000 free and subscription-based streaming apps. Roku has also entered the content space with its streaming app that features curated and original content, as well as access to live TV

That being said, Roku is getting stuck in quicksand with one of its most popular content partners, Google. 

The problem is that Google owns YouTube, and Roku claims that Google is throwing its weight around to such an extent, that Roku is at immediate risk of losing the rights to offer YouTube on its streaming platform. Without YouTube, and its huge number of viewers, the popularity of Roku streaming devices could see a dip. 

YouTube on Roku

The main sticking point for Roku is that they claim Google is demanding that it provide preferential treatment to YouTube apps within their content search feature. Roku refuses this demand as it operates search results agnostically.

Of course, Google counterclaims that they have never asked for preferential treatment. However, CNBC has also claimed that it has uncovered an email from 2019 that indicates that Google did indeed ask for favorable search treatment from Roku.

The friction between Roku and Google is not new. In April/May 2021, Google pulled the paid subscription-based YouTube TV app from Roku’s offerings, but still placed access to it as a paid category within the standard free YouTube app on Roku devices.

  • If Roku and Google can’t resolve their differences, new Roku users will not be able to download and install the YouTube or YouTube TV apps on Roku devices after December 9th, 2021.  
  • Current Roku users that already have the YouTube and/or YouTube TV apps installed could still use those apps after the cut-off date for the time being. However, how long that access would last would remain to be seen. 

The Roku/Google controversy has not escaped the eyes of some members of Congress. However, if Congress does get involved that doesn’t necessarily mean that the result will be better than Roku and Google hashing this situation out themselves. 

It must be pointed out that in the past Amazon also had a dispute with Google which prevented direct access to YouTube on Fire TV and Echo Show devices, but that was eventually worked out.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Also, during that dispute, Amazon did provide a workaround for YouTube access via the Firefox and Silk Web Browsers. However, since Roku does not provide an effective web browser, this type of workaround is not available to Roku users. 

NOTE: This is a developing story. As significant developments are verified, this article will be updated. 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

New Products

Dunu x Koto Ito IEM wired

IEMs

DUNU x KOTO ITO delivers full-bodied sound with dual dynamic and balanced armature drivers, perfect for Rock, Hip-Hop and Electronic.

Aful Dawn-X IEMs Aful Dawn-X IEMs

IEMs

AFUL Dawn-X 14-driver hybrid IEM delivers flagship sound and advanced tech for $1,299, rivaling FiiO FX17, Astell&Kern LUNA, and Campfire Andromeda 10.

Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Colors Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Colors

IEMs

Campfire Audio celebrates 10 years with the Andromeda 10, a 10-driver flagship IEM debuting at CanJam SoCal 2025, priced at $1699 in green and...

Fosi Audio Headphones Coming to CanJam SoCal 2025 Fosi Audio Headphones Coming to CanJam SoCal 2025

New Products

Fosi Audio debuts i5 planar headphones, ZH3 DAC/Amp, and IM4 IEMs at CanJam SoCal 2025, competing with Schiit, FiiO, and iFi in affordable HiFi.

Edge Sound Research ResonX Core Installation Diagram Edge Sound Research ResonX Core Installation Diagram

New Products

Edge Sound Research’s Embodied Sound System turns surfaces into full-range audio, delivering immersive tactile and music experiences without visible speakers.

Skyworth 100CE1 Canvas Elite Art 100-inch TV Lifestyle Skyworth 100CE1 Canvas Elite Art 100-inch TV Lifestyle

New Products

Skyworth debuts 100-inch Canvas Elite Art TV at CEDIA 2025, featuring 4K QD-MiniLED, matte screen, Google TV, and premium display tech.

You May Also Like

Blu-ray, DVD & 4K Media Players

Roku’s OS 14 update adds more features you didn’t know you needed. It’s practical, sleek, and keeps your streaming life just a little more...

Daily Deals

Amazon's Prime Day runs from July 8 - 11, but ZVOX soundbars are on sale early.

New Products

TCL fills the 5.1 gap in its 2025 soundbar line-up with the Q65H, a Dolby Atmos-ready model that adds immersive sound without breaking the...

New Products

Marshall crashes the TV soundbar party with the Heston 120—a Dolby Atmos beast with 11 drivers, room calibration, and rock ’n’ roll swagger.

Gift Guides

Upgrade Mom's home audio and video experiences this Mother's Day with 10 gift ideas she'll absolutely love -- and you might too.

News

The well known TV reviewer and tech journalist extraordinaire has announced the launch of a new company, CD Creative Media LLC and a new...

New Products

New Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus are Around 35% slimmer than the competition and can be powered by a TV's built-in USB...

Laptops

After a shocking 145% tariff on Chinese imports, new U.S. Customs guidance spares smartphones, laptops, and TVs—giving tech giants like Apple a much-needed breather...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers