In A Crowded Smart TV Market, A Clear Winner Emerges
If you are a video creator or organization looking to start your own TV channel on Smart TV platforms, the choices can be overwhelming.
There are so many different devices and platforms to choose from, including launching your own channel on Roku, Apple TV, Samsung TV, Amazon Firestick, Android TV and so many more…
Roku, a TV platform which first gained traction in 2008 as a streaming device built for Netflix, has experienced rapid growth, unlike any other platform in the Smart TV market.
Roku has captured a leading North American market share, and become the number one streaming device used in 90+ million US households.
For video creators, organizations and other content creators alike, this offers several serious advantages to publishing your videos on the Roku Platform.
The largest TV viewer audience, coupled with multiple ways to make money with your video content and the ease of distribution offers some unparalleled opportunities for video creators to grow their followings and engage with viewers directly in their living rooms.
This is where content creators who wish to get heard and want to tag their roots across different parts of the globe prefer the Roku platform.
Whether you are a rookie in the streaming world or an established content creator, you should consider launching a Roku channel if you are interested in broadening your brand.
This blog post will keep you abreast of the five advantages of Roku, the best open platform for running your TV network, and how it can assist you to reach out to the world-wide market with your brand.
1. Massive Audience Reach on Roku
One of the biggest advantages of launching a Roku channel is the huge audience you can reach.
With over 90 million households in the United States alone (as of 2025), and availability in 19 other countries, Roku is the #1 streaming platform for both creators and viewers.
Unlike traditional cable TV, where content is restricted to certain regions, Roku allows video creators to have developers launch their own channels, self-host them, and broadcast their content globally — directly to their audience on their TV sets.
With the ‘cord cutting’ trend continuing to grow, with as much as 80 million more American’s projected to ‘cut the cord’ on cable and satellite TV by 2026, Roku, alongside other TV platforms whose doors are open for content creators to independently launch their own channels and publish their content, is a goldmine for creators trying to stand out.
When compared with an ever more saturated market on YouTube and Social Media with millions of creators competing against the algorithms… the choice becomes even more clear.
Whether you’re producing short films, documentaries, live shows, or on-demand videos, your content can reach millions of viewers directly, inside your own branded streaming apps, that you own, and that can’t be demonetized by YouTube or lost in the feeds of social media.
Additionally, with Roku smart TVs becoming increasingly popular and replacing traditional forms of TV like cable and satellite.
By having your content available on the Roku channel list, you tap into an audience that’s actively looking for fresh and engaging content.
PRO TIP
Optimize your Roku channel name and channel description with relevant keywords to what Roku viewers might be searching for, like "Basketball", "Travel Vlog", and "Classic Movies" to improve the visibility of your channel in Roku’s search results.
2. Easy Setup & Affordable Launch Costs
Launching a TV network on cable requires expensive infrastructure, licenses, and approval processes. In contrast, setting up a Roku channel is straightforward and cost-effective.
Here’s how Roku makes it easy for video creators to launch their own streaming network:
- User-Friendly Setup: Roku provides step-by-step guides to help you create your Roku channel without the need for advanced technical skills.
- Low Development Costs: Unlike traditional TV networks that require expensive studio equipment, you can launch a Roku TV channel with minimal investment.
- No Gatekeepers: You control the content, branding, and monetization—without interference from third parties.
Additionally, platforms like TvStartup offer end-to-end solutions that allow video creators to build, launch, and manage their Roku box channel with ease.
3. Multiple Monetization Opportunities
The major determinant of the success of a television network is the ability to attract not only the viewership but also the monetization part.
One way that platforms like Roku have enabled their users to make money from online videos is by making several options available:
💰 Advertising-Based Video on Demand (AVOD)
- Get paid from ad impressions based on the number of commercials played on your Roku channel while viewers are watching.
- Using ad insertion, including playing ads from your own direct-sold sponsors, alongside automatically inserted ads, will help to boost the overall income of the channel.
💳 Subscription-Based Video on Demand (SVOD)
- Subscribers would be billed on a monthly or yearly basis for the exclusive TV shows and movies or other content you offer to watch. This can even be extended to sell courses, programs and other video content on a subscription basis, all inside your own TV app.
- Well-suited for content creators who deal in premium video series, courses, or niche details.
🎟️ Pay-Per-View (TVOD)
- Selling individual videos, movies, or live events.
- Great especially for exclusive content such as concerts, documentaries, or interviews.
Through the use of these techniques, video content producers may receive money even without any effort while they succeed to make attractive publications to their audiences.
4. High Discoverability & Built-In Marketing Tools
Getting your TV network noticed is crucial, and Roku makes it easier for new creators to get discovered. Here’s how Roku helps boost your channel’s visibility:
- Roku Channel Store: Your channel will appear in the Roku channel list, making it accessible to millions of users.
- Featured & Trending Sections: Roku highlights new and popular channels, giving creators more exposure.
- SEO-Friendly Search Functionality: By using the right keywords in your Roku channel name, description, and metadata, you can improve search rankings within the platform.
Additionally, you can run targeted ads on Roku TV to promote your channel to the right audience, driving more subscriptions and engagement.
5. Future-Proof Streaming Technology
The streaming industry is growing rapidly, and Roku remains at the forefront with cutting-edge technology. Video creators benefit from:
- 4K & HDR Streaming: Deliver high-quality video content that stands out.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: Your channel can be accessed on Roku smart TVs, Roku box devices, mobile apps, and web browsers.
- Frequent Software Updates: Roku constantly improves its platform to enhance user experience and keep content relevant.
This means your TV network will always be on a platform that evolves with the latest streaming trends.
Roku vs. Other Streaming Platforms: How Does It Compare?
While Roku is a fantastic choice, how does it stack up against competitors like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV? Let’s compare:
- Roku vs. Fire TV: Roku has a larger audience reach and a simpler setup, while Fire TV is more Amazon ecosystem-focused and has a slightly smaller audience of about 60 million active devices as of the last available estimates, in contrast to Roku’s 90+ million.
- Roku vs. Apple TV: Roku offers more overall reach, and better organic traffic, while Apple TV is more exclusive to Apple fans.
- Roku vs. Android TV: Roku has wider reach in the North American market and is better for beginners, while Android TV allows for more reach overseas to international audiences.
Best Practices for Growing Your Roku Channel Audience
To maximize your success on Roku, follow these growth strategies:
- Optimize Metadata: Use relevant keywords in your channel title and description.
- Engage with Your Audience: Encourage viewers to leave reviews and share your channel.
- Leverage Social Media & YouTube: Promote your Roku content across multiple platforms to attract new viewers.
Case Studies: Successful Roku Channels
Learning from other successful Roku creators can provide valuable insights. Some top Roku channels include:
- Cooking Networks: Channels like Tastemade have built massive followings.
- Niche Sports Channels: SportsGrid thrives by targeting specific fanbases.
- Faith-Based Streaming: Many religious organizations have found success on Roku.
Why Choose TvStartup to Launch Your Roku Channel?
Starting your own Roku TV network may seem overwhelming, but TvStartup makes it easy.
Here’s why TvStartup is the best partner for launching your Roku network:
- Custom Roku Channel Development: Fully branded channels tailored to your vision.
- Monetization Integration: AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD solutions to help you generate revenue.
- Multi-Platform Distribution: Expand beyond Roku and stream on Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile apps.
- Easy-to-Use Content Management System (CMS): Upload, organize, and schedule your content with ease.
- With TvStartup, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of launching a Roku channel alone. We handle the technical side, so you can focus on creating great content and growing your audience.
Ready to launch your own TV network on Roku? Let TvStartup help you build, monetize, and scale your channel.