Where is the youtube tv app on roku

If you're a Roku user, you may have heard about the ongoing dispute between the company that makes your device and Google.

The result of the negotiation dispute between the two companies means that Roku customers cannot currently watch YouTube TV, YouTube's subscription-based TV streaming service, on their Roku device.

However, Google has a simple solution rolling out that will make consumers very happy (even though Roku is clearly not happy about it.)

Over the next coming days, if it's not rolled out to you already, Roku users will be able to access YouTube TV from right within the main YouTube app. A “Go to YouTube TV" option will be available within the menu on the YouTube app. This will allow YouTube TV's paying subscribers to watch YouTube TV within the YouTube app on Roku devices.

In case you're confused about the difference between the two apps: The YouTube app is how users access videos on YouTube.com. This app is still available on Roku devices. The YouTube TV app is how customers of YouTube TV access the cord-cutting streaming service.

While adding YouTube TV within the YouTube app makes sense, the timing clearly shows that this is Google's workaround to its current dispute with Roku.

According to Google, users still can't sign up for the YouTube TV service on a Roku device. The “Go to YouTube TV" feature will only work for current subscribers. Another workaround there would be for Roku users to just sign up for YouTube TV on another device and then login to their account on their Roku.

And Google is likely betting on that, being that Roku only yanked YouTube TV from its channel store. Roku users that have already downloaded the app on their device can still watch the streaming service via the YouTube TV app.

Last week, Roku pulled the YouTube TV app from its channel store after negotiations fell through between the digital media player company and Google.

The dispute has gone very public.

"Despite our best efforts to come to an agreement in the best interests of our mutual users, Roku terminated our deal in bad faith amidst our negotiation," Google wrote on its YouTube TV blog. "Unfortunately, Roku has often engaged in this tactic with other streaming providers."

Google is referencing other streaming services, such as Peacock, that have gone dark on Roku due to contract disputes.

Roku has accused Google of engaging in monopolistic behavior. In its most recent statement, provided to The Verge, in response to Google's YouTube TV workaround, the company fired back at the search giant.

"Google’s actions are the clear conduct of an unchecked monopolist bent on crushing fair competition and harming consumer choice," Roku said. The bundling announcement by YouTube highlights the kind of predatory business practices used by Google that Congress, Attorney Generals and regulatory bodies around the world are investigating."

According to Roku, the dispute isn't over more money. It's over "sensitive data" and Google's "anticompetitive behavior of manipulating user search results."

Roku could certainly respond to Google's workaround by kicking the YouTube app out of its channel store as well. That would be a much trickier issue for the company being that way more Roku customers watch the free YouTube platform then subscribe to the YouTube TV service.

It's unclear when the two companies will resolve these issues. But for now, at least, it seems users of both services are no longer being inconvenienced.

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Things were dicey between Roku and Google in 2021. Owing to contract disputes, YouTube TV vanished from Roku’s platform for several months, and the main YouTube app was under threat of following suit. Thankfully the companies worked things out, and there are now three ways to get both YouTube and YouTube TV on whatever Roku device you happen to have.

QUICK ANSWER

The easiest way to get YouTube and YouTube TV on Roku is to select Streaming Channels from your device's homescreen, search for the apps, and install. You can also visit the web version of Roku's Channel Store or use the Roku app for Android or iOS. As a fallback, you can try screen mirroring from Android, iOS, or Windows.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

  • How to get YouTube and YouTube TV on Roku
  • How much is YouTube TV on Roku?

How to get YouTube and YouTube TV on Roku

On your Roku device

Where is the youtube tv app on roku

John Callaham / Android Authority

With the contract dispute ended, you can once again download both apps from the Roku Channel Store. From your homescreen, select Streaming Channels in the left-hand menu, then search for YouTube or YouTube TV. Select the appropriate search result, and you’ll get an option to install. Note that YouTube TV remains US-only.

With one or both apps installed, the rest is as simple as opening them and signing in with your Google account. You will, of course, need a trial or paid subscription to access YouTube TV (see below).

On the Roku website

Where is the youtube tv app on roku

Roger Fingas / Android Authority

The Channel Store is also accessible via Roku’s website. If you sign in with your Roku account and visit the listings for YouTube and YouTube TV, you can click on the Add channel button to send the apps to all Roku devices under the same login. Note that you may have to force downloads by going to Settings > System > System update > Check Now on your Roku.

On the mobile app

Roku’s Android and iOS apps are mostly geared toward remote control and browsing the Roku Channel. If you search for YouTube or YouTube TV, however, you’ll find listings with Add Channel buttons similar to those on Roku’s website.

As a fallback, you can always use screen mirroring if you have YouTube and/or YouTube TV on your phone, or if you open those services in a Windows web browser. Follow our guide for more detailed instructions.

Apple devices need to use AirPlay, and everyone should go to Settings > System > Screen mirroring on their Roku device and toggle Prompt or Always allow. If you choose the former, you’ll have to authorize with your remote every time you want to mirror content. If you’re using a Roku TV or soundbar, you should also ensure that Fast TV Start is on by going to Settings > System > Power.

How much is YouTube TV on Roku?

Where is the youtube tv app on roku

John Callaham / Android Authority

The base package for YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month after a free trial. That does include over a hundred channels, unlimited DVR recording, and up to six user profiles. Google may sometimes offer discounts.

You’ll have to pay an extra $19.99 per month for 4K Plus, which upgrades resolution to 4K whenever possible and unlocks offline DVR viewing. You can spend even more if you want to integrate services like HBO Max, Showtime, or Shudder, but that’s only worth it if you’re not already paying for them separately — there’s no special discount through YouTube.

How do I find YouTube TV on Roku?

Go to tv.youtube.com and install the YouTube TV Chrome web app. Click on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar, tap on your Roku. Click on it again and choose "use as a separate display." Open the YouTube TV app, drag it over to your TV and make it full screen.

Is YouTube TV back on Roku?

As the standoff between Roku and YouTube TV carries on, Google has built a back door to let Roku users still access YouTube TV on the platform. The company on Friday announced a new feature that provides access to YouTube TV through the YouTube app.