Roku Introduces Howdy, A New Ad-Free Streaming Option
Table of Contents
- 1. Roku Introduces Howdy, A New Ad-Free Streaming Option
- 2. What are the key differences between Roku Howdy and The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported content?
- 3. Roku’s Howdy: A New $2.99 Streaming Option Arrives
- 4. What is Roku Howdy?
- 5. Howdy’s Content Library: What to Expect
- 6. How Does Howdy Compare to other Streaming Services?
- 7. Roku Device Compatibility & Accessing Howdy
- 8. Benefits of Subscribing to Roku Howdy
- 9. Practical Tips for Roku Howdy users
Roku Is entering the subscription streaming arena with Howdy, a new service designed to offer ad-free entertainment at a competitive price. launching Tuesday, Howdy will cost consumers $2.99 per month, significantly undercutting many existing ad-free platforms.
The initial content library boasts approximately 10,000 hours of programming. Titles include popular films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Blind side, television series such as Weeds and Kids in the Hall, alongside select Roku Originals.
This move expands Roku’s existing streaming offerings, which include The Roku Channel-a popular ad-supported service-and Roku Originals. The Roku Channel was the leading FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) service in June, according to Nielsen data. Roku recently acquired Frndly TV in may,further bolstering its streaming portfolio.
According to Roku Founder and CEO Anthony Wood, howdy is intended to complement, not compete with, premium streaming services.He emphasized the service’s affordability and accessibility,stating it’s “designed to meet a real need for consumers who want to unwind with their favorite movies and shows uninterrupted.”
Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Jim Packer, highlighted Roku’s extensive reach-over 125 million daily users-as an ideal platform for launching a more accessible choice to higher-priced subscription video on demand (SVOD) services. Packer believes Howdy has the potential for rapid scaling and provides a new avenue for content monetization.
What are the key differences between Roku Howdy and The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported content?
Roku’s Howdy: A New $2.99 Streaming Option Arrives
What is Roku Howdy?
Roku has officially launched “Howdy,” a new, aggressively priced streaming service at $2.99 per month. This entry into the crowded streaming services market aims to provide a curated selection of content, focusing on ad-supported movies and TV shows. It’s positioned as a budget-kind choice to giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. The service is currently available exclusively on Roku devices and through The Roku Channel.
Howdy’s Content Library: What to Expect
While not boasting the extensive catalogs of established platforms, Howdy offers a rotating selection of over 1,000 titles. Expect a mix of:
Classic Movies: A focus on well-known films from the past.
Popular TV Series: Episodes from established television shows.
Genre Variety: Content spanning action, comedy, drama, and family-friendly options.
Exclusive Originals: Roku plans to introduce Howdy Originals in the future, adding unique value to the subscription.
Currently, the content is heavily ad-supported, a key component of the low monthly price. Roku is leveraging its existing advertising infrastructure to make this model viable. Think of it as a more focused, subscription-based extension of The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported offerings.
How Does Howdy Compare to other Streaming Services?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand where Howdy fits in the streaming landscape:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Content Focus | Ad-Supported? |
|—————-|————–|———————————————|—————|
| Roku howdy | $2.99 | Curated movies & TV, growing originals | Yes |
| Netflix | $6.99 – $22.99| Extensive library, originals, global content | Limited Plans |
| Hulu | $7.99 – $17.99| TV shows, movies, live TV options | Yes/No |
| Disney+ | $7.99 – $13.99| Disney,Pixar,Marvel,Star Wars,National Geographic | Limited Plans |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/month or included with Prime | Movies, TV, Originals, Live Sports | Yes/No |
Howdy’s primary advantage is its price. it’s significantly cheaper than most competitors. Though, the content library is smaller, and the ad-supported model may not appeal to all viewers. It’s a strong contender for those seeking affordable entertainment options and are willing to trade content breadth for cost savings.
Roku Device Compatibility & Accessing Howdy
currently, Howdy is exclusively available on:
Roku Streaming Devices: Including the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (as noted in recent reviews on sites like Mobile01), Roku Ultra, and other models.
The Roku Channel: Accessible through Roku devices and the Roku mobile app.
Roku TVs: select Roku TV models also have direct access.
To subscribe, navigate to The Roku Channel on your device and look for the Howdy section. The subscription process is straightforward and integrates seamlessly with your Roku account.
Benefits of Subscribing to Roku Howdy
Affordability: the $2.99 price point makes it one of the most affordable streaming subscriptions available.
Curated Content: Roku’s editorial team handpicks titles, potentially saving you time scrolling through endless options.
Roku Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the Roku ecosystem, offering a user-friendly experience.
Potential for Growth: The addition of Howdy Originals could significantly enhance the service’s value over time.
Practical Tips for Roku Howdy users
Combine with Free Roku channel: supplement howdy with the free, ad-supported content available on The Roku Channel for even more viewing options.
Check Content Regularly: The content library rotates, so check back frequently for new additions.
Utilize roku Search: Use the Roku search function to quickly find specific titles within Howdy.
* manage Subscriptions: Keep track of your subscriptions