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Roku launches Howdy, a $2.99 ad-free streaming service

Roku has launched 'Howdy', an ad-free streaming service priced at $2.99 per month, featuring nearly 10,000 hours of content from major partners like Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Howdy aims to complement existing premium services and leverages Roku's significant user base, with over 90 million streaming households. This follows Roku's recent acquisition of Frndly TV and impressive revenue growth.

Key points

  • Roku launches Howdy for $2.99/month with 10,000 hours of content.
  • Content includes titles from Lionsgate, Warner Bros, and Roku Originals.
  • Howdy is designed to complement, not compete with, premium streaming services.
  • The launch follows Roku's acquisition of Frndly TV for $185 million.
  • Roku Channel, with over 125 million daily users, remains the leading FAST service.
  • Roku reported 15% revenue growth, with users streaming 35.4 billion hours.

Why it matters

  • The 2025 IT Trends highlight the growing trend of subscription-based models in streaming services.
  • Roku's strategic positioning amid competition from Netflix, Tubi, and Pluto TV reflects significant market shifts.
  • Roku's expansion coincides with overall growth in the streaming industry post-COVID-19.

Roku's Howdy represents a strategic move to enhance its streaming offerings, appealing to budget-conscious viewers while maintaining growth momentum and capitalizing on its extensive user base.