PSA: Roku owners should download YouTube right now

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K plugged into an HDMI port

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey)

I'll make this articulate: Roku owners should download the YouTube app correct now (or, at to the lowest degree, before Thursday, Dec. 9). Why then? That's the big doomsday solar day for the talks between Roku and Google, whose spat has bubbled over from one app to another, and could lead to YouTube existence pulled from Roku's app shop. You might not use YouTube on your TV now, only you could very easily encounter a want for it subsequently.

Roku announced this news on October 21, in a printing release that was updated to say "Google notified us that, unless we reach understanding on renewal terms prior to the expiration of our electric current agreement, we will not be able to offer YouTube on the Roku platform for new users."

Why is this happening? For the same reason it always does. Companies are disagreeing over sharing money and information, and we as the client (as ever) are the ones who volition suffer.

It all started with Roku booting the YouTube TV app from the Roku Channel Shop (which meant only those who had already downloaded it could use it), while information technology accused Google of anti-competitive practices and demands of preferential treatment and more information than they'd normally get. YouTube argued these claims were baseless, while CNBC, though, reports that it saw a 2022 email from Google to Roku asking for preferential treatment in search results. For more than details, check out my previous story on this.

Of class, there's a chance that the ii parties will resolve this before Dec. 9, but we're not belongings our breath to expect a "Kumbaya" moment where Google and Roku hold hands and put this in the past. These companies would probably beloved to put this problem backside them and get back to making money, but they also seemingly have different terms for which they want to profit.

Because while the YouTube app may get out the Roku Channel Shop, the app will notwithstanding work if you download it at present. And that means yous'll exist able to keep the YouTube TV access (where you can watch the Celtics vs Lakers live stream). From your Roku, this is a pretty simple procedure.

How to download YouTube onto your Roku

Click the Home button on your remote.
Click on Streaming Channels button on the home screen.
Search "YouTube."
Select it from the results.
Click Add Channel.

How to download YouTube onto your Roku from your phone or computer

You can fifty-fifty grab the YouTube app when y'all're away from your figurer, via a web browser, provided you're signed in with your Roku account.

Visit this page and click "+ Add Channel."

But, honestly, I'd go double-bank check that this worked on Wednesday (Dec. 8).

Outlook

While Roku makes our top pick in the best streaming devices, that ranking is in danger correct now. If YouTube is booted from the Roku Channel Store, I don't think I'll be recommending its devices with as much conviction. Yes, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is stellar, but the Chromecast with Google TV is also groovy, and doesn't accept any missing app issues.

Stay tuned, readers. And, again, download YouTube on your Roku right now.

Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple tree, reviewing devices and services for the by six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's too covered the wild globe of professional person wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.