Forum Discussion

Warrenoh88's avatar
Warrenoh88
Newbie
4 years ago
Solved

Roku no longer supporting VidAngel

We watch nost of our shows and movies through VidAngel due to wanting to filter out unwanted language and sex scenes.  I just got a note that VidAngel will no longer be supported on Roku.  We bought our Roku to be able to use this service, now it's obsolete.   Any other ideas, or do we just have to switch to a FireStick???  VidAngel said they will be launching a channel there.  VERY disappointed with Roku.

Vidangel
  • Wraith1000's avatar
    Wraith1000
    4 years ago

    According to VidAngel's website: 

    "We’ve submitted the VidAngel channel for review multiple times over the years, including as recently as the fall of 2021. Each time, Roku has declined to approve our channel without clarifying their position. That’s why users have had to “sideload” our app onto their Roku device rather than downloading it from the official store."

    I don't know if someone from Roku looks at these forums or not, but if you don't approve VidAngel's app, I will NEVER buy another Roku device or do business with Roku again.  It's strange that the app is on Apple TV but not Roku. I would have expected Apple to have more of a problem with it than Roku.

    Looks like Roku has grown too big for their own good and no longer cares about what their customer's want.

  • Wraith1000's avatar
    Wraith1000
    Binge Watcher
    4 years ago

    According to VidAngel's website: 

    "We’ve submitted the VidAngel channel for review multiple times over the years, including as recently as the fall of 2021. Each time, Roku has declined to approve our channel without clarifying their position. That’s why users have had to “sideload” our app onto their Roku device rather than downloading it from the official store."

    I don't know if someone from Roku looks at these forums or not, but if you don't approve VidAngel's app, I will NEVER buy another Roku device or do business with Roku again.  It's strange that the app is on Apple TV but not Roku. I would have expected Apple to have more of a problem with it than Roku.

    Looks like Roku has grown too big for their own good and no longer cares about what their customer's want.

    • filmnikon's avatar
      filmnikon
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      It would be great to hear what the future may hold.  I pulled up Google TV information and Apple TV today for the first time, not because I want to switch from Roku, but more like I need to figure something out.  So definitely wondering if this is permanent or temporary until Roku approves the app?

    • Toomeedom's avatar
      Toomeedom
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      Looks like another instance of a corporation deciding it needs to censor that which it does not like. Roku, you should consider the desires of your customers. If we don't want to listen to foul language and watch sex scenes, we should have the right not to watch them. It's our decision, not yours. I should be able to censor what I want to censor on my TV. That isn't your decision. Put VidAngel back in the app store. 

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert
        4 years ago
        Toomeedom wrote:

        Put VidAngel back in the app store. 

        VidAngel was never in the channel store. It has never been an officially supported channel. When Roku shut down non-certified channels, VidAngel was not a specific target. They shut them ALL down. There were hundreds if not thousands of non-certified channels that were removed. Roku had to do it for liability reasons, even though many of those channels may have been streaming content legally. The legal risk was too great for the company to allow it to continue.

        VidAngel claims they have submitted their channel for certification, but have been refused without explaination. We'll never know the accuracy of their statement, because Roku will never respond publicly about it. 

    • Anne11's avatar
      Anne11
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      I would like to know how to contact Roku to voice disapproval of this move to remove VidAngel.  I really enjoy VidAngel and wish we didn't have to buy another device to use it.  Any suggestions?  I would like to post on Facebook and let people know how to let Roku know.  Thanks.

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert
        4 years ago

        I think Facebook is the best way to reach Roku corporate. You won't get any message to them here. 

  • jacobsonfam's avatar
    jacobsonfam
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    I also am very disappointed about this. If Roku chooses not to support VidAngel I will choose not to every use Roku again and will never recommend it. Very disappointed that I will have to buy another device that will support all the apps I want. 

    • Asharon75411's avatar
      Asharon75411
      Channel Surfer
      4 years ago

      There is fix so you don't have to buy anything else at least it works right now>>>>> I did it just a few min ago before ordering the firestick, just let me know if you're interested? I am not able to create a new post on this thread so I can only reply to individual posts :(

  • MovieGuy90's avatar
    MovieGuy90
    Reel Rookie
    4 years ago

    Roku's choice to kill VidAngel is shortsighted and alienates a large, and growing, population that appreciates the ability to tailor their viewing experience to their family.

    I'm angry that I have to buy another device when Roku promised to be the hub of my entertainment center.  Maybe it's time for a new TV, made by a company that honors their customers instead of cutting them off.

     

    Bad move Roku, seriously awful.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      4 years ago

      Just a point of clarification. Roku has not singled out VidAngel for deletion. They are removing all non-certified channels from all devices. This includes a large number of adult content as well. Basically, Roku is locking down their app support to only channels available within their certified channel store. It's pretty much identical to the way Apple controls access to the iOS and AppleTV platforms. 

      As to why Roku won't certify VidAngel, that is puzzling. But I have trouble believing the developers were not told why it wouldn't pass certification. Roku is pretty open about their certification requirements. 

      • filmnikon's avatar
        filmnikon
        Reel Rookie
        4 years ago

        I just contacted Roku support to confirm and ask for any work-arounds.  I was assured that "existing customers" are not affected.  They weren't 100% clear but it seems as though users with VidAngel installed will continue to be able to use the app.  If you were to purchase a new Roku, however, you would not be able to install the app.

  • Jgm23333's avatar
    Jgm23333
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    I can't believe they won't approve VidAngel, and I am very angry about it.  I have purchased and used 3 Roku devices, and they are all going in the trash after this.

    • secowden's avatar
      secowden
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      Not the trash. Sell them online super cheap. They will not only lose a customer, but they will also lose 3 new sales.

      • AngryAnchovy's avatar
        AngryAnchovy
        Streaming Star
        4 years ago
        secowden wrote:

        Not the trash. Sell them online super cheap. They will not only lose a customer, but they will also lose 3 new sales.

        LOVE THIS COMMENT!!!

        THIS BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE.

        😁😄😀😉

        THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ALL SHOULD DO!!!

         

    • Asharon75411's avatar
      Asharon75411
      Channel Surfer
      4 years ago

      Same hear!!! very disappointed ... wonder what we can do ?

      • currah's avatar
        currah
        Channel Surfer
        4 years ago

        Leave.  I have 3 Roku's I'll just give away to help save some coin for those looking to buy a new Roku device.

    • Joesmoe's avatar
      Joesmoe
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      I agree I have several Roku devices and will be throwing them in the trash and will never go back to Roku because they won't support vid angel.  Bye bye roku

      • currah's avatar
        currah
        Channel Surfer
        4 years ago

        Instead of throw them away give them away.  Roku would prefer you throw them away because it won't cost them anything like giving them away might.

  • jacobsonfam's avatar
    jacobsonfam
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    Why is VidAngel not supported? I find it ridiculous as it is supported on almost all other platforms. Trying to lose customers? It’s working.
    Can we please get VidAngel?  

    • MovieGuy90's avatar
      MovieGuy90
      Reel Rookie
      4 years ago

      ROKU made the decision to kick VidAngel off their platform and piss off a huge section of their customer base.  Too bad, I used to like ROKU,.  Now?  not so much.

      • Amma's avatar
        Amma
        Reel Rookie
        4 years ago

        Exactly. Me, too. We are hardcore Vidangel users. PAY ATTENTION, ROKU!

         

      • MovieGuy90's avatar
        MovieGuy90
        Reel Rookie
        4 years ago

        VidAngel doesn't have the legal issues they had when they 1st launched.  They a wonderfully expansive library of movies and TV Shows ALL with the official blessing of the creator companies.  I think ROKU is going woke and deciding that what they think is more important than what their customers want.

        I will keep watching VidAngel, but I won't be supporting ROKU anymore.

    • tm2020's avatar
      tm2020
      Binge Watcher
      4 years ago

      Cross-posting from "Roku no longer supporting VidAngel":
      https://community.roku.com/t5/Channel-Issues-Questions/Roku-no-longer-supporting-VidAngel/td-p/764907

      "Yes. Very disappointed with Roku; but, not for their decision to lock down their app store, I get that; rather, I'm disappointed that they aren't forthcoming with VidAngel about why they won't approve their app. This app is great for a family who doesn't want their kids minds (or mine, for that matter) filled with the smutty scenes and gratuitous sex/nudity that seems to be the de-facto replacement for a well written story these days.

      Vidangel says they have submitted their app to the store for approval multiple times, only for it to be summarily rejected by Roku without explanation. That reeks of poor practice on Roku's part and the most likely explanation is not that VidAngel isn't abiding by the app requirements, but instead that Roku is playing politics and too spineless to stand up and own it ("maybe if we ignore them they will go away and we won't have to show our cards" says a Roku exec somewhere). If the end of the month comes and I can't watch VidAngel on the Roku I'll be looking at other players ASAP - Roku will have lost a customer and I'll recommend against them any chance I get.

      Hopefully Roku will stand up and either approve the VidAngel app so it can be listed in the store - or engage in reasonable and professional dialog with the developers so that they can fix whatever is causing Roku to reject the app (if its not simply that they [Roku] are scared of Disney)..."

  • tm2020's avatar
    tm2020
    Binge Watcher
    4 years ago

    Yes. Very disappointed with Roku; but, not for their decision to lock down their app store, I get that; rather, I'm disappointed that they aren't forthcoming with VidAngel about why they won't approve their app. This app is great for a family who doesn't want their kids minds (or mine, for that matter) filled with the smutty scenes and gratuitous sex/nudity that seems to be the de-facto replacement for a well written story these days.

    Vidangel says they have submitted their app to the store for approval multiple times, only for it to be summarily rejected by Roku without explanation. That reeks of poor practice on Roku's part and the most likely explanation is not that VidAngel isn't abiding by the app requirements, but instead that Roku is playing politics and too spineless to stand up and own it ("maybe if we ignore them they will go away and we won't have to show our cards" says a Roku exec somewhere). If the end of the month comes and I can't watch VidAngel on the Roku I'll be looking at other players ASAP - Roku will have lost a customer and I'll recommend against them any chance I get.

    Hopefully Roku will stand up and either approve the VidAngel app so it can be listed in the store - or engage in reasonable and professional dialog with the developers so that they can fix whatever is causing Roku to reject the app (if its not simply that they [Roku] are scared of Disney)...

    • Nater662's avatar
      Nater662
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      This is Sad.

      Vidangel settled in court a year ago and Roku pulls them out? Why now????

      I purchased 3 Roku for the sole purpose of using Vidangel. My wife is pretty sensitive to movies and Vidangel has saved me from argument more times then I remember. So sad.

      Anyone want to buy a used Roku or two? 

      • Asharon75411's avatar
        Asharon75411
        Channel Surfer
        4 years ago

        ha ha nope !!!!! if they drop Vidangel WE ARE OUT AND WE HAVE 4 !!!!!

  • Jschl's avatar
    Jschl
    Newbie
    5 years ago

    I've used Roku for nine years and really like it, so I bought a Roku TV. In the process of setting up channels Vidangel is no where to be found.

    Why did Roku make thousands of channel / apps on available on their TV but not Vidangel?

    The Vidangel channel has always worked well with Roku players I've used. I'm highly irritated with Roku for doing this. 

  • jolleyangel's avatar
    jolleyangel
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    SO upset with Roku, I have 4 Roku's and was previously an Apple TV user. Switched because Vidangel told me their service works better on Roku. Roku was less expensive, that was a plus. When I made the switch to Roku, there was no app for YouTube TV due to their disputing with each other. Yes, there finally is one now, but Roku still doesn't have an app for YouTube Music. Add to that their move to dump Vidangel-- I'm very likely to find a replacement for Roku- this is a terrible way to do business.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      4 years ago
      jolleyangel wrote:

      When I made the switch to Roku, there was no app for YouTube TV due to their disputing with each other. Yes, there finally is one now, but Roku still doesn't have an app for YouTube Music. 

      Roku doesn't create the channels for content providers. It's Google's decision to not provide YouTube Music on the Roku platform. Most likely because they sell their own competing platform, the Chromecast, and they're rather you buy from them.

  • PastorC's avatar
    PastorC
    Channel Surfer
    4 years ago

    I really love VidAngel. No one has asked me to write this, but like the person that originated this thread, I received an email saying that Feb 23rd is the last day to use Roku if you want to see shows through VidAngel.

    First of all, I've been an avid customer of Roku for probably 10 years, or way before it was popular, and I was so proud to see that Roku, supported VidAngel. 

    I told my family and congregation that they should consider switching also because it helps to protect the eyes and ears while being entertained via TV.

    I don't know what Roku's problem is with VidAngel so much that they would tear this wonderful tool away from their own faithful customers! There are probably millions of families that don't want to see or hear the 'raw and unfiltered' versions of movies, tv, cartoons, and everything that is family 'unfriendly.' Whatever the reason, I am very disappointed with Roku, which I've used to see VidAngel through Amazon Prime and Netflix... 

    Even though I recently started paying for xfinity, I mostly watch Roku because xfinity also doesn't allow VidAngel.

    We have 3 TVs with Roku and 1 TV with xfinity and it is so annoying that the 1 TV doesn't allow VidAngel, or Screencast of VidAngel from my phone, I was thinking of turning off xfinity altogether to purchase a 4th Roku. Now, it looks like I'll have to completely get rid of the 3 Rokus and get 4 Amazon firesticks 🔥!!!

    This is very INCONVENIENT 😑 but it is too important for my family and I'm sure millions of others. 

    Does anyone know how to get VidAngel stock, this is probably going to be big (I'm not a professional broker)... I'm just saying... 😇

    Bye Roku... I hope you can figure this out before Feb 23rd, otherwise we will be forced to make a decision. 🔥🕹

    • AngryAnchovy's avatar
      AngryAnchovy
      Streaming Star
      4 years ago

      I have almost 10 Roku devices and they are the cornerstone of my entertainment device on all of my TVs. If I lose VidAngel then ALL of the Roku devices are coming out of my house. I'm super sad because I really do like the Roku devices with their clean UI and parental lock controls but VidAngel is more important!

      I value my VidAngel more than my microwave and to be honest, I'd rather give up air conditioning than lose VidAngel so there it goes...If Roku pulls VidAngel then I'm planning to pull all of my Roku devices. I'm hoping Costco might still give me my money back...Costco has such a great return policy. I'd love to see Costco return thousands of Roku devices back to Roku because they let down their customers. 

      • Nevaeh77sc's avatar
        Nevaeh77sc
        Newbie
        4 years ago

        Mee too...If Roku stops VIDANGEL I am getting rid of ROKU and switching to the devices that support VIDANGEL!!!!!!!!!

  • tinman951's avatar
    tinman951
    Reel Rookie
    3 years ago

    PLEASE just do it. There are so many people here and many who aren't represented in this forum who really like the VidAngel app and have been frustrated by Roku's decision to drop it.

    The litigation is over, the VidAngel company is booming, the demand is there, and Roku is the only one not on board.

    • Olsen2911's avatar
      Olsen2911
      Newbie
      3 years ago

      Vidangel has posted that Roku has dropped the channel. Vidangel states they have attempted to get their channel back to no avail. Come on Roku - I expect better. There is plenty of comments showing the need for this channel.

      • Anonymous's avatar
        Anonymous
        3 years ago

        Hi Olsen2911

        We currently don't have any info to share about this, but you can check out our blog at http://blog.roku.com for the latest news and upcoming updates.


        Warm Regards,
        Lianna

    • Anonymous's avatar
      Anonymous
      3 years ago

      Hi tinman951,

      We currently don't have any information to share about when VidAngel will be available on Roku. We suggest you reach out to them to let them know your concern. You may also check out our blog at http://blog.roku.com for the latest news and upcoming updates.


      Warm regards,
      Lianna

      • tinman951's avatar
        tinman951
        Reel Rookie
        3 years ago

        VidAngel told me last week that they have been trying to work with Roku on getting the app back since it was dropped but Roku has not responding to any communications sent. They suggested that concerns be brought up with Roku at this point because Roku seems to have no interest in listening.

        VidAngel has bent over backwards for us on multiple occasions to be able to access their app in the most convenient way possible. Roku has done nothing.

    • DBDukes's avatar
      DBDukes
      Community Streaming Expert
      3 years ago
      tinman951 wrote:

      ... frustrated by Roku's decision to drop it.

      That's not an accurate description of what happened. Roku revamped the rules regarding Private/Non-certified Channels/Apps. VidAngel was one of hundreds of apps that never went through the certification process.

      The revamp gave all non-certified apps, including VidAngel, 120 days to get certified by submitting an app that followed all the guidelines. All the apps that were not certified were removed on day 121. That included VidAngel.

      So, there was no decision to drop VidAngel. Rather, it was all non-certified apps would disappear after a 120-day lifespan.

      • riddlemethis's avatar
        riddlemethis
        Newbie
        3 years ago

        VidAngel says: https://blog.vidangel.com/what-the-bleep-happened-to-roku/
        You may have noticed, VidAngel is no longer available on Roku. Roku changed its policy to block any app not sold through its official store. We didn’t make the list. Despite meeting all the technical requirements, our application was rejected. We appealed. We asked for an explanation. Time and again, we got no reply.
        And even with many VidAngel customers complaining on the Roku community site, Roku has never offered any of them any rationale for not allowing VidAngel in its store.

        Roku says: https://community.roku.com/t5/Channels-viewing/Please-bring-back-VidAngel- app/m-p/855652#M133272
        That's not an accurate description of what happened. Roku revamped the rules regarding Private/Non-certified Channels/Apps. VidAngel was one of hundreds of apps that never went through the certification process.
        The revamp gave all non-certified apps, including VidAngel, 120 days to get certified by submitting an app that followed all the guidelines. All the apps that were not certified were removed on day 121. That included VidAngel.
        So, there was no decision to drop VidAngel. Rather, it was all non-certified apps would disappear after a 120-day lifespan.

        Obviously someone is not telling the whole truth. I'm posting this for others to see. I'm not asking for an explanation because this proves there will only be more finger pointing lacking in truth!