Google took revenge when Roku threw YouTube out

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Roku and YouTube failed to agree on a renewal of the distribution agreement between them. As a result, Roku took down YouTube TV from its Roku Channel store. Then Google took action and put YouTube TV directly into the YouTube app.

This is how they made sure that users on Roku devices do not lose access to YouTube TV.

“Go to YouTube TV”
In short, Google has moved the YouTube TV app into YouTube itself, a solution that has not made Roku particularly happy. Google says it is "still working to reach an agreement with Roku to secure future access to YouTube TV for our common customers". Google emphasizes that the YouTube TV app still works for those who already have it installed.

To access YouTube TV from the YouTube app, click "Go to YouTube TV" in the sidebar. If you do not see that option, check to see if any updates to the YouTube app are available. Google says they are constantly running the update so it should come in the next few days. The update comes first to Roku devices - where it is currently burning.

“Stubborn monopolist”
The search giant says they are working to reach an agreement with Roku so that customers can still have access to the streaming service, but Roku is unhappy with Google's approach and describes the company as a "stubborn monopolist who is concerned with crushing free competition".

To ensure access to YouTube TV on Roku devices, Google has initiated discussions with partners on how to ensure that users do not encounter access problems on streaming devices in the event that Roku on its platform finds a way to prevent access to YouTube TV.

On a separate note, Google says that they are collaborating with Roku on minimum technical requirements for Roku devices that "ensure that YouTube is streamed in high quality and appears to be a consistent experience for users".

Pioneer in streaming
For the record, we mention that Roku is an American pioneer in streaming TV. Considered today among the market leaders among the manufacturers of physical streamers that provide access to media content from a number of different online services.

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