Video-streaming device-maker, Roku (ROKU), is teaming up with Alphabet (GOOGL) to bring back the YouTube TV app to its platform. In April 2021, Roku removed the app from its app store due to disputes over the paid element that YouTube TV included.
The recent deal, however, brings back the app as of Wednesday and allows users to access YouTube TV’s dozens of live-TV channels for a subscription fee. With Roku being the largest streaming-device maker in the US, the agreement shows how powerful native streaming services have become against even Big Tech companies. Roku accounts for 38% of the US streaming media player market and its spat with Alphabet isn’t the only one — it’s brought media giants like WarnerMedia and ComCast in the past.
Why it matters
Immediately after the announcement, Roku shares closed at an 18.2% increase. It’s seen a 35% drop this year though due to less new accounts being opened, but with previously-removed apps like youTube TV now being added back, that could change.
