Roku’s autoplay ads on startup are rubbing users the wrong way

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto)
2025-03-18 08:14:00
www.androidcentral.com

What you need to know

Roku is testing autoplay video ads that hit users before they even reach the home screen.
Early reports said these ads were unskippable, but Roku claims there’s a way to close them.
Roku confirmed the ads are part of an official test but won’t reveal how many devices are affected, why they’re doing it, or if it’s permanent.

Roku users have started noticing a new and pretty intrusive ad tactic popping up over the past few days, and, as you’d expect, people aren’t happy about it.

Ars Technica reports that some Roku users are now getting hit with ads before the home screen even shows up. While Roku is no stranger to sprinkling ads around the home screen, this new move takes it up a notch, forcing folks to sit through video ads just to get to their usual setup.

Roku confirmed to Ars Technica that these autoplay ads are part of an official test. However, the company remains tight-lipped on how many devices are affected, why it is rolling this out, or whether it’s here to stay for good.

Instead of admitting it might’ve gone too far, Roku said it’s all about constant experimentation and innovation, whether it’s tweaking the interface, expanding content, or revamping its ad strategy.

Skippable or not? Depends who you ask

Early reports suggested these ads couldn’t be skipped, but Roku told Cord Cutter News that there is a way to close them. However, Ars Technica has shared user experiences where that option seemed to be missing. So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

The move to force autoplaying video ads before users can even get to the home screen has, unsurprisingly, sparked a wave of frustration. Frustrated users are venting on Reddit, with some saying they were stuck watching promos—like the Moana 2 trailer—before they could open their apps.

Roku started shifting away from static home screen ads in early 2024, cranking up the ad pressure on users. But it’s not alone; other platforms are doing the same. Google TV, for example, recently rolled out ads that literally advertise more ads, as per Android Police.

No matter the brand, a lot of streaming platforms are constantly testing how much advertising users will put up with, especially when it comes to cheap streaming devices.

Source Link

Keep your phone secure and easily accessible in your car with the Miracase Phone Holder for Your Car! This Amazon Best Seller is designed for easy installation and holds your phone firmly in place, ensuring a safe and convenient driving experience.

With a 4.3/5-star rating from 29,710 reviews, it’s a top choice for drivers! Plus, over 10,000 units sold in the past month! Get it now for just $15.99 on Amazon.

Start your free Amazon Prime trial
today and unlock unlimited streaming and more!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!

BITCOIN

Bitcoin Logo