Roku Launches Ad-Free Streaming Service, Howdy, for $2.99 a Month

Roku has launched a new ad-free video service called Howdy, priced at $2.99/month. The service offers thousands of titles and nearly 10,000 hours of entertainment, with initial partners including Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise. Howdy is designed to complement premium services, not compete with them, and will be available directly on Roku devices and mobile platforms in the near future.

Roku, the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has announced the launch of Howdy, a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service priced at just $2.99 per month. The service, set to launch nationwide in the U.S. later today, offers an ad-free, high-quality entertainment experience, making it one of the most affordable streaming options available [1].

Howdy boasts a growing library of thousands of titles and nearly 10,000 hours of content. The inaugural content partners include industry giants Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise, alongside select Roku Original titles. Subscribers can enjoy a diverse range of content, from acclaimed films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Blind Side to beloved series such as Weeds and Kids in the Hall. The service spans various genres, ensuring there’s something for every viewer [1].

Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood commented, "Priced at less than a cup of coffee, Howdy is ad-free and designed to complement, not compete with, premium services. We’re meeting a real need for consumers who want to unwind with their favorite movies and shows uninterrupted and on their terms" [1].

Key benefits of Howdy include its everyday low price of $2.99 per month (not an introductory rate), an ad-free streaming experience, a diverse catalog of award-winning content, and the flexibility to cancel anytime without contracts or hidden fees. The service is designed to meet consumers’ demand for accessible, high-quality entertainment without the premium price tag [1].

Howdy’s launch aligns with Roku’s broader strategy to grow platform monetization and expand its subscription offerings. The service will initially be available on the Roku platform with rollout on mobile and additional platforms in the near future [1].

The launch of Howdy marks a continuation of Roku’s strategy to grow platform monetization and expand both third- and first-party subscriptions using the power of its platform, which reaches U.S. households with more than 125 million people each day. In addition to Howdy, Roku’s streaming services include the popular Roku Channel, the most-watched free ad-supported television (FAST) service in the U.S., and Frndly TV, the #2 live TV subscription streaming service among cord cutters [1].

References:
[1] https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-launches-a-2-99-ad-free-streaming-service-called-howdy/