Introducing Howdy, a fresh, advertisement-free streaming service priced at $3, which doesn't aim to challenge Netflix in the streaming market.
Roku Introduces Ad-Free Streaming Service 'Howdy'
Roku, the popular streaming device manufacturer, has announced a new ad-free streaming service named Howdy. Priced at $2.99 per month, Howdy offers roughly 10,000 hours of licensed movies, TV shows, and some Roku Originals.
Howdy positions itself as a low-cost, ad-free complement to Roku’s free ad-supported options and other paid services. Key differences set it apart from free FAST services like Pluto TV and Tubi.
Unlike these free services, Howdy is subscription-based and ad-free. It offers a more traditional on-demand viewing experience, aiming for a curated library of content rather than the channel/app lineup and heavy ad breaks typical of FAST platforms.
Howdy's content library includes titles from partners such as Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise, plus select Roku Originals and popular titles like "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Blind Side," "Weeds," and "Kids in the Hall."
The service is being pushed through Roku’s ecosystem, giving it strong device reach. Roku claims its service includes over 90 million households and daily engagement for The Roku Channel.
Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood stated that Howdy is designed to complement, not compete with, premium services. Vince Gilligan's "Pluribus" has received an unsettling first look on Apple TV Plus, while Amazon Prime Video offers movies fresh out of theaters, original shows, and is considered a "premium service" by Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood.
However, concerns about Howdy's business model have been raised by Vikrant Mathur, Co-Founder of advertising streaming platform Future Today. Mathur states that Howdy needs to offer clear value and have a strong and exclusive content offering to be successful.
For subscribers, Howdy offers good value if they want an inexpensive ad-free library. However, it may not be as competitive for those who prefer live channel-style FAST offerings or the largest free catalogs, as Pluto TV and Tubi remain attractive for viewers who prioritize zero monthly cost and broad free catalogs, albeit with ad interruptions.
At launch, the service is integrated tightly with Roku devices and the Roku ecosystem, so the best experience is on Roku hardware or the Roku Channel apps. Availability on non-Roku devices may be limited initially. Additionally, early reports noted no introductory free trial at launch, which matters if you want to test the service risk-free.
In conclusion, Howdy offers an affordable ad-free streaming option for Roku users, with a library of licensed content on par with what you get with a free streaming service. However, it remains to be seen if it can offer enough exclusive content to compete with more established services.
Sources: 1. Roku Launches Ad-Free Streaming Service 'Howdy' for $2.99 a Month 2. Roku's New Streaming Service, Howdy, Is a Cheap, Ad-Free Alternative to Pluto TV and Tubi 3. Roku's New Ad-Free Streaming Service, Howdy, Launches Today for $2.99 a Month 4. Roku's New Ad-Free Streaming Service, Howdy, Is Now Available
- With the introduction of Howdy, Roku's ad-free streaming service, there's a new dose of entertainment in the lifestyle sphere that leverages technology for a seamless streaming experience.
- Amid the expanding landscape of technology-driven entertainment, Howdy, Roku's subscription-based service, sets itself apart by delivering licensed movies, TV shows, and Roku Originals, all without ad interruptions.
