Roku has had quite a few of its streaming services on its platforms come up for renewal recently. Like YouTube, HBO MAX and Peacock, which were all very dramatic – especially YouTube. As Google wanted some changes that Roku did not want to add. So when we heard that Amazon’s Prime Video and IMDb TV apps were coming up for renewal, we all waited with baited breath.
Well, today, Roku and Amazon announced that they have come to a deal for the apps to remain on Roku’s platform. According to Roku:
“Roku and Amazon have reached a multi-year extension for their distribution agreement. Customers can continue to access the Prime Video and IMDb TV apps on their Roku devices.”
This means that users won’t need to worry for a few more years about Roku potentially losing Amazon Prime Video or IMDb TV.
No changes in data sharing
From what is public about the agreement, there doesn’t seem to be any changes in data sharing, and no other disagreements from either side. Which is likely why this was agreed to so quickly, and without any drama.
Amazon is getting ready to bolster both of its services, as it just closed the deal to buy MGM for $8 billion. MGM is a smaller studio, but it does have a number of big franchises, including James Bond.
On the other side of things, for Roku, this likely means that the free ad-supported Roku Channel will continue to stream on the Fire TV platform. As well as Roku’s products remaining available on Amazon’s site for sale.
There’s a lot more tying in here for Amazon and Roku than with other companies, and that probably resulted in these two companies working quick to renew this agreement. At least you won’t need a shady way to access IMDb TV on Roku, like you did with YouTube TV for a few months.