Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- For years, it’s been very easy to get Roku porn channels through the use of private channel installation.
- However, in March 2022, Roku will alter how uncertified channels work, effectively removing adult content from the platform.
- This won’t fundamentally affect channel beta testing but will give it a more limited scope.
However, you won’t find any adult content providers in the official store. That doesn’t mean Roku porn channels don’t exist, though. Through the use of private channels — officially known as unlicensed channels — you can see content from PornHub, Wicked, Naughty America, and many more. Starting in 2022, though, this practice will end (h/t Protocol).
In March of next year, Roku will limit the scope of unlicensed channels to a maximum of 20 users. It will also rebrand unlicensed channels as beta channels. This will allow for companies to use private channels for their intended purpose: beta-testing content that could eventually land in the Roku store. Of course, the secondary effect of this change will be the Roku porn offerings to be rendered mostly useless.
The exact date of this change will be March 1, 2022. Until then, unlicensed channels will continue to work as normal.
Roku porn: Turning a blind eye
For years, Roku hasn’t tried to stamp down on adult content providers offering access to unlicensed Roku channels. PornHub, for example, has a dedicated page with instructions on how to easily get its channel on your Roku (no, we’re not giving you the URL, but it’s very easy to find). You can even link your PornHub Premium account through the channel. Other adult content providers have similar pages and channels, with even pay-per-view access supported.
However, this Wild West attitude has caused problems for Roku. Mexico briefly banned the sale of Roku streaming boxes because of how easy it is to access unlicensed content, for example. With Roku’s standing as by far the largest media streaming hardware company, the introduction of beta channels is likely an attempt to prevent future problems of this sort.
Of course, this won’t stop adult content providers from figuring out ways to get on your smart TV. For instance, it’s incredibly easy to sideload adult apps on your Android TV and Google can’t really take away or limit that feature. If you want Roku porn, though, you’re going to need to look elsewhere starting next year.
