Key Takeaways
- Roku beta channels are for developers to preview apps before official release, replacing private channels.
- Limited to a specific number of users and duration, beta channels offer a glimpse of upcoming apps.
- To add beta channels, find the code, create a free Roku account, and input the code on the portal. Refresh if not appearing.
Roku’s streaming store offers plenty of streaming apps, but if you want to get in on the ground floor, you might want to dig into Roku’s hidden beta channels. Here’s what you need to know about beta apps, including the best channels available now and how to add them.
What Are Roku Beta Channels?
While the Roku Channel Store offers more than enough free Roku channels to keep you entertained, the platform rolled out beta channels in 2022 to help developers preview their apps before their official acceptance into the store. At the same time, Roku discontinued its previous feature, known as “private channels” or “non-certified channels.”
According to a Roku blog post on the topic, its beta channels “better align with industry standards” and introduce a more regulated system to avoid risks such as pirated content. Despite some new limitations, there is still a lot to love about discovering new channels while they’re in the early stages of development.
Beta channels are limited to a specific duration and a certain number of users at a time. If any of the channels listed below do not work, it may be because the channel has hit its user cap or expiration date.
How Do You Add Beta Channels to Roku?
Before you can add a beta channel to your Roku box, you’ll need two things:
- The channel’s code (we have included some active codes in our list below)
- A Roku account (set one up for free on the Roku website)
Once you have created an account and know the channel code, it’s easy to start adding channels.
To begin, head to your account portal on the desktop and click Add beta app with code. Insert the code, accept the on-screen confirmation, and you’re done.
The app, or channel, should appear at the bottom of your Roku device’s home screen. If it doesn’t, you can force a refresh by going to Settings > System > System restart > Restart on the device.
What Beta Channels Are Available Now?
Because of the time limitations on Roku’s beta channels, there’s some fluidity to what apps are available at a given time. Some developers will only share their codes directly with a specific group of people. Think of it like an exclusive invite to a beta app party. That said, here are four beta app codes that are active at the time of writing.
1. Endless Podcasts (ITPC)
Formerly known as iTunes Podcasts, the ITPC beta code is now associated with an app-in-development called Endless Podcasts. The channel lets you browse podcasts across many platforms and play them on your Roku device without a Spotify or Apple account. Beta testers will be able to keep the app even after it goes “public” or onto the Roku store, according to the developer.
2. Twitch.TV (TwitchTV)
If you’re a gamer, the Unofficial Twitch TV beta channel might be right up your alley. It’s a third-party app, meaning it’s not run by Twitch. The developers have essentially provided a platform on which Roku users can locate and engage with gaming live streams and discussion threads.
3. 5ik.TV (5ikTV)
5ik.TV lets you watch live TV channels from the Far East, including China, Japan, and South Korea. The channel’s interface isn’t in English, but if you can recognize the logos of TV networks in the region, it’s relatively easy to navigate to the content you want to watch.
4. Spanish Time (spanishtime)
If you speak Spanish and would like to keep abreast of the latest goings-on in Latin America, you could subscribe to Spanish Time for $9.99/month.
It offers more than 150 live-streaming channels from across the region, including all the biggest networks in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. There’s also a broad selection of miscellaneous Spanish-language sports and entertainment channels.
How To Install Even More Roku Channels
With the new system, some Roku beta channels will only be accessible via a direct invitation. But it never hurts to experiment. If you have old codes lying around, try them out. You may be pleased to find channels that used to be private have now made it through the development tunnel to the other side. Apps like The Adventure Channel (fl821095), Armchair Tourist (ArmchairTourist), and Happy Kids (HappyKids) will now pop up in the Roku Channel Store when you enter their respective codes.
Beta channels provide an early look at new apps before they hit the store. If you haven’t tried them, you might be limiting the potential of your Roku device. And beta apps are only one piece of the puzzle. To learn more about how to get the most out of your Roku device, here’s how to watch local channels on Roku for free.
