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Why Roku Ads Are Controversial and What It Means for Streaming

Discover why Roku's recent ad experiments sparked backlash, how it impacts users, and what’s next for streaming advertising. Stay informed!
Matilda
Why Roku Ads Are Controversial and What It Means for Streaming
Why Roku Ads Sparked Controversy: A Closer Look at User Concerns If you're wondering why Roku ads have become such a hot topic lately, you're not alone. Many Roku users were taken aback when the company tested an ad for Moana 2 that played automatically as soon as their devices powered on. This bold move led to widespread complaints across social media platforms like Reddit, with some users threatening to abandon Roku altogether if similar intrusive ads returned. So, are Roku ads interruptive or innovative? The answer lies in understanding Roku’s strategy—and its growing reliance on ad revenue            Image : Google  Roku has long been known for offering affordable streaming hardware, but this affordability comes with trade-offs. Users expect to see ads on the homescreen or within the Roku City screensaver, which features sponsored content scattered throughout. However, a full-screen takeover ad felt like crossing a line for many customers. As tariffs threaten to increase hard…