Unlike the official Roku Channel Store, where you’ll find thousands of channels available to Roku users, there’s another way to add new types of content. In case you didn’t know, Roku Channels demos provide another way to integrate third-party services with your media streaming device. As you might expect, we’ve dedicated this article to explaining Roku Channels demos, so be sure to join us as we explore a variety of options.
Whether you’re using a Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, or Roku Ultra – everyone on this device gets the same treatment. You’ll be able to use both free and trial Roku channels, which are constantly getting new updates.
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 plenty of free channels to keep you entertained, the platform introduced beta channels in 2022 to help developers preview their apps before they’re officially accepted into the store. At the same time, Roku is discontinuing its previous feature, known as “Private Channels” or “Uncertified Channels.”
According to a blog post, Year On this subject, its experimental channels “are better aligned with industry standards” and offer a more structured approach to avoiding risks like pirated content. Despite some new restrictions, there’s still a lot to be excited about in discovering new channels while they’re still in the early stages of development.
note: Trial channels are limited to a set duration and number of users at a time. If any of the channels listed below are not working, it may be because the channel has reached its user limit or expiration date.
How do you add trial channels to Roku?
Before you can add a test channel to your Roku device, you'll need two things:
- Channel Code (We've included some active codes in our list below)
- Roku Account (set up a free account on the Roku website)
Once you've created an account and know your channel code, it's easy to start adding channels.
To get started, head to your account portal on desktop and click Add demo app with codeEnter the code, accept the on-screen confirmation, and you're done.
The app or channel should appear at the bottom of your Roku's home screen. If it doesn't, you can force an update by going to الإعدادات -> النظام -> إعادة تشغيل النظام -> إعادة التشغيل على الجهاز.
What are the trial channels available now?
Due to the time constraints on Roku’s beta channels, there’s a bit of a fluctuation in terms of which apps are available at a given time. Some developers will only share their codes with a select group of people directly. Think of it as an exclusive invite to launch a beta app. However, here are four codes for beta apps that are active at the time of writing.
1. Endless Podcasts (ITPC)
Formerly known as iTunes Podcasts, the beta code for ITPC now links to an in-development app called Endless Podcasts. The channel lets you browse podcasts across multiple 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 on the Roku Store, according to the developer.
2. Twitch.TV (TwitchTV)
If you’re a gamer, the unofficial Twitch TV beta channel might be for you. It’s a third-party app, meaning it’s not operated by Twitch. The developers have essentially provided a platform for Roku users to select and interact with live streams of games and discussion topics.
3. 5ik.TV (5ikTV)
5ik.TV lets you watch live TV channels from the Far East, including China, Japan, and South Korea. The channel 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 want to keep up with the latest events in Latin America, you can subscribe to Spanish Time for $9.99/month.
It offers over 150 live streaming channels from across the region, including all the major networks in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. There is also a wide range of sports and entertainment channels in Spanish.
How to install more Roku channels
With the new system, you’ll only be able to access some Roku beta channels by direct invite. But it never hurts to experiment. If you have old codes (we’ve included the codes for some of the exclusive channels in our list below), give them a try. You may be pleased to find that previously exclusive channels 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 appear in the Roku Channel Store when you enter their codes.
Demo channels provide an early look at new apps before they hit the store. If you don’t try them, you could be limiting the potential of your Roku. And demo apps are just one piece of the puzzle. To learn more about how to get the most out of your Roku, here’s how to watch local channels on Roku for free.
1. Clikia (clikialive)
Clikia offers a mix of live channels, on-demand videos, and free radio stations. You can access some of the free content without paying anything.
If you’re willing to dip into your wallet, there are three packages available. If you want access to cable channels like TNT, Sony, Cartoon Network, FOX News, and ESPN, you’ll need to pay $31.95 per month.
2. Weather Radar (radar)
Weather Radar will be especially useful for people who live in areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. It features local radar and satellite loops for your location, as well as tropical cyclone and disturbance maps.
Content is available from US GOESs and the National Hurricane Center.
3. FreeJack TV (YQJ5B)
Are you a fan of conspiracy theories? If yes, then you need to check out FreeJack TV. It offers a mix of conspiracy-themed chat shows, live streams, movies, and more.
4. EuroRoku (296XJKP)
EuroRoku is a paid Roku channel that provides 24/7 access to European TV stations.
The service costs $15 per month, and offers more than 300 channels, including networks from the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and Sweden.
5. Back From the Grave (BFTG)
If you're into sci-fi, murder mystery, horror, and noir content, Back From the Grave is the channel for you.
Available TV shows and movies include Tales of Tomorrow and The Moon of the Wolf.
6. Donkey Kong (DonkeyKong)
Roku's gaming capabilities are often overlooked. There are a ton of great games you can play on your Roku.
One thing that is definitely worth checking out is the Donkey Kong version. It is still in beta – so the channel is private.
7. The Silent Movie Channel (rollem)
The French film The Artist may have been cleaned up at the 2012 Oscars, but the heyday of silent film was in the 1920s.
The Silent Movie Channel lets you relive the glory days of Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Genres include: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy and Horror.
8. RokuMovies (zb34ac)
Not to be confused with the official ad-supported Roku Movie Channel, RokuMovies focuses on bringing you the world's weirdest, most outlandish, and low-budget movies.
Try it if you like giant monsters and funny stories.
9. iTunes Podcast Channel (ITPC)
Podcasts continue to grow in popularity. No matter what your tastes are, you should be able to find something you like.
The iTunes Podcast Channel provides access to the iTunes Podcast directory and lets you listen to shows through your Roku device.
10. Daily Motion (Dailymotion)
Oddly enough, the world’s second largest video streaming site doesn’t have an official channel on Roku. However, if you install this dedicated channel, you’ll still be able to enjoy the best content the site has to offer.
11. The Internet Archive (NMJS5)
The Internet Archive should be familiar to you by now. We've recommended its content as an excellent resource for cable-free streaming on numerous occasions.
The Roku Channel provides access to the site's massive repository of TV shows, movies, and old videos.
12. LodeRunner (LodeRunnerPreview)
LodeRunner is a classic video game from 1983. This puzzle game was initially available on the Apple II, Atari 8-bit, VIC-20, Commodore 64, and IBM PCs. In later years, it also appeared on PCs and Game Boys.
It was one of the first games to feature a high-level editor.
13. Home Movies (HomeMovies)
There was something special about shows like America's Funniest Videos in the 90s. It hasn't been the same since smartphones became common.
If you want to relive some great home videos, check out the Home Movies channel. There are hours of classic home videos that are funny, silly, unusual, or downright unbelievable.
14. Syntrix (synctrixbeta)
Many people use Google Drive or Dropbox as a server for their media. It's not as elegant a solution as Plex, but it works.
If you store your TV shows and movies in the cloud, grab Syntrix. It lets you access your accounts and watch your videos on your Roku device.
15. Science Fiction (TZG6P92)
What's the perfect way to end a tough day at the office? Plopping down on your couch and watching a sci-fi movie, of course!
Science Fiction brings you a number of classic science fiction movies for free. More are being added all the time.
16. The Odeon Theater (odeon)
The Odeon Theatre focuses on classic and independent films. Only one film is shown per week; it is released on Wednesdays at noon.
17. Nowhere TV (H9DWC)
Nowhere TV isn't as impressive as it once was, but it's still a must-have for any Roku owner.
These days, most of the content is video and audio podcasts. However, the channel is still a great way to stay on top of the latest video from networks like CNET, NASA, and C-SPAN without having to install multiple channels that clog (and slow down) your Roku.
18. Twitch (TwitchTV)
Twitch has a strange relationship with Roku. There used to be an official app, then Amazon pulled it, then relaunched it, then pulled it again. It’s not entirely clear why this is.
Install the unofficial Twitch app, and you won’t be at the mercy of Amazon’s latest whims. Speaking of Amazon, we also compared the Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.
19. Spanish Time (spanishtime)
If you speak Spanish and want to keep up with the latest developments in Latin America, you can subscribe to Spanish Time for $9.99 per month.
It offers over 150 live streaming channels from across the region, including all the major networks in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. There is also a wide range of sports and entertainment channels in Spanish.
20. Goats Live (GoatsLive)
No, this isn't a joke – it's actually a channel focused on live goats.
Sure, it sounds silly, but keep in mind that it was listed in EarthCam's “Most Interesting Webcams of 2015.” There's also an accompanying YouTube channel.
As one viewer said, “You simply can't have enough goats in a tree.”
What are your favorite Roku channels?
Roku's private channels have something for everyone. If you don't use them, you'll severely limit your enjoyment and limit the capabilities of your device.
To learn more about how to get the most out of your Roku device, check out the best Roku web browsers and how to watch local channels on Roku for free.
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