Roku Tests Autoplay Ads Before Home Screen, Drawing User Backlash
The company confirms the ads are part of a test but has not clarified if they will become a permanent feature.
- Roku users report seeing autoplaying ads, including unskippable trailers for 'Moana 2,' before accessing the home screen.
- Roku has confirmed the ads are part of a test and stated they are not currently a permanent feature of Roku OS.
- Many users have expressed frustration online, with some threatening to stop using Roku devices if the ads persist.
- Roku generates most of its revenue from advertising rather than hardware sales, driving its exploration of new ad formats.
- The company describes the test as part of its strategy to balance increased monetization with maintaining customer satisfaction.