Streaming hardware and platform developer Roku provided the industry with an early preview into its fourth quarter (Q4) growth on Tuesday, revealing that the company reached 89.8 million streaming TV households around the world by the end of December.
That number surpassed 90 million global households during the first week of January, the company said in a statement, adding that its streaming devices and smart TVs are now in “nearly half of all U.S. broadband households.”
“Roku’s extensive scale sets us apart in the streaming industry, with more engagement than any other TV OS platform in the U.S.,” Anthony Wood, the founder and CEO of Roku, said in a statement. “Thanks to our laser focus on simplifying and enhancing the streamer’s journey, Roku is the preferred choice for millions of viewers. I’m grateful to our customers, partners, advertisers, and employees for helping us reach this notable milestone.”
Roku celebrated its first full decade of the Roku TV program, which allows third party manufacturers to license and integrate the company’s streaming TV operating platform into their smart TVs. TCL, Hisense, Element, Sharp, Philips and Walmart’s Onn brand are among some of the companies that have taken advantage of the program, propelling Roku’s reach across the globe. Measurement firm Parks Associates routinely ranks Roku as one of the most-dominant streaming TV platforms in the United States.
Roku is also known for its easy-to-use and low-cost streaming pucks and sticks, which can be found for as little as $15 at Walmart during the holidays. The average price of a Roku streaming device is around $40, and the devices can be connected to most smart TVs and non-smart TVs that have HDMI ports. Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices typically offer the same access to streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, Disney Plus, Max, Paramount Plus and Peacock, as well as region-specific apps like BBC iPlayer and Stan.
“Roku TVs and streaming players offer incredible value for customers with an always expanding content library, including over 500 free live linear channels in the U.S., premium exclusive content, and thousands of free-on demand options,” a Roku spokesperson said on Tuesday.
As more households take advantage of Roku’s low cost and ease of use, the company’s platform business has skyrocketed, with subscriptions and advertising bringing in over $908 million during Q3 alone. Total platform-related gross profit climbed to nearly $492 million, the company disclosed. Q4 and full-year revenue data will be released between late January and early February.
