Roku is the most widely used streaming platform in the US. Creating a Roku channel puts your video library on every Roku TV and device, which represents tens of millions of active viewers. The good news: launching a basic Roku channel with Direct Publisher doesn't require any development experience. You need a content feed, a Roku developer account, and about an hour.
Here's the complete process from start to published.
Two Ways to Create a Roku Channel
Before getting into steps, it's worth clarifying the two primary paths:
- Roku Direct Publisher: a no-code channel builder. You provide a content feed (in a format called MRSS or Roku's own feed format), and Roku builds the channel UI automatically. This is the right path for most publishers.
- Custom channel (SceneGraph SDK): a fully custom channel built by Roku developers using Roku's BrightScript/SceneGraph framework. Requires a development team. Appropriate for very large operations that need a fully custom viewing experience.
This guide covers Roku Direct Publisher, the no-code path.
What You Need Before Starting
- A Roku developer account (free at developer.roku.com)
- A content feed — a structured file that describes your video library (title, description, thumbnail, video URL for each item)
- Channel artwork — a channel poster (540×405px) and a banner image (2160×384px)
- At least a few videos with hosted streaming URLs (not YouTube links — direct video file URLs)
The content feed is the main technical requirement. Roku accepts MRSS feeds and a few proprietary JSON formats. If you're managing your library in VideoNest, your MRSS feed is already generated and updated automatically.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Roku Direct Publisher Channel
-
Create a Roku developer account
Go to developer.roku.com and sign up. You'll need a Roku account (the same one used on a Roku device). Accept the developer agreement when prompted.
-
Start a new Direct Publisher channel
In the developer dashboard, select "Add Channel" and choose "Direct Publisher." This opens the channel configuration workflow — no coding required.
-
Configure your channel settings
Set your channel name, category (Entertainment, News, Sports, etc.), language, and whether the channel is public or private. Public channels appear in Roku's channel store after review. Private (non-certified) channels can be accessed by anyone with a direct access code, useful for testing.
-
Add your content feed
Paste your content feed URL. Roku will validate the feed format and preview the content it finds. If you're using VideoNest, copy your Roku-compatible MRSS feed URL from your distribution settings. Roku ingests this feed automatically and updates your channel when you publish new videos.
-
Upload channel artwork
Upload your channel poster (540×405px, PNG or JPG) and banner image (2160×384px). These appear in the Roku channel store and on the channel landing screen. Roku has specific image requirements; make sure you meet them or the submission will fail validation.
-
Configure monetization (optional)
Roku channels can run ads through Roku's advertising framework. You can configure whether your channel accepts ads and set audience targeting parameters. If you're distributing via VideoNest's monetization program, ad revenue from Roku views flows through that arrangement.
-
Test before publishing
Roku provides a test access code so you can sideload your channel onto a real Roku device before it goes live. Test playback on actual hardware. Video that works in a browser doesn't always stream correctly on Roku devices, particularly if the feed contains non-compatible video formats.
-
Submit for certification (for public channels)
If you want your channel in the public Roku channel store, submit it for certification. Roku reviews public channels for content compliance and basic quality standards. Approval typically takes 1–2 weeks. Private channels are available immediately without review.
Roku Feed Format Requirements
Roku Direct Publisher accepts feeds in two formats:
- Roku JSON Feed: Roku's native format, with specific fields for series, episodes, movies, and playlists
- MRSS: the industry-standard Media RSS format, which Roku also supports
MRSS is the more portable format: the same feed you use for Roku can also power your Amazon Fire TV channel, Tubi, Pluto TV, and dozens of other CTV and FAST destinations. If you're managing distribution to multiple platforms, an MRSS feed managed by a platform like VideoNest means one feed update reaches all connected destinations simultaneously.
What Keeps Your Channel Updated
Unlike a manually managed channel, a feed-based Roku channel updates itself. When you publish a new video, it appears in the feed. Roku polls the feed periodically (typically every few hours) and updates the channel with new content automatically.
This is why the content feed setup is the highest-leverage step. Get the feed right and configured to update automatically, and your Roku channel maintains itself as you continue publishing.
Creating a Roku Channel with VideoNest
VideoNest generates Roku-compatible MRSS feeds automatically for every library. The feed URL is available in your distribution settings. Copy it, paste it into Roku Direct Publisher, and your channel is connected. Every video you upload to VideoNest from that point forward automatically appears on Roku without any additional action.
The same library can simultaneously feed your Fire TV channel, FAST channels like Tubi and Pluto TV, your podcast feed, and your embedded player on your website — from one upload.