Roku is moving beyond its own platform by launching The Roku Channel on the web. This means you no longer need to own a Roku device to watch Roku's free, ad-supported movie channel. Instead, you just need a web browser pointed at TheRokuChannel.com.

In October 2017, Roku launched The Roku Channel, a free channel packed to the rafters with movies. These are all available to watch legally and for free, as long as you agree to watch the occasional advert. And now The Roku Channel has landed on the web.

Roku Brings Free Movies to the Web

As detailed on the Roku Blog, The Roku Channel is now available to anyone in the U.S. If your device has a web browser, you can access it. You do need to have a Roku account, but if you don't have one already you can simply sign up for one on the site.

The Roku Channel is filled with an ever-changing selection of movies, both old and new, as well as live news from the likes of ABC News and Cheddar. And it's all available completely for free so long as you're willing to put up with the occasional ad.

In addition to bringing The Roku Channel to the web, Roku is also adding a "Featured Free" section to the Roku homescreen. This highlights free content available across the Roku platform, with movies and TV shows from the likes of ABC, The CW, Crackle, and Tubi.

The content in "Featured Free" won't actually play in that section. Instead, you'll be directed to the app on which it's available. According to the Roku Blog, "Featured Free" will start rolling out to Roku devices in the U.S. "over the coming weeks".

Take Your Roku to the Next Level

We're big fans of Roku here at MakeUseOf. So much so we have previously suggested you buy a Roku box rather than a smart TV. And if you took our advice you should now educate yourself about the awesome Roku features you're probably not using. Yet.