Roku

How to Register a Roku Developer Account

Step 1: Create Your Roku Account ID

• If you already use a Roku device, you most likely have a personal Roku account ID. However, it is recommended to create a new account solely associated to your developer profile. Please click here to be brought to the Roku developer account portal. On this page, select the "Sign in" option. Then, select "Create account."
• If you have an existing Roku application, we will be able to utilize your existing developer account to manage your Vimeo OTT application. Click here to skip down to the next step.

• Insert all necessary information requested and agree to Roku's Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Then, select "Continue."
  • NOTE: The email address you register should be one you and your team should have access to. Roku requires you to link a physical Roku device to this email address. Additionally, Roku will deliver information regarding your account and Vimeo OTT application to this email address. Be sure to record your Roku developer account log-in credentials!
• On the next page, you'll be asked to set-up a PIN (Personal Identification Number). For security purposes, Roku will ask for a PIN for making purchases or adding channels to your Roku account. This is similar to an ATM PIN and it can be whatever you'd like. While it is not required, it is highly recommended to set a PIN. Similar to the email address you register, be sure to record your PIN! 

• The final page will ask for payment information - either by credit card or PayPal. This is used when purchasing items against your Roku account and has no bearing on the developer account or general on-boarding setup. After providing all information, select "Save and Continue."
• Access the inbox of the email address you have registered with and confirm your email with Roku.

• After creating your Roku account, you will then be able to select the profile icon in the top-right and select "Developers."

Step 2: Register Your Roku Developer Account

• Next, you'll need to enroll for a Roku developer account. To do so, select "Dashboard" from the navigation menu.

• When asked to enroll as an Individual or Company, choose Company. Then, input all required information including company name, legal contact information, and website URL. You are able to use your Vimeo OTT website URL if you do not have a separate website live.

• After providing all information, you should be taken to the Roku developer account dashboard which should generally appear similar to the below.

Step 3: Invite Vimeo to Your Roku Developer Account

• Now that you have your developer account registered, you will need to invite our Branded Applications team. To do so, navigate to the " User Access" section.

• Select the "Add User" button

• Enter the following information to add our Branded Applications team:
  • Email Address: apps@vhx.tv
  • Roles: Administrator
  • Organization: Vimeo
• Select "Create" 
• Inform your Implementation Manager that an invitation to your Roku developer account has been sent.

Step 4: Link a Physical Roku Device

• Once you have your Roku device in-hand, you will be able to link it to your registered developer account profile during general device setup. Please follow this guide on how to finalize this process.
• You will be able to confirm whether or not your account has a Roku device linked to it via your "My Account" section.
• If you have not completed this step, you will see the below screenshot:

• If you have completed this step successfully, you will instead see the below screenshot:

Step 5: Create Your Beta Channel and Verify Your Roku Account

• Before our Branded Applications team is able to build and upload your Roku application into your account, you will need to create a beta (a.k.a. "private") channel and have your Roku account verified. Creating a beta channel does not create a public store-listing, it is simply a placeholder!
• From the Roku developer dashboard, you can select "Beta channels" or the "Create a channel" option. While either of these options brings you to the same location, be sure you are creating a beta channel.

• On the next screen, select " Create channel"

• Then, within the prompt, update the following:
  • Channel name = This should be formatted as [YOUR_INTENDED_APP_NAME] DEV.
    • NOTE: Please replace [YOUR_INTENDED_APP_NAME] with your actual service name and do not use this sample text. Remember - this beta channel will not be listed as your visible, public, application.
  • Channel store countries = This will be where your beta application should be available. Please choose all countries available including"Rest of World."
  • Default Language = English
• Select "Create channel"

• When finished, you'll be brought to the newly created beta channel interface. From here, select "Channel package."

• If you've been following all steps properly, you should only see the option to "Verify developer account email." 
  • To complete this task, simply click the "Verify developer account email" link to send yourself a verification email. Then, accept the verification email you received from Roku within your inbox at the email address listed.
• If you did not complete Step 4 above, (linking a physical Roku device), you will also see that option to complete.
• Selecting "Check Status" should fill the circular icons with green checkmarks if all is completed successfully.

• Once you complete the above, you should see a screen similar to the below. If you do, this step can now be considered complete and you do not need to take any action here!

Step 6: Enroll in the Roku Partner Payouts Program 

• Click here or navigate to "Payout Settings" to enroll in the Payouts Program.
• Follow Roku's instructions to enter information about your business entity & payout method (bank deposit, wire transfer, or PayPal)
• You will also submit Tax forms (W-9, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, or W-8ECI) 
  • Once you submit your tax forms, Roku will review and approve which may take up to 72 hours. If your tax forms require a manual review, you will receive an email notification from Roku with more information.
• Once you have completed the Enrollment, you should see this green indicator at the top of the page

For a step-by-step guide and video demo, please reference Roku's Official Documentation