Video-streaming platform Roku may have more than 700 channels available, but the one thing they don’t have is a YouTube channel or app. Roku blames YouTube for refusing to build a YouTube-specific app, and as a result, many developers have tried and failed to successfully build YouTube apps for the platform.
Fortunately, Roku users don’t have to switch to Apple TV or Google TV to get their YouTube fix. CNet reports that the Twonky app on Roku and iOS and Android tablets and phones lets you stream YouTube videos using your mobile device. Since the app is private because Roku has yet to approve it, you will need to go on Roku to “Add Channel” and type in mytwonky.
Once you’ve added Twonky to your list of channels and downloaded the app to your smartphone or tablet, make sure that both Roku and your app are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then launch the Twonky Beam app and swipe left to the beam panel, where you select Roku Video Player from the Display Device option. After you’ve selected Roku Video Player, remember to swipe left and select YouTube from the many sources available on the main menu of Twonky. Now you can watch YouTube on your Roku device.
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[…] Although the Roku, a set-top device that allows viewers to stream internet video through their televisions, has over 1,000 channels, it has never before counted amongst those a true YouTube one. Its absence has always been considered conspicuous, as channels from other video-streaming companies like Netflix, Hulu, Vimeo and Amazon, among others, have been available on the set-top box. Third party channels have connected Roku owners to YouTube in the past, most noticeably Plex, VideoBuzz and Twonky. […]
[…] The end of VideoBuzz doesn’t directly affect other channels like Twonky at the moment, but from Roku’s statement to CNET, it seems that these channels are on notice. For now, until Roku gives them a takedown notice, find out how to use Twonky by checking out the article here. […]