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Create a Roku Developer Account

Instructions for creating a Roku Dev Account for your Roku app

Mindy Worley avatar
Written by Mindy Worley
Updated over a week ago

Create a Roku Customer Account

This enables you to enroll in the Roku developer program. Make sure that the email address you use for your account is one that you actively use and monitor. Roku frequently sends notifications that require you to take action (for example, to maintain your account, keep your app in the Streaming Store, or receive payouts).

Enroll in the Roku Developer Program

This provides you with access to the Roku Developer Dashboard, which is used for creating, testing, and publishing apps.

Once that's complete, you'll be able to access the Roku Launchpad.

Invite BoxCast to your Roku developer account

Navigate to the Account Information module.

Click on User Access > Invite a User

Add the following details:

Then, scroll down and select Administrator (all permissions), then Invite.

Connect a Roku Device

In order for the BoxCast to complete your app, your Roku developer account must be connected to a Roku Device. You can purchase a Roku device from Roku.com, your local electronics retailer, or a second-hand marketplace.

  • Roku requires the Account Owner to link a device to their developer account.

  • This can be a Roku Streaming Player or Roku TV.

  • This must be done before we can develop, update, or publish your Roku app.

Once you get a Roku device and enroll in the developer program, you can put your device in developer mode, sideload apps using the Roku web plug-in, and then run sample apps and test and debug your app application.

To activate developer mode on your Roku device, follow these steps:

Use your Roku remote or Roku remote app and press home three times, up twice, and then right, left, right, left, right.

Write down the URL of your Roku device that is displayed on the screen and then enable the Development Application Installer.

Read and accept the Developer Tools License Agreement, which enables you to build apps with the Roku SDK and other developer tools.

Enter a password for your Roku device (note that passwords are case sensitive). Once you submit the password, your Roku device reboots. When the device finishes rebooting, it is activated in developer mode and ready for sideloading apps.

(Optional): Enroll in Partner Payouts

Note: In-App Purchases are currently not available in BoxCast Roku apps, but this feature is listed as a future improvement.

In order to be able to monetize your channel, you'll need to enroll in the Partner Payout Program. You’ll need to wait until the actual channel exists to complete this step. It's pretty easy to set up, but you will need the following info:

  • Entity name, type, address, and contact details

  • Tax ID (SSN/EIN) or GST/VAT/HST/Digital tax

  • Banking information and payout method (bank deposit, wire transfer, or PayPal)

  • Tax forms (W-9, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, or W-8ECI)


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