Streaming apps
October 1 approaches for Roku app certification changes
Roku’s spring announcement sets upcoming requirements for eligible streaming apps.
The upcoming deadline
In its April 1, 2026 announcement, Roku set October 1, 2026 as the effective date for several certification changes. Eligible U.S. apps averaging more than five million streaming hours per month over the preceding three months must implement Instant Resume.
More than one requirement
The announcement also expands Continue Watching requirements for eligible apps outside the U.S. and removes the live-stream and replay exemption from Deep Linking. Applicability depends on the individual requirement, app category, and streaming thresholds.
For app teams
This is a deadline reminder about an earlier announcement. Review the current certification criteria and testing documentation against your app before submission; this short summary does not cover every exception or test.