Google and Roku have agreed to keep YouTube and YouTube TV on Roku’s streaming platform after the tech giant threatened to pull them on December 9, following months of nasty contract disputes. Financial terms haven’t been disclosed, but the multiyear deal will allow 56.4 million active Roku users to continue watching the channels.
Tensions between the companies arose after Roku alleged that Google was flexing its massive power in negotiations, with the tiff marking the latest instance of a smaller technology firm challenging Big Tech.
Why it matters: Roku’s deal with Google to distribute YouTube was set to expire this month.
Without a deal, YouTube would’ve been removed from Roku’s channel store — creating a significant competitive disadvantage, especially during the holiday season.
