Best Roku Private Channels (2017): How to access them on your Roku player

We round up the best Roku private channels available in 2017 and reveal how to access them on your Roku streamer or Roku TV device.

If you’ve gone the way of the Roku, you’re probably already overwhelmed by channel choices, which is Roku’s name for apps. Cutting the generous selection to just ten choices for our Best Roku Channels feature was a serious struggle, and we had to get pretty vicious with the scissors.

But you’ve still barely even scratched the surface until you discover private channels.

Private channels are those which don’t get publicly approved and released by Roku, but are still available to add directly to your Roku player. These are either private developer channels being tested before the full release, or they’re not appropriate (like naughty adult-only sites), or they’re privately released for specific users.

Read next: Roku OS 7.5 adds Live Pause and more great features to Roku players

Want to check out all of the best live TV from around the world, but on your telly rather than a laptop? This is your gateway. Here’s how to get private channels on your Roku TV or Roku player and the best private channels you can watch right now.

Don’t forget to check out our complete Roku tips and tricks guide for more hidden features!

Best Roku private channels 2017: How to access everything

To install private channels on your Roku, simply make your way to your Roku account online, login and select “Add a private channel”. Then enter the code for that channel, which can be found on the channel’s website, for example. We’ll also be giving you the codes for our favourite private channels in the handy guide below.

You may have to wait up to 24 hours for the channel to appear on your Roku, but it should update automatically and appear on your homescreen. If you want to give that sync a quick nudge, just go to Settings, System, System update, Check now.

Best Roku private channels 2017: cCloud TV

This channel might have a dubious legal standing, but it allows you to stream live TV channels that might otherwise not be accessible. Yes, that means HBO, AMC and more. Now working with Roku, all you need to do is add it to your box and enjoy – while it’s still running.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: FilmOn Official

Another option for watching live TV and films, FilmOn Official offers plenty of channels, all available via your Roku’s online streaming connection. This pulls in more than 600 channels and over 90,000 on demand titles in all.

That does mean you need to sign into an account to use the channel, but that comes free anyway. This even lets users create their own live and video-on-demand channels if they want to – just like Wayne’s World but for the modern generation.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: NASA TV

Yup, this does exactly what you’d imagine and lets you watch live NASA feeds right on your TV. You even have the added bonus of footage from the International Space Station to enjoy too.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2016: Nowhere Scope

If you’re a fan of Periscope, the live video streaming platform, then you need to get Nowhere Scope on your Roku. This private channels lets you watch lives feeds which people put up on Periscope, but from the comfort of your sofa and on the big screen.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: Update My Channels

We mentioned above how to force an update on your Roku when you’ve added a new channel to your account via the online platform. If you don’t want to have to navigate menus every time you want to force a sync, you could install a channel dedicated to just that.

Update My Channels, once installed, will allow you to access a way of quickly refreshing your Roku right there from within its main menus. Simple.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: Archive.org

This is a resource for accessing public domain freebies. That means legal access to films, classic TV, animation, short films, music, spoken word and more. You might discover a classic you’ve never thought to watch; you may even learn something in the process, from the more educational offerings.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: Radio Reference

There’s radio and then there’s Radio Reference. This private channel will let you listen to police scanners, air traffic control, amateur radio and more. You get global coverage and the available stations can easily be scrolled through using the on-screen menu. Just like being in GTA, but with less road rage and bloodshed.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: Nowhere Vine

Much like Nowhere Scope, the Nowhere Vine channel lets you watch Vine videos right there on your TV via the Roku. Make sure you’re ready for anything though as this pulls in the six second clips randomly, so all sorts could appear – not one to watch with the family perhaps.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: SpeedTest

Want to see how well connected you are without getting your laptop or phone out? There’s a channel for that too. SpeedTest will check your connection via its servers but also can check your connection to Netflix too. A great way to find the best time of day or night to get a quick feed.

Add the code to your Roku via this link

Best Roku private channels 2017: iTunes Podcast

This ingenious channel lets you access all your favourite podcasts so you can enjoy them via your TV, or whatever your Roku is plugged into.

Browse and search the massive list of podcast options before watching or listening to them right away.

Add the code to your Roku via this link