FAQ: Converting from Direct Publisher to SDK

Environment

SDK

Direct Publisher 

Questions & Answers

Q: If I create a new SDK channel to replace my existing channel and delete my old Direct Publisher channel, will my channel disappear from existing users' menus?

We would not recommend creating a new SDK channel to replace your Direct Publisher channel. In the Developer Dashboard, there is a "Convert to SDK Channel" button, which allows you to keep the same channel access code, so users will not be lost once your channel passes certification and is published as an SDK channel. (See image below.) 

Q: Do I need to update my channel’s version number?

Yes. Not incrementing the channel's version number when uploading a new pkg file may cause the build to not upload and block submission.

Q: Will I lose historical analytics and channel reviews when converting a channel to SDK?

You will not lose historical engagement data, but please note, Content Engagement reporting is not available for SDK channels. More on what reporting is available at Analytics & reporting. 

Q: If I upgrade to SDK, will my channel be down? Or does the SDK version stay on the side until it is approved? 

The latter -- the SDK channel update will be in "Publishing," which means existing users will continue to see the Direct Publisher version of your channel until the SDK build passes certification and is published by Partner Success. 

Q: My Direct Publisher channel works fine, commercials air. So when I transition to SDK, does all this merely continue? 

No, if you wish to offer an ad-supported channel, you will need to integrate with Roku Ad Framework (RAF) to comply with our certification requirements. If you do end up having questions about RAF implementation, you can email adsupport@roku.com for support.

Q: How much of an impact will this have on users, revenue, and reach of our channels should we move from a Direct Publisher to SDK channel?

Effect on users:

• Potential UI changes and additional features may be available (if you choose to customize beyond what was offered on Direct Publisher).
• All users who have already installed your channel will still have your channel installed on their devices. 

Effect on revenue:

• Revenue should not differ between Direct Publisher or SDK channels, as outlined on our Application Distribution Agreement. Direct Publisher is only available for AVOD or free channels, so you will have more of an opportunity to monetize with an SDK channel if you choose to offer TVOD or SVOD content. 

"Reach" of channel:

• All public channels, regardless of whether they are Direct Publisher or SDK, are available on the Roku Channel Store, in the regions you have specified in the Developer Dashboard. 

Additional Resources

Please contact Partner Success to deactivate the Direct Publisher Search Feed to avoid issues with inactive search results returned in our Search Function.