How to Build a Roku App Using Fluger

Fluger allows you to create a Roku TV app without building one from scratch. You configure the app visually, generate a ready-to-use Roku app package, and then submit it to the Roku store.

This article explains the end-to-end process, from creating the app in Fluger to installing it on Roku.

Overview of the Process

At a high level, building a Roku app with Fluger looks like this:

  1. Configure the Roku app in Fluger

  2. Download the Roku side-load package

  3. Convert the side-load package into a Roku store package

  4. Upload and install the app in the Roku Developer Portal

Fluger handles the app structure and channel integration. Roku still controls distribution and approval.

Step 1: Open the “My Apps” Section

  1. Log in to your Fluger Dashboard

  2. Navigate to My Apps

  3. Click Create New App

  4. Select Roku as the target platform

This tells Fluger you want to generate a Roku-compatible TV app.

Step 2: Configure Your Roku App

Once Roku is selected, you’ll configure the app visually.

Upload Branding Assets

You will be asked to upload:

  • App logo (used in the Roku UI)

  • Splash / launch images (shown while the app loads)

Make sure these follow Roku’s size and format guidelines. Incorrect sizes will cause issues later during submission.

Select Channels to Broadcast

Choose one or more Fluger channels to include in the Roku app.

  • Live channels

  • Linear scheduled channels

  • On-demand channels

The app will automatically stay in sync with your selected channels — no extra updates required when schedules change.

Choose a Color Scheme

Select the primary colors used in the Roku app:

  • Background

  • Highlight / accent color

  • Text contrast

This controls the overall look and feel of the app UI.

Step 3: Create and Download the Side-Load ZIP

After configuration:

  1. Click Create App

  2. Fluger generates a Roku side-load ZIP

  3. Download the ZIP file to your computer

What is a side-load ZIP?

The side-load ZIP is:

  • A development-ready Roku app

  • Used for testing and packaging

  • Not directly uploadable to the Roku Store

This is expected — Roku requires an extra packaging step.

Step 4: Convert Side-Load ZIP into Roku Package

To publish on Roku, the side-load ZIP must be converted into a signed Roku package (.pkg).

This is done using Roku’s developer tools.

High-level steps (no deep technical setup):

  1. Create a Roku Developer account

  2. Enable Developer Mode on a Roku device

  3. Upload the side-load ZIP to the Roku device

  4. Roku generates a signed package file

  5. Download the generated .pkg file

This .pkg file is what Roku accepts for store submission.

Important:
This step is mandatory. Roku does not allow direct ZIP uploads to the store.

Step 5: Upload and Install the App in Roku Store

  1. Log in to the Roku Developer Dashboard

  2. Create a new channel

  3. Upload the generated .pkg file

  4. Fill in store metadata:

    • App name

    • Description

    • Screenshots

    • Categories

  5. Submit the app for review

Once approved, your app becomes available in the Roku Channel Store.

Testing Before Publishing

Before submitting to the store, you can:

  • Install the app privately on your Roku device

  • Test navigation, playback, and monetization

  • Verify channels load and stream correctly

This helps avoid rejections during review.

What Fluger Handles vs What Roku Controls

Fluger handles:

  • App structure and layout

  • Channel integration

  • Streaming and scheduling

  • Updates to channel content

  • App regeneration when needed

Roku controls:

  • App approval

  • Store listing

  • Compliance rules

  • Monetization policies

Fluger simplifies the build — Roku still owns distribution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Uploading wrong image sizes

  • Selecting unpublished channels

  • Skipping side-load packaging step

  • Assuming instant store approval

  • Treating Roku review as optional (it isn’t)

These mistakes slow things down unnecessarily.

Summary

With Fluger, building a Roku app means:

  • No custom Roku development

  • No manual channel wiring

  • One configuration, multiple channels

  • A clear path from setup to store submission

You configure the app in Fluger, generate the Roku package, and publish it through Roku’s official process.