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Roku to launch TV ad app for Shopify merchants

Streaming TV service Roku is launching an app to enable Shopify merchants to deliver TV advertising campaigns on the platform, making Roku the first TV streaming app available on the Shopify App Store.

The Roku Shopify app is a self-service platform aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, enabling them to create TV ad campaigns using audiences and measurement throughout the marketing funnel.

“The shift to TV streaming has accelerated, and growth advertisers need a solution that can solve their top-of-funnel branding needs as well as a simple solution that complements their lower funnel search and social efforts,” said Jared Lefkowitz, Senior Director of Ad Revenue Strategy at Roku. “This is a powerful and simple advertising opportunity for SMBs to reach customers at scale, just as Fortune 500 brands have done for decades. We’re excited to launch an easy-to-use solution for Shopify merchants that drives brand awareness on the biggest screen in the home.”

To begin using the app, which is due to launch ahead of the holiday season, Shopify users need to add the Roku app from the Shopify App Store. They can then select their audience, choose their campaign budget, timing, and duration, upload the creative, and then launch their campaigns to households across the US.

Merchants with early access to the Roku app include Birthdate Co, Jambys, Moon Pod, and Olipop.

Roku recently conducted a survey with The Harris Poll which found that 49% of respondents had seen an ad on their TV streaming device that caused them to pause the content and shop for a product, supporting use of the platform’s new Shopify app.

“At Shopify, we’re focused on helping our merchants reach more consumers, boost their sales, and build thriving businesses,” said Amir Kabbara, Director of Product at Shopify. “By launching the new Roku app in the Shopify App Store, merchants can bring their products directly to TV screens, while allowing consumers to discover exciting new brands right from their living room.”

The Shopify App Store is home to around 7,000 publicly available apps and integrations to help businesses on its platform.