Roku is ending Photo Streams, pushing all screensavers to Roku City

TV streamer Roku recently announced that it is ending Photo Stream in early 2026 and replacing it with something called Backgrounds, which limits individual photo options but includes a library of artwork to choose from.

The transition from photo stream to backdrop is already underway. “Over the next few months, you’ll start seeing messages about Photo Stream moving to the background,” Roku announced on its website. “At the end of January 2026, Photo Stream will stop working and will only display a message directing you to open the backdrop.”

Photo Stream currently works as a screensaver for users who set it up, filling idle screen time by displaying photos uploaded by the user. Those uploaded images will still be accessible on Backgrounds, but only one gallery is available for viewing at a time – and Backgrounds must be specifically turned on for the photos to appear. By February 2026, the screens of all inactive Roku sessions will default to the famous Roku City background, which features advertising.

mashable light speed

This change is obviously disappointing for those who like to display their private photos on the big screen without thinking too much about it. Roku is trying to soften the blow by offering free digital art to Backgrounds users, consisting of about 4,500 images. Works by artists such as Johannes Vermeer, Paul Gauguin, Leonardo da Vinci and Mary Cassatt were available as early as December, along with images of nature and city scenes. Background users will also be able to adjust the photo display time and launch it directly from the Roku remote’s power button.

Roku doesn’t say there’s an advertising component behind the change, instead it says, “Backdrop brings Photos into one app that’s easier to use, more customizable, and will allow us to add new photos and ambient experiences over time,”