Free video streaming app
Kanopy is a free video streaming app by Kanopy, Inc. that allows you to stream films for free without ads. This very interesting proposal serves as an alternative to other paid streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. It's somewhat on par with Plex: Stream Free Movies Shows Live TV more.
With this app, you'll be able to watch thousands of films and documentaries for free. It also has a comprehensive children's section with many other options, including classic cinema, independent films and many options you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
The first thing you notice with Kanopy for Android TV is that it offers top content, such as critically acclaimed movies and foreign films. It's definitely not the platform to find your latest blockbuster superhero movie.
Thoughtful content
Instead, expect to find titles such as Chinatown featuring Jack Nicholson, documentaries like Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, and others. There's a healthy dose of content for children, including science and maths shows, language learning, and much more.
A collaborative effort
You might wonder how it's possible to get such high-quality content for free. This is because Kanopy for Android TV works in conjunction with universities and libraries across many countries to provide you with content for free. There's one caveat, though: you need a public library card or university login to use it.
The logic behind it is the same as borrowing books from the library. You’re simply borrowing them. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that there’s a credit system for public library users. If you spend all your credits, you won’t be able to stream again until the following month.
Great for the right audience
Kanopy for Android TV is an incredible way to get even more perks if you're a university student or hold a public library card. It allows you free and uninterrupted access to lots of high-quality movies, shows, documentaries and learning material. It works in your web browser on desktop and mobile, as well as on Android TVs.
It's not perfect, though. The credit system for public library users puts them at a disadvantage over university students, and you need to check if the platform works in your country or region. There are also several technical problems many users report, such as the app crashing.