Rakuten TV: Your Ultimate Guide to Streaming Movies and TV Shows
Rakuten TV is a video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service that offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and other video content. Available in numerous European countries, it stands out with its blend of free, rental, and subscription options, catering to a diverse range of viewing preferences and budgets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Rakuten TV, from setting up an account to navigating its features and maximizing your viewing experience.
## What is Rakuten TV?
Rakuten TV is a platform offering a wide selection of content, including:
* **New Releases:** Access the latest blockbuster movies shortly after their theatrical release.
* **Classic Films:** Explore a rich catalog of timeless cinematic treasures.
* **TV Series:** Watch entire seasons of popular TV shows, both classic and contemporary.
* **Free Content:** Enjoy a selection of movies and TV shows completely free of charge, supported by advertising.
* **Rakuten Originals:** Discover exclusive content produced by Rakuten itself.
Unlike some streaming services with only subscription-based models, Rakuten TV provides flexibility. You can:
* **Rent Movies:** Pay a one-time fee to rent a movie for a limited time.
* **Purchase Movies and TV Shows:** Buy digital copies of your favorite titles to own permanently.
* **Subscribe to Channels:** Access curated collections of content through themed subscription channels.
This makes Rakuten TV a versatile choice for viewers who want to watch specific titles without committing to a monthly subscription, as well as those seeking a broader range of content through subscriptions.
## Getting Started with Rakuten TV: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these instructions to set up your Rakuten TV account and start streaming:
**1. Device Compatibility:**
Rakuten TV is accessible on a wide array of devices, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content wherever you are. Supported devices include:
* **Smart TVs:** Many major Smart TV brands, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips, come with the Rakuten TV app pre-installed or available for download from their respective app stores. This is often the most convenient way to watch Rakuten TV on your big screen.
* **Streaming Devices:** Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, and Apple TV support the Rakuten TV app, allowing you to turn any TV with an HDMI port into a smart TV and access the streaming service.
* **Game Consoles:** PlayStation and Xbox consoles usually have the Rakuten TV app available for download, providing another option for watching on your TV.
* **Mobile Devices:** The Rakuten TV app is available for both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, letting you watch on the go.
* **Computers:** You can access Rakuten TV through your web browser on Windows, macOS, and Linux computers by visiting the Rakuten TV website.
**2. Account Creation:**
If you don’t already have a Rakuten account, you’ll need to create one. Here’s how:
* **Via Web Browser:**
* Go to the Rakuten TV website (www.rakuten.tv).
* Click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, typically located in the top right corner of the page.
* You will be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, and provide some basic personal information, such as your name and date of birth.
* You may be asked to verify your email address by clicking on a link sent to your inbox. Follow the instructions in the email to complete the verification process.
* **Via the App (Smart TV, Mobile, Streaming Device):**
* Download and install the Rakuten TV app from your device’s app store (e.g., Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS, or the app store on your Smart TV or streaming device).
* Open the Rakuten TV app.
* Look for a “Sign Up” or “Register” option on the main screen or in the settings menu.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. The process is similar to signing up via the web browser, requiring you to enter your email address, create a password, and provide personal information.
**3. Setting Up Payment Information:**
Even if you plan to initially watch only free content, it’s a good idea to set up your payment information. This will make it easier to rent or purchase movies and subscribe to channels later on. You can usually add payment information during the sign-up process or in the account settings after you’ve created your account.
* **Accepted Payment Methods:** Rakuten TV typically accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. Some regions may also support other local payment methods.
* **Adding Payment Information:**
* Log in to your Rakuten TV account via the website or app.
* Navigate to the “Account Settings” or “Payment Methods” section.
* Click on “Add Payment Method” and enter your credit card details or link your PayPal account.
* Make sure to save your changes.
**4. Navigating the Rakuten TV Interface:**
Once your account is set up, familiarizing yourself with the Rakuten TV interface is crucial for a smooth viewing experience. The interface is generally user-friendly and intuitive, but understanding its key elements will help you find what you’re looking for quickly.
* **Home Screen:** The home screen is your starting point and typically features:
* **Featured Content:** A selection of highlighted movies, TV shows, and channels that Rakuten TV recommends.
* **New Releases:** A section showcasing the latest movies available for rent or purchase.
* **Popular Movies and TV Shows:** A list of trending titles based on user activity.
* **Rakuten Originals:** A dedicated section for Rakuten’s exclusive content.
* **Search Function:** Located at the top of the screen (usually represented by a magnifying glass icon), the search function allows you to quickly find specific movies, TV shows, actors, or directors.
* **Categories/Genres:** Browse content by genre, such as action, comedy, drama, romance, horror, sci-fi, and more. This is a great way to discover new titles that match your interests.
* **My Library/My List:** This section stores the movies and TV shows you have purchased or rented. It also allows you to create a watchlist of titles you want to watch later.
* **Channels:** Access the subscription channels available on Rakuten TV. These channels offer curated collections of content focused on specific themes, such as sports, documentaries, or kids’ programming.
* **Account Settings:** Manage your account details, payment information, subscription settings, and parental controls.
**5. Finding Content: Free, Rental, Purchase, and Subscription**
Rakuten TV offers multiple ways to access content, each with its own cost structure:
* **Free Content:**
* Rakuten TV has a selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free. This content is supported by advertising, so you’ll see ads during playback.
* To find free content, look for a “Free” or “Free Movies” section on the home screen or in the categories menu. You can also use the search filter to only display free titles.
* **Rental:**
* Renting allows you to watch a movie for a limited time, typically 48 hours after you start watching it. Once the rental period expires, the movie will no longer be available.
* To rent a movie, select the title you want to watch and click on the “Rent” button. You’ll be prompted to confirm your payment information before the rental is processed.
* Rented movies can be found in your “My Library” section.
* **Purchase:**
* Purchasing a movie or TV show gives you permanent access to the digital copy. You can watch it as many times as you want, whenever you want.
* To purchase a title, select it and click on the “Buy” or “Purchase” button. Confirm your payment, and the title will be added to your “My Library” permanently.
* **Subscription Channels:**
* Rakuten TV offers a variety of subscription channels, each focused on a specific genre or theme. Examples include channels dedicated to sports, documentaries, classic movies, or kids’ programming.
* To subscribe to a channel, navigate to the “Channels” section and browse the available options. Click on the channel you’re interested in and select the “Subscribe” button. You’ll be prompted to confirm your payment details and subscription terms.
* You can manage your subscriptions in the “Account Settings” section.
**6. Watching Content:**
Once you’ve found a movie, TV show, or channel you want to watch, the playback process is straightforward:
* **Select the Title:** Click on the movie or TV show you want to watch.
* **Choose Your Option:** If the title is available for free, the playback will start automatically. If it’s a rental or purchase, you’ll need to confirm your payment before playback begins. If it is part of a subscription, selecting the content will start playback.
* **Playback Controls:** During playback, you’ll have access to standard controls such as play/pause, fast forward, rewind, volume control, and full-screen mode. You may also have options to adjust the video quality and select subtitles or audio tracks.
* **Subtitles and Audio:** Rakuten TV supports multiple languages for subtitles and audio tracks. You can usually select your preferred language in the playback settings.
## Tips and Tricks for Enhancing Your Rakuten TV Experience
To get the most out of Rakuten TV, consider these tips and tricks:
* **Explore Free Content Regularly:** Rakuten TV often updates its selection of free movies and TV shows. Check back regularly to discover new titles you can watch without paying.
* **Take Advantage of Promotions and Discounts:** Rakuten TV frequently offers promotions and discounts on rentals, purchases, and subscriptions. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
* **Use the Watchlist Feature:** Add movies and TV shows you’re interested in to your watchlist so you can easily find them later.
* **Adjust Video Quality:** If you have a fast internet connection, set the video quality to the highest available resolution for the best viewing experience. If you’re on a limited data plan, reduce the video quality to conserve bandwidth.
* **Parental Controls:** If you have children, enable parental controls to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. You can set up a PIN code to prevent your children from bypassing the restrictions.
* **Link Your Rakuten Account:** If you use other Rakuten services, such as Rakuten Rewards or Rakuten Kobo, link your accounts to earn and redeem Rakuten Points on your Rakuten TV purchases.
* **Check Device Compatibility and Updates:** Ensure your device is compatible with Rakuten TV and that the app is updated to the latest version to avoid any compatibility issues.
* **Explore Channels to discover niche content**: Rakuten often bundles channels or discounts them; This can offer significant savings compared to buying individual movies or shows.
* **Utilize VPN (with caution):** While technically possible, using a VPN to access content from different regions may violate Rakuten TV’s terms of service. Proceed with caution and be aware of the potential risks. The content available varies by country due to licensing restrictions.
## Rakuten TV vs. Other Streaming Services
Rakuten TV competes with other major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. Here’s a quick comparison:
* **Content Library:** Rakuten TV’s content library is extensive, but it may not be as large or diverse as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. However, Rakuten TV’s focus on new releases and rental options gives it a unique edge.
* **Pricing:** Rakuten TV’s pricing model is more flexible than Netflix or Disney+, which are primarily subscription-based. Rakuten TV allows you to pay for only what you want to watch, whether it’s a rental, a purchase, or a subscription channel.
* **Original Content:** While Rakuten TV has its own Rakuten Originals, its original content output is not as prolific as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
* **User Interface:** Rakuten TV’s user interface is generally user-friendly, but it may not be as polished or feature-rich as some of its competitors.
Ultimately, the best streaming service for you depends on your individual preferences and viewing habits. If you value flexibility, a wide selection of new releases, and the option to rent or purchase movies and TV shows, Rakuten TV is definitely worth considering.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a good streaming service, technical issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
* **Buffering Issues:**
* **Check Your Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection. Run a speed test to verify your internet speed.
* **Restart Your Router:** Sometimes, a simple router restart can resolve connectivity issues.
* **Reduce Video Quality:** Lowering the video quality can reduce the amount of data being streamed, which can help prevent buffering.
* **Close Other Applications:** Close any other applications that are using your internet connection.
* **App Crashing or Freezing:**
* **Restart the App:** Close the Rakuten TV app and reopen it.
* **Clear Cache and Data:** In your device’s settings, clear the cache and data for the Rakuten TV app. This can resolve issues caused by corrupted data.
* **Update the App:** Make sure you have the latest version of the Rakuten TV app installed.
* **Reinstall the App:** If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
* **Playback Errors:**
* **Check Device Compatibility:** Ensure your device is compatible with Rakuten TV and meets the minimum system requirements.
* **Try a Different Device:** If possible, try watching the content on a different device to see if the problem is device-specific.
* **Contact Rakuten TV Support:** If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing playback errors, contact Rakuten TV support for assistance. Provide them with details about the issue, including the movie or TV show you’re trying to watch, the device you’re using, and any error messages you’re seeing.
* **Payment Issues:**
* **Verify Payment Information:** Double-check your credit card details or PayPal information to ensure they are correct and up-to-date.
* **Contact Your Bank:** If you’re having trouble with your credit card, contact your bank to make sure there are no issues with your account.
* **Try a Different Payment Method:** If possible, try using a different payment method to see if that resolves the issue.
## Conclusion
Rakuten TV provides a flexible and diverse streaming experience, offering a blend of free, rental, purchase, and subscription options to suit various viewing preferences. By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily set up your account, navigate the platform, find the content you love, and troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re looking for the latest blockbuster movies, classic films, or exclusive Rakuten Originals, Rakuten TV has something for everyone. Explore its offerings and discover a new world of entertainment!