Locast is a new startup that’s trying to bring local TV stations online for free. We’ve updated the website with the latest information on how to use it, and what you need to do in order to find out if your city has access to free live TV.
Locast is a free service that allows users to check if local live TV is available in their city. The locast alternative is a website that provides the same functionality as Locast, but without the need for an account.
Update 9/7/2021: Locast has ceased operations and no longer provides access to local live television channels in any of the cities mentioned below. The service’s suspension is due to a legal issue, and it’s unclear if Locast intends to restart operations anytime soon. If and when the service becomes accessible again, this article will be updated. Update is now complete:
In the United States, Locast is presently accessible in 36 locations. Locast began operations in New York City in January 2018 and has been steadily expanding since then. If your city isn’t yet supported, it may be soon. Meanwhile, here’s a list of locations where Locast’s free local live TV service may be found.
If you reside in one of the cities where Locast is currently accessible, installing it is very straightforward. If you don’t reside in a Locast-supported region right now, that may change in the future. If your city isn’t supported, Locast suggests donating “to help us bring Locast to your region.”
It should be reminded that making a contribution to Locast does not ensure that the service will be available in your area. Donations, according to Locast, are used to cover “considerable expenses for equipment, bandwidth, and operational support.” The idea is that the more contributions and support it receives, the simpler it will be to grow. If you do make a contribution to Locast, keep in mind that it will be used to fund the service’s general growth rather than being dedicated to your particular location.
List of Locast cities
In the United States, Locast is presently accessible in 36 cities. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin were the most recent additions to the list in July 2023. Locast isn’t known for announcing new cities ahead of time, so the next one may be added at any moment.
Locast is accessible in 36 cities right now.
Locast is accessible in 36 cities right now.Locast is accessible in the following locations:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cleveland
- Columbus, Ohio is a city in Ohio.
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Denver
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Los Angeles is a city in California.
- Madison
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Puerto Rico is a United States territory.
- Orlando
- Rapid City is a city in South Dakota.
- Sacramento
- San Francisco is a city in California.
- Seattle
- Sioux City is a city in the United States.
- Sioux Falls is a city in South Dakota.
- Tampa Bay is located in Florida.
- Tri-Cities is a city in the state of Washington (Tennessee, Kentucky & Virginia)
- In Washington, D.C.
- West Palm Beach is a city in Florida.
- Wilkes-Barre-Scranton is a city in Pennsylvania.
Again, this is only a current list, and the business adds new sites at random. The list is current and will be updated when additional cities are added. If your city isn’t mentioned, Locast isn’t available in your region right now.
Is Locast really unrestricted?
Yes, Locast is completely free to use. That isn’t to argue that the experience is the same for those who pay and those who don’t. While there is no charge for using Locast, it does depend largely on contributions from its users. So much so that when a user is viewing live TV, Locast often displays “contribution request” notifications.
Many users have complained that these notifications may be overpowering at times, resulting in an unpleasant experience, especially since the live broadcast is interrupted each time the contribution request message appears. Users should be aware of this if they choose the totally free option, since it is likely to affect the watching experience. Even after contributing, Locast claims that the contribution solicitation notifications may appear for up to twenty-four hours.
One thing to keep in mind regarding donating: although there is no Locast subscription, the contribution mechanism is set up similarly to a subscription model. If you agree to donate via the website, you should be informed that the payments will be made on a monthly (or yearly) basis. If you set up a $5 or $10 contribution, for example, you will very certainly be charged that amount each month until you stop the recurring payment. Locast presently does not have a one-time contribution option.
How can I become a member of Locast?
It’s as simple as signing up for any other service. It’s probably even simpler than signing up for other services since you don’t have to set up a payment method once you download the app and use it for the first time.
To join up for Locast, customers must first confirm that the service is available in their region. Second, the service should be compatible with their devices. Locast requires a steady and constant internet connection since it is an internet-based streaming service; it does not provide offline viewing or DVR.
Signing up for Locast is as simple as going to Locast.org and establishing an account if all of these criteria are fulfilled. To check eligibility and identify which channels are available, an account must be created using a user’s name, email address, and access to the device’s location. Users will be able to watch local live TV on any of the supported devices after they have established an account.
Instead than using email and passwords, Locast utilizes authentication codes.
Users will be required to check in using an activation code rather than their email and password when signing in for the first time on a new device. This is true for all devices and every time a user comes back in after logging out.
What is the best way for me to watch Locast?
Despite the fact that Locast is only accessible in a few locations, it is available on a variety of platforms and devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Locast is an excellent service to use at home or on the road because of the large number of compatible devices.
Locast is now available on the following platforms:
- Amazon Fire TV is a streaming media player from Amazon.
- Android-based smartphone
- Android Television (Android TV)
- Apple TV
- DIRECTV
- Hopper for Dishes
- iOS is a mobile operating system.
- Roku
- TiVo
- U-verse
Is it possible to utilize Locast with a VPN?
There’s no technical reason why someone couldn’t use Locast with a VPN. Because the service produces the channel list based on the device’s location, the VPN, rather than the device, will most likely identify the device’s location.
You can use Locast with a VPN, although it’s probably not necessary.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind while utilizing a VPN. To begin with, using a VPN will prevent consumers from accessing their real local channels. Second, Locast’s geographic support is currently restricted, and using a VPN would almost certainly shut the user out of live TV access entirely – unless one of the few locations available is chosen.
Is Locast facing legal action?
Yes, a number of major broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, are presently suing Locast. In exchange, Locast is suing the same businesses for antitrust violations.
Because Locast does not have authorization to retransmit channels, the major broadcast networks claim that it is unlawfully giving access to local TV stations. Locast claims that since it is a non-profit, it does not need authorization and is just making it simpler for customers to access channels to which they have a legal right.
The result of the case will likely determine whether Locast can continue to provide the service it presently provides.
Continue reading: Is Locast Legal? The fight for free live TV streaming is heating up.
The information on this page was last updated on September 20, 2023.
Locast is a new free live TV streaming service that offers local channels. The how to watch locast will help you find out if the service is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Locast in another city?
You can watch Locast in any city that has a local station.
Can I get Locast in my area?
Locast is not available in your area, but you can try out the other apps in our list.
Can you change your location on Locast?
I cant change my location on Locast, but you can!
