As cable TV subscriptions decline year after year, streaming has become the new normal. According to Leichtman Research Group, nearly 7 million Americans cut the cord in 2022 alone. People are fed up with expensive cable bundles and contracts. The demand for affordable live TV streaming is higher than ever before.
That‘s where Very Local comes in. This free app provides local live broadcasts from major networks without any fees. Read on for a complete guide to installing and using Very Local on Firestick, Fire TV, Android, and more.
What is Very Local and How Does it Work?
Very Local offers free access to local broadcast stations like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in 26 US cities so far. It‘s owned by Clearforce, Inc. which develops apps for accessing over-the-air TV.
Instead of requiring a login or subscription, Very Local pulls local TV signals that are already publicly available in each area. The app then makes those signals viewable on your favorite streaming devices via the internet.
Think of it like capturing OTA antenna broadcasts digitally to deliver through an app without cable. The big difference is you can watch local channels from anywhere, not just near the broadcast towers.
Very Local streams local news, weather, traffic, sports, and network TV shows without any fees. Read on to learn how to add this essential app to your streaming arsenal.
Current Cities and Channels Available on Very Local
As of February 2023, here are the metro areas supported by Very Local along with the local channels available in each location:
| City | Available Local Channels |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | KOB, KOAT, KRQE, KWBQ, KLUZ |
| Baltimore | WJZ, WBAL, WBFF, WNUV |
| Birmingham | WIAT, WBMA, WVTM, WTTT |
| Boston | WBZ, WCVB, WHDH, WLVI |
| Kansas City | KCTV, KMBC, KSHB, WDAF |
With local broadcasts from the major networks, Very Local makes it possible to watch local news, weather, sports, and primetime shows without needing cable TV.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Very Local on Firestick and Fire TV
Here is a detailed walkthrough on how to download and install the Very Local app on any Firestick, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K, and all other Amazon Fire TV models:
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From the home screen, move your cursor to the top and click on the "Search" option.
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In the search bar that pops up, type in "Very Local" and press the enter key.
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This will display the Very Local app icon and title. Select it.
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On the Very Local page, click on the orange "Download" button.
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The installation process will now begin. Your Firestick will show the download progress.
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After the install completes, the button will change to say "Open". Click it to launch Very Local.
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The app may ask to enable location access or other permissions. Grant all permissions so local channels load properly.
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Once launched, Very Local will open to the main interface showing local TV listings.
That‘s all it takes to get up and running with Very Local on Fire TV models! The entire process takes less than 2 minutes. Now enjoy free local news and TV channels from major broadcast networks.
Installing Very Local on Android Phones and Android TV
Users with Android mobile devices and Android-powered TV boxes can also install Very Local quickly from the Google Play Store:
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Open the Play Store app on your Android phone, NVIDIA SHIELD, Xiaomi Mi Box, etc.
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In the search box, look for "Very Local" or "Very Local – Live TV".
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Select the Very Local app from the search results.
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Tap "Install" to begin the download.
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Once finished, press "Open" to launch the app.
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Allow the app to access your location and other permissions.
After following these instructions, Android users can now enjoy free local live TV through Very Local just like Firestick owners!
Using a VPN to Unblock Very Local Outside Your City
While Very Local has plans to expand nationwide, it‘s currently only available in certain metro regions. However, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you unblock channels from other cities no matter where you are.
Here‘s how to unblock Very Local with a VPN:
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Sign up for a reliable VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
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Install the VPN app on your streaming device – Firestick, Android, Roku, etc.
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Connect to a VPN server located in a Very Local supported city.
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Launch the Very Local app and enjoy live local broadcasts as if you were actually in that area!
Using a VPN to trick Very Local into thinking you‘re in a different broadcast region gives you expanded channel options. And a VPN keeps your streaming activity private and secure.
I recommend ExpressVPN for seamlessly unblocking geo-restricted apps and sites. Get 3 free months of secure streaming by clicking here.
How Does Very Local Stream Local TV Signals Legally?
When any app provides free live TV streaming, it‘s normal to have legal concerns. So how does Very Local work legally for local broadcasting?
Unlike personal OTA antennas which also access local channels for free, Very Local utilizes a single antenna to capture the publicly available signals in each area.
The app then redistributes those open signals online to users, similar to a traditional cable provider. Very Local also strips out sports and some other programming based on rights.
So while the major networks might not love these streaming loopholes, the local retransmissions fall into a legally gray area. That means Very Local is able to provide legal live local TV with minimal restrictions for now.
Integrating Very Local Into Your Streaming Setup
Once installed on your Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, or other device, how can you make the most of Very Local? Here are a few tips:
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Browse channels to see what‘s on or check the TV guide before flipping channels.
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Add Very Local to your home screen or favorite apps for quick access.
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Sign up for a free TV streaming service like Pluto TV for even more free content.
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Use an indoor HD antenna on your TV for another way to access local stations.
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Pair Very Local with on-demand apps like Netflix or Hulu to replace cable entirely.
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Consider paying for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for the biggest channel lineup.
With Very Local meeting your local programming needs, you can build a complete cable-free setup with other streaming apps and devices suited to your viewing preferences.
Very Local Review from Actual User in Tampa Bay Area
I spoke with Carlos S., a cord cutter from Tampa, Florida about his experience using the Very Local app:
"I‘ve been using Very Local for the past few months to watch local channels without cable. In Tampa, it streams all the major affiliates like ABC, Fox, and NBC which is perfect for catching the local news and shows like Wheel of Fortune. Very Local has solid video quality and I haven‘t experienced much buffering. My only complaint is that sometimes broadcast signals drop out leading to pixelation and freezing. But it‘s amazing to get so much local TV for free. Very Local helps keep me entertained without paying for cable."
Based on Carlos‘ review, Very Local provides reliable access to local broadcasts. And the app overcomes some of the signal issues that can occur with over-the-air antennas. With a few hiccups, it succeeds as a free option for local live TV.
Future Expansion Plans for Very Local
While Very Local already supports over two dozen US metro areas, they don‘t plan to stop there. According to a recent interview with TechHive, the company aims to expand the app to 130 total markets in the future.
Very Local also plans to launch 24/7 local news channels exclusive to the app. And based on trademarks filed, they may integrate offerings like local radio and traffic cams down the line.
So the free local streaming service hopes to enhance both channel availability and unique programming. With growth ahead, Very Local has the potential to become a true nationwide alternative to paid live TV.
Local Broadcast Statistics and Cord Cutting Trends
According to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center:
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71% of U.S. adults still regularly get TV news from local stations.
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41% of regular local TV news viewers stream via the internet.
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Younger viewers are far more likely to use streaming for local news.
This data underlines the ongoing importance of local broadcasting. But the demand is shifting more and more to streaming access versus old-fashioned antennas and cable.
And Nielsen reports that over 1 million U.S. households are "cord-never" – meaning they have never paid for traditional cable or satellite TV service. The number of cord-cutter homes already without paid TV exceeded 31 million in 2021.
The message is clear. More viewers want to bypass cable each year in favor of streaming. And they still value access to local TV from major networks. That‘s why Very Local steps in to deliver must-have local channels without the high costs.
Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Very Local Issues
In most cases, Very Local will work smoothly with no major glitches or bugs. But technical issues can pop up when streaming live TV over the internet. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Can‘t Install Very Local App
If Very Local won‘t download in the app store, first check your internet connection is working properly. Close and re-open the app store, then search again. Force stop the app store, clear cache and data, and try installing again.
App Won‘t Open or Load
Try manually closing and re-opening the app. Force stop Very Local and clear the cache/data before launching again. Check for any available updates and install them. Reinstall the app from scratch if problems persist.
Local Channels Not Available
Double check your location settings or VPN connection to make sure you‘re set to a Very Local city. The app may need permissions to access your location in order to provide local streams.
Buffering and Video Stuttering
Issues like constant buffering are usually tied to your network connection. Restart your modem and router and test speeds. Try adjusting quality settings in the Very Local app. Or use an ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
Error Messages
Refer to the Exact error code or message. The Very Local website has info to decipher error codes and steps to resolve each one.
Still having trouble? Reach out to Very Local‘s customer support email or live chat for additional troubleshooting assistance.
Very Local Compared to Other Free Streaming Options
How does Very Local stack up against other ways to stream local TV for free? Here‘s an overview:
Very Local
- 26 supported metro areas and growing
- ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and other local affiliates
- Free
- Legal gray area currently
NewsOn
- Focus on local news only
- Covers 90% of US markets
- Free
Stirr
- Owned by Sinclair Broadcasting
- Limited local channels in some cities
- Free
Locast (shut down)
- Non-profit streaming service
- Required donations for continuous viewing
- Shut down after legal battle in 2021
OTA antenna
- Access completely free local channels over the air
- Channel availability varies by location
- Must be near broadcast towers
Among free services, Very Local stands out with its number of supported cities and full local network affiliates. While other options have benefits, Very Local is currently the top contender for free local live TV.
Expert FAQ on Installing and Using Very Local
What devices are compatible with Very Local?
Very Local works on most popular streaming devices including Firestick, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV boxes, Android phones, iPhone, iPad, Chromecast, and web browsers.
How much does Very Local cost?
The app is 100% free including all local TV content. There are no hidden fees or charges.
What internet speed do I need for Very Local?
Very Local recommends a minimum of 6 Mbps internet speeds for smooth streaming. Faster speeds like 15-25 Mbps are ideal for the best performance.
Will using Very Local impact my data cap?
Potentially yes – streaming live video can use up to 1GB per hour. Use WiFi whenever possible or consider an unlimited data plan.
Is Very Local legal to use?
At this time, Yes. Very Local appears to operate in a legal gray area by streaming openly available local broadcasts via the internet.
Can I use Very Local on multiple devices?
Absolutely! Feel free to install Very Local on all your household streaming devices and mobile devices for access anywhere.
How does Very Local make money?
As of now, Very Local is completely free and does not show ads or collect user data. The company may integrate legal funding methods in the future.
Will my location/VPN impact local channel availability?
Yes, you can only view local channels for a city if your device location or VPN is set to that area when using Very Local.
I hope this detailed streaming guide has provided everything you need to know about installing and watching local TV with Very Local. Now you can cut cable without losing access to your favorite local news, weather, and programs.
Happy streaming!
