Words have meanings. Shocking, we know. Sometimes those meanings get lost in translation—especially when tech and entertainment collide. That's why this glossary exists: to decode VidAngel-speak so you can spend less time scratching your head and more time watching the good stuff (with all the bad stuff filtered out, obviously). Whether you're a streaming savant or someone who just figured out what a "toggle" is, we've got you covered. Bookmark this page, reference it liberally, and get back to filtering.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Account Settings

Where users manage their VidAngel subscription, billing, and profile information. Only accessible on the VidAngel website (not on apps).

AirPlay 2

Apple's wireless streaming protocol that allows iOS devices to stream content to compatible devices. VidAngel supports AirPlay 2 for casting from iPhones and iPads to Apple TV devices, some Roku models, and select smart TVs.

Amazon Add-on Channels

These are also called Prime Video Channels. These are streaming services that can be subscribed to through Amazon Prime Video. Instead of needing separate apps or accounts, Amazon subscribers can manage and watch these channels directly within Amazon Prime Video. Be aware that each add-on requires an additional subscription on top of an Amazon Prime membership.

Currently, VidAngel links to the following Amazon Add-on Channels:

AMC+
BritBox
Paramount+
PBS Masterpiece
MGM+
STARZ

An Amazon Add-on subscription to these services is different from a subscription directly to the service. Except for Paramount+, VidAngel does not link to these services outside of Amazon.

Amazon Prime Video

This is a streaming service that offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and original content. It is included with an Amazon Prime membership but can be subscribed to separately. The selection does rotate, meaning some titles may be added or removed over time. Certain movies and shows are not included with a Prime membership and require a separate rental or purchase payment. We refer to this type of content as Amazon Video Rent/Buy.

Amazon Video Rent/Buy

These are movies and TV shows available on the Amazon Prime Video platform, but they are not included with a Prime membership and require a separate payment. These titles may be rented (temporary access) or purchased (permeant access); however, the selection does rotate, meaning some titles may be added or removed over time. Even without a Prime membership, users can rent or buy content through Amazon Video Rent/Buy.

AMC+ streaming

AMC+ on Amazon Channels is a premium streaming subscription that provides access to AMC Networks' content through Amazon Prime Video Channels. There are ad-based and ad-free subscription options.

We only link to AMC+ through Amazon Add-on Channels.

Android mobile

A smartphone or tablet running the Android operating system (developed by Google). Android devices are made by various manufacturers, including Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Motorola. Android offers more customization options and diverse hardware choices compared to Apple's closed ecosystem.

You can download the VidAngel app from the Google Play Store on Android devices.

Android TV

A streaming device platform developed by Google that runs on various manufacturers' hardware like Nvidia SHIELD, Onn, Sony TV, Hisense TV, Philips TV, Xiaomi, and TiVo. You can download the VidAngel app from the Google Play Store on Android TV devices.

Note: Google TV and Android TV are essentially the same platform with different interface designs.

Apple ID

Your unique account identifier for all Apple services, consisting of an email address and password. When you sign up for VidAngel using your Apple ID, you may have the option to "Hide My Email" through Apple's private relay service. If you choose this option, your VidAngel account will be associated with an automatically generated email address ending in @privaterelay.appleid.com.

To find your Apple ID email for VidAngel: Find my private relay iCloud Apple ID email

This private relay email is linked to your actual Apple ID and allows you to use VidAngel while keeping your personal email address private. If you need to log in on devices that don't support Apple ID authentication, you may need to set a password for your VidAngel account or update your email to a traditional address by contacting Support.

(see also Apple Subscription)

Apple mobile (iOS)

A smartphone or tablet running Apple's iOS operating system, exclusively made by Apple (iPhone and iPad). Apple is known for seamless integration with Apple products like Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV device. Apple runs on the App Store and has a more closed ecosystem with strict security controls.

You can download the VidAngel app on an iPhone or iPad from the Apple App Store.

Apple TV app

A digital library for movies and TV shows, similar to Amazon Video library. This is where you can access purchased or rented content through Apple (previously called iTunes). VidAngel connects to the Apple TV streaming service, not to the Apple TV app's media library.

Apple TV device (tvOS)

A streaming device similar to a Fire Cube or Google TV Streamer. This is VidAngel's highest-quality and longest-supported device.

Apple TV streaming

A streaming service (similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime) that offers Apple's original content. VidAngel links to Apple TV to filter this content.

Apple subscription (see also iOS subscription, tvOS subscription)

A VidAngel subscription purchased through Apple's App Store on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device. When you subscribe this way, your charges appear as "Apple for VidAngel" on your statement, and the subscription is managed through your Apple account settings (not on VidAngel's website). VidAngel has very limited access to Apple subscriptions--you must manage billing, cancellation, and updates directly through Apple. This subscription type works across all your VidAngel-compatible devices once you log in with your VidAngel account credentials. If you created an account with your Apple ID but are on devices that don't support Apple ID authentication, you may need to set a password for your VidAngel account or update your email to a traditional address by contacting Support.

Note: Subscriptions purchased directly on VidAngel's website provide you with access to credits, discounts, and direct billing support from VidAngel's team.

B

Billing Cycle

The recurring period (monthly or annual) when VidAngel charges your payment method. Your next billing date is visible in Account Settings on the VidAngel website.

BritBox

BritBox on Amazon Channels is a premium streaming subscription that provides access to classic and current British programming content through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

We only link to BritBox through Amazon Add-on Channels.

Browser Extension (see also Extension, Web Extension)

The required Chrome or Firefox add-on that enables VidAngel filtering when watching through a web browser. Must be installed for the VidAngel website to function properly.

C

Cache (clearing cache)

Temporary data stored by an app or browser that helps it run faster by keeping frequently accessed data readily available. Sometimes this data becomes corrupted and needs to be cleared to resolve playback or connection issues. Clearing the cache removes this stored data so the app can create fresh data.

Industry context: In computing, cache is temporary storage that helps applications and websites load faster. Most apps and browsers use cache to improve performance.

Cast/casting

The process of wirelessly sending video content from your mobile device (phone or tablet) to your TV screen. When you cast VidAngel, your mobile device controls the playback, but the video plays on your TV. You can even close the app on your mobile device and the show will continue playing on your TV.

VidAngel supports two types of casting:

Chromecast - Works with Chromecast dongles, Google TV devices, and smart TVs with Chromecast built-in. Compatible with both Android and Apple mobile devices.
AirPlay - Apple's casting technology for streaming from iOS devices (iPhone/iPad) to AirPlay 2-enabled devices like Apple TV, some smart TVs, and Roku devices.

Categories Page

The Categories Page is where you can browse VidAngel's entire content library from A to Z. Filter by genre, rating, or streaming service to find exactly what you're looking for.

Chromecast

Google's casting technology that works with Android and iOS devices. VidAngel supports Chromecast for streaming from mobile devices to Chromecast dongles, Google TV devices, and smart TVs with built-in Chromecast.

Connect streaming services

(see Link streaming services)

Continue Watching category

An automatically generated category that displays movies and TV shows you've started but haven't finished. This is different from your manually curated Watchlist.

Credits

Credits are a form of account balance that automatically applies to your VidAngel subscription before your payment method is charged.

The opening or closing text sequences of movies and TV shows that list cast, crew, and production information. VidAngel has a filter subcategory under "Other Elements" that allows you to skip opening credits, closing credits, or episode recaps/outtakes.

D

Default Filters

Filter settings that automatically apply to all new shows you start watching. These are specific to each profile and can be set on all VidAngel apps except Apple TV (though you can set them on mobile/website and they'll apply to Apple TV). Default Filters do NOT apply to shows you've already started watching.

E

Extension

(see Browser Extension)

F

Filters

The core feature of VidAngel that allows you to skip or mute content you don't want to see or hear. VidAngel offers three types:

Default Filters - Apply to all new shows you start watching
Show-Specific Filters - Apply to one specific movie or episode
Parental Controls - Locked filters across all profiles that require a passcode to change

Filter categories include:

Language
Intimacy
Nudity
Violence
Substances
Other Elements (including credits, vulgarity, etc.)

Firestick /Fire TV

Amazon's streaming device platform. Firestick is the dongle version that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. Fire TV includes the stick and box versions (like Fire TV Cube), and Fire Television sets. VidAngel has a dedicated app available in the Amazon Appstore.

Force close (see also Hard close)

Completely stopping an app from running in the background, sometimes called "killing the app." This clears the app from your device's memory and can resolve many technical issues. The process differs by device

Industry context: A standard troubleshooting technique across all computing platforms. Force closing terminates an application completely (removing it from active memory) rather than just minimizing or backgrounding it.

G

Gift Card/Gift Code

Prepaid credit codes that can be redeemed on VidAngel accounts to apply subscription credit. Gift cards can only be applied to subscriptions purchased directly through VidAngel.com (not Apple or Roku subscriptions) and require a credit card on file.

Google Play Subscription

A VidAngel subscription purchased through your Google Play account (typically initiated on your Android mobile or TV device). When you subscribe this way, your charges appear as "Google Play for VidAngel" on your statement, and the subscription is managed by Google (not VidAngel). VidAngel has very limited access to Google Play subscriptions - you must manage billing, cancellations, refunds, and account issues directly with Google Support. This subscription type works across all your VidAngel-compatible devices once you log in with your VidAngel account credentials.

Note: Subscriptions purchased directly on VidAngel's website provide you with access to credits, discounts, and direct billing support from VidAngel's team.

Google TV

A streaming device platform created by Google that uses Android TV as its underlying operating system. While Android TV and Google TV share the same technical foundation, Google TV devices feature a redesigned interface and Google Assistant integration. VidAngel has a dedicated app available in the Google Play Store store.

Key difference from Android TV: While "Android TV" typically refers to devices from various manufacturers (Nvidia SHIELD, TiVo Stream, etc.) with the older Android TV interface, "Google TV" specifically refers to devices using Google's newer interface design launched in 2020.

H

Hard close

(see force close)

Home Page

Your Home Page when you open VidAngel on any device. Quick access to your Watchlist, Continue Watching category, and curated content rows to help you find something great, fast.

I

iOS subscription

(see Apple subscription)

L

Licensed Content

Original movies, shows, and comedy specials that VidAngel has licensing agreements to stream directly (including some Angel Studios content like The Chosen and Dry Bar Comedy). This is separate from filtered content accessed through linked streaming services and is automatically included in your VidAngel subscription.

Link streaming services (see also connect streaming services)

The process of linking your Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, or other streaming service accounts to VidAngel so the platform can access and filter that content. This connection is managed on the VidAngel website or mobile app, then syncs to your TV apps. You cannot link streaming services directly on TV apps - you must use the website or mobile app.

Link TV devices

Some of our TV apps allow you to log in by using a QR code or entering in an on-screen code to sync your TV app to your VidAngel account. This can be done in place of manually logging in with your account email and password.

M

MGM+ streaming

MGM+ on Amazon Channels is a premium streaming subscription that provides access to MGM Networks' content through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

We only link to MGM+ through Amazon Add-on Channels.

Movies Anywhere

A free service that syncs purchased movies across digital retailers (Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Fandango at Home/Vudu). VidAngel can access movies you own on these platforms by connecting them through Movies Anywhere to your Amazon account.

Important limitations:

Only works for purchased movies (not rentals or TV shows)
Not all studios participate in Movies Anywhere
Content syncs to your Amazon account, where VidAngel can then access it

N

Netflix streaming

A streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and original content. VidAngel links to Netflix to filter content.

Important note: Netflix's password-sharing policies affect VidAngel connections. If you're sharing a password outside your household (without being an official "extra member"), this will cause frequent disconnections from VidAngel.

P

Paramount+ streaming

A streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and original content. VidAngel links to Paramount+ directly and through Amazon Add-on Channels to filter content.

See Differences between Paramount+ (standalone) vs. Amazon Paramount+

Parental Control Filter

Filters that are locked across all profiles and cannot be changed without entering a Parental Passcode on the VidAngel website. Unlike Default Filters, Parental Controls apply to any title (new or previously watched). These can only be set up and modified at www.vidangel.com.

Passcode

A PIN number you create to protect your Parental Control Filter Locks. This passcode can only be entered on the VidAngel website and prevents changes to locked filters without authorization. If you forget your passcode, contact VidAngel Support with your billing zip code and last 4 digits of the card on your account for verification.

PBS Masterpiece streaming

PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Channels is a premium streaming subscription that provides access to PBS Networks' content through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

We only link to PBS through Amazon Add-on Channels.

Peacock streaming

NBCUniversal's streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and original content. VidAngel links to Peacock to filter content.

Platform transfer

A title request for a movie or show that VidAngel already has Filters for, but that needs to be made available through a different streaming service.

Prime Video Channels

See Amazon Add-on Channels

Prime Video

See Amazon Prime Video

Profiles

Individual user accounts within a single VidAngel subscription that allow different family members to have separate watch histories, watchlists, and Default Filters. Managed through the VidAngel website or mobile app.

Promo Code (Promotional Code)

Discount codes that provide subscription credits or reduced pricing. Must be entered during signup. Some limitations apply with Annual subscriptions and are not available for third-party subscriptions (Apple, Google, Play, Roku).

R

Radio button

(see Toggle)

Roku device

A streaming device platform. VidAngel has a dedicated app available in the Roku store.

Important note: Roku has unique requirements for ad-based streaming services. Service plans with advertisements (Prime with ads, Paramount+ Essential, Amazon AMC+ with ads, Netflix Standard with Ads, Peacock Premium, etc.) will NOT work on the VidAngel Roku app - you must upgrade to ad-free plans.

Roku subscription

A VidAngel subscription purchased through your Roku account (typically initiated on your Roku device). When you subscribe this way, your charges appear as "Roku for VidAngel" on your statement, and the subscription is managed by Roku (not VidAngel). VidAngel has very limited access to Roku subscriptions - you must manage billing, cancellations, refunds, and account issues directly with Roku Support. This subscription type works across all your VidAngel-compatible devices once you log in with your VidAngel account credentials.

Note: Subscriptions purchased directly on VidAngel's website provide you with access to credits, discounts, and direct billing support from VidAngel's team.

S

Show-specific Filters

Filter settings that apply only to a specific movie or TV episode. These override your Default Filters for that particular title and can be adjusted while watching.

STARZ streaming

STARZ on Amazon Channels is a premium streaming subscription that provides access to STARZ Networks' content through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

We only link to STARZ through Amazon Add-on Channels.

Streaming services

Online platforms that provide movies and TV shows for viewing, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV streaming, and Paramount+. VidAngel links to these services to provide filtered viewing.

Industry context: The industry standard term for on-demand video platforms that deliver content over the internet without requiring downloads. Unlike traditional cable TV or physical media, streaming services allow you to watch content whenever you want on internet-connected devices.

T

Toggle (or Radio button)

A user interface element that switches between two states (like linked/unlinked). In VidAngel, you'll see toggles when linking your streaming services - a dimmed gray option with the circle on the left means the streaming service is not linked to VidAngel, while a blue option with the circle on the right means the streaming service is linked to VidAngel.

Industry context: In user interface design, a toggle is a switch control (on/off), while a radio button traditionally refers to selecting one option from multiple choices (like old car radio buttons). In modern interfaces, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably for binary choices.

tvOS subscription

A VidAngel subscription purchased through the Apple App Store on an Apple TV device (rather than on an iPhone or iPad). tvOS is the operating system that runs on Apple TV devices.

See Apple subscription

V

VidAngel

A family-friendly streaming content filtering service that allows you to skip or mute language, violence, nudity, and other content you don't want to see or hear from movies and TV shows available through your connected streaming services. VidAngel's mission is to help families enjoy entertainment that is good for their homes by providing granular control over what they watch. The service works by linking to your existing streaming service accounts (like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, etc.) and applying your chosen filters in real time.

W

Watchlist

A manually curated list of movies and TV shows you want to watch. You add or remove titles by selecting the "+" or checkmark button. This is different from the auto-generated "Continue Watching" category, which automatically shows content you've started but not finished. Your Watchlist is specific to your profile and helps you keep track of content you're interested in watching with VidAngel filters.

Web Extension

(see Browser Extension)

Need More Help?

If you didn't find the term you were looking for or need more detailed information about any VidAngel feature, please search our Help Center or contact our Support team.