Smart TV App Development: What You Should Know At The Start

• 26 July, 2023

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Smart TV adoption has surged, with 82% of households expected to have at least one smart TV by 2025. What does this signify for companies? This is a fantastic chance to increase your visibility on smart TV platforms!

This post is made for anyone who plans smart TV app development and wants to know the fundamentals of this expanding industry.

The top platforms to build a TV app

Roku

 

Roku stands out with extensive documentation and an active developer community. It boasts over 38% of the US streaming device market, offering monetization through advertising and subscription options. Roku has millions of active users, particularly in North America.

Apple TV

Despite having a smaller market share, Apple TV’s user base is very broad. In-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertisements appeal to affluent consumers who value premium content.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire TV is well-established in North America. Ad-based income and subscription models are two ways that developers might make money. The user base is diverse, with a large number of Prime subscribers.

Samsung Tizen

Samsung Tizen offers detailed guidelines and a wide range of development tools. It dominates the smart TV market with a significant global reach. Monetization options include ad integration and subscription services. Samsung Tizen appeals to a broad user base, particularly in Asia and Europe.

LG webOS

LG webOS is backed by extensive documentation and developer forums. It has a solid presence, especially in premium TV segments. Monetization is supported through subscription models. The user base is tech-savvy, with a preference for high-quality displays.

Options to develop a smart TV app

If you want your own smart TV app, you should choose the way you’ll develop it, considering options like no-code platforms, native development, or using a framework.

 

Development option	Description	Pros	Cons
No code	Platforms that allow app creation without traditional coding.	– Quick deployment – Cost-effective – User-friendly	– Limited customization   – Scalability issues   – Performance constraints
Native	Developing apps specifically for a particular platform using its native language and tools.	– High performance – Full access to platform features – Better user experience	– Time-consuming   – Expensive   – Requires specialized knowledge
Framework	Using cross-platform development frameworks to create apps that work on multiple platforms.	– Code reusability – Cost-effective – Faster development	– Limited access to native features   – Potential performance issues   – Dependency on third-party frameworks

UX features to consider

 

Adaptability to different screen sizes. TVs have multiple resolutions and different active zones where users can click. Consider it before making an app and adapt your product to different resolutions.

 

 

Intuitive navigation. Users should navigate the app easily with minimal clicks. Ideally, the user path should be no longer than three steps. Employ directional keys and voice commands to facilitate seamless interaction. The goal is to make the interface intuitive, reducing the learning curve for new users.

 

Fast load times. Users won’t wait for eternity until your app screens load. With bad optimization, they will soon switch to more prompt competitors.

 

Consistent updates. Regularly update the app to fix bugs, introduce new features, and improve performance. Continuous improvement keeps the app relevant and maintains user interest over time.

 

Engagement and scale. The app should be capable of engaging users at scale. This means robust infrastructure to handle a large number of concurrent users without compromising on performance or user experience.

UI features to consider

High-quality visuals. Use high-resolution images and videos to leverage the capabilities of modern smart TVs. All flaws will be visible on a huge screen.

Color contrast. Use a color scheme with high contrast to make UI elements stand out. This is particularly important for users viewing from a distance.

Interactive elements. Incorporate interactive elements like buttons, sliders, and menus that respond to user inputs. This makes the app engaging and easy to use.

How to choose a reliable contractor for smart TV application development

A smart TV app development company will take care of all the nuances of the app-building process. To avoid regrets after the app is released, choose a contractor thoroughly.

1. Start by evaluating their portfolio to ensure they have relevant experience with smart TV apps.
2. Check client reviews and ratings on websites like Clutchor Upwork. Verify their technical expertise, especially on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
3. Assess their communication skills and willingness to understand your project’s needs. Request a detailed proposal outlining timelines, costs, and deliverables.
4. Finally, ensure they offer post-launch support and maintenance to handle future updates and issues.

Wrapping up

 

Smart TV app development has its own set of peculiarities and challenges. A development agency will help you choose the best target platforms, create a user-friendly and captivating UI/UX, and make sure your app runs without a hitch.

 

Remember that smart TV penetration keeps rising, so today is a great chance to expand your digital presence.

 

Good luck!