Tablets, PCs, and cell phones have become necessities in the lives of most modern individuals. However, owing to their relatively small screens, these devices are less appropriate for gaming, watching films, or doing online workout sessions. Conversely, TVs have big displays that are ideal for these kinds of activities. Thanks to app TV libraries, modern smart TVs can become full-fledged devices on par with the above-mentioned devices.
This article will outline the advantages of smart TV application development for your business and offer advice on how to achieve success if you plan to create your custom TV app.
Benefits of having a smart TV application
Let’s start with the benefits: why do you need smart TV app development at all?
Enhanced user engagement
With their immersive experience, smart TVs have the potential to significantly boost user engagement. The enhanced visual appeal of the content owing to high-definition displays and superior audio quality encourages users to engage with the app for extended periods.
Brand visibility and loyalty
Having a presence on smart TVs can enhance brand visibility. Consistent exposure to a brand through an app on the living room’s central entertainment hub can foster greater brand loyalty.
Monetization opportunities
Apps for smart TVs provide new opportunities for revenue. To provide different income sources, businesses might include adverts, provide premium content, or allow in-app payments.
Platforms for smart TV app development
Several platforms facilitate the development of smart TV applications. Here are the most prominent ones:
| Platform | Description | Pros | Cons | Target audience |
| Tizen | Samsung’s operating system for smart TVs | Wide reach, strong support from Samsung | Limited to Samsung devices | Best for reaching Samsung users |
| WebOS | LG’s operating system for smart TVs | Intuitive interface, multitasking | Limited to LG devices | Ideal for engaging LG users |
| Android TV | Google’s operating system is used by various manufacturers (e.g., Sony, Sharp) | Large user base, Google Play integration | Fragmentation across different devices | Great for a broad user base and Google Play integration |
| Apple TV (tvOS) | Apple’s operating system for its streaming device | Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem | Smaller market share compared to others | Perfect for seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem |
| Fire TV | Amazon’s platform for its streaming devices and Fire TV Edition smart TVs | Alexa integration, large user base | Ads can be intrusive | Advantageous for leveraging Alexa and Amazon’s user base |
| PlayStation TV | A platform for Sony’s PlayStation consoles with TV app capabilities | Gaming and entertainment integration | Limited to PlayStation users | Targeting gamers and entertainment enthusiasts |
| Xbox TV | Microsoft’s platform for Xbox consoles offers TV app functionality | Gaming and entertainment integration, large user base | Limited to Xbox users | Best for combining gaming and entertainment |
| Panasonic My Home Screen | Panasonic’s proprietary smart TV OS | Customizable interface, fast performance | Limited to Panasonic devices | Customizable interface for Panasonic users |
Peculiarities of smart TV application development to consider
Developing apps for smart TVs comes with unique challenges and considerations, particularly regarding the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX):
Visible and accessible UI
A 2-3 meter distance is sufficient for the user interface to be well visible and accessible. Button and interactive components should be sized and positioned suitably to avoid frustrating users, and the language should be clear and large.
Screen variations
Smart TV screen sizes and resolutions differ. Developers need to ensure their apps are responsive and quickly change to fit different screen sizes to maintain a consistent and enjoyable user experience.
Dark mode support
In most cases, smart TV apps are used in dimly lit environments. Supporting dark mode can enhance user comfort. This is the case when the light mode is not needed — most existing apps stick to the dark theme, so the light design will cause eye strain for the users.
Remote control navigation
Unlike mobile or web apps, smart TV apps are primarily navigated using a remote control. Developers must design intuitive navigation schemes that work well with directional pad inputs, minimizing the learning curve for users.
Performance optimization
Smart TVs may lack the computing capability of contemporary PCs or smartphones. Optimizing the application for performance is crucial to avoid latency and improve the user experience.
What should I do to develop a smart TV app?
To start developing a smart TV app, follow these essential steps:
Define your goals. Give a clear explanation of the goals and purpose of your app. Identify the intended audience and the particular characteristics that will satisfy their requirements. Having a clear understanding of your objectives can help prioritize features and direct the whole development process.
Contact an experienced smart TV app development company. Partnering with a development company that specializes in smart TV apps can streamline the process. They can provide expert guidance, ensure best practices, and help navigate platform-specific challenges. Their experience can be invaluable in delivering a high-quality app efficiently.
Conduct market research. A reliable development agency will help you examine the market to determine the level of demand, locate rival apps, and develop special features that will make your app stand out. This study will help define consumer preferences, market trends, and target platforms.
Set a budget. Establish a budget that covers all aspects of development, including design, coding, testing, and marketing. Consider potential costs for platform-specific requirements and app store fees.
Plan for testing and deployment. Plan for the deployment process on various app stores and prepare for ongoing maintenance and updates. It’s better when maintenance is conducted by the same team that worked on the app development, as they know all the nuances of your app.
A final note
We hope this guide highlights the promising potential of smart TV app development. With the right development team, you can tap into this growing and dynamic niche, reach a broad audience, and create an engaging TV app. Embrace this opportunity!
