Your 5-Minute Guide for Smart TV App Development (Key Features & Cost Inside) 

What is a Smart TV App?

There’s no big difference between normal mobile apps and smart TV apps, except they are built for big screens. Users can enjoy different forms of entertainment, whether audio or video content, on these screens without downloading the apps. 

Most are free and are by default on Smart TVs like Samsung. Netflix, Vudu, Prime Video, and Hulu rule this category. However, some TV apps require monthly or annual subscriptions to let users continue streaming their favorite content. 

Top Smart TV Apps Shaping Entertainment in the USA

From streaming blockbuster films and live sports to offering gaming experiences, smart TV apps leave captivate every type of audience. So, you have endless opportunities to earn revenue from this booming market. Let’s explore it all. 

1. Streaming Apps

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video are the juggernauts of smart TV apps. These streaming platforms rule the world with on-demand entertainment and content recommendations. If you're in the media or entertainment industry, a streaming app could be your ticket to earn through subscriptions. 

2. Live TV Apps

Traditional cables are old, and live TV apps like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV are the new way to enjoy real-time content. For businesses in the TV or news industry, developing a live TV app can help you reach viewers from the cross-border through simple subscription.

3. Gaming Apps

Big screens are not only limited to video streaming or OTT platforms. Video gamers are increasingly shifting to gaming apps that fit a large screen. The bigger the screen, the better the entertainment. Twitch and cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass are capturing prime space. 

However, developing a gaming app is different and more challenging than simple TV apps because of graphics and animation. They rely heavily on user experience. We also have a full guide on game app development if this genre sounds profitable to you. These are not the only types of smart TV applications, but they are also the most popular and profitable ones. 

Key Features of Smart TV Apps 

What makes an app good enough to make your audience loyal fans? It’s the features. There are certain features you should not compromise at any cost, even if your budget does not permit it.

• User-friendly interface: Users focus on every experience. They want a flawless experience on mobile, desktop, PC, or Smart TV. A simple yet attractive navigation with large icons and easy-to-read text guarantees this experience.

• Voice control: In today’s tech-savvy world, users are increasingly drawn to hands-free experiences. Integrating with popular voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or built-in TV voice controls can add a layer of enjoyment and convenience to the user experience.

• Content recommendations: Instead of leaving your users to navigate the vast internet for their next watch, why not provide them with personalized content recommendations? This feature can significantly enhance user satisfaction and loyalty. 

• Multi-device synchronization: Smart TV apps should not work only on the big screens. They should be able to sync with smartphones, tablets, or other smart devices for easy content sharing and control.

• High-definition video and audio: Ensure your app supports 4K or HD resolution and high-quality sound features like Dolby Atmos. 

• Content organization: Give your audience the freedom to organize their favorite content or mark their next watch with features like wishlist and more. 

• Casting support: Ability to cast content from mobile devices to the TV via technologies like Google Cast or AirPlay.

Approaches to Develop a Smart TV App 

There are several directions on your way to create a Smart TV app. However, the right direction is the one that is within your budget and timeline. To ensure this, we have listed two popular options: DIY Smart TV app development and hiring a TV app developer. 

1. DIY Development

With DIY development, you’re responsible for every stage-designing the user interface, writing the code, testing the app, and deploying it. A strong development team and resources are all you need to complete these stages without any obstacles. That seems like a lot of work and things to manage, but the DIY approach has some advantages. 

Pros:

• Complete Control: Your app, your way! Right? The DIY approach gives you the control to tweak and adjust the features and specifications of your TV app anytime and in any way you want. 
• No Ongoing Fees: After the app is developed, you won’t have to pay ongoing platform costs. 

Cons:

• Time-Intensive: As warned above, developing an app for TV from the ground up will consume some serious hours of your team's time, not just during the development but also after launching it, as the TV application may need maintenance. It takes time, sometimes months, depending on complexity.
• Requires Expertise: This route is only feasible if you have the right technical skills in-house.
• High Initial Costs: The upfront cost of DIY development can be significant, considering the need for tools, infrastructure, and personnel.

2. Hire TV App Developers

Hiring professionals is the best option if you want to focus on your business goals without worrying about the technical side of Smart TV app development. 

External web app developers or an agency will handle everything from design to launch. They also help in app publishing and marketing. However, they don't do everything solo. Your valuable feedback is must at every step in the process to ensure the app is customized for your goal. 

Pros:

• Expertise: Professional developers know what works and what not when it comes to the development, delivering a high-quality app.
• Faster Development: They can develop applications comparatively faster than someone with limited technical expertise. Your TV app will be ready to enter the market within a few months. 
• Customization: Like DIY development, you still get the freedom to bring a unique design and aesthetic to fit your brand’s unique needs.

Cons:

• Costly: Hiring the best Smart TV app development company is expensive, but the money is worth investing.
• Reliance on External Teams: You’re handing over control to an external team, which means you may not have as much day-to-day oversight of the process. 

Which is the Best Approach? 

There is no one right approach. Businesses developing apps from third-party services or 

in-house teams are both successful in their targeted markets. But if you still need advice, here is a quick way to decide. 

• Leasing from an OTT platform is ideal for businesses that need a fast and cost-effective solution but don’t require extensive customization.
• DIY development gives you total control, making it a great option if you have the technical expertise and want a unique app.
• Hiring developers offers a balance of expertise and customization while allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Smart TV App?

The starting budget for Android app development for Smart TV is from $30,000 to $50,000. That does not mean you cannot start with a lower budget. Of course, you can find a TV app developer who can work for less, but hiring an expert is recommended. They know what your app should have or what features would engage the audience more. More features and customization means more cost. Add the developer’s expertise and experience to this budget. 

Need More Guidance to Get Started? Ask Our Experts

We understand that stepping into a new market can feel like walking in the dark alone. You may stumble or go off course, even by following the footsteps of established leaders. A custom approach and the support of experienced professionals can help you navigate these challenges confidently.

Softude is the right place to evaluate your idea, receive complete guidance for development and deployment, and even upgrade your existing applications. We’re just a click away. Contact us now and take the first step toward Smart TV app development.