Creating an Android TV app means reaching 110 million active users. A nice market to raise awareness of your business and diversify your revenue streams.
However, creating an app for a TV differs from developing an Android app on mobile. In this article, we will examine the specific features of an Android TV app, as well as the tools and methods to build it.
If you want to develop your Android TV app, post a project on Codeur.com to find an Android developer find someone able to carry out your project.
What is an Android TV app?
As the name suggests, an Android TV app is downloaded and installed specifically on televisions running the Android operating system. These apps, which include voice input on remote controls, are also compatible with Google Cast and Chromecast. Some can also integrate with Google Assistant.
TV apps form a separate category on Google Play. They are divided into several specific sections:
- Movie and TV streaming services: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
- Music streaming services: Spotify or Deezer, for example.
- Game apps: Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy... many games have been adapted for Android TV.
- Multimedia tools such as players, file browsers and other apps that make controlling the TV easier.
- Everyday apps: weather, recipes, social networks...
The differences between creating an Android TV app and a mobile app
Creating an Android TV app differs from a mobile app, notably in the support for these elements:
Interactions
User interaction on an Android TV is done with the remote control buttons, whether to access the menu, browse the store, or download apps. Unlike taps or swipes used on a mobile device, using the remote requires thinking about the app differently. This adds extra complexity regarding integration and device responsiveness.
Since the app will be controlled remotely, user interaction remains simple. The design is therefore simplified as much as possible.
User interface
When creating an Android TV app, you must consider how the user moves between blocks with the 5-button remote. Whether for a video playback app, using the search function, or implementing the menu, carefully choose the navigation method in your app to satisfy your users.
The apps you create will not compete with others for hardware resources, but with other tasks and functions integrated into the Android TV or set-top box. These include middleware, operating system processes, and other elements that consume memory, bandwidth, etc.
A change of framework
Android TV provides the "Leanback Framework" for developing applications intended to run on its remote-controlled devices. You must take into account the physical differences and the mindset of users. Indeed, when someone is in front of the television, they are generally seated and relaxed. Everything should be smooth, simple, and require as little thought as possible…
Furthermore, when creating an Android TV app, it is unnecessary to handle screen orientation changes or multiple layouts to adapt to every screen.
Why create an Android TV app?
Android TV represents 9% operating systems installed on smart TVs sold worldwide when taking Google Cast and Chromecast into account. It is also a platform that is increasingly successful. In 2021, viewing time on these televisions increased by 42%.
The first reason you should create an Android TV app remains its popularity. Smart TVs are the new tech equipment appreciated by consumers. They revolutionized the world of television by offering on-demand programming.
Android TV also offers a library of more than 5,000 apps and games. This is what sets this platform apart from its competitors. Because it is based on Android, your app is more likely to reach your target audience.
The operating system delivers a rich, optimized user experience for applications running on large-screen devices such as high-definition televisions.
Android TV apps use the same structure as those for phones and tablets. This approach means you can create your app based on what you already know. You can also adapt your existing app so it works on these smart TVs.
In summary, the creation process proves to be easier with an Android TV app.
How to create an Android TV app?
To create an Android TV app, 4 solutions are available to you:
1. Adapt your Android app
Android applications can be extended to also run on televisions. If you already have a working app on Google Play, you have already covered 80% of the journey. You only need to consider the television-specific features to refine your app's code.
Layout
Your Android TV app requires a specific design to work. That starts with a landscape orientation and large interface elements. The goal? Allow the user to easily navigate the app from their couch.
Remote control
Navigation in your app must work with a directional pad (D-pad) and a select button. To that end, minimize clicks and simplify the app's user flow.
If your TV app requires entering usernames, passwords and/or credit card details, consider using the APIs Smart Lock and Autofill offered by Google.
Also integrate autocorrect to prevent the user from having to retype because of a typo or spelling mistake. To ease input, add theNearby Connections API. It will allow the viewer to use another Android device to enter text on the smart TV.
Voice control
The latest Android TV boxes are equipped with the Google Assistant. The user can therefore launch the app, browse content or change screen settings using only their voice.
Your Android TV app will need to support voice control to provide an optimal experience for your users.
Content recommendation
To capture users' attention and keep them on your Android TV app for longer, you should integrate content recommendations.
The platform has a “Watch Next” or “Play Next” row that appears on the TV home screen, just after the apps. Your goal should be to have your app's content appear there. To help you, Google has published guidelines to follow.
Advertising
If you want to monetize your Android app through advertising, ads must not require clicking through to a website. Android TV does not include a web browser. They must not redirect to content on Google Play that is incompatible with the device. So be careful with these settings if you sell ad placements in your app…
2. Use a tool to create your Android TV app
The easiest way to create an Android TV app is to use an OTT (Over The Top) solution. Especially if your project involves video streaming! Indeed, an OTT platform allows you to provide video streaming, music, live streams, messaging, VoIP services…
Moreover, these tools make it easier to customize your app while providing a backend that collects detailed data about your users. You will know your audience better, allowing you to adapt your content as you go.
Among the OTT solutions recognized for creating an Android TV app are:
Uscreen
Uscreen it allows you to distribute video on demand and stream live sessions on Android TVs.
You don't need coding knowledge to develop your app. You simply choose your app's theme according to your niche, and the tool takes care of the rest. Of course, you can customize the interface, add your branding, and the features essential to your project.
During your live sessions, Uscreen lets viewers post comments and respond to polls. Perfect for driving engagement on your videos, generating leads, and retaining customers.
Uscreen's plans start at $79 per month.
Muvi
No-code tool, Muvi is aimed at both beginners and professionals. This solution promises to deliver your native Android TV app within 24 hours. Its distinguishing feature? You can create an app for video as well as audio.
Muvi also handles hosting your multimedia content. Its prices start at $399 per month.
Setplex
Are you planning to create an Android TV app offering many channels? Do you want to monetize them to make your investment profitable? Setplex is the ideal solution.
This platform offers a feature-rich dashboard to customize your app as effectively as possible. You will also find numerous monetization methods, the ability to integrate APIs, a CRM, real-time statistics…
Setplex pricing is available upon request only.
3. Buy a ready-to-use template
How to create an Android TV app with a limited budget and no development skills? Marketplaces like Envato offer a selection of ready-to-use templates priced between $14 and $500.
This is a cheaper option, perfect if you don't plan to customize your app.
However, you will need to integrate the template into your system's backend and adapt it to Google Play's guidelines. If you lack technical knowledge, this can still be a real challenge.
4. Hire an Android developer on Codeur.com
Hiring a freelance Android developer represents the best way to create your Android TV app. They are skilled in the Kotlin, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and XML languages necessary to design a high-performing TV app.
With this option, you retain control over the creation process. The freelancer supports, guides you, and offers their best advice to ensure the success of your project. In addition, they fully adapt to your specifications to create a bespoke Android TV app aligned with your objectives.
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