How to Develop a Smart TV Mobile App: Features, Cost and Tech Stack

By 2026, Smart TV ownership is set to exceed 1.1 billion households worldwide, representing 51% of all households. With this data, we can make a rough estimate of the potential revenue for a company that owns a smart TV app. 

With the ARPU for OTT video advertising projected to be around $12.18 in 2024, this will be an estimate of approximately $13.4 billion annually. Imagine that your business could make the same money. 

This article was created to break down the process of develop app for smart tv. We’re going to talk about challenges, budgets, and best practices.

How Much Will Smart TV App Development Cost You?

A typical disclaimer for such a section will be “the costs will vary depending on the geography, complexity of an app, etc.”

Smart TV application development is more expensive compared to other projects. Reasons for higher costs on smart TV platforms include platform fragmentation, complex user interface demands, and the necessity for specialized skills.

What Are the Typical Challenges of Smart TV App Development?

There aren’t many articles that explore the challenges behind smart TV application development. We decided to close that gap with our own experience.

Challenge Category	Specific Challenges
Platform fragmentation	Diverse operating systems and development standards across platforms like Android TV, Tizen, Roku, webOS, and Apple TV make it necessary to adapt or develop different versions of the app.
User interface design	Designing for large screens with different resolutions requires a unique approach compared to mobile or web apps. Remote control navigation vs. touch or mouse input also introduces complexity.
Performance optimization	Smart TVs have varying hardware capabilities, which can affect app performance. Ensuring smooth operation across older and newer models is crucial.
Content integration	Managing and integrating high-quality video content, which often involves dealing with different content delivery networks and ensuring efficient streaming capabilities.
Regulatory compliance	Complying with varied international standards and regulations for data, privacy, and streaming rights.
Developer skill sets	Finding and retaining developers with expertise in smart TV app development is often challenging due to the niche skill set required.
User engagement and retention	Creating features that engage and retain users over time, including personalized recommendations, interactive content, and seamless user experience.

Why Tech Stack Matters in Smart TV App Development?

The tech stack adds a lot to the final costs. That happens because the tech stack impacts everything from performance optimization to future scalability. Let’s talk about how the right tech stack benefits a smart TV app:

Aspect	Description
Platform compatibility	Ensures smooth functionality across various operating systems like Android TV, Tizen, and others.
Performance optimization	Critical for maintaining a seamless user experience, even on lower-end smart TVs.
Feature implementation	Specific tech choices are necessary for functionalities such as video streaming or gaming.
Scalability	Essential for handling growing user bases and integrating new features.
Developer expertise	Availability of skilled developers can significantly influence project timelines and costs.
Cost efficiency	Involves considerations of licensing fees and potential savings in development time.

Must-Have Features for Your Smart TV Application

Investing such a large amount of money requires guarantees. To stand out in the competitive smart TV app market, you'll need a combination of innovative features and best UX practices.

Core features

• Seamless user interface. Designed for large screens and ease of navigation.
• High-quality content. Engaging content to retain users.
• Fast loading times. Essential for user satisfaction.
• Robust search functionality. Helps users find content efficiently.
• Personalized recommendations. Enhances user experience by suggesting relevant content.

Differentiating features

• Voice and gesture control. Innovative interaction methods.
• Multi-screen interaction and social integration. Enhances usability and social interaction.
• AR/VR and interactive content. Provides immersive and engaging user experiences.
• Offline functionality. Allows content access without internet connectivity.

Platform-specific features

• Leverage unique platform capabilities. Such as Samsung Bixby or LG ThinQ.
• Optimize for different screen sizes. Ensures the app works well across various models.

User experience (UX) focus

• Accessibility. Consideration for users with disabilities.
• Performance optimization. Smooth performance across all device models.
• Regular updates. Based on user feedback and technological advancements.

The Bottom Line

Smart TV app development is a promising but pricey project. Planning wisely and choosing the right partners will be pivotal in creating a successful app that attracts and retains user engagement.