Tarun Nagar 
Do you want to give your brand more exposure and connect with your audience in an innovative way? Then you should make your own unique Android TV app.
By 2032, the Android TV market is expected to be worth $78.87 billion, growing at a rate of 2.7% per year. This statistics shows the demand for Android TV market will grow in the coming years.
Since smart TVs and streaming services are growing more popular, you ought to invest money on Android TV app development to make your brand stand out. That way, your business can reach more people and take advantage of the increasing trend of the cord-cutting.
So, if you are interested to develop an Android TV app for your retail cable connection venture, read this blog till the end. It will give you in-depth guide like features, development steps, costs and so on for an amazing Android TV application development solution.
So, let’s begin!
What is An Android TV App?
A custom app made just for Android-based smart TVs is called an Android TV app. Android TV apps are different from regular Android apps because they are made to work on bigger screens and can be controlled with a remote or game controller.
These on demand app development solutions can have a lot of different material and features, like games, streaming video, and connecting to social media. Users can also get apps and download them directly from the Google Play Store on their Android TVs.
Some Interesting Facts on Smart Streaming Service
- The market for Android streaming gadgets is expected to bring in US$10.2 billion in 2025.
- From 2025 to 2029, it’s expected to grow at a rate of 8.58 percent per year (CAGR 2025-2029).
- In terms of world sales, the United States brings in the most money in this market, with US$2,926.0 million in 2025.
- When you look at the full community, the income per person in 2025 is $1.31 USD.
Source: Statista
- We expect the market for Smart Streaming Devices to reach 307.1 million units by 2029.
- When you count Google TV devices that run on the same software, about 9% of the world’s smart TVs run on Android. That’s more than Apple TV’s iOS/tvOS can claim.
Why To Invest In Android TV App Development?
Businesses could stay ahead of the competition in the market when you make an Android TV apps. These are some of them:
1. Expanded Reach to a Larger Audience
With an Android TV app development, you can reach a wider range of people, which is one of the best things about building one. When entertainment app development company build an Android TV app that works with a number of different Smart TV types, they can reach a larger audience of users.
This makes the app more visible and gives Android developer tv apps more chances to meet the needs of users from a wide range of backgrounds and tastes.
2. Capitalizing on the Growing Smart TV Market
When developers create an Android TV app, they are at the front of a field that is growing quickly. As more people around the world buy Android TVs, there is a greater need for interesting and new material on these platforms.
When you make an Android TV app, an Android app development services provider can stay ahead of the curve by using the newest technologies and customer trends to make TV apps that appeal to tech-savvy people.
3. Enhanced User Engagement
Android TV apps let you make experiences that are immersive and easy to use, which increases user involvement. Android tv app developers can make sure that users stay in an app longer and enjoy their watching experience more by adding features like interactive interfaces, personalized content suggestions, and smooth navigation and interaction.
Steps To Develop An Android TV Application
From the first idea to a fully working product, android app development for smart tv is a process that involves a number of strategic steps. This is section will help you on how to develop an app for Android TV.
1. Do Market Research
The first step in planning is to decide what the Android TV app is for, who it’s for, and what its main benefits are. You may take assistance with an IT consulting services provider about your app idea. Market study and looking at what your rivals are doing may assist you figure out what makes your app special and what users want.
This thorough planning part sets the stage for a smooth Android TV application process by making sure that the app’s goals are in line with what users want. You can ask the below questions for simpler task:
- Who will use your app?
- Who will be your competitors?
- What core features will you add?
2. Setting Up Environment
To get the best speed and functionality from your Android TV app development, you need to carefully set up your development environment. First, get the newest version of Android Studio and make sure it has all the Android Software Development Kits and APIs you need to start developing apps with lots of features.
To make testing go more smoothly, add build tools, platform tools, and system images for certain API levels. But a good setting makes sure that the process of android smart tv app development goes smoothly. These tools should be used:
- Android studio: Install the latest version to get features.
- SDK tools: Include Android TV-specific libraries.
- Emulator: Configure an Android TV emulator
3. Choosing the Development Tools
When building an intriguing and easy-to-use Android TV app, you need to give careful thought to the frameworks, APIs, and tools that power your app. Making the right decisions will speed up the development process, improve the performance of your app, and make sure it works with many Android TV devices.
4. Integrate the App’s Features
Once the planning stage is over, a video streaming app development company can start making the app’s features. This includes writing code, making user interfaces, and putting together features like navigation, showing information, and letting users interact with the system. By working in a planned way, the app can stay true to the original idea and meet the goals set during the planning phase.
Regular tests and iterative Android TV application development help make the features better so that the users have the best experience. Here are some of the best ways to create the user interface for an Android TV:
- Use leanback components.
- Design for remote control navigation.
- Optimize for screen resolutions.
5. Testing and Deployment
Before the app gets to users, it’s important to try and debug it thoroughly to find and fix any problems. You must hire mobile app developers who should test it widely on a wide range of Smart TV models to make sure it works with all of them and gives users a consistent experience. Thorough debugging helps find and fix any mistakes in the code, which makes sure that the app is safe and reliable.
Once you are done trying your app, you need to get it ready to be released on Android TV. To do this, you need to follow the platform’s rules and make promotional pictures and text. You should also put your app in the Android TV app store to make sure people can get it easily. You can look at the testing list below:
- Remote control navigation.
- Performance testing.
- Screen resolution testing.
6. Post-Launch Maintenance
Deployment is not the end of the process; upkeep and updates after launch are very important for long-term success. You should pay close attention to what users say, fix any problems right away, and release regular changes with new features or improvements.
This constant cycle of maintenance and changes keeps users happy and makes sure your app stays useful in the ever-changing world of Android TV. The best things to do for care are:
- Maintain to fix errors and add new features.
- Keep an eye on app data to learn how people are using it.
- Change with the times in the Android TV app.
Key Features To Add In Android TV App Development
To develop a successful Android TV app, you need to add features that make the app work better and set it apart from other apps in the same category.
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User-Focused UI/UX
The app should work with computers and remote controls to make it easier to choose what to do.
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Smart Recommendations
It should show users information that is relevant to them based on what they’ve looked at in the past to make the experience better.
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Integrated Media Player
You need to integrate a powerful media player so that people can watch videos and listen to music on big TV screens.
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Remote Control Compatibility
The way the app’s buttons are set up should make it easy to map them to the tasks on the remote control.
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Security as a Foundation
To protect users’ data and boost loyalty, security is an important requirement of trust in app development for android tv.
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Organized Content Segmentation
In IPTV app development, you can put content in the right order by type, language rating, and trend so it’s easier to find and search.
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Procure Reviews and Ratings
To get good reviews from users and a good name for the app on the market, this is something you can do.
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Multi-Device and Multilingual Support
To make it more useful, make sure it works with a number of devices and gives people the option to choose their own language.
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Voice Searches for Enhanced UX
Voice search needs to be added to the most popular digital assistants so that searches are easy.
Best 5 Android TV Applications in 2025
If you plan to start an online TV channel, here are the best Android TV Apps or Android TV alternatives that you must take into considerations. Let’s check out:
Best Android TV App Alternatives |
Available Platforms |
Downloads |
Ratings |
| Netflix | Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs, Mobile, Web | 1 Billions+ | Generally high, varies by region |
| Disney+ | Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs, Mobile, Web | 500 Millions+ | Generally high, praised for content library |
| Amazon Prime Video | Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs, Mobile, Web | 500 Millions+ | Generally high, integrated with Prime ecosystem |
| YouTube | Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs, Mobile, Web | 1 Billions+ | Generally high, vast content variety |
| Plex | Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs, Mobile , Web, Game Consoles | 50 Millions+ | Generally high, praised for media organization and flexibility |
Android TV App vs. Smart TV: At A Glance
This list of the main differences between Android and Smart TV apps will help you choose which one to build the app for: Smart TV or Android TV. Take a look:
Feature |
Android TV App |
Smart TV App |
| Operating System | Android | Varies by brand (e.g., WebOS, Tizen) |
| App Store | Google Play Store | Brand-specific store |
| App Availability | Wide range, including popular streaming services, games, and utilities | Limited to pre-installed or partner apps |
| Updates | Regular OS and app updates from Google | Inconsistent, depends on brand and model |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | May have built-in or require external device |
| Screen Mirroring/Casting | Built-in Chromecast, compatible with Android devices | May offer, but compatibility varies |
| Customization | High, similar to Android smartphones | Limited to manufacturer’s options |
| Gaming | Supports gaming apps and services like Google Play Games | Limited gaming capabilities |
| Cost | Typically higher due to features and licensing | Generally lower due to simpler OS |
How Much Does It Cost To Build An Android TV App?
The cost to build an Android TV app can vary a lot depending on where the app developers are located, how much experience they have, and how many features and how detailed they are.
A simple Android TV app development costs around $10,000 to $14,000. The exact cost to build a video streaming app will depend on what you need. It could cost as much as $27,000 to add advanced features like support for multiple languages, multiple screens, complex UI/UX design, and more.
This is due getting mobile app development services requires a lot of back-end infrastructure and the ability to stream data all the time so users have the best experience. Take a look at the table below:
App Complexity |
Costs |
| Simple Android TV App | $10000 – $14000 |
| Medium Android TV App | $14000 – $20000 |
| Complex Android TV App | $27000+ |
Get in touch with a mobile app development company to find out how much it costs to develop an Android TV app. They will give you a full estimate of how long it will take to make the Android TV app.
Ways To Monetize Your Android TV Application
Now you know the cost to build an Android TV app, it is time to give you some revenue streams that you can leverage to generate a huge revenue.
1. Subscription Model
This is like how an app like Netflix or Spotify work. People who want to use your app’s material or features pay a monthly fee. This works well for Android TV apps that give you something new every time you open it, like health programs, streaming services, or news apps. It gives you a steady amount of income.
2. In-App Purchases
This is like a store inside your Android TV app. People can get the main app for free, but they can pay for extra features, digital goods, or content. You might be able to buy premium filters for a picture editing app, unlock new levels in a game, or even subscribe to view content without ads in your app. It’s a great way to meet the needs and wants of a wide range of users.
3. Freemium Model
This is a hybrid approach for VOD app development. You give away a basic version of your Android TV app for free, but make some features or material available only to people who pay. After that, users can pay for a paid version that lets them see everything. Users can try it out before they buy it, which can help you get a lot of users.
4. Advertising
This is a tried-and-true way to make money from Android TV application development solution. People who view or click on your ads will be paid based on how many times they are shown or clicked on.
Ads come in a number of different types, such as banner ads, video ads, and popup ads. The number of ads should be just right so that users don’t find them too annoying and leave.
Final Thoughts
While we’re wrapping up, keep in mind that investing in Android TV app development is one of the best business ideas due the market is growing so quickly and there are so many chances for businesses to grow.
Why wait then? Get in touch with a trustworthy live streaming app development company to get the best answers for your business. This will help your business skyrocket to new heights.
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FAQs
Q1. How Can a TV App Help My Business?
A TV app can help your business grow by letting people watch your shows on a bigger screen, which makes them easier to find and more interesting.
Q2. Do Smart TVs Have Apps Built In?
Yes, all smart TVs come with the app store of the producer. This store also lets you choose which apps to use based on the operating system. It gives them a choice of many different apps.
Q3. How Long Does It Take To Build An Android TV App?
The length of time it takes to develop an Android TV app depends on how complicated and useful it is. But it generally takes between 2 and 4 months for a simple app and between 6 and 12 months for a complex app.
Q4. How Much Does It Cost To Create An Android TV App?
The cost of Android TV apps development can be between $8000 – $27000. However, it varies depending on the project requirements. You can consult with an Android smart tv app development company.
Q5. How To Develop An Android TV App?
- Conduct market research
- Set up development environment
- Choose the development tool
- Integrate app’s feature
- Test and deploy the app
- Update and maintain the app
Q6. What is the Differences Between Android TV and Mobile App?
Android TV apps are designed for big screens and remote control navigation, while mobile apps are optimized for touchscreens and smaller displays. TV apps often prioritize simpler interfaces and larger visuals for comfortable viewing from a distance.
