According to The Drum, smart TVs are becoming more popular than ever. In 2018, 76.5% of all TVs shipped in Western Europe were smart and Internet-connected.
As smart TVs become more accessible and widespread, prices are expected to drop, bringing them within financial reach for the average UK family. Smart TVs are expected to achieve over 50% market penetration in the UK in the near future, due in part to dropping prices.
Because of this increasingly widespread adoption of smart TVs and the rise of streaming services, the way that audiences are consuming content is changing. Audiences expect on-demand content that’s available on all the platforms they like to use, including Android TV and Xbox One.
Content producers who stick to the traditional TV model and don’t cater to changing audience demands may get left behind. Read on to understand why now is the time to add smart TV applications to your content distribution strategy.
Why content producers need to develop smart TV apps now
Consumers expect easy access to content from their TVs
The way that viewers consume content has changed, and so have their expectations. They now expect a range of advanced features and integrations that make it easier for them to view and access content, such as:
- Easy access to background information that enhances content, such as actor profiles
- Voice-activated commands to easily find content and control viewing
- Integrated gaming experiences
- Access to content on the variety of platforms they use such as mobile, desktop, and TV
These demands will only continue to grow. So content producers who don’t adapt and change the way they distribute content to meet these expectations may fall out of favor with consumers.
Smart TV apps allow creators to control their own content
Before platforms like YouTube were developed, creators had to pitch ideas to TV networks. And if they weren’t picked up and made into a show, that was the end of the road.
But now, video streaming platforms have put control back in the hands of creators and allowed them to produce content without the backing of a major TV network.
Smart TV apps give content producers the same freedom. They allow producers to serve content directly to their audiences without needing a middleman.
Content producers who have lots of video content or substantial YouTube followings should consider making their own smart TV apps. These apps provide another channel for creators to reach their audiences and make it easier for fans to access content.
Early adoption ensures you don’t get boxed out
While big names like Amazon, Netflix, and Disney currently dominate the smart TV space, the market is still under-developed, allowing new apps to succeed.
However, the window for successful entry is likely to close as this market develops.
Entering the market now could put your app on TV screens across the UK right next to Netflix and Disney. Waiting could mean that you get boxed out of this important market and left behind as TV evolves.