Samsung Smart TV App Development: A Complete Guide for Businesses
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your own streaming app on the big screen right beside Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube, the idea probably felt exciting but complicated. Building a Samsung Smart TV app seems to require a team of developers, a big budget, and months of work.
This guide will explain what Samsung Smart TV development is, why it matters for modern streaming businesses, and provide a detailed guide for building your own application from scratch.
What is Samsung Smart TV App Development?
Samsung dominates the global smart TV market. Millions of households already use Samsung Smart TVs, powered by the Tizen operating system, to watch everything from sports and movies to YouTube channels and live streams.
When we talk about Samsung Smart TV development, we’re referring to the process of creating and launching apps for the Tizen-powered Samsung Smart TV ecosystem. Traditionally, this meant developers had to use Tizen Studio, learn specific SDKs, and go through a long technical process to make the app functional and compliant with Samsung’s store policies.
What Is The Difference Between Android TV Apps and Samsung TV Apps?
The key difference between Android TV apps and Samsung TV apps lies in the operating system (OS) they are designed for and their respective app stores.
- Android TV runs on the Android OS developed by Google. It is the better choice for users who prioritize app variety, customization, and deep integration with Google services. It’s available on many brands (Sony, Philips, TCL, etc.) and uses the Google Play Store.
- Samsung TV (Tizen OS) is Samsung’s proprietary operating system. It is ideal for users who want a fast, reliable, and smooth out-of-the-box experience with a beautiful, simple interface. Apps must be developed specifically for Tizen and are not compatible with Android TV, and vice versa.
>>> Find out more about the TV app:
- A Complete Apple TV App Development Guide for Tech & Non-Tech
- Apple TV vs Roku: Which Streaming Device Wins in Content Discovery and EPG Experience?
- Amazon Fire TV App Development Guideline and Case Studies
Why You Should Have a Samsung Smart TV App
Owning a Samsung Smart TV app is a powerful strategic move. Here’s why forward-thinking brands, streaming startups, and media businesses are now investing in their own TV apps:
1. Access to a massive audience
Samsung has the largest market share among smart TV manufacturers. That means millions of users can discover your app through the Samsung Smart Hub every day. Samsung’s Tizen OS is the most popular smart TV operating system globally. According to the CTVMA, Tizen held the largest market share in 2024 at 12.9%, ahead of all competitors.
2. Better user experience
Watching your content on a large TV screen creates an immersive viewing experience that mobile and desktop simply can’t match. It builds emotional connection and brand trust.
3. Brand visibility and authority
Your own logo, app icon, and branded interface on a Samsung Smart TV app instantly establish your brand as a professional media presence.
4. Monetization opportunities
Having your app allows you to integrate ads, subscriptions, or pay-per-view models. You control how you earn, instead of relying on third-party platforms.
5. Cross-device ecosystem
A Samsung Smart TV app completes your digital presence, extending your reach beyond web or mobile devices into the living room, the most engaging screen in the house.
Development Requirements for Samsung Smart TV Apps
Before you start building or publishing apps for Samsung Smart TVs, a few technical requirements are essential:
- Samsung Tizen Studio
This is the official development environment provided by Samsung. It includes everything you need, including an emulator, a debugger, and tools for packaging your application. - Supported Technologies
Apps for Samsung Smart TVs are typically built using web technologies like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. This makes it easier for developers with web experience to transition into TV app development. - Samsung Developer Account
To publish your app to the Samsung TV App Store, you will need a Samsung Developer Account. This allows you to register your apps, manage versions, and submit them for review. - Testing Environment
You can test apps on the built-in emulator within Tizen Studio, but for the most accurate results, it is recommended to test on actual Samsung Smart TVs.
These basic requirements ensure that you are ready to move forward with your Samsung Smart TV apps development journey.
>>> See more:
- How to Start a Television Channel: Your Guide to Launching an Online or Internet TV Network
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- Apple TV and Fire TV: Which One Is More Popular in Asian Countries?
Step-by-Step Guide to Samsung Smart TV App Development From Scratch
Here’s what the full Samsung smart TV app development process:
1. Research and Planning
Start with strategy. Define your app’s purpose, the kind of content you’ll stream, and your target audience. Will you offer video-on-demand, live TV, or both? Study the top Samsung Smart TV apps currently available to understand design trends and user expectations. A clear roadmap at this stage saves time later.
2. Set Up the Developer Environment
Samsung Smart TVs run Tizen OS, so your developers will need Tizen Studio, Samsung’s official development environment. This software includes SDKs, emulators, and testing tools. You’ll also need to register a Samsung Developer Account, which gives access to the Samsung Seller Office where your app will eventually be published.
3. Choose the Right Development Framework
Samsung Smart TV apps are usually built as:
- Web apps (using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript): simpler, faster to deploy, and suitable for most OTT platforms.
Native apps (using C/C++): chosen when you need advanced performance or custom device integrations.
For most streaming services, web-based apps are the practical choice since they’re flexible and compatible across many Samsung models.
4. Design for the Big Screen
The living room experience is very different from the mobile experience. Your UI must be simple, readable, and easy to navigate using a remote control. Samsung provides official design guidelines for TV apps to ensure accessibility and smooth navigation.
Work with a UX designer who understands that large-screen layouts, such as spacing, typography, and remote-control ergonomics, are key to keeping users engaged.
5. Develop Core Features
Developers then start coding the main modules:
- Video player and content browser
Adaptive streaming (HLS/DASH) for stable playback - Remote control navigation
Authentication, subscriptions, and user accounts - Ad and analytics integration
APIs for video hosting, billing, and analytics can be integrated to streamline content delivery and monetization.
6. Test on Emulators and Real Devices
Testing is one of the most critical stages. You’ll first test on the Tizen Emulator, then on real Samsung Smart TVs with different firmware versions and screen sizes.
Tests should cover:
- Smoothness of playback
- Response to remote control inputs
- App stability under long sessions
- Compatibility with multiple Tizen versions
7. Certification and Submission
Once testing is complete, your app needs to go through Samsung’s certification process. The app is packaged, signed, and validated using the Seller Office tools. Certification ensures your app meets Samsung’s performance and security standards.
8. Publish on Samsung Smart Hub
After approval, your app is published on the Samsung Smart Hub, where users can download and install it.
Depending on review timelines, publishing can take from a few days to a couple of weeks.
9. Maintenance and Updates
After launch, the work continues. Your team will need to monitor analytics, fix bugs, and update the app for new Tizen OS releases.
If you’re outsourcing, ensure your vendor provides ongoing technical support and updates.
Key Features of Samsung Smart TV Apps
Samsung Smart TV apps feature unique capabilities designed specifically for the TV ecosystem. Businesses should consider these while planning development:
- Seamless Streaming Integration
Many apps are built for video-on-demand or live streaming. Samsung Smart TVs support smooth playback for HD and 4K content. - Remote Control and Voice Support
Navigation is done via remote control and, in newer models, voice commands. Apps must be optimized for minimal clicks and intuitive controls. - Optimized User Interfaces
Larger screens require big icons, simple menus, and clear typography. Apps that look good on a phone may not translate well to TVs without redesign. - Cross-Device Connectivity
Samsung Smart TVs can connect with smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. Businesses can build features that extend the experience beyond the TV.
These features distinguish Samsung Smart TV apps development from mobile or desktop applications, requiring specialized expertise.
Cost and Timeline of Developing Samsung Smart TV Apps
The cost and time required depend on the app’s complexity:
- Simple Apps (basic video players or content display): 1–2 months, relatively low cost.
- Medium Apps (integrated streaming platforms with login and analytics): 3–5 months, moderate cost.
- Advanced Apps (full OTT platforms with subscriptions, payments, and cross-device features): 6–9 months, higher cost.
Factors that influence cost include:
- The size of the development team.
- Features and integrations required.
Whether development is done in-house or outsourced.
By outsourcing Samsung Smart TV app development to a specialized provider like OTTclouds, businesses can save time and reduce costs while ensuring high-quality results.
The Alternative Solution: Android TV and Fire TV App Development with OTTclouds
Traditional Samsung Smart TV app development requires specialized expertise in Tizen, complex SDKs, and a lengthy certification process. If your priority is speed, scalability, and reaching other major TV platforms, OTTclouds offers an excellent solution for Android-based TV ecosystems.
OTTclouds provides a high-quality white-label TV app solution designed for content creators, broadcasters, and OTT businesses who want to launch quickly, without the technical burden.
OTTclouds specializes in providing white-label application development for the following platforms:
- Android TV: Reach users on all major TV brands (Sony, Philips, TCL, etc.) that run Google’s operating system, leveraging distribution through the Google Play Store.
- Amazon Fire TV: Target the millions of users with Fire TV Sticks and Fire TV Edition TVs, distributing through the Amazon Appstore.
By choosing OTTclouds for your Android TV and Fire TV app needs, you gain:
- Fast Deployment: Launch your fully branded app in weeks, not months.
- Zero Coding Required: The platform handles all technical complexity, including streaming protocols, remote-optimized UI/UX, and complex API integrations.
- Monetization Ready: Easily implement SVOD, AVOD, or TVOD models right out of the box.
>>> Read more about our case studies:
- [Case Studies] Developing a Modern Android TV & Fire TV App for Japanese Cable TV Providers
- [Case Studies] Developing a Low Latency, High-Quality Video Player for Android TV & Fire TV
- White Label TV App Architecture: Backend, Frontend & Streaming Stack Explained
Conclusion: From Idea to Samsung Smart TV App, the Easy Way
Building a Samsung Smart TV app from scratch is a significant technical undertaking. However, if you are looking to quickly establish a professional streaming presence on other high-growth TV platforms, OTTclouds is the ideal partner.
Whether you’re a content creator, broadcaster, or OTT business, now is the time to bring your brand to the big screen.
By partnering with OTTclouds, businesses can focus on content and customer experience while leaving the technical complexity of Android TV and Fire TV app development to the experts.
Start today. Let OTTclouds help you create your branded Smart TV app and make your streaming business shine.
FAQs on Samsung Smart TV App Development
What programming languages are used for Samsung Smart TV apps?
Samsung Smart TV apps are primarily built using web technologies, including HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, which are supported by the proprietary Tizen platform.
Do I need a special account to publish an app on Samsung Smart Hub?
Yes. You must register for a Samsung Developer Account to access the necessary tools and the Samsung Seller Office, which is required to submit your app for review and eventual publication on the Smart Hub.
Can Android apps run on Samsung Smart TVs?
No. Samsung Smart TVs use Tizen OS, not Android. Apps must be developed or adapted specifically for the Tizen platform.
What is the main difference between Tizen OS (Samsung) and Android TV?
Tizen OS is Samsung’s proprietary platform, found only on Samsung TVs, offering a high-speed, integrated experience. Android TV is an open-source platform used by multiple manufacturers (Sony, TCL, Hisense, etc.) and provides apps through the Google Play Store.