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A first look at app preview videos on Apple TV [Video]

Apple TV Preview Video Alto's Adventure

Last Wednesday, Apple made it possible for developers to create and add app preview videos to their Apple TV apps. Apple is making a concerted effort to improve the App Store experience for its customers and developers, and this is just the latest step in that direction.

App preview videos have been available on iOS devices since iOS 8, but tvOS titles have been restricted to static preview images up until now. App preview videos allow customers to see an app in action, making it easier to discern how a particular app or game works prior to making a purchase or download.

Unlike iOS, app preview videos on the Apple TV feature a dedicated “Preview” button for initiating video playback. The Preview button, when available, is located to the left of the purchase/download button. As you might expect, users can play, pause, fast-forward and rewind preview videos. Users can also initiate 10-second skips by clicking on the left or right side of the Siri Remote’s Touch surface.

Since Apple just rolled out app preview videos for tvOS last week, there aren’t many apps that currently take advantage of the new feature. One of the first few titles to include a preview video is the critically acclaimed Alto’s Adventure. Watch our video walkthrough of the app preview video experience below:

Developers can create previews of their Apple TV apps using QuickTime’s built in capture functionality. This allows developers to create crisp-looking 1080p videos of their apps in action. Like iOS, app preview videos on tvOS should be between 15-30 seconds in length.

As pointed out in our initial briefing, Apple continues to make strides towards improving the App Store experience on tvOS. App preview videos go a long way towards making that experience feel more complete.

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Comments

  1. I know these things take time and resources but features like video previews, Siri integration with Apple Music and dictation in text fields would’ve gone a long way to making Apple TV better received had this all been available on day one.

    Better late than never, but still.

    • AeronPeryton - 8 years ago

      There’s always a crowd that says wait until it’s version 1.5 and a crowd that says they’re fine with a 0.8 beta release. Apple will never be able to please everybody. For me, as long as what they put out doesn’t have any crippling bugs or is literally unfinished like Maps was at first, then I am perfectly fine with them holding certain features back until they are ready while the main product gets put out there so it can be used as early as possible.

  2. miqdadremtula - 8 years ago

    Hey I used to follow you on idb @jeff. Good video !!

  3. ikir - 8 years ago

    Great now we just need more 2 remote support at the same time, at least 4 joypad support instead of 2 and making games requiring joypad.

  4. Inaba-kun (@Inaba_kun) - 8 years ago

    It’s nice, but I’d personally be happier to see Apple bury the hatchet the Amazon and get Amazon Video onto the ATV. Its absence is a massive, gaping chasm which needs urgent attention.

    • Michael Harwell - 8 years ago

      Since Amazon pulled Apple TV and google chrome cast from their store, I’m more inclined to believe Amazon is holding back from developing prime for Apple TV.

  5. Philip G Mills - 8 years ago

    nice to see you back jeff

Author

Avatar for Jeff Benjamin Jeff Benjamin

Jeff is the head of video content production for 9to5. He initially joined 9to5Mac in 2016, producing videos, walkthroughs, how-tos, written tutorials, and reviews. He takes pride in explaining things simply, clearly, and concisely. Jeff’s videos have been watched hundreds of millions of times by people seeking to learn more about today’s tech. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube to catch Jeff’s latest videos.