Netflix has stopped supporting casting from phones to TVs for most users, encouraging the use of built-in smart TV apps or direct device connections, possibly to promote their own apps and due to changing policies, with some older devices still supported for casting under specific plans.
YouTube is introducing AI-based video upscaling to enhance low-resolution videos on its TV apps, supporting HD and future 4K upscaling, along with improved thumbnails and immersive previews to boost viewer engagement. Creators can opt out of these features, and YouTube is also adding a contextual search function for better content discovery on TV.
Vimeo is ending support for its TV apps on Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku devices on June 27th. Users will have to stream from a mobile device using Apple AirPlay or Google Cast to watch on their TV screens. Vimeo believes that casting via their mobile app will provide a better experience for users. Content purchased via Vimeo will still be available.
Vimeo is discontinuing support for its TV apps on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, and Roku as of June 27, 2023. The company suggests that users cast videos via its mobile app for a better experience. Vimeo's revenue fell 4% YoY to $103.6 million in Q1 2023, and it laid off 11% of its employees in January to cut costs. Vimeo's videos can still be displayed on internet-connected TVs by using Vimeo's iOS and Android apps or a supported web browser to cast them via Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast to compatible televisions.
Vimeo will no longer support its TV apps, including those for Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku devices, from June 27th. The company will no longer update or make the apps available in app stores. Instead, users will have to stream videos from their mobile devices using Apple AirPlay or Google Cast. Vimeo claims that casting will provide a better ongoing experience and that TV apps are no longer a priority for the company.
YouTube is introducing 30-second unskippable ads to its TV apps through YouTube Select, a targeting option for eligible clients. The new format will allow advertisers to show more of their services or products and provide "richer storytelling." The format is now available in the US and Canada and will expand worldwide later this year.
YouTube is introducing 30-second unskippable ads to its TV apps through YouTube Select, which is generally available in the US and Canada and will expand worldwide later this year. The platform is also experimenting with "pause experiences," ads that show up when you hit pause on what you're watching, which could include QR codes for discounts or to visit brands' websites or social media channels.