Digital Signage for Apple TV: The Complete Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction to Digital Signage
Why Apple TV Is Ideal for Digital Signage
The Best Apple TV Digital Signage Apps
How to Set Up Apple TV for Digital Signage
The Final Take: Is Apple TV the Right Choice?
1. Introduction to Digital Signage
What Is Digital Signage?
Digital signage is a way to display information, advertisements, or visuals on screens like smart TVs, turning them into dynamic communication tools. It’s what you see when a restaurant displays its menu on a screen above the counter or when a shopping mall has an interactive map to help you find stores.
With the help of simple software, any smart TV can be transformed into a digital sign. These systems allow businesses, schools, or even individuals to easily update and manage content, creating a flexible and visually engaging way to share information. From promoting a sale to showing event schedules, digital signage is a versatile and modern way to connect with audiences.
Digital Signage for Apple TV: A Game-Changer
Apple TV is an excellent choice for digital signage in small and medium-sized businesses, thanks to its user-friendly design, high performance, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Unlike traditional enterprise-grade systems that require complex setups and expensive hardware, Apple TV offers an affordable, straightforward solution that’s easy to implement.
With a wide range of digital signage apps available on the Apple TV App Store and leading providers offering seamless cloud-based integration, Apple TV delivers flexibility and advanced features for diverse digital signage needs.
2. Why Apple TV Is Ideal for Digital Signage
Advantages of Using Apple TV
Ease of Use and Familiarity: Apple TV is incredibly intuitive, especially for anyone familiar with Apple devices. Its interface mirrors iOS, making navigation easy and setup as simple as plug-and-play, even for non-technical users.
Best-in-Class Hardware: The latest Apple TV 4K is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, a cutting-edge processor with six CPU cores—the same chip found in devices like the iPhone 13 and iPad Mini. This ensures unparalleled speed, responsiveness, and the ability to handle high-performance tasks like displaying 4K visuals and playing rich animations or videos. In addition, built-in Siri integration makes it super simple to use your voice to navigate or to type.
Best-in-Class Software: Apple TV runs on tvOS, a derivative of the iOS operating system, known for its security, stability, and slick user interface. Apps for tvOS are developed using Swift, Apple’s modern programming language, designed to take full advantage of the hardware. Apple’s operating systems are renowned for their exceptional reliability, with minimal instances of freezing, crashing, or glitches, delivering a consistently smooth and dependable user experience.
Highly Rated and Reliable:Â Apple TV consistently earns top marks in customer reviews. The most popular model boasts a 4.8-star rating on Amazon with nearly 20,000, reflecting its reliability and user satisfaction.
Robust App Ecosystem: The Apple TV App Store provides access to a wide variety of apps, including digital signage solutions, streaming services, games, and more. Every app undergoes Apple’s strict vetting process to ensure security, privacy, stability, and quality.
Seamless Integration with Apple Devices:Â Apple TV works effortlessly with other Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Features like AirPlay allow you to mirror content directly to your TV, enabling powerful yet simple digital signage solutions without additional software. If you have another iOS device, you'll enjoy the seamless integration between the two being able to use your phone as a remote for typing and controlling the TV.
Centralized Management with MDM Solutions Apple TV supports Mobile Device Management (MDM) APIs, enabling IT teams to remotely manage and configure devices through platforms like Jamf, a leading solution for managing Apple devices. With MDM, Apple TVs can be locked to a specific app, such as a digital signage application, ensuring it auto-launches and stays focused on its purpose. Additional capabilities include controlling AirPlay settings, enforcing restrictions, and enabling zero-touch deployment, where devices automatically download configuration profiles and launch apps straight out of the box. Integration with Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager further streamlines deployment, making Apple TV an efficient and hassle-free solution for organizations managing multiple devices across various locations.
High-Quality Display Capabilities:Â With support for 4K resolution and Dolby Vision, Apple TV ensures that your digital signage looks sharp and vibrant. Whether displaying high-definition images, videos, or animations, the device delivers professional-grade results.
Flexibility with Any Display:Â Apple TV can turn any HDMI-compatible screen into a powerful digital signage tool, allowing businesses to choose their preferred display hardware without being locked into a proprietary system.
Compact and Sleek Design: Apple TV’s small, unobtrusive hardware makes it easy to install in any environment, blending seamlessly into your setup without taking up significant space. While not as small as some competing devices, it is small enough to fit in your pocket or a small purse.
Comparing Apple TV to Other Smart TV Solutions
Apple TV competes in a crowded market of smart TV solutions, including Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and built-in TV operating systems like Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG). While Apple TV is priced as a premium product (Currently $129 for a 64GB on Apple.com) its unique advantages justify the higher cost compared to competitors offering devices for under $25. Cost-conscious consumers can find perfectly functional used models on eBay for under $75, making it an even more accessible option for those on a slim budget.
Here’s how Apple TV stacks up:
Affordable and Accessible Competitors:Â If you're exploring more cost-effective options, you might consider lower-end streaming devices or using the built-in smart TV operating system on your display. These solutions can offer digital signage capabilities without the need to invest in the more expensive Apple device. For instance, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is priced as low as $24 on Amazon, with over 86,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. Similarly, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is available for just $22 and boasts a 4.7-star rating from over 43,000 reviews. These options are incredibly appealing and are clearly loved by consumers. A wide variety of digital signage solutions are available for these platforms as well.
Performance Differences:Â As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for," and this is especially true when it comes to performance. Apple TV 4K, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, far outpaces competitors in processing power. This translates into lightning-fast navigation, smooth transitions, and flawless handling of demanding apps. In contrast, Roku and Fire TV devices use basic quad-core processors, resulting in slower app launches and less responsive interfaces. A recent benchmark compared the speed of an Apple TV 4k against a Roku ultra, and the difference is staggering:
Hardware and Design:Â One of the main advantages of these low-cost alternatives is size. Roku and Fire TV sticks are compact, dongle-style devices that plug directly into a TV's HDMI port and often draw power from the same connection, offering convenience and portability. Apple TV is about the size of a hockey puck to fit all that processing power, and it requires a separate power source and placement on a shelf or mount behind the TV.
Operating Systems: Roku OS, built on Linux, is designed for simplicity and cost-efficiency, while Amazon’s Fire OS, a customized version of Android, offers compatibility with Android apps but is heavily tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. Smart TV systems like Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS are also Linux-based, optimized for their specific hardware but often limited in performance and app ecosystems. In contrast, Apple’s tvOS, derived from iOS, uses advanced technologies like Swift to deliver a smooth, responsive, and highly integrated experience, setting it apart with superior functionality and reliability.
Ecosystem Comparison: Apple TV benefits from Apple’s robust and cohesive ecosystem, offering seamless integration with features like AirPlay, iCloud, and industry-leading app security. Apps for tvOS share the same programming foundation as iOS and iPadOS, allowing developers to easily adapt their apps for Apple TV, resulting in a diverse and well-supported App Store. In contrast, Fire TV and Roku operate within less integrated ecosystems, focusing primarily on streaming services with fewer features like device continuity or cross-platform compatibility. Meanwhile, Tizen, primarily limited to Samsung smart TVs, has an even smaller app ecosystem and fewer developer tools, making it less versatile for apps beyond basic streaming. This disparity highlights Apple TV’s advantage in delivering a richer, more connected user experience.
Market Share and Popularity:Â Apple's higher price point and absence from the built-in TV market have made it challenging to secure significant market share in the smart TV space. While Apple TV is praised for its premium features and high user satisfaction, it holds only a 2.7% share of the market. By comparison, more affordable options like Roku and Fire TV, each with a 6.4% share, followed by Google Chromecast at 5.9%. Meanwhile, smart TV manufacturers such as Samsung, Hisense, and LG dominate with pre-installed operating systems like Tizen and webOS, cementing their position as market leaders.
According to a 2024 report, Apple TV has less than 3% of the global smart TV market share. Its absence from built-in TV systems further limits its reach, as competing platforms like Roku and Tizen come pre-installed on many popular TV brands. However, rumors suggest that Apple could enter the built-in TV market in the future, potentially reshaping its position in this competitive landscape.
3. The Best Apple TV Digital Signage Apps
Apps Designed for Apple TV
The Apple TV digital signage ecosystem can be divided into two distinct categories: apps that are exclusively designed for Apple TV and those that support Apple TV while also working across a variety of platforms. Below is an overview of the notable players in the Apple TV-exclusive category: Kitcast, Sigmondo, EZ TV Plus, and Screen Canvas. These apps are built specifically for Apple TV, ensuring tight integration with its capabilities and leveraging its unique features for optimized performance.
Kitcast [www.kitcast.tv]
Kitcast leads the way among digital signage platforms optimized for Apple TV, with the highest market share in its category. It allows users to create custom signs with ease through an intuitive browser-based cloud solution. The platform offers a range of pre-designed templates, simplifying the design process for users of all skill levels.
For content management, Kitcast features playlist creation, advanced scheduling tools, and a centralized system for organizing media. Its enterprise-grade features include single sign-on (SSO), mobile device management (MDM), and API integrations, making it particularly appealing to large companies that require robust functionality.
Pricing for Kitcast starts at $20 per screen per month when billed annually or $25 per screen per month when billed monthly. However, the standard package includes Kitcast branding. For companies seeking a more professional look, the Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing with advanced features such as white-labeling to remove branding and educational discounts. Schools can also access a free trial or opt for exclusive discounted plans tailored for educational use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅  Designed exclusively for Apple TV | ❌  Costlier than most other solutions |
| ✅  24/7 support included in pricing | ❌  Advanced features require custom pricing |
| ✅  Enterprise-grade features like API and SSO | ❌  Watermark removal available only in the custom-priced version |
Sigmondo [www.sigmondo.com]
Based in Germany, Sigmondo caters primarily to small businesses with its straightforward digital signage solution. It focuses on simplicity, allowing users to add images, videos, text, logos, and widgets such as weather, time, temperature, and Twitter feeds.
Dubbed a "digital butler," Sigmondo is ideal for businesses with minimal technical needs. However, it lacks many enterprise-grade features, and its development appears slower, with the last update released over a year ago (according to the changelog).
Sigmondo is one of the most affordable solutions in the space, offering a free demo version to test its capabilities. For those needing additional functionality, the subscription plans cost $4 per month or $30 annually with auto-renewal. It is worth noting that Sigmondo does not offer a lifetime purchase option, making it less flexible for users looking for a one-time payment model.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅  Can create designs directly on TV | ❌  Requires a monthly subscription |
| ✅  Low cost aimed at small businesss | ❌  Lacks frequent upgrades, tvOS 18 support |
| ✅  Decent features like image uploads and weather widgets | ❌  Only displays thumbnail versions of images |
EZ TV Plus [www.eztv.plus]
EZ TV Plus is a solution created by an indie developer with a focus on Apple TV. It operates as a two-part system, where the Apple TV functions as the display device while all content creation and management occur through a browser, Mac app, or iOS app.
Designed for small to medium businesses, EZ TV Plus offers essential features alongside some pro-level capabilities. Users can manage multiple TVs, assign roles for user management, and enhance their displays with widgets such as weather, news, and more.
The free version of EZ TV Plus comes with some limitations, including a watermark featuring the company’s logo and slower synchronization rates. Unlocking advanced features and functionality requires contacting the developer directly for a custom quote, as the pricing details are not publicly available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅  Displays custom images, videos, weather, and other widgets | ❌  Requires creating signs on another device |
| ✅  Supports multiple TVs and user role management | ❌  No pricing listed |
| ✅  Offers various widgets and design flexibility | ❌  Slower sync rates in the free version |
Screen Canvas [www.screencanvas.app]
Screen Canvas stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it the perfect solution for small businesses, individuals, and non-technical users. Unlike many competitors, it eliminates the need for third-party hardware or software. Users can create custom signs directly on their Apple TV without relying on external tools.
The app features intuitive design tools that allow users to quickly create signs with custom text, upload images, and adjust rotation settings—all directly on the TV. This makes it ideal for cafés, restaurants, schools, conference rooms, or any environment that requires instant signage.
Screen Canvas also simplifies pricing by offering a straightforward model with no per-screen fees or complicated subscriptions. The app includes a free version with robust functionality, allowing users to try out almost all features. For those needing additional tools and content, a one-time purchase of $19.99 unlocks the full version with a lifetime license and no recurring fees.
Screen Canvas is the perfect choice for those who value ease of use, affordability, and the ability to create professional-quality signs directly on their Apple TV.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅  Quickly and easily create signs directly on TV | ❌  No enterprise features like APIs |
| ✅  Add custom images or use the built-in library | ❌  No multi-screen support |
| ✅  Affordable pricing geared for small businesses | ❌  No interactive widgets |
Apple TV Supported Digital Signage Solutions
For users seeking flexibility and broader compatibility, several digital signage apps support Apple TV alongside other platforms. These solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, offering advanced features and integration options while leveraging Apple TV as one of their supported display devices. Here’s an overview of three leading multi-platform players: OptiSigns, Rise Vision, and Carousel Digital Signage.
OptiSigns [www.optisigns.com]
OptiSigns provides comprehensive multi-platform support, making it a versatile digital signage solution that works across Windows, Mac, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Apple TV devices. The platform features a robust browser-based content management system (CMS) for designing signs with templates, and it also offers a mobile app for managing screens on the go.
OptiSigns stands out for its feature-rich offerings, including support for multiple displays, integrations with third-party tools like Google Slides and YouTube, and a library of widgets to enhance functionality. Advanced enterprise features such as AI-driven design suggestions, device management, user role assignments, and analytics further enhance its appeal.
The pricing model is tiered, with a free plan that includes up to three screens and 25 basic apps. Paid plans scale up to enterprise pricing, unlocking access to advanced features. Designed for users of all technical levels, OptiSigns combines accessible templates with tools for seamless screen management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅  Comprehensive multi-platform support | ❌  Free plan limited to three screens |
| ✅  Feature-rich offerings with AI-driven suggestions | ❌  Advanced features require paid plans |
| ✅  Easy-to-use templates and seamless management | ❌  Pricing may be costly for SMBs |
Rise Vision [www.risevision.com]
Rise Vision offers a web-based content management system (CMS) that enables users to select templates, customize content, and display it across multiple screens. The platform supports Apple TV and various other devices, and it also provides proprietary hardware for businesses requiring more flexibility. With integrations for Google Slides, YouTube, and additional widgets, Rise Vision is well-suited for a variety of use cases.
Tailored features for educational institutions and large organizations include Power BI integration, Single Sign-On (SSO), and comprehensive analytics. Rise Vision's tiered pricing structure accommodates a range of needs. For businesses and government entities, plans include a Basic option at $12 per display per month, an Advanced option at $14 per display with custom branding and stock library access, and an Enterprise option at $16 per display with enterprise-grade features such as SSO. Schools and nonprofits benefit from discounted pricing, making it an affordable and flexible solution for these sectors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅    Supports multiple devices, including Apple TV | ❌    Steeper learning curve for non-technical users |
| ✅     Integrations with Google Slides and YouTube | ❌    Higher-tier features require expensive plans |
| ✅    Discounted pricing for schools and nonprofits | ❌    Advanced analytics available only in Enterprise Plan |
Carousel [www.carouselsignage.com]
Carousel provides a browser-based content management system (CMS) designed for collaboration, making it easy for multiple users to create and manage digital signage content. It supports platforms such as Apple TV, iPad, Mac, and other smart TV systems, offering flexibility for organizations with diverse hardware environments. Carousel’s advanced enterprise features, including Single Sign-On (SSO) and role-based user access, make it an excellent choice for larger organizations.
Pricing is designed for scalability, starting at $250 per month (billed annually) for up to 10 displays. The Pro Plan, priced at $670 per month, supports up to 30 displays, while the Enterprise Plan is customized for deployments of more than 200 displays, starting at $16 per display. Carousel is a reliable solution for corporate campuses, universities, and retailers that require robust, large-scale signage management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅    Robust customer support and extensive documentation | ❌    Expensive plans for large-scale deployments |
| ✅    Offers features tailored for education and nonprofit sectors | ❌    Limited to annual billing for most plans |
| ✅    Enterprise-grade features like SSO and role-based access | ❌    High starting cost for entry-level plan |
Quick Comparison:
| Platform | TV Compatibility | Pricing | Free Option | Requires Another Device | Target Audience | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitcast | Designed for Apple TV | $20/screen (annual) or $25/screen (monthly); Enterprise pricing available | Free trial | Yes, browser-based | Enterprise | Cloud-based design, scheduling, SSO, MDM, API |
| Sigmondo | Designed for Apple TV | $4/month or $30/year | Free version (demo) | No | Small Businesses | Basic widgets (weather, time, Twitter), simple design |
| Screen Canvas | Designed for Apple TV | Free version; $19.99 lifetime license | Free version | No | Small Businesses, Individuals | Create directly on TV, no per-screen fees, image upload |
| EZ TV Plus | Designed for Apple TV | Custom pricing (contact developer) | Free version (limited) | Yes, browser, Mac/iOS | Small to Medium Businesses | Multi-TV support, role management, widgets (weather, news) |
| OptiSigns | Compatible with Apple TV | Free (3 screens); Paid plans from $10/month | Free version | Yes, browser-based | All Sizes | Multi-platform, AI design, analytics, integrations |
| Rise Vision | Compatible with Apple TV | $12-$16/month per display | Free trial | Yes, browser-based | Education, Enterprise | Power BI, SSO, Google Slides integration, stock library |
| Carousel | Compatible with Apple TV | $250/month (10 displays); $670/month (30 displays) | No | Yes, browser-based | Large Organizations | Multi-user collaboration, SSO, role-based access |
4. How to Set Up Apple TV for Digital Signage
Setting up an Apple TV for digital signage is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise. Start by connecting the Apple TV to your display with an HDMI cable, powering it on, and completing the on-screen setup to connect to Wi-Fi and log in with your Apple ID.
After setup, download a digital signage app like Screen Canvas from the Apple TV App Store. This allows you to upload images, videos, or other custom content for display directly on your TV.
For creating personalized content, tools like Canva, Keynote, or Pixelmator are excellent options. They let you design visually engaging signs, which can then be exported and uploaded to your digital signage app. If you’re using another Apple device, AirPlay enables you to mirror this content directly to the TV, providing a seamless way to display slideshows or videos.
For apps like Kitcast, OptiSigns, or Rise Vision, the setup process involves using a browser-based or cloud platform. After installing the app on your Apple TV, you’ll log into the respective platform via your computer or mobile device. These tools allow you to design and manage signage remotely, often with pre-designed templates and scheduling features. Once your content is ready, it syncs automatically with your Apple TV, enabling efficient and centralized management of multiple displays.
To enhance your setup, disable sleep mode for continuous playback, and consider mounting the Apple TV behind your display for a clean, professional appearance. While Apple TV doesn’t include a web browser, its app-based solutions and powerful integration with design tools make it a highly effective choice for digital signage.
5. The Final Take: Is Apple TV the Right Choice?
Apple TV is a smart choice for small and medium-sized businesses or individuals seeking a simple, reliable, and affordable digital signage solution. It’s best suited for single-screen setups where ease of use and quick deployment are priorities, making it an excellent fit for schools, restaurants, or local businesses.
However, for larger-scale deployments or more specialized applications, enterprise-grade solutions such as BrightSign may be a better fit. These systems offer features Apple TV lacks, such as support for multiple monitors, interactive touchscreens, video walls, outdoor displays, and rugged hardware designed for continuous operation in industrial or challenging environments. They also provide advanced tools like centralized screen management, offline functionality, and secure network options.
At the same time, some of Apple TV’s business-focused features, such as integration with Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms like Jamf, make it a compelling option that bridges the gap between consumer-grade systems and enterprise-grade solutions. With MDM, businesses can remotely configure devices, lock them to a specific app, control AirPlay settings, and enable zero-touch deployment, positioning Apple TV as an intermediate solution for professional needs without the complexity of enterprise-grade systems.
For those prioritizing simplicity over complexity, Apple TV delivers a streamlined and effective solution. For demanding or large-scale applications, more advanced enterprise-grade systems are better equipped to handle those requirements.
For a fast, easy, and professional digital signage solution, try Screen Canvas for Apple TV. It’s free to download and designed to help businesses create beautiful, effective displays in minutes. Search for Screen Canvas on the Apple TV App Store today!