Must-have apps for smart TVs: Netflix, YouTube

Video viewing apps Netflix and YouTube are the most popular apps among smart TV owners, according to results of a recent Harris Poll of 2,634 adults in the US.

Consumers, especially younger adults, who have become accustomed to using apps on their smartphones and tablets are now "app-ifying" their internet-connected TVs.

"Younger adults desire a more social TV viewing experience,' says Manny Flores, Senior Vice President at Harris Interactive. 'With the proliferation of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+, younger adults are not only more tech savvy, but are accustomed to being able to share their online experiences with their friends and family. So why not add TV viewing to the list of online experiences to share?'

'As the TV becomes a more overall entertainment device, it is only a matter of time before we see the mainstream use of additional content apps, such as Facebook, being used on the TV,' added Flores.

The number of apps available for smart TVs pales in comparison to the some 500,000-700,000+ apps and games available through Apple's App Store or the Google Play store, although the market is quickly growing.

Interestingly, many of the same apps that are popular on the iOS and Android platforms are also popular on smart TVs. Netflix and YouTube were the most popular with smart TV owners, with 47% and 44% saying they are "must have" apps on the smart TV respectively.

Social networking site Facebook (35%), online marketplace Amazon (34%) and streaming radio app Pandora (28%) also ranked within the top five must-have apps according to Harris Interactive.

The hugely popular app Angry Birds wasn't on the list, but it may soon become a hot favorite with smart TV owners too. On July 19 Samsung announced the global availability of the app -- which is the first to feature motion controls -- on Samsung smart TVs.

Samsung Vice President of Visual Display Business Kyungsik Lee said, "Samsung Smart TV will become the first TV to offer the world's most popular game and set a new standard in the industry by offering a game for smart TVs controlled by hand gestures."

The Harris Poll was conducted online between May 7 and May 15, 2012.

Top 15 must-have apps for smart TVs according to Harris Interactive:

1. Netflix - 47%
2. YouTube - 44%
3. Facebook - 35%
4. Amazon - 34%
5. Pandora - 28%
6. ESPN - 21%
7. Hulu + - 21%
8. Twitter - 17%
9. Syfy - 14%
10. HBO Go - 13%
11. Rhapsody - 9%
12. MLB.com - 8%
13. Vudu HD Movies - 7%
14. Conema Now - 7%
15. Vimeo - 5%
16. None of these - 23%