Can’t Login To TV Apps?

It is frustrating to want to just watch something and it doesn’t work even though you already pay for cable. I feel the same frustration often, in many apps.

So what can you do? One of the biggest things I’ve seen as a software developer is that many of the TV apps don’t have a very simple straight-forward way of helping you sign in, especially if you’re a cable customer.

The Problem

TV Apps, like ABC, FOX, HBO, STARZ, FXNOW, MUSICCHOICE, TLC, DISCOVERY, TLC, etc. all typically have one thing in common. They all let you sign up or sign in. The problem for cable customers though is that neither of these options is what you want. If you have access to these channels via your cable subscription, you technically already have an account. Your account is a different kind of account however, and usually won’t be accessible through the “Sign In” page. You’ll have to find it elsewhere. Here’s how…

Skip it…

Usually, there is a way to skip the Sign Up/Sign In process and then you’ve got to find the “TV Provider” sign in or link. This is usually hidden behind the “person” icon, or the three-line menu (called the “hamburger menu”) or sometimes under “Account” or “Settings”. That is where you will find the link you really are looking for.

Why do they do it this way?

From my point of view, it looks like they are trying to make things easier for the large number of people who are not cable subscribers and pay them directly for access to their favorite shows. The answer is because reasons.

A Business Decision

Internet-based TV apps are huge for most TV services/channels, and the millions of cord-cutters who don’t like to be tied down to a cable subscription and more selectively find the services and shows they like and subscribe that way. It makes business sense to try to make things simple for those who are looking for that type of service.

If you’re a cable subscriber, they already “have you” and I guess for this reason they de-prioritize customers who are already “in”. They probably feel like you’re used to it, having to find your way to the right place. It isn’t so easy to figure out for many people though. I find it to be bad practice in software, business, and it doesn’t help users.

Good user experience is ALWAYS a good business decision.

Meaning that even if you perceive it to cost you more money than it makes you to design the user experience to meet all users needs it often isn’t true.

The resulting bad press you’ll get over having a terrible app is far reaching and can continue to hurt you over many years when a little time and care could have made a difference for the same amount of time.

BAD UI/UX BAD!

Yes, of course, bad UI/UX is a major pet peeve of mine, being in the software industry. I try to create the best UIs I can, and advocate for all other platforms to do the same.

Not everyone is or can be as dedicated to giving the best experience to users that I think they should and many of my like-minded collegues feel the same.

I’d like to apologize on behalf of those who write the apps that may cause you frustration, and hopefully this post can serve to help a little bit here and there. Thanks for reading.