Watching movie trailers on your Apple TV is incredibly straightforward. You can access a vast library of trailers through the built-in iTunes Movies app, third-party streaming services like YouTube and Vimeo, and even via dedicated trailer apps. This article will provide a comprehensive walkthrough of these methods, along with answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring you never miss the next big blockbuster preview.
Accessing Movie Trailers Through the iTunes Movies App
The most direct route to watching movie trailers on your Apple TV is through the native iTunes Movies app. This app, often pre-installed, offers a curated selection of the latest and most popular trailers directly from Apple.
Finding Trailers within iTunes Movies
- Locate the iTunes Movies app: Navigate to your Apple TV home screen and find the “iTunes Movies” app icon.
- Open the app: Select the app icon to launch it.
- Browse the “Trailers” section: Look for a specific “Trailers” section within the app’s main menu. This might be clearly labeled, or it could be subtly integrated into the browsing experience. On newer tvOS versions, it’s often found under the “Movies” tab.
- Explore available trailers: Scroll through the showcased trailers. You’ll likely find newly released trailers, upcoming releases, and curated collections.
- Select a trailer to watch: Click on a trailer to view a detailed synopsis and, of course, watch the trailer itself.
- Enjoy the show! Use the Apple TV remote to control playback, including pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding.
Utilizing Third-Party Streaming Services
Beyond the iTunes Movies app, services like YouTube and Vimeo offer an expansive universe of movie trailers, often including fan-made trailers and international versions.
Watching Trailers on YouTube
- Install the YouTube app: If you haven’t already, download the YouTube app from the Apple TV App Store.
- Open the YouTube app: Launch the application.
- Search for trailers: Use the search bar to type in “movie trailers” or the specific title of the movie you’re interested in. You can also use voice search for faster navigation.
- Browse and select a trailer: Scroll through the search results to find the trailer you want to watch.
- Watch the trailer: Select the trailer to begin playback.
- Subscribe for updates (Optional): If you enjoy specific trailer channels, consider subscribing to receive notifications about new releases.
Exploring Trailers on Vimeo
While less prominent for mainstream movie trailers than YouTube, Vimeo still hosts a considerable collection, particularly of independent film trailers and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Install the Vimeo app: Download the Vimeo app from the Apple TV App Store if you don’t already have it.
- Open the Vimeo app: Launch the application.
- Search for trailers: Use the search function to find “movie trailers” or the specific film trailer you are looking for.
- Browse available trailers: Scroll through the search results.
- Select a trailer and watch: Click on the trailer to begin playback.
Dedicated Trailer Apps: A Focused Experience
For users seeking a dedicated and streamlined trailer-watching experience, several trailer apps are available on the Apple TV App Store. These apps often offer curated collections, high-quality streaming, and advanced features like trailer ratings and personalized recommendations.
Finding and Installing Trailer Apps
- Open the App Store: Navigate to the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Search for “movie trailers”: Use the search bar to find trailer-specific apps.
- Explore available options: Browse the search results, paying attention to user reviews and app descriptions.
- Install a trailer app: Select the app you want and click “Get” to download and install it.
- Launch the app: Once installed, open the trailer app from your Apple TV home screen.
Using Dedicated Trailer Apps
Each trailer app has its own unique interface and features. However, most share a similar core functionality:
- Browse curated trailers: Explore featured trailers, upcoming releases, and trailers sorted by genre.
- Search for specific trailers: Use the search bar to find trailers for particular movies.
- Watch trailers in high quality: Enjoy trailers streamed in high definition.
- Save trailers to watch later (Optional): Some apps allow you to save trailers to a watchlist for future viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Is there a dedicated “Trailers” app from Apple on Apple TV?
While there isn’t a standalone app labeled explicitly as “Trailers” by Apple, the iTunes Movies app is the primary destination for Apple-curated movie trailers. The trailers are typically found within the Movies section, often highlighted prominently for new releases.
FAQ 2: Can I watch trailers in 4K on Apple TV?
Yes, if the trailer is available in 4K resolution, and your Apple TV and TV support 4K, you will be able to watch the trailer in 4K. This is especially true for trailers streamed through the iTunes Movies app or YouTube if the uploader provides a 4K version.
FAQ 3: How do I fast forward or rewind trailers?
Use the Apple TV remote‘s touch surface. Swiping left or right will rewind or fast forward, respectively. Pressing the play/pause button will pause and resume playback. On newer remotes, you can also click the left or right side of the clickpad to skip forward or backward in 10-second increments.
FAQ 4: Can I download movie trailers to watch offline?
Unfortunately, downloading trailers directly for offline viewing is generally not supported within the iTunes Movies app or most third-party streaming services on Apple TV. YouTube Premium might offer offline downloads, but this is subject to YouTube’s terms and the specific trailer’s availability for offline download.
FAQ 5: Are all trailers available on Apple TV?
Not all trailers are available. While the iTunes Movies app and YouTube offer a vast selection, some independent films or smaller productions may not have trailers readily available on these platforms. The availability of trailers depends on distribution agreements and promotional strategies.
FAQ 6: How do I change the video quality of trailers?
The Apple TV generally adjusts the video quality automatically based on your internet connection speed. However, some apps like YouTube allow manual adjustment of video quality in the settings menu during playback. Look for a gear icon or a quality setting option.
FAQ 7: Can I watch trailers with subtitles?
Yes, most trailers on iTunes Movies and YouTube support subtitles. You can enable subtitles using the Apple TV remote during playback. Swipe down on the touch surface to access the subtitles menu.
FAQ 8: How can I search for specific trailers if I only know part of the movie title?
Use the search function within the iTunes Movies app, YouTube, or any other trailer app. Type in the portion of the movie title you know, and the app will provide suggestions and search results based on your input.
FAQ 9: Are there any free trailer apps for Apple TV?
Yes, many free trailer apps are available on the App Store. However, be aware that some free apps may contain ads or offer limited features compared to paid alternatives. Read user reviews before downloading to ensure the app meets your needs.
FAQ 10: How do I report a broken trailer link?
Within the iTunes Movies app, there’s typically no direct way to report a broken link. However, you can contact Apple Support and provide feedback about the issue. For YouTube, you can report broken videos or inappropriate content by clicking the “Report” button below the video.
FAQ 11: Can I share trailers with friends from my Apple TV?
While you can’t directly share a trailer from within the iTunes Movies or YouTube app on Apple TV, you can share a link to the trailer from your iPhone or iPad if you are AirPlaying the trailer from your mobile device to the Apple TV. You can find a link to the trailer on the iTunes store or Youtube mobile app.
FAQ 12: Why is the trailer buffering?
Trailer buffering is usually due to a slow or unstable internet connection. Ensure your Apple TV has a strong Wi-Fi signal. Try restarting your Apple TV and your router. You can also try lowering the video quality in the YouTube app settings (if applicable) to reduce buffering.