Hamburger Menu

What is a Hamburger Menu?

A Hamburger Menu is a common user interface (UI) element used across digital platforms, including Connected TV (CTV) applications, to house navigation and secondary features. The menu is named for its visual design—typically represented by three stacked horizontal lines that resemble the layers of a hamburger. It acts as a compact button that, when selected, reveals a more extensive menu with additional navigation or settings options.

In CTV environments, where screen space is limited and remote-based navigation must be intuitive, the Hamburger Menu plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and user-friendly interface while offering quick access to deeper app functionality.

How is the Hamburger Menu used in CTV?

In CTV applications, the Hamburger Menu is strategically designed to minimize on-screen clutter and keep the viewer’s focus on content. Rather than displaying all navigation options directly on the main screen, developers place the menu icon in a consistent location—typically in the upper corner of the app interface. When users select the icon using a remote control or directional pad, it opens a side panel or overlay that contains key features and navigation tools.

The contents of a CTV Hamburger Menu often include:

• Access to different content categories or sections within the app, such as genres, playlists, or live channels;
• Search functions that allow users to find specific titles or genres;
• User account management tools, including login/logout, profiles, or viewing history;
• Settings menus for adjusting playback preferences, language, subtitles, or parental controls.

This interface structure is particularly effective on CTV because it balances user functionality with screen simplicity. Viewers can explore and customize their experience without the interface becoming visually overwhelming.

Why is the Hamburger Menu important for CTV design?

The Hamburger Menu enhances user experience (UX) by improving navigation and organizing functionality behind a single, recognizable icon. For CTV developers and platform operators, it helps achieve key design goals:

• Focus on content: Keeps the main interface minimal, so the user’s attention remains on the video content rather than the navigation elements.
• Consistency across platforms: Since Hamburger Menus are widely used in mobile and web design, users are already familiar with their purpose, reducing friction when using new CTV apps.
• Scalability: As an app grows and adds features, the Hamburger Menu provides a flexible space to house additional tools without redesigning the core interface.

Ultimately, the Hamburger Menu is more than just a stylistic choice—it’s a functional component that supports discoverability, ease of use, and a seamless user journey within a CTV application.