Amazon Fire TV Stick As a Digital Signage Player

The Amazon Fire Stick has been around for a while now, but it remains one of the go-to streaming devices for businesses looking to dive into digital signage. It’s simple, affordable, and can turn any screen into a fully-fledged signage display without much hassle. 

It may not be as powerful as some higher-end alternatives like the Apple Mac Mini or Nvidia Shield TV, but when paired with Look Digital Signage, it does exactly what it needs to do—let you manage and display content remotely, quickly, and at a fraction of the cost. 

Despite newer devices hitting the market (like the new Google Streamer), the Fire Stick still holds its ground as one of the best options for businesses looking for straightforward, reliable signage.

What Makes the Amazon Fire Stick Ideal for Digital Signage?

Affordability: The Fire TV Stick Lite, the most basic version, costs around $30, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max Gen2, which offers faster performance and better Wi-Fi, comes in at around $60. When you compare these prices to the $150 to $300 you’d pay for a dedicated media player, the Fire Stick becomes incredibly affordable for businesses wanting to hit the ground running without breaking the bank 

Compact Design: The Fire Stick is about the size of a USB stick with a classic black design, and you can plug it directly into the HDMI port on your display. Plus, the remote is small, easy to use, and doesn’t take up much room either.

Access to Apps: Running on Fire OS, which is based on Android, the Fire Stick has access to a ton of apps, from Amazon’s own services to third-party apps. This means you can easily download and install the signage software that works best for your business, such as Look Digital Signage. 

What’s New in the Amazon Fire Stick for 2024?

As of 2024, Amazon’s Fire Stick lineup includes:

• Fire TV Stick (2014): The original model introduced HD streaming and basic access to apps. Discontinued
• Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen, 2016): Faster with a more powerful processor and added voice search with the Alexa remote. Discontinued
• Fire TV Stick 4K (1st gen, 2018): Introduced 4K Ultra HD streaming and Dolby Vision for better picture and sound quality. Discontinued
• Fire TV Stick Lite (1st gen, 2020): A budget-friendly option with 1080p HD streaming and a simpler remote without volume controls.
• Fire TV Stick (3rd gen, 2020): Similar to the 2nd Gen but with improved performance and better Alexa integration.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st gen, 2021): Faster processor, Wi-Fi 6 support, and overall better performance compared to the 4K model. Discontinued
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023): Even faster processor and enhanced Alexa remote, building on the 4K Max’s improvements.

In early 2024, Amazon introduced updates to Fire OS 8 that impacted how Fire TV Sticks are used for digital signage. The changes blocked apps from bypassing the default home screen, which disrupted businesses that relied on Fire Sticks to automatically launch their signage apps. Additionally, the update disabled the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), making it harder to clear app caches or enable automatic app startup.

However, these changes are specific to Fire OS 8 devices. Devices running on Fire OS 7 are not affected, and they will likely stay on that version. If you’re encountering issues with launching the app or need to adjust permissions, you can follow the steps outlined in our help guide for Fire OS 8 permissions settings.

Need help? If you’re facing difficulties setting up or launching your signage app, feel free to reach out to us via chat. We’re here to help!

Amazon has also introduced the Amazon Signage Stick—a dedicated player made specifically for digital signage. It’s a much smoother and more reliable solution for businesses that need to keep their displays running consistently.

Specs and Price Comparison: Amazon Fire Stick Models for Digital Signage

Fire TV Stick Lite (2020)

This model is your best bet if you’re looking for something really budget-friendly for basic content like static images and video. 

Key Specs

• Resolution Supported: 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps
• Processor: Quad-core 1.7 GHz
• Storage: 8 GB internal storage
• Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO) Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi networks.
• Voice Support: Alexa Voice Remote Lite 
• Ports: HDMI output, micro-USB for power only
• Audio Support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos
• Video: HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9

Keep in mind that it supports up to 1080p resolution, so if you have a 4K TV, you won't be able to stream in 4K quality. If you’re using Look Digital Signage, which also supports 4K content, it would be best to upgrade to a higher model like the Fire Stick 4K Max to make the most of your investment. Some users have also noted that the device can be a bit slow when loading apps and navigating menus.

Price: $29.99.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max Gen2 (2023)

As we mentioned, Amazon has introduced a dedicated player for digital signage, but this version of the Fire Stick is the most powerful yet as a consumer streaming device for your signage needs. 

Key Specs: 

• Processor: 2.0 GHz quad-core
• Wi-Fi 6E Support: While the original Fire TV Stick 4K supports Wi-Fi 5. 
• RAM: 2GB
• More Storage: 16 GB of storage from the 8 GB on the standard Fire TV Stick 4K. 
• Enhanced Alexa Remote: With quick-access buttons for things like live TV and settings, making it easier to switch between different content. 
• Audio and Video Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos

Price: $59.99

Benefits of Using Amazon Fire Stick with Look Digital Signage

Easy Setup: Simply plug it into your display’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and install Look Digital Signage from the app store. Once set up, you can start displaying your content right away.

Remote Management: With Look Digital Signage, you can manage your content remotely from anywhere. Whether you have one screen or many, you can update your displays in real-time without the need for physical access to each device. 

Customizable and Flexible: Look Digital Signage offers a range of professionally designed templates and built-in tools to easily create dynamic, engaging content. That includes images, videos, social media feeds, and even live data, that you can customize to match your branding and messaging. 

Scalability: As your business grows, Look Digital Signage gives you the capability to add 100+ screens to your network and control them from a single dashboard. With key features like screen grouping and smart scheduling, you can automate content updates and easily manage multiple locations. Not to mention, the more screens you add, the more you save. 

Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Amazon Fire Stick with Look

Setting up your Amazon Fire TV Stick for digital signage with Look Digital Signage is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Follow this guide to get your Fire Stick up and running:

1. Set Up the Fire Stick: Plug the Fire Stick into the HDMI port on your TV, power it on, and select the correct input. When prompted, choose your language and connect to Wi-Fi, either by entering your password or using WPS. Then, sign in or create an Amazon account.
2. Pair the Remote: Follow the on-screen instructions to sync the Alexa Voice Remote with your Fire Stick.
3. Install Look Digital Signage: From the Fire TV home screen, go to the App Store, search for Look Digital Signage, and install the Look app. 
4. Grant Permissions: Open the Look Digital Signage app, and grant the necessary permissions for it to function correctly.
5. Enter Six-Digit Code: A six-digit code will appear on the screen. Enter this code in the Add Screen section of your Look Digital Signage account to pair the device.
6. Manage Content: Congratulations! Your Fire Stick is now connected to Look Digital Signage. You can start managing and scheduling content remotely from your Look account, wherever you are.

For detailed instructions, check out our Amazon Fire Stick Media Player Video Tutorial or How to Set Up Amazon Fire Stick Article

When to Choose Amazon Fire Stick for Digital Signage?

Best Use Cases

• Small Businesses: Ideal for retail shops or restaurants with a tight budget.
• Retail Stores: Display product promotions, sales, or advertisements with minimal setup.
• Waiting Rooms: Display informational content, customer announcements, or entertainment.
• Budget-Conscious Projects: Perfect for projects that require cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.

Look’s Case Studies with Fire Sticks

Feedback - Design Studio

Feedback, a design studio in Uruguay, uses Look Digital Signage with the Amazon Fire Stick to easily turn their clients’ existing TVs into digital signage displays. They love using features like the YouTube app to quickly update videos and the weather app for local forecasts.  The best part? They can remotely manage everything, so they don’t have to visit clients in person. This cost-effective, flexible solution has helped them meet their client's needs while keeping things affordable.

Riverview Kennels Pet Lodge - Pet care industry

Riverview Kennels, a pet care facility in Oregon, set up TVs to display menus, pricing, and specials, as well as entertainment for guests while they check in their pets.  By using the Fire Stick with Look Digital Signage, they were able to easily use their existing equipment, to create a fresh, professional look without major investment. 

When Not to Use It

• Industrial Durability: The Fire Stick isn’t built for the rigors of heavy-duty, industrial environments. If you need a device that can handle 24/7 use in a demanding, high-traffic area, we recommend the Look HD 2222 professional player. 
• Wi-Fi Dependency: The Fire Stick depends on a stable Wi-Fi connection for smooth playback. If your Wi-Fi isn’t reliable or you need to display content without internet access, it might not be the best fit. However, Look Digital Signage offers offline playback, so once your content is uploaded to the device, it’ll play without needing an active internet connection. You only need the Wi-Fi when uploading or pushing new content to the Fire Stick. 

Amazon Fire Stick – A Cost-Effective Digital Signage Player 

The Amazon Fire Stick is a super affordable and easy way to boost your business’s digital signage. It’s a great solution for small businesses and stores looking to create professional, engaging displays without spending a fortune. With the Fire Stick, you can use your existing equipment and get all the benefits of sleek, dynamic signage. 

Want to give it a try? Start with a 14-day free trial or book a demo to see how Look Digital Signage and the Fire Stick can work for you!