Show HN: Widget Cast – Video Widgets for Your iPhone and Apple Watch

Name: Show HN: Widget Cast – Video Widgets for Your iPhone and Apple Watch
Availability: InStock
Author: kingofspain

by kingofspain·May 20, 2026·3 points·0 comments

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AI Analysis

●●SolidCozyEye Candy

CRT and thermal filters on looping video widgets actually look surprisingly cool.

Strengths

•Apple Watch support extends utility beyond just the iPhone home screen.
•One-time unlock model avoids the hated subscription trap for effects.

Weaknesses

•10-second video limit severely restricts creative expression possibilities.
•Niche appeal depends entirely on user desire for animated wallpapers.

Post Description

Hello! I've just released Widget Cast today, it's a little app to make looping animated widgets for iOS. Take any video and and you can trim to 10 seconds or less, then apply a load of effects like CRT, night vision, thermal, colour tint, etc - then see it animate away on your home screen.

App store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/widget-cast-video-widgets/id67...

Got a glowing futuristic website here too: https://widgetcastapp.com

If you have an Apple watch, you can view them there too.

Could be a special moment or person, or just a dinosaur jumping up & down (which is also special).

It's free with some effects behind IAP (there are sort-of pay-what-you-want tiers). No subscriptions or ads.

Hopefully it's good fun!