Video Streaming App Development Features & Costs 2024-2025

At one time, all family members would sit around a television screen to view a specific program they each preferred or for live-streamed games with multiple participants at home simultaneously. Today, however, advancements in technology worldwide have led to video streaming becoming an efficient method for businesses to interact with global customers while opening up vast potential in terms of application development.

Everyone knows of the major players in the streaming industry, like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, but these services aren’t the only ones bringing television shows to millions of homes each night—many other video streaming apps exist as well, and they will likely emerge over time.

What is an On-Demand Video Streaming App?

Before diving into video streaming app development, we will examine what’s in on-demand streaming video.

A VOD (Video on Demand) mobile application is software that lets users choose the TV show, movie, or web series they like and watch the content at any given moment. All you need to do is connect your device to a laptop or TV and begin watching whatever you want. All you need to do is install one of the streaming video apps and then sign up for them.

VOD platforms have created a way for users to provide video content to their users. This brand-new approach to video content has impacted traditional TV in several ways. Look at the distinctions between the two.

• Traditional TVs require viewers to purchase a D2H cable to set up a connection. The person must have a TV to set up the connection. In addition, the cost comes from acquiring the connection cable for your device. However, streaming on-demand video requires a fast internet connection.
• Traditional television viewers cannot watch movies and shows at their own discretion and can only view what the D2H cable offers at different times. In contrast with the video-on-demand service, a viewer can log in directly to his online account to access a vast array of videos. You can select to view any of the videos available at any time.
• Traditional television doesn’t provide as many choices as VODs. You have to watch programs and movies that the cable company offers, while you can pick from a broad selection of genres, including horror and romance, thrillers, and action. To pick from when discussing VOD.
• The D2H cannot be accessed via traditional televisions and cannot be used on other devices. However, with VOD, it is possible to access any app on any device, such as a phone, computer, iPad, and more. Thus, VODs are more practical than traditional television.

Live Streaming App Development in Figures

According to a study by Market Research Future (MRFR), the size of the global streamers is predicted to be a staggering $534.37 billion in 2030. The expected CAGR around 2020-2030 will be more than 29 percent.

While the market’s growth is currently driven mostly by giants like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Vimeo, and IBM, there’s plenty of room for new players. There is strong evidence to suggest that the emergence of strong new players will occur in the near future due to the rising demand for developing streaming apps.

One of the main factors that influenced the live streaming app’s global development phase was the COVID-19 epidemic and the associated restrictions and lockdown measures. While some major events were canceled, a few were still held, but without the presence of visitors. With the help of streaming video, fans could “visit” the long-awaited matches or even concerts, at the very least virtual. Furthermore, live streaming can be a great alternative for those who don’t have the option of traveling.

Does this mean a plan to develop a live-streaming application would be a good idea only when you host events and don’t wish to disappoint your viewers?

Explore More: How To Create A Video-Streaming Mobile App Like Netflix? 

Must-Have Features of Video Streaming App Development

Once you’ve got an MVP that users accept, you can create live-streaming apps with these features to improve the user experience.

>Social Media Login & Sign-ups

The app should facilitate simple registration and login. It should incorporate the sign-up and login process for social media instead of the lengthy process of entering passwords and email addresses. This would save users time and avoid losing their patience regarding logins and sign-ups.

>Behavior Tracking

A video streaming application can determine the kind of content that interests the user. The app must pull content according to what users search for, what they have previously watched, movies or shows, saved content, and downloaded content. This can aid in promoting content and also get more views from viewers.

>Subscription Plans and Payment

A video streaming app on demand like Netflix has to have different subscription plans and multiple payment options. This feature makes the app’s owners, as it will generate income for them. Furthermore, apps must permit payment via various methods, including wallets, card UPI, net banking, and other options, to facilitate easy and hassle-free onboarding.

>UI/UX Design

It’s not a fact that UI/UX has played an important part in an application’s overall success. The appearance of your application will determine how users perceive it. A video streaming application has a simple navigation system with a minimalist design, is content-driven, and is extremely interactive.

>Push Notifications

Users must be informed about their subscription plans, shows, missed episodes, and new content that is released based on their interests and previously watched videos. Push notifications are simple to set up and are extremely beneficial in keeping communication open between the app and its users. All you need to do is keep track of user behavior and send them notifications at the appropriate time to prevent losing your followers and keep them interested.

>Multi-Platform Support

On-demand video streaming applications like Netflix are always popular because they allow users to view videos on any platform, such as a tablet, computer, or mobile phone. It is important to ensure that your application is available to users throughout the day on any device.

Types of Video Streaming Apps Can Be Developed

The streaming market is divided into two kinds: live streaming and video-on-demand streaming. In these two segments, the live streaming segment is expected to have the most rapid compound annual growth (CAGR) in the range of 21.7 percent. The rapid growth of laptops, mobile devices, tablets, and laptops has led to a greater dependence on these devices to stream video. Therefore, the need for live video streaming solutions has risen. This growing demand offers new opportunities for solution providers to attract customers with HD (HD) videos.

In the same way, different types of on-demand video streaming app development solutions concerning different functions, features, and intended viewers. Below are some of the more popular ones which include:

>Live Streaming Apps

These apps allow live streaming of sporting events, sports games, concerts, and other live-streamed media. Some examples are Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live.

>Video-on-demand (VOD) Apps

The apps let users access recorded videos and movies on demand. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are famous examples of VOD applications.

>Social Media Streaming Apps

These apps integrate video streaming and social networking capabilities, allowing viewers to stream and share videos on their social networks. The most famous examples are Instagram Live, Facebook Watch and TikTok.

>Music Streaming Apps

Although they are not exclusively focused on video, certain music streaming applications such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music also provide video content like live performances and music videos.

>Educational Streaming Apps

These apps provide educational content through tutorials, video lectures, online courses, or webinars. Platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy fall into this category.

>Video Messaging Apps

Although primarily focused on communicating, video messaging applications like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram Direct allow users to send and receive video messages.

>Sports Streaming Apps

These apps are specifically designed for sports fans. They offer live broadcasts of sporting games, highlight videos, analyses, and other related information. The most popular examples are ESPN, DAZN, and NBA League Pass.

>Corporate Streaming Apps

These apps are created to facilitate internal communication within companies, allowing businesses to broadcast town hall meetings, webinars, and employee training sessions. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex are frequently used to accomplish this.

These are only some examples, but the possibilities aren’t limited to these areas. Developers can also develop applications targeted to particular industries or interests that combine multiple features or introduce new concepts.

Explore More: Creating an Influencer Marketing Platform Features, Steps and Costs Involved in 2024

Use Cases Of Video Streaming App Development

Live video streaming apps offer numerous applications across various sectors and domains. These applications have become common daily because people use them to connect. WhatsApp videos have been a common communication method for households. Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Netflix are preferred over television for refreshments, and Microsoft Teams and Google Chats are popular office apps used daily for efficient work using distributed teams. Here are some typical usage instances of live video streaming applications:

>Events And Conferences

Live video streaming software allows organizations to stream conferences, seminars, trade shows, and other occasions to distant people who aren’t physically present. This allows attendees to participate in real-time, listen to the keynote speech and panel discussion, and participate in the event online.

>Gaming And eSports

Live video streaming is incredibly common in the gaming world. Gamers can stream their game on the go, communicate with their viewers, and create a fan base with their videos. ESports tournaments can also be streamed live, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams and players to engage in live streaming.

>Social Media And Influencers

Content creators and influencers utilize live video streaming software to interact with followers. They also provide live updates, behind-the-scenes videos, Q&A sessions, new product announcements, and other engaging experiences. This can help them build a deeper connection with their followers.

>News And Journalism

Live video streaming applications play an essential role in news reporting. It allows journalists to report on the latest news, events, and even interviews when they occur. News organizations use these apps to broadcast live news updates and interact with viewers via comments and inquiries.

>Education And Training

Live video streaming applications are employed in the educational sector to run webinars, online classes, and virtual training courses. Teachers and trainers can deliver lectures, explain concepts, and interact with their students in real-time, regardless of location.

>Fitness And Wellness

Live video streaming applications allow yoga instructors, fitness trainers, and wellness professionals to run live workouts, virtual classes, and individualized training. Users can join in real-time exercises from the comfort of their own homes.

>Product Demonstrations And Sales

Businesses utilize live video streaming applications to present their products and services to potential buyers. These applications let companies interact with their customers, respond to questions, and give live demonstrations, resulting in engaging sales experiences.

>Sports And Sporting Events

Teams and organizations in sports use live video streaming applications to broadcast tournaments, games, or sporting events to the public worldwide. Fans can view events live on television, receive real-time updates, and participate in discussions during the event.

Explore More: Create an Event App and Unleash the Power of Technology in 2024

Cost to Build a Video Streaming Application

The cost to develop live video streaming depends on many aspects, ranging from the quantity and complexity of the features to the location of developers and expertise. The basic Netflix app development costs around $15,000 to $30,000. The amount you pay will be based on your requirements. The price will rise by $50,000 when you add more advanced features, such as multi-language, multiple-screen support, complicated UI/UX designs and more. When you decide to build a platform for video on demand, there is a heavy backend infrastructure as well as continuous streaming of data for the most optimal user experience.

We will discuss the factors influencing the cost of building a video streaming application in depth.

>App Features

The bare minimum of features available in the initial version of the application is a smart choice, as spending bundles while you’re exploring the waters is not a good idea. The video streaming app that comes with basic features will cost you between $12,000 and $25,000, and once you incorporate advanced features like multi-screen compatibility, multi-lingual support, and many more in the video streaming app, costs for development will increase accordingly.

>App Design

It’s a time of knowledge, and users look for a minimalist appearance to soothe their eyes. The easy and simple UI design of a video streaming app costs about $5000. If the app is more complex, with stunning animations and traditional graphics, the cost increases to $10,000, as it increases the time required to develop and the advanced technical requirements of a tech specialist.

>Number of Platforms

Android has risen to the top of the market, with a higher market share than iOS. However, the device’s fragmentation, resolution, and other issues make building an online streaming platform such as Netflix an expensive endeavor. The cost of developing a video streaming app for Android and iOS is between $15,000 and $30,000.

>Location of App Developers

The rate per hour for developers differs based on where they work. If an app development firm is located in Europe, the US, or Western Europe, it will cost three to four times more ($60,000) than the Indian mobile App Development Company ($15,000) to allow you to develop your own streaming app.

>Experience of Developers for Apps

Developers working in the same place, even within the walls of the same office, are paid at different rates, which depend on the years of experience they’ve gained in specific technologies. There are three kinds of developers: middle-tier developers, junior developers, and senior developers. Junior developers cost an hourly rate of $20, middle-level developers cost $40 per hour, and a senior developer costs about $60 per hour.

An application with more complexity or an extensive technology stack will require experts. For example, video streaming app development requires experts such as Python developers with extensive expertise in the same field.

Process of Developing a Video Streaming Application

We hope you’ve learned the essential elements to create an application that streams video. But the process doesn’t stop here. You must decide on the kind of app you’d like to create, consider the requirements of law and compliance, and determine the features you want to include that can be monetized. Find the ideal engineering team, and select the tech stack. Each step is crucial to create an effective app. Let’s examine each stage in-depth and learn about its importance.

>Define Your Niche

With a competitive market and a myriad of live video streaming services across various industries, it’s essential to plan the creation of a brand new streaming application with a clear mind and not rely on baseless assumptions. Take the time to study your market and thoroughly study your competition’s options.

Conduct interviews with users who are interested in learning more about their particular challenges. This will help you determine how your app can solve these issues and meet the requirements of your intended user.

>Choose a Monetization Strategy

The three most well-known monetization models for your streaming application could be subscriptions, paid apps, and showcasing ads. Based on your business model, you can create two or three monetization modules for your application.

>Select the Right Technology Stacks

When you select the right video processing platform and a video processing platform, you’ll also need to select the right technology to build an app that streams. If you’re looking to build the app to be developed as the native version of Android as well as iOS, or if you want to develop a hybrid or cross-platform design like the Flutter app development model, you will require an entire technology stack that goes beyond the front end to ensure optimal performance and accessibility.

>Set Up Your Team

To develop and implement an application, you will require the assistance of an experienced and competent video streaming app development company. You can start developing the project if you have a team with a technical mind and experience in various roles, such as CTO or project manager’s developers, project managers, QA engineers, or DevOps experts.

If it’s just you and your business idea, you may recruit a team of experts with experience with an app development firm. The basic structure of the software development team typically is like this:

• Frontend Developer
• Backend Developer
• UI/UX Or Mobile App Designer
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• QA Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Team Lead

>Adopt and Implement Legal Requirements

Compliance and legal requirements that you meet are based on the condition in which the application you wish to operate are essential. Since users sign up through your application and all their private information, including financial details like credit or debit card numbers and credit card details, is stored in the application, it is crucial to follow data security laws like GDPR or CCPA.

>Pick the Right Features

No matter what kind of app for streaming video you develop, it is essential to think about how your app can differentiate itself from other apps. The modern user is drawn to applications that give them personalized options, like targeted content, relevant recommendations, and notifications about new videos that match their preferences.

>Create and Test Your MVP

Once you have the app’s features list in hand and you have decided that they will need to build an application that streams video, you can begin developing the MVP for your idea. In this phase, you can make your application function according to the specifications you set. It is now possible to begin your business using the MVP application and create an impact on the market.

Explore More: How to Get Started Building a Social Media App 2024?

>Launch and Track Progress to Improve

Typically, an organization that develops software will give you an MVP application and assist you in launching it on the desired platform. Because the development of apps and business operations isn’t just a one-time project, you need assistance to monitor the progress made and make improvements to retain and attract customers and users. Based on real-world user feedback, we can further improve the app’s capabilities, such as performance and scalability, along with other elements of your application to expand your app’s reach and increase your brand’s credibility.

The Key Takeaway

The growth of customized streaming services for video is expanding in popularity and provides huge business opportunities for those who create in the field of online video. Understanding the process of developing an application increases the chances of launching a live-streaming application that can succeed in a very competitive marketplace. Consulting with industry experts will help you lay the foundation for the growth of your application for streaming video shortly.

Explore More: Guide To Build An App Like OnlyFans

Ultimately, creating a video streaming application is a complex blend of technical proficiency, creative thinking, and market expertise, and it’s better to give it to application development experts to develop an app that is a hit. It’s a process that takes you from a simple idea to an elaborate and fully functioning digital ecosystem that informs, entertains, and connects users. If you want to succeed in this area, it offers endless possibilities. Inventcolabs will assist you in exploring exactly that.