How to Create a Video Streaming App?

There has been a huge shift in how we consume video content in the last decade. Now, On-demand apps like Netflix & Hulu, made it easy to access these services quickly.

Users are now at ease; they can just watch their favorite movies or shows with some taps on the phone. Who wouldn’t like that?

As many users enjoy this, somewhere also raised curiosity among investors “How to create a video streaming app?”

Now, that you are here. This blog will be a know-it-all blog, where we will share every detail about the video streaming app development process, stats, features & much more.

Are you ready?

The Hype of Video Streaming App- What Is It?

One basic question is “What is a video streaming app?”

Let’s start with that.

A video streaming app is software that allows users to access and view video content in real time without the need for downloading on any device.

There are several streaming apps currently present in the market like Paramount, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. These apps are easily accessible through Android and iOS.

Also, the good news for video streaming fans you can also find streaming apps on smart TVs, cable boxes, and digital media hubs such as Apple TV and Roku.

Key Takeaways:

• Netflix is the king here. This app holds the most subscribers with 269.6 million, followed by Amazon Prime Video with 220 million, and Disney+ with 150.2 million.

• As of July 2024, Netflix had the most downloads with 14.19 million, followed by Max with 12.42 million.

• In the third quarter of 2024, Amazon Prime Video had a 22% market share, while Netflix had a 21% market share.

• Live content has 27% more minutes of watch time than video on demand. Meaning, that users watch live videos 10 to 20 times longer than on-demand content.

• It is expected that the video streaming market is expected to grow from $129.8 billion in 2024 to $865.85 billion by 2034.

With numbers like this, it’s clear why investors are interested in this industry.

But, to be successful, remember features are something essential that would help blend your app into the crowd and see it through to success.

Once you know the features you want, you can consult with the best mobile app development company to ensure your app meets the needs of modern-day users and stay in step with the curve.

What Your App Should Offer

Before knowing how to create a video streaming app, it’s important to shortlist features.

In the app development game, you have to strike while the iron is hot. Let’s dive into the standout features that will keep users hooked and eager for more.

• User Profile

First thing first, when you create a video streaming app, you need to focus on authenticating users and creating a user profile.

The key here is to allow users to pick the kind of content they like, or artists, this way your app can make better suggestions, as per their preference.

• Top Quality Streaming

Users won’t even stick around if the video quality isn’t good.

When you develop a video streaming app, it is an unsaid rule to offer high-definition or even ultra-high-definition streaming.

This is where implementing adaptive bitrate streaming permits the video quality to adjust based on the user’s internet connection, delivering an amazing experience.

Furthermore, optimizing load times and buffering rates ensures less to minimal interruptions during viewing.

• Content Personalization

Customization is one of the powerful tools to make your user enjoy the app.

By understanding their preferences, algorithms will suggest movies, TV shows, and genres based on past activity that can significantly increase user engagement.

This not only makes the experience more fun but also boosts retention rates, and that’s exactly what you want for your video streaming apps.

• Offline Viewing

To create a video streaming app that goes above the rest, you need ‘offline viewing’ in your app.

This will help users to enjoy the content even without any internet connection. Through these features, users can access your app’s content in areas with poor connectivity, increasing the app’s value.

Also, make sure to ensure that the downloaded content expires in a way that respects content licensing agreements.

Building an offline mode into your app is an important step in how to develop a video streaming app that accommodates users’ diverse needs.

• Multi-language Content

When you create a video streaming app, catering to a global audience requires providing multi-language content.

Many users prefer consuming content in their native language or with subtitles, so offering a wide variety of language options can greatly enhance the user experience.

This includes not just offering subtitles and audio tracks in different languages but also localizing the app interface for different regions.

• Live Streaming Functionality

The video streaming app is incomplete without live streaming.

Live streaming is becoming an increasingly famous feature for video apps, expanding beyond traditional on-demand content.

When you develop a video streaming app, integrating live streaming can open up new paths for user engagement.

People who are fond of watching live sports or live news will look forward to your app.

• Advanced Search and Filter Option

Making an app that captures hearts and minds requires a keen eye for detail. This is why we suggest having an advanced search and filter option for your app.

Incorporate diverse search options such as filtering by genre, actor, director, rating, or release year- ensuring that users can quickly discover the content they want.

Predictive text, voice, search, and leveraging AI-powered suggestions can make the search even easier. When figuring out how to develop a video streaming app that offers an enjoyable experience, this feature is best.

• Multi-Device Compatibility

Another must-have feature, when you create a video streaming app is cross-platform compatibility.

Users expect to stream their favorite shows or movies across different devices- be it on smartphones, tablets, desktops, smart TVs, or gaming consoles.

Ensuring that your app offers a seamless experience across different platforms is important for attracting a broad user base.

To do this, you’ll need to implement responsive design and adaptive streaming technology that adjusts to different screen sizes and device capabilities.

• Security & Privacy feature

With growing cyber-attacks, when you make a video streaming app, security becomes an important element to focus on.

Ensuring that your app complies with privacy regulations like GDPR or CCPA and integrates advanced encryption methods to protect user data is essential.

Moreover, features like parental controls, password protection, and two-factor authentication help keep accounts secure. This helps build user trust in your app.

We believe you have an idea of the best features that will make your app shine in the market. In this competitive market, you need to hit the ground running with features that resonate with users.

With this out of the way, let’s get to know……

Different Types of Video Streaming Apps

Video streaming has become a hotspot, and no one is unaware of the capabilities of this industry.

To launch a video streaming app, you get to select from various ideas and make the right decision.

Let's dig into the most outstanding categories that redefine this space:

1) Subscription-based streaming services

Subscription-based services rule the most in video streaming.

The service provides the viewers full access to content, with all the privileges of features such as ad-free watching, and exclusive releases for a monthly charge.

Some examples include:

• Netflix leads this race, having a wide library of movies, series, and documentaries.

• The other great competitor here is Disney+, benefiting from huge franchises, including Marvel and Star Wars.

2) Ad-Supported Streaming Apps

Ad-supported streaming apps are free for viewers, who will watch commercials in between content.

This model would thus suit such a company if they want to have the biggest number of viewers without costing them anything in the form of a subscription.

Some examples include:

• YouTube is the biggest website for this category, including contributed content alongside professional material.

• With live TV and on-demand content, Pluto TV is among the leading free streaming players.

3) Live Streaming Services

Live streaming platforms are based on real-time broadcasting.

They cover sports, events, and user-generated content with a unique viewing experience, where viewers can interact with the broadcast.

Some examples include:

• Twitch is the platform people go to for gaming, live content, or creating their streams with millions of active streamers.

• Hulu + Live TV offers users the best of on-demand content and live TV, providing them with a balanced experience.

4) Niche Streaming Platforms

Niche streaming platforms cater to the niche with specialized content that targets the special interests of target audiences.

It caters to unique tastes-be it music genres, documentaries, or regional TV programs.

Some examples include:

• Crunchyroll is best for anime fans and has an enormous library of anime content.

• Shudder exclusively screens horror content, offering carefully curated experiences for horror fans

5) Pay-Per-View (PPV) Services

Pay-per-view streaming enables users to pay for individual pieces of content instead of subscribing to the service.

Premium events, such as sports matches or exclusive film releases, will mostly be suited for this type of model.

Some examples include:

• UFC Fight Pass proposes live MMA events and prior fights on a pay-per-view basis.

• Sometimes, Apple TV+ also features movies and events available for rent or purchase without the need for a subscription.

6) Social Media Streaming

They are live video streaming through social media platforms where users can stream events to their followers.

This model is more informal because it focuses on user interaction and engagement.

Some examples include:

• Instagram Live enables users to broadcast a live event straight to their followers in the real-time stream.

• Another very popular selection for real-time communication and interaction with the audience is Facebook Live.

Every type of streaming service idea provides a unique value proposition, and knowing these models can assist you where to invest next in this dynamic industry.

Live Streaming vs. Video on Demand: What's the Difference?

See, this has been a topic of discussion since like forever. Is Live streaming and Video-on-demand the same or different?

Now, here it gets really interesting: live streaming is in real-time. It's kind of like a live show—be it a sports match, a concert, or some gaming stream. You see it live, and you get to interact with the content; sometimes you even participate in live talks or send in your comments in real time.

On the other hand, video on demand lets you set your own time to watch pre-recorded shows. You can pause, rewind, or go forward to the next scene. No such thing as holding it for a certain time for it to be shown- it's all flexible and by your schedule.

Still confused? Don't worry, we'll put everything into perspective with a table to really drive the point home.

We believe you got the answer. Now, the question remains how to build a video streaming app? Know in the next section:

How to Develop a Video Streaming App? – Step-by-Step Development Process

Do you want to create a video streaming app? Of course, you do.

It is a blend of creativity and technical aspects.

To assist you in better understanding, we are going to talk about the video streaming app development process in detail in this section:

Step 1: Proper Market Research

If you want to be sure that your app thrives in the market, then you need proper market research.

Building a video streaming app starts with knowing the niche that makes you stand out.

Is it movies, live sports, television shows, or niche content that is in focus? Know your target audience and their likes.

Do market research, study the competition, and identify the difference that sets your app apart.

For instance, if you want to develop an application like Twitch , then highlight features like live streaming and gaming.

• Identify your target audience.

• Research competitors and what's missing in the market.

• Decide on the core features of your app.

Step 2: Selection of Features

When it comes to your video streaming app success, it’s not just about glitz and glamour; it’s about the substances that keep users engaged.

This is why we suggest having a proper list of features you want to integrate, understanding their benefits and challenges, and how they can help you to separate yourselves from your competitors.

These features will help you keep running in the market for the long run. So, lay better emphasis on them.

Step 3: Hire an Experienced app development company

Yes, this is a critical aspect of how to create a video streaming app.

Once you Google the best Android or iOS app development company , you will find hundreds of results. But, are they all the best?

Well, no, so make sure to shortlist the ones that are looking promising.

Get to know about their portfolio if they have worked on similar projects or not. Read their client testimonials and understand their approach.

This way, you can make better decisions that are in favor of your app idea.

Step 4: UI/UX Design

Do you want your first impression to be great? Then, focus on UI/UX design.

In this phase, you need to put effort into the app’s user interface.

Create wireframes to draw an outline of the app's flow and design key features: video players as well as search options.

Develop prototypes to understand the user’s journey, refine the interface, and provide intuitive navigation.

Visuals including color, font, and icon, should reflect your brand.

Test and iterate your design before development to save valuable development time and create a seamless user experience from day one.

Step 5: Develop Your App

Now, once you are done with the design phase. Time to turn your idea into a solution.

This is one of the development phases that answers the basic question about the video streaming application building process.

It is necessary to subdivide the development into two major divisions: the back end and the front end.

The front-end development involves the development of the user interface and interaction, whereas the back-end development deals with server-side video storage, streaming, and management.

It incorporates features such as search, video playback, and authentication.

If you're wondering how to create a video streaming app, this is when your design and tech stack come alive.

Performance and user experience should be in mind for setting parameters of seamless video delivery.

• Development of front-end emphasizing user interface and user experience.

• Back-end systems for video storage and streaming.

• Integrate core features such as search, playback, and user profiles.

Step 6: Test The App

After making your application, thorough testing is required. Testing the app ensures that features are properly implemented across different devices and network conditions.

Give special emphasis on video quality, buffering time, and integration.

For live apps, simulate or test live streaming capabilities, test latency, and test server load.

Do unit and functional tests for bugs and address the problems much earlier. Thus, by proper app testing, you increase the overall performance to ensure it is ready for release.

• Unit and functional testing to find bugs.

• Compatibility testing across devices and platforms.

• Focus on streaming quality, buffering time, and server performance.

Step 7: Deployment

The final step is to deploy the video streaming app. This is where all your effort materializes.

Provide it on all the right platforms such as iOS, Android, and Web, and facilitate the downloading of apps to the users.

While launching, keep on monitoring performance for solving any live issues such as bugs and server overloads.

A successful launch needs a smart, planned marketing strategy to attract users to the streaming app.

If you want to make a video streaming app that will take the competition, use social media and influencers to give it a free promotion.

• Launch the app in the respective stores or web-based mediums.

• Monitor your app’s performance and fix issues in real-time.

• Promote the app with marketing strategies.

Step 8: Maintaining and Updating

After the launch, proper maintenance and upgradation lead to further success.

To develop a video streaming app that stays ahead in the market, it needs to be consistently updated.

Monitor user feedback, fix bugs, update content, and keep your infrastructure scalable with new additions of users, so that it does not give performance issues.

Upgrades also present a chance to improve UI/UX, enhance video streaming quality, and launch new features that would keep the users coming back.

• Find & Fix bugs and optimize app performance regularly.

• Adding new features and improving UI/UX based on feedback.

• Scale the infrastructure for higher traffic and demand.

Now, with the process being done, how about we get to know the tech stack used to make a video streaming app?

Tech Stack Used in Developing a Video Streaming App

Choosing the proper tech stack is the first and most important thing in how to build a video streaming app.

A good tech stack ensures the high performance of your app, effective scaling, as well as high-quality video streaming.

The stack consists of front-end frameworks, back-end technologies, and tools for video processing and storage.

All of the aspects of the stack should be optimized for handling streaming demands, managing traffic spikes, and providing an exciting user experience.

Your tech stack will greatly influence the speed of the application, the video quality, and even user interaction.

Let's break it down:

If you select the right technologies, you will ensure smooth video playback with minimal buffering and a great user experience for your app.

But there are some obstacles in the way. Let’s find out about them:

Key Challenges in Developing a Video Streaming App

Now, with that, you need to know about the challenges in developing a video streaming app. So, you can overcome these challenges and ensure smooth implementation.

1. Ensuring Video Quality

One of the biggest challenges when you decide to develop a video streaming app is ensuring that it plays high-quality videos on different devices and on a variety of networks.

For users to enjoy video content, you need to deliver a crisp, smooth streaming with no buffering. It all comes with optimizing video encoding, compression, and adaptive bit rate streaming.

To build a good video streaming app, it must be done with attention to detail concerning the quality of the video, because this will keep the viewer hooked and satisfied with the app's performance.

2. Scalability

As your app grows, so does the demand for server resources.

Scaling a video streaming app with a growing user base is a big challenge in itself.

You will need back-end architectures that can handle spikes in traffic during live events or periods of heavy use.

This will also depend on choosing a proper cloud infrastructure, such as AWS or Google Cloud. Moreover, effective scalability, especially when the user base is expanding, needs to be planned and implemented very carefully.

Plan your app to scale according to demand.

3. Cross-platform Compatibility

In today's world, users expect streaming videos with no issues across different devices: phones, tablets, smart TVs, and desktops.

A video streaming app, while flawless on all platforms, demands more attention.

The user experience is consistent across iOS, Android, and the web.

Good performance and compatibility across many operating systems and devices are the most complex tasks, but they assure wide adoption among users. It's a good idea to focus on cross-platform compatibility right from the beginning to avoid potential down the line.

4. Video Security & Content Protection

Planning ahead to develop a video streaming app? Then secure content becomes the priority.

When you are handling exclusive movies, shows, or user-generated content, you must ensure that piracy does not happen to your content.

Some features including DRM, encryption, and watermarking will help you to ensure that your content is safe.

The challenge becomes more pressing if you are going to stream premium content.

Letting this security be built into your app will stop the unauthorized distribution of your content and help maintain its integrity.

5. Latency for live streaming

If you are planning to develop a video streaming app with live-streaming features, latency might be a key challenge for you.

With platforms like Twitch that are fully dependent on real-time interaction, the lag time between a broadcast and its view is highly essential to be reduced.

High latency could be horrible for user experience due to delays and interruptions during live events.

This would require investment in low-latency streaming protocols, optimized infrastructure for real-time content delivery, and an overall smooth engaging view for your audience.

As we sum up the challenges, we are going to discuss the finances.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Video Streaming App?

To help answer how to make a video streaming app, cost is one very important consideration.

The cost of developing an app depends on several factors, including complexity, features, and choice of platform. On an average, it can be somewhere between $20,000 to $250,000+.

Whichever you opt for, iOS or Android app development services , your decision would affect the budget.

Why?

Because, every platform has its complexities, development tools, and design requirements.

Furthermore, development costs normally incorporate design costs, front-end and back-end development costs, video infrastructure, and testing costs.

The price will increase with additional features like video streaming, video storage, and security implementation.

On average, the cost of developing an app can range from $50,000 to $500,000+ based on how complex the app is and the kind of features you need.

Even the location of the development team and the tech stack to be used will have an impact on the cost.

Planning appropriately based on the investment required will result in building an app that meets your expectations and serves the purpose.

How Techanic Infotech can help you build a Video Streaming App?

Video streaming is a rapidly growing market with millions of end users shifting towards online platforms for entertainment.

If you are looking to tap into this boom, Techanic Infotech can help you build a video streaming app with an outstanding end-user experience.

We specialize in developing video streaming apps and can mentor through the journey from ideation and design to launch and even after launch when it's maintenance.

Using state-of-the-art technology and user-focused designs, we will help you build an intuitive and scalable app that's going to stand out in a competitive streaming space.

In case you are looking for the best video streaming app development company , we are right here!

Conclusion

Video streaming apps are no longer the talk of tomorrow but the talk of today.

So now, as the market is growing, to rule this marketplace, you need a well-designed app to give competition. Whatever might be your business and requirements, Techanic Infotech is not just a development house but provides a complete solution as per your business needs.

From building a video streaming application to launching and scaling, we are your partner every step of the way.

Are you ready to bring your concept to life? Let's get started in building that cutting-edge streaming app that generates user engagement and success.