Video Streaming App Development: How to Build it

Streaming technology is used to deliver every video online. A media streaming app is a tool that allows users to access online video content without having to download anything onto their devices.

Video streaming is the internet equivalent of TV broadcasting. It’s also much more accessible. Media streaming apps can be a great asset to businesses of all types. It is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to interact with your audience.

This article will introduce you to the essential concepts and facts you need to know before building your streaming application. Let’s get started!

What is a streaming application?

The streaming app is the software and hardware that transmits video content. Live streaming apps allow real-time transmission and can be discussed in this context. Video data is typically large, requiring dedicated devices and technology.The streaming application includes:

• Video encoders are necessary for compressing large files.
• Video transponders with adaptive bitrates and multi-bitrates.
• A Content Delivery Network (CDN), a strategically distributed network of servers in a particular region, delivers content to the user by using the server closest to them.
• HTML5 video player is the most common video player. It replaced Adobe Flash Player.

Three Types of live-streaming apps

You’ll want to know the type of live-streaming app you create before you begin. Here are three common types of apps that live stream.

Live Broadcasting Apps

The most popular live-streaming app is the Live Broadcasting App. This app allows users to broadcast video and audio recordings to other people who can access the stream. These apps have spawned several internet celebrities and influencers. Twitch Live, YouTube Live Stream, and Periscope are popular live broadcasting applications.

Audio Streaming

Audio streaming apps are created by removing video from the equation. Audio streaming apps allow you to listen to audio transmitted live over the Internet. Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music all fall into this category.

Video on Demand Streaming

The live streaming apps allow users to watch their favorite TV programs online anytime. Hulu TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime Video are all popular apps for streaming video.

How to create a video streaming app?

Video streaming application development requires a lot of planning and preparation. Before you begin the development process, it is essential to plan and prepare. This is a step-by-step guide to developing a video-streaming app.

Select Your Team for Video Streaming App Development

A team of in-house developers can help you develop and maintain an application over the years. This technique requires a budget, as you’ll need to rent a space, furnish it, and then start hiring people. If you are not technically savvy, you may need the help of a professional to guide you through the process.

Choose a CDN

CDN is Content Distribution Network. It’s essential if you plan on scaling your server or creating live-streaming software—plan, even if you do not think you will need it. Although there is an extra charge, you will get uninterrupted delivery of the material.

Choose a Reliable Web Hosting Service

You must choose a hosting provider who will offer your clients smooth streaming. The hosting quality might need improvement. Hosting is less critical at first. However, as the popularity of your app increases, so does the number of viewers. Hundreds can see one video of users at once.

Consider Storage for Live Streaming App Development

Your content should be stored safely so consumers can view videos without interruptions. Cloud services are our preferred choice for live streaming. Cloud services are the best alternative for developing live-streaming applications. These services are expandable and offer low-cost plans. They also save money on purchasing hardware.

Beautiful UI/UX design

Remember that aesthetics are important and that users will judge your streaming service based on their first impression. You should hire highly-qualified UI/UX developers or find a software development company that offers turnkey services. You can look at the UI/UX of your competitors’ live-streaming apps.

Include Basic Features

Create an MVP (minimal feature version) to test your service and ensure it will appeal to your users. Our next section will help you decide what features to include in your streaming app.

Testing is Crucial

Today’s many choices exist, and customers will notice your mistakes. A consumer may only abandon your service if something works correctly. Quality assurance should therefore be easy for your live-streaming app.

How much does streaming app development cost?

Creating a video streaming application costs high: a prototype could cost between $50,000 and $75,000, while a platform with all the features may cost from $250,000 to $500,000. The cost of developing a video streaming app includes the development of web, desktop, and Smartphone apps. Optimizing streams and building a scalable architecture takes much effort. DevOps will be needed to maximize the use of storage and retrieval. Costs associated with integrating streaming engines will also affect the final price.

You can estimate the cost for an MVP version of your live-streaming application using our App Development Cost Calculator.

Must-have features for streaming apps

Users need some basic features to manage their viewing sessions. Here are some features that you need:

Registration

The first step to using a service is registration. To save time, users can use their email address or a social media account like Facebook to register for an application.

Personal Accounts

Streaming services allow users to create individual accounts, manage their email addresses and passwords, and store personal data. Users should have the ability to collect payment options directly in the app. Accounts should also support multiple profiles, which keep track of the favorite shows of each user and provide personalized suggestions on what to watch.

Filters

Users enjoy selecting genres that interest them. Filters make it easy to sort content. Users can filter content by genres, such as Crime and Justice or Comedy and Drama.

Home

Home is where users can find the content they have already seen and loved and suggestions on what might interest them.

Payment Methods

Video streaming services should offer various payment options, including credit cards, prepaid cards, special-use credit cards, and debit cards. This is especially true if they are targeting different regions.

Social Media Sharing

Users can get excited by the content they watch and share it with others. Users will appreciate the addition of one-click sharing.

Conclusion

Video content creators have many business opportunities with custom video streaming apps. By gaining more knowledge of the platform-building processes, you can increase your chances of creating a live-streaming app that will survive the fierce competition in the market.