What is Video Streaming App

Gone are the days when cable TV was the only source of entertainment. Video streaming apps have taken the lead and penetrated nearly any household. 

Video streaming apps is a software that enables continuous transmission of video content from a server to a client. With a video streaming app, there’s no need to download the content to watch it. 

While the definition of a video streaming app may seem overly complicated, just think of the last movie or TV series you watched on YouTube, Netflix or Disney+. These are the most popular examples of video streaming apps. 

While we nailed down the definition, let’s define the types, cost, and the process of video streaming app development further in the article. 

Types of Video Streaming Apps

Based on the content distribution manner, there are three types of video streaming apps. Check them out!

Services from Traditional TV and Cable Providers

These do not produce any original content but grant real-time ad-free access to TV channels with movies and TV shows once they air. This is the attempt of telecom and cable providers to catch the target audience as their popularity began to dwindle. 

On-demand Video Streaming Apps with Original Content

These are the platforms like Netflix or Hulu that produce and stream mostly original content. While Netflix is standing out with such shows as Stranger Things, House of Cards, and Breaking Bad, Hulu focuses on displaying TV shows once they have been released on TV.

Streaming Apps from Independent TV Networks

These can act either as add-ons for literally any TV subscription plan or as independent services with their own applications. For example, the smart TV app HBO is available as HBO NOW without a cable package or HBO GO as an add-on to a cable TV plan that includes HBO. Both services provide access to exclusive HBO shows such as Chernobyl, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones.

How to Develop Video Streaming App

In this section, we’ll focus on the video streaming app development cycle. Here are the 5 key steps to come up with an excellent application. 

Ideate

Already have an idea to work on? Contact a development agency that will suggest the time and budget needed to fulfill it. It’s okay if you’re lacking inspiration on some points. With a professional service provider like Perfsol, you don’t need to have every detail nailed down to get going. 

Create a Prototype

A team of creative UI/UX designers recreate user flow and work on the best idea for a product’s interface. An intuitive product where each element is in its place is the outcome to strive for.

Develop and Test

Front-end and back-end developers utilize best practices to bring a prototype to life with as few mistakes as possible. After that, meticulous testers come to play to verify that no serious errors interfere with the user experience. After a product is passed to a tester, only critical issues can be fixed at this stage.

Develop MVP

A pro-tip for the development of a video streaming app with vital features and save some cost. MVP is a minimum viable product stacked with essential basic functionality to cater to users’ needs. It helps to test the waters before investing in extra features. 

Release, Support and Maintain

When you’re done with development chores, it’s time for the exciting part. However, the work is not done yet. Once the video streaming app is released to the audience, it’s vital to gather and analyze user behavior and use the insights for enhancing a product.

Video Streaming App: How Much Does it Cost to Build One

Estimating the cost of a video streaming app is never a simple task. The precise cost of development depends on several factors such as the number of functionality integrated, a platform which an app is being developed for, the complexity of UI/UX design, and more. In addition, the final cost also depends on the development team you hire, their location, and rates. In general, a basic video streaming app development would cost around USD 20,000 while a more advanced product will take nearly $25.000-$30.00 to create.