Gone are the days when people used to wait for a movie to be released on cassettes or DVDs.
Similarly, it’s the era of yesterday when choosing the best movie to watch on the weekend was a task on its own.
But things have completely revolutionized now.
You’re welcome to the digital world where Netflix is ruling the world of streaming videos.
Netflix has become a center of attraction for billions of viewers worldwide.
But while watching Netflix have you ever asked yourself questions like, what makes Netflix unique? How does it stand apart from other streaming services in the market? Or what is the secret to its success?
Well, these questions must have arisen in your mind, if you are dreaming of dominating the streaming landscape with your own Netflix-style streaming service.
Hold onto your popcorn, because this is your ultimate guide for How To Create A Streaming App Like Netflix.
Forget about the usual how-tos and boilerplate advice- we’re diving deep into the basics of building a world-class streaming app, from concept to implementation.
Whether you’re a digital architect or business mastermind, this roadmap has everything you need.
So, buckle up, innovators. Your journey to streaming success starts here.
Why It’s Worth to Create a Streaming Service
Netflix might be the King, but the crown seems a bit shaky.
Remember that consumers’ main concern is to get fresh content and platforms that effectively cater to their unique needs can only survive and create a name in the industry.
This is where the new players come in.
But why dive into this niche, you ask?
Here is why creating a streaming service in 2024 is a brilliant and profitable move:
The Market is Booming:
- The projected revenue in the Video Streaming (SVoD) market for Worldwide is expected to reach US$108.50bn in 2024.
- It is further projected that the revenue will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.27% from 2024 to 2027, resulting in a market volume of US$137.70bn by 2027.
- This is the best time to create a streaming service as in the US alone 83% of all US households subscribe to at least one streaming service.
With this profitable market, it is high time to learn how to create a streaming app like Netflix to cater to your audience and stand out.
A study from Statistica has revealed that online videos recorded an audience reach of almost 92% among internet users worldwide.
Furthermore, according to the Demandsage:
- Netflix is a leading SVOD service with over 247.15 million paid subscribers worldwide as of Q3 2024. That is an increase of 8.76 million subscribers from the previous quarter.
- As we enter into 2024, Netflix has 247.15 million subscribers.
- Netflix is preferred by 47% of Americans over other streaming platforms and is responsible for 7.8% of the screen time in the country.
- Around 65% of Netflix consumers are from outside of the United States of America & Canada.
- Netflix customers spend 3.2 hours each day on average consuming content.
Advantages Of Online Video Streaming Applications
If we call the current era the era of online streaming video apps like netflix , It’s justified by the figures and stats mentioned above.
Millions have paid farewell to conventional media and are turning towards the variety offered by various platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.
But, what makes these apps so advantageous for viewers and creators?
For Viewers
1. Convenience Unchained
Users have access to a vast range of movies, shows, and documentaries anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
No rigid scheduling or channel surfing is needed, people are in charge of their remote entertainment.
2. Personalized Playground
Users can create profiles, curate watchlists, and receive recommendations based on their unique viewing habits.
3. On-Demand Freedom
With platforms like Netflix, people have the freedom to watch their favorite show whenever they want within a few simple clicks from the comfort of their couch.
They have full freedom to rewind their favorite scene or pause at any moment for a snack. In short, they are the controller of their entertainment journey.
4. Global Content Gastronomy
A streaming app like Netflix allows users to explore international films, television series, and documentaries from across the globe.
5. Cost-Effective Entertainment
Streaming apps offer potentially lower costs and flexible pricing plans as compared to traditional cable or satellite subscriptions. No more hefty bills for channels they never watch, pay for what you truly watch.
For Creators And Platforms
1. Reach the Global Stage
Such platforms allow you to distribute your content to millions of viewers around the world, bypassing geographical limitations and reaching a broader audience.
2. Monetization Magic
You can generate revenue through subscription fees, advertising, or partnerships, directly or through revenue-sharing agreements.
With the help of platforms like turn your passion into profit and see your creations rewarded.
3. Direct Connection with Your Fans
Streaming apps like netflix can directly engage with viewers, build communities, and gather valuable feedback to refine your content and build valuable relationships.
4. Unleash Your Creativity
You can challenge and test your creativity with different content formats, distribution strategies, and monetization models
5. Disrupt and Define The Future
Drive the evolution of entertainment by offering unique experiences, niche content, and personalized engagement to viewers. Be the pioneer, not the follower, in shaping the future of how we consume stories.
Features To Introduce In Your Netflix-Like App
The reason Netflix gained immense success is because of its intelligent algorithm which tailors recommendations to individual viewer preferences.
Besides this, it also offers ease of usability to the users.
So, before jumping into how to create a streaming app like Netflix, let’s first explore which features you must introduce into your Netflix-like app.
1. User Registration And Profile Management
The first and most important feature to include in your video streaming app development is user registration and profile management.
Easy sign-up and profile management does not mean minimizing the details rather there must be the functionality of social media or SSO verification as it improves the user retention rate.
2. Search Content
It is important to have a feature like search and filter for a platform offering thousands of video content.
This feature makes it easier for users to search for their favorite shows and movies based on criteria like genre, language, country of production, etc.
3. Payment Gateway
Data security and privacy are a big deal these days.
So, offering safe and easy ways to pay for the platform like different fast payment options makes people love it and come back for more.
4. Watchlist
Having a handy option like “remember for later” makes the platform super enjoyable and convenient
That is what a watch list is!
This feature will prevent watchers from losing track of those must-see titles, just one tap to save them for future binge-watching sessions.
5. Social Features
Sharing is caring especially when it comes to your awesome stuff that you love to watch and enjoy.
That’s why social features are crucial for your Netflix-like app.
Let users announce their favorite shows, recommend hidden gems to friends, and create a lively community around your content.
It will also help market the trending or newly released video content.
6. Screen Mirroring or Screen Casting
Integrate the screencasting feature that allows viewing the video on your app on other screens like a TV or a laptop with the help of a wifi connection.
7. Multi-language Support
Add more flavors to your content beyond English, open doors to diverse audiences, and let your video streaming app shine across borders.
Remember, Netflix is not just about cool features, it is about making users feel like streaming royalty.
Prioritize a seamless, intuitive design experience with those handy design guidelines as your compass – and watch your app become the next global binge-fest destination.
Ui/Ux Analysis Of Netflix-Like App
1. User-Friendly Design
A VoD application is created to offer ease of access to users with any new show or to continue watching an episode they left earlier.
The Netflix mobile app has several features such as “add to my list”, “auto-play to next episode”, “skip intro”, and a lot more for user convenience.
2. Multi-Screen Support
With multi-screen support, many users can access stream content on different screens or user profiles simultaneously.
People can watch their favorite shows on the mobile app, web app, or TV, and the same content can play on two different screens.
3. Personalized Experience
Netflix isn’t just a streaming service, it’s a personal TV guide powered by AI.
Its smart algorithms pick the preferences of users and serve the curated list of shows and movies people love.
4. Search Button
The handy search button on the app whisks people away to a special screen with a keyboard.
They type whatever movie or show tickles and the applications begin to show suggestions which automatically save their time and effort to come across the content they want to watch.
Step #1: Find Your Niche
The first step to creating a streaming app is to identify your niche.
Simply put, find the type of content you want to stream on your Netflix-like streaming app.
Ask yourself, Are you a fitness fanatic? A K-pop enthusiast? Maybe a true crime connoisseur?
Find your audience, understand their desires, and curate content that speaks directly to their soul.
Once you’ve the answer to all these questions only then contact an entertainment app development company.
Step #2: Choose Your Content Availability
Since content is the core of your VoD app, you need to fixate the content.
Ask yourself a few questions:
Would you use videos from other distribution channels?
Would you build a live-streaming app?
Step #3: Choose the Monetization Model
It is a fact that the core reason behind the development of video streaming apps like netflix is to generate money.
Below are the monetization models for your assistance.
Pay Per View
Do you want your viewers to pay only for what they watch?
The pay-per-view model is the true model you can opt for.
It is perfect for occasional viewers or events like live streams, concerts, and sports, it gives them control but might limit your overall audience.
Advertising
Turn your app into the bustling marketplace with an advertising model as it lets you partner with companies eager to reach your viewers.
It is just like renting ad space to media buyers showcasing their promotions like billboards on a digital highway.
This monetization strategy will bring you beneficial results if you have a strong audience base.
Subscription
This model is your best friend if you’re a content creator.
This is simple as subscribers are given a monthly fee to receive access to unlimited access to a vast library of content. Entertainment at their fingertips, whenever they crave.
Step #4: Know Your Requirements
If you are done with the planning process, it’s time to enter into the first stage of development.
Understand your video streaming app’s requirements. Below are the factors you need to consider.
Internet Speed
Internet speed affects the streaming of on-demand content. A minimum 2MB per second speed of internet is needed to stream standard definition movies. So, you must understand the minimum required internet speed to stream quality content.
Cloud hosting and Computing Architecture
Cloud hosting and computing architecture are flexible and allow access to video content. You can use cloud computing for many operations such as scratch engines, A/B testing, caching architecture, and more.
Security
Security is the main concern as users do not want their data to be accessed by an unauthorized person. Consider content and information security across customer devices. Choose operations like network background, token security, domain restriction, and watermarking for best security measures.
Payment Gateway
At this stage, you need to select the easiest mode of payment. There are multiple payment solutions available to choose from such as PayPal, checkout, Stripe, and more.
Subscription logs
You must track and manage your subscription logs for your app. Subscription logs feature integration will help determine the video quality, view streaming data information, and the number of screens you are logged in.
Step #5: UI/UX Design
The UI/UX design of Netflix makes it the first choice of users.
Instead of long lists, it plays short clips of shows and movies, giving users a quick preview before they dive in.
This helps users decide if they want to spend their time on it or keep browsing.
Design matters as it makes your app easy and enjoyable to use.
Put buttons, pictures, and text carefully so everything flows smoothly.
Make sure to make the user experience pleasant with your intuitive UX/UI design.
Step #6: Create An On-Demand MVP Model
The last stage is the development stage where your primary focus remains on the functional requirements such as set timeliness, design, accessibility, user experience, etc.
Make sure that your design is seamless, glitch-free, and user-friendly throughout the navigational process.
Step #7: Gather Feedback
After creating your MVP, validate it with diverse methods.
Gather feedback from early adopters, most necessarily understand the pain points as well as the most essential features needed in the app.
Testing your MVP in real-time will help understand users’ reactions and identification of the scope of the improvement.
How much does it cost to make an app like Netflix?
Curious to Know about how much does it cost to create an app like Netflix? Now, let’s move further and find the most-asked query which is how much does it cost to make a streaming app?
Remember that the cost of building a streaming app like Netflix is not fixed.
Multiple factors affect the cost of creating mobile streaming apps like Netflix.
1. Platform
The cost of a video streaming app increases as you move from one platform such as Android or iOS or both.
2. Features And Tech Stack
The combination of app features you would like to introduce in your streaming app affects video streaming app development costs.
Let’s have a look at variations that might affect the cost of your streaming app.
- Simple: A simple app may include features like user registration, payment gateway, video gallery elements, social media integration, video player, search feature, and setting profile.
- Medium: The medium version features are app localization, subtitle features, and advanced video player integration.
- Complex: In addition to the features mentioned above – User profiles, the ability to search for friends, push notifications, chat, reviews, and comments.
3. Geographical Location Of App Developers
The average cost demanded by video streaming app development companies varies greatly depending on their geographical location.
It differs greatly from East to West.
So the accurate way to determine the exact cost to develop streaming like Netflix is by consulting an app development company.
4. Technology stack for developing video streaming apps like Netflix
It is also very important to understand the technology stack required for developing video streaming apps like Netflix before getting into development.
Below is the tech stack divided according to various aspects like applications and data, utilities, DevOps, and business tools.
How Quanrio Can Help You Create A Video Streaming App Like Netflix?
we have extensive experience crafting unique and innovative streaming mobile applications that redefine user experiences. Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of successful projects. If you have a vision to develop a video streaming app like Netflix, Quanrio is your strategic partner. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through the entire app development journey, ensuring a seamless and successful project. From ideation and design to development and delivery, we bring our wealth of experience to the table, making the process easier for you.
FAQs
What is a streaming service?
A streaming service is a digital platform that delivers multimedia content, such as movies, TV shows, music, or live broadcasts, over the internet in real-time. Users can access and consume the content without the need for downloading, allowing for on-demand viewing or listening experiences.
How many subscribers does Netflix have currently?
As of today, Netflix has over 247.2 million paid subscribers worldwide. They experienced a strong rebound after facing some subscriber losses earlier in the year, adding over 8 million new subscribers in the third quarter of 2024.
What is the average MVP development cost for a video streaming app?
The average cost to develop an MVP for a video streaming app typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on features and complexity. Actual costs may vary based on specific project requirements and development team rates.
Why it is worth investing in Streaming platforms like Netflix?
Investing in streaming service development is worthwhile due to the rising demand for on-demand content, global accessibility, and scalable revenue models through subscriptions. With the shift towards digital entertainment, streaming services offer a lucrative opportunity to tap into a broad consumer base seeking personalized and convenient content consumption.
