How to Build Video Streaming Apps for iOS? A Step-by-Step Guide

Video streaming apps are taking over the market.  People no longer want to watch TV or go to cinemas, as all they need is their mobile phones. Apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc are attracting billions of users. 

With amazing growth, the video streaming OTT app revenue will reach $315.50 Billion in 2023. And this has attracted a lot of business as well as start-ups from across the world to invest in OTT app development. 

Now, if you are someone who wants to do the same, this blog is for you. 

In this blog, we shall be going through everything you need to know about developing OTT app including step-by-step process, examples, and cost.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it: 

What is Video Streaming App?

OTT TV App Development refers to the process of developing mobile applications that allows users to stream video-based content i.e. movies, series, TV shows, and so on.

In order to access the content on the platform, the user may need to subscribe to the platform. There are other platforms which allow users to explore video content for free but with ads. To remove these ads, user needs to pay to remove the advertisement.

In any case, there are various other features. 

This includes:

  • Watch with friends
  • Create a watchlist
  • Add to watch later
  • Request platform for certain content
  • Social media share 
  • Download content for later consumption 
  • Leave comment and/or rating. 

It’s not like most of us don’t already use video streaming services. So, let’s look at some of the most popular OTT platforms in market. 

Best OTT Apps in Market 

Market is filled with leading OTT platforms. And if you are someone who wants to develop video streaming platform, it’s a good idea to take inspiration from the best. 

That’s why, in this section of the blog, we shall be looking at some of the most popular OTT mobile apps. With this being said, let’s see what these are:

  1. ACORN
  2. CBS
  3. CHARTER
  4. ESPN
  5. FUBO
  6. HBO
  7. HULU
  8. MLB.TV
  9. Netflix
  10. PHILO
  11. SHOWTIME
  12. Sling
  13. STARZ
  14. WATCH TV
  15. XUMO

These are some of the best OTT platforms in USA. 

Moving on, let’s see how you can create video streaming app in next section of the blog. 

Process to Build Video Streaming Apps 

There are a lot of businesses and start-ups who wants to build video streaming apps.

But the question is, how do you do it?

You see, there is a lot that goes into video streaming app development apart from hiring developers. And if you want to learn the full process, in this section of the blog, we shall be discussing each step in detail.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it, starting with:

Come Up With An Idea

To create a mobile application, the first thing you need is an idea. 

So, how do you come up with an idea, well, who knows? There is no method to finding the perfect idea for app development. 

But in any case, it’s highly recommended that you conduct market research. This will help gain knowledge about customer’s needs, their response to certain platforms, what they want, what they hate, how competitors are gaining dominance, and so on. 

In any case, it’s recommended that you work with more than one idea. 

Reason being that, there are high chances that your first idea won’t work out or won’t pass validation stage, that’s why more ideas, you will have a back up plan.

Hire Mobile App Developers 

It’s time to find and hire mobile app developers. 

Now, there are various methods you can use to hire developers. These are:

  • Hire freelancer developer
  • Build in-house team 
  • Outsource the work
  • Staff augmentation
  • Hire part time developers

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to hire developer wisely. 

After all, a good development partner can help you create market leading solution while a bad one can you to loss investment. 

Once you have a developer’s team, it’s time to….

Validate The Idea

The development company will help you cross-check the idea. 

This is an important that help you make sure whether your idea will really make it big or not. And this is something that you ought to do before starting developers. 

Nevertheless, once this is done, it’s time to choose platform and build a tech stack so you can start development work. 

Choose App Development Platform 

Since you want to create a mobile app, you need to choose between iOS and android.

Both of these platforms are great in their own right and offer amazing performance being native options. 

Moreover, platform you choose also has effect on performance. 

Read Also: Building a responsive app with React Native

Build Tech Stack 

Based on platform and development requirements, it’s time to build a tech stack.

The term tech stack refers to the set of technology used for development. And once this is done, we can start development, almost. 

Well, let’s first create an MVP.

Create MVP

MVP or minimum viable product helps you see what the final product could be.

In other words, you can visualize design or front-end idea before convert it into a thing. Therefore, once this is done, it’s time to start development process. 

OTT-App Development Process 

Now, as the name suggests, in this part of development video streaming apps development company will write your source code, create the design, and build the final product. 

In other words, this is the part where all the heavy lifting is done. 

Testing 

Once the app is development it’s sent for testing. 

Here, the team of QA make sure the app is up to market and there are no irregularities.

If there are any bugs or errors, necessary changes are made and the app is sent for deployment.  

Read also: Tips to Improve Your Mobile App Development Process

Deployment 

This is the part where the app is sent for review after which it goes live in market. 

Cost To Build OTT App

It’s time to answer the big question. 

How much does it cost to build OTT video streaming app. 

Well, the average cost to build OTT app ranges from $25,000 to $550,000 based on the different factors.  

Conclusion 

This is all you need to know about creating a market leading OTT video streaming app. Now, if you have an idea, that you want to convert to reality, all you need to do is reach out to mobile app development company. 

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