In this digital age online content is the king. OTT apps have become very popular in every household.
In this blog we will talk about why should you invest in OTT platforms like netflix, what are the development cost if you want to build an video streaming platform for yourself using OTT App Development.
What steps you should follow when building your own app similar to Disney+ and will also talk about best app development companies.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, developer, or curious reader, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what it takes to create a successful OTT app.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of OTT Apps
Understanding the basics of OTT apps involves learning about the diverse world of video streaming, where an OTT application allows users to enjoy on-demand video content on various devices.
An OTT app development company can help you build an OTT platform, ensuring your app is accessible and equipped with cutting-edge tools for a seamless OTT experience. Custom OTT solutions and white-label OTT services are available for businesses planning to launch unique streaming apps.
OTT app developers use a robust tech stack to handle traffic spikes, quick streaming media, and distributing video content efficiently. Whether you want to build an OTT app like Disney or a customized OTT platform, choosing a top app development company will provide comprehensive app development services, including features like a search bar, watchlist, and multiple revenue models like pay-per-view.
With every step, from app services to admin tools, you can prioritize the content they want to watch. If you’re planning to take advantage of this opportunity to make your mark in media and entertainment, get in touch with an OTT platform development company to cover every step within your budget.
Let us handle the OTT content and app development services, ensuring your app depends on world-class OTT solutions for a successful launch.
What is an OTT?
An OTT (over-the-top) platform is a video streaming app that delivers video on demand directly to users over the internet. OTT app development services help build OTT apps by creating custom OTT software for content streaming.
Users can choose from various business models, such as pay-per-view or subscription-based. When you decide to launch your OTT mobile application, the cost depends on features like the search option and handling traffic spikes to performance.
A development company can leverage OTT app builders to create an OTT application tailored to your needs. Schedule a call with streaming app development experts to understand how much it costs to build an OTT platform.
Why Invest in OTT Apps?
The increase of OTT apps has changed the way people watch their favorite reality shows or movies. And because of this OTT platform development services are also becoming very popular. Let’s look 4 important reasons of why you should invest OTT apps:
Convenience: Because of the OTT apps its very easy for you to watch your favorite shows or movies anytime. And people now-a-days love easy to do things.
Variety: Ott app provides various types of content to users and all those content are at one place. So basically you can watch whatever you want to watch online according to your tastes and preferences.
Cost-Effective: Now you must be thinking how much does it cost? So, let me tell you subscriptions of all these OTT platforms are not that expensive. They are cheaper then the cable packages.
Global Reach: OTT services can reach the worldwide audience without any geographical limitations. So, all the users can watch international shows also from their home.
OTT Market Share by Various Platforms
The world of OTT video app development platform is growing. And if you are thinking of developing a OTT platform that it is very important for you know that which on-demand video streaming application has more market share. So let’s look into which video OTT platform has more market share and which has the least.
Major Players in the OTT Market
The online streaming platform has so many options for amazing platforms where you can watch your favorite movies or series. Let’s look at the platforms that are the top streaming platform:
Netflix: These are the OGs who were one of the first who started with the online video streaming. They have so many options to watch like, movies, series and various original content as well.
Disney+: This platform has the content that is mostly family friendly. This platform consis of marvel movies, star wars, and classic Disney.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon prime video offers mix of movies, TV shows and original series. So basically you can watch movies on Amazon and also do shopping.
Hulu: Hulu has also got so many TV shows to choose from. They can be your good friend if you want to be up-to-date on your favorite TV shows.
HBO Max: It a premium feature which takes your experience to the next level. Here you want all your favorite shows that are not available in basic HBO.
Market Share Distribution
The market share of all these platforms keeps on changing but mostly Netflix is the one that is on top. But there are so many other players in the market who are also growing rapidly. One of the player is Disney+ they are becoming strong because of their exclusive content.
There are so many other players for video streaming platform like, HBO Max, Amazon prime video but these have less market share in comparison to Netflix and Disney+.
But, we can say one thing for sure that because of competition in the market new platforms will keep on coming and users will get more variety and unique features.
Best Monetization Models for OTT Streaming Apps
As we have already discussed about why to invest in ott platforms and what they actually do. Now you must be wondering how these platforms generate revenue?
So, let me tell you, monetization is the key. These video streaming platforms has so many ways to earn money easily and those ways has its own advantage for both users and the app owner.
OTT platform app development offer subscription models, where users pay certain amount to watch TV shows or movies. They also use ad model where users watch ads in exchange of watching free content.
Let’s explore these models in detail:
Subscription-Based Model
Mostly all the platforms use subscription base model to generate monthly or yearly revenue. Here, these video streaming platforms ask for certain amount from users on a monthly basis in exchange of watching all the content available on the platform.
These platform include, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon prime video. This kind of model provides companies with a prediction of much revenue they are going to generate from this process. But let us also explore other revenue based models.
Ad-Supported Model
There are so many platforms where users have to watch ads in exchange of watching free content. Few platforms that uses this model are Hulu and Peacock. These platforms have the lowest subscription and they earn revenue by advertisements.
Pay-Per-View
Pay per view model is best if a users wants to watch a particular movie or series only. So here, users pay for that particular movie only.
This model is not that common but there are still platforms that uses this model. Platforms like YouTube and Amazon uses this model and generate revenue by doing this.
Hybrid Model
There are few ott app depends on hybrid model as well. In this model companies offers both subscription and ad content model. So, users can choose according to their preferences. And this also help the company to reach wider range of users.
Essential Elements of Leading OTT Services Like Disney+ and Netflix
Wondering what are the important elements that all the Ott services are using? Let’s explore all the elements that makes them successful in the market.
User-Friendly Interface
These platforms provide users with user friendly interface. It means their platforms are easy to navigate and users can easily get what they are searching for.
They also provide users with personalized recommendations on the basis of their previous watch history. Users can easily play the movie from where they left which also enhances the experience of the user.
High-Quality Content
As you all know content is the king. So, offering variety of content to users helps these platforms to cater large number of audience. This also help users to watch different genres of movies and series all at one place and because of which they come back every time.
Multi-Device Compatibility
As flexibility is very important and that is why all these OTT apps are available on all the devices be it tablet, laptop, TV, and smart phones.
These apps also provide cross-platform synchronization with this users can watch movies on their phone and they can continue to watch the same movie on television from where they left. This helps in providing seamless experience to the users.
Robust Search and Recommendation System
When users are searching for any content to watch then it should not be a difficult task for them. Also, these apps provides users with personalized recommendations according to their content consuming habits. With this users all get to know all the new movies or series that are added to the platform.
Offline Viewing
Few of these platforms also allow users to download their favorite movie or series for certain period. This lets users to watch their favorite content offline when they have limited internet access. So able to watch movies offline can be a game changer.
How to Create an OTT App Like Netflix & Disney+?
Want to launch your own OTT app like Netflix?
Don’t worry in this portion we will cover all the aspects that you should think about when you want to create your Netflix like app. These aspects will help you in bringing your vision to life with OTT App Development.
Step 1: Define Your Niche and Target Audience
The first thing that you should do is thinking about the niche that you want to cover. Specify the genre, like sports, education or entertainment.
And after this think about the type of audience you want to target. Then you can think about the content that will keep your audience to coming back to your platform.
Step 2: Plan Your Content Strategy
Plan what kind of content you want to offer. Think if you want to partner with other companies and add that content on your platform. Or you want to go for original content that is not their on any other platform. You can also do both if you want to.
However, you should always remember that the lifeline of the original content is much higher than the licensed content.
Step 3: Choose the Right Technology Stack
Choosing the right technology is very important for you app as this help help the app in running smoothly. If you want to hire a developer to help with this so you can as it will make the process much easier for you.
Frontend: This is what users actually see. You can use React Native or Flutter if you want easy to use interface for the users.
Backend: You can use Node.js or Python for easy data processing.
Database: Use MongoDB or PostgreSQL for keeping your content.
Streaming Protocols: HLS or DASH will help with providing good quality video streams.
Step 4: Develop Essential Features
Let’s talk about few important essentials to build your OTT platform/ OTT App Development:
User Registration and Profile Management: Give access to users so that they can create their own accounts and add different types of content in their watchlist.
Content Management System (CMS): You should provide your team with tool so that they can upload, categorize the content and manage it by their own.
Video Player: Your app should have high quality video player so that it can adapt with various screen sizes.
Payment Gateway Integration: Payment method should be secure so that users can easily buy subscription plan without worrying of their personal information.
Analytics and Reporting: It is very important to see how users are interacting with your platform. So, monitor their performance and make necessary changes according to that.
Step 5: Test and Launch
Before you launch your app, it is important to rub tests so that you can see if your app is working properly on all the platforms and on all the screens. Fix the issues if any. And once you are done with testing your app, you are now ready to launch your own OTT platform.
Tech Stack for OTT APP Development
The success of an OTT (Over-the-Top) app heavily relies on its tech stack, which determines the app’s performance, scalability, and user experience. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most effective technologies for OTT app development.
OTT App Development using PHP, Laravel, MySQL, Flutter
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PHP
• Overview: PHP is a popular server-side scripting language widely used for web development. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a great choice for building dynamic and robust back-end systems.
• Benefits:
• Ease of Use: PHP is easy to learn and use, which speeds up development.
• Community Support: A vast community and numerous resources are available for troubleshooting and learning.
• Cost-Effective: Being open-source, PHP reduces the cost of development.
Laravel
• Overview: Laravel is a powerful PHP framework that simplifies web application development by offering built-in features like routing, authentication, and database migration.
• Benefits:
• Modular Approach: Laravel’s modular packaging system facilitates integration with third-party libraries.
• Security: Offers robust security features, including protection against SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
• Eloquent ORM: Eloquent provides an easy-to-use ActiveRecord implementation for working with databases.
MySQL
• Overview: MySQL is a reliable and widely-used relational database management system known for its performance and scalability.
• Benefits:
• Data Integrity: Provides ACID compliance, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
• Scalability: Supports large databases and handles numerous transactions simultaneously.
• Flexibility: Compatible with all major hosting providers and platforms.
Flutter
• Overview: Flutter is a UI toolkit developed by Google that enables cross-platform development, allowing you to build applications for iOS and Android from a single codebase.
• Benefits:
• Fast Development: Hot reload feature speeds up development by allowing quick changes.
• Beautiful UI: Offers a rich set of customizable widgets for creating visually appealing interfaces.
• Performance: Compiles to native code, ensuring high performance on both Android and iOS.
OTT App Development using ReactJS and Node.js
ReactJS
• Overview: ReactJS is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications where data changes over time.
• Benefits:
• Component-Based Architecture: Promotes reusability and maintainability by dividing the UI into independent, reusable components.
• Virtual DOM: Optimizes rendering and improves app performance by updating only the parts of the DOM that have changed.
• Rich Ecosystem: Extensive community support and a wealth of third-party libraries and tools.
Node.js
• Overview: Node.js is a runtime environment that enables JavaScript to be used for server-side scripting, providing an efficient way to build scalable network applications.
• Benefits:
• Event-Driven Architecture: Asynchronous and non-blocking I/O operations enhance performance and scalability.
• Single Language: Enables full-stack JavaScript development, reducing context switching.
• NPM Ecosystem: Access to a vast repository of open-source libraries and tools through the Node Package Manager (NPM).
OTT App Development Process
Building a successful OTT app requires a well-structured development process to ensure that all aspects of the app are meticulously planned and executed. Here’s a breakdown of the essential stages involved in developing an OTT app:
1. Planning and Research for OTT App Development
Market Analysis
• Identify Target Audience: Determine who your potential users are and understand their preferences.
• Competitive Analysis: Analyze competitors to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and market position.
Define Objectives
• Project Goals: Set clear and measurable goals for your app.
• Scope Definition: Determine the features, functionalities, and boundaries of the project.
2. Design for OTT App Development
Wireframing and Prototyping
• Wireframing: Create wireframes to visualize the app’s layout and flow.
• Prototyping: Develop interactive prototypes to test the app’s functionality and user experience.
UI/UX Design
• User Experience (UX): Focus on designing intuitive and seamless navigation paths.
• User Interface (UI): Develop visually appealing and consistent design elements that align with your brand.
3. Development Phases of OTT App Development
Frontend Development
• Responsive Design: Ensure the app functions well across various devices and screen sizes.
• Implementation: Convert designs into functional components using frameworks like Flutter or ReactJS.
Backend Development
• API Development: Develop RESTful APIs to facilitate communication between the frontend and backend.
• Database Design: Structure the database to efficiently store and retrieve data using technologies like MySQL.
4. Testing the OTT App Development
Quality Assurance (QA)
• Unit Testing: Test individual components for functionality and performance.
• Integration Testing: Ensure different modules work seamlessly together.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Conduct real-world testing to gather user feedback.
5. Deployment of OTT App
Environment Setup
• Production Environment: Configure servers and hosting platforms for production.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Implement CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment.
6. Maintenance
Monitoring and Updates
• Performance Monitoring: Use tools to track app performance and user behavior.
• Regular Updates: Release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
Launching Process of Developed OTT APP
The launching process is critical to the success of an OTT app, as it sets the stage for user acquisition and engagement. Here’s a comprehensive guide to launching your OTT app effectively:
1. Pre-Launch Preparations for ott app development
Beta Testing
• Select Beta Testers: Choose a group of users to test the app before the official launch.
• Gather Feedback: Collect insights on user experience, performance, and potential improvements.
Marketing Strategy
• Branding: Develop a strong brand identity, including logo, color schemes, and messaging.
• Promotion: Use social media, email marketing, and influencers to create buzz about the app.
2. Launch
App Store Submission
• Compliance: Ensure the app meets the guidelines of app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store.
• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords, captivating descriptions, and high-quality screenshots to optimize the app listing.
Launch Event
• Virtual Launch: Host a virtual event or webinar to introduce the app and its features to the public.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with media outlets and industry influencers to amplify reach.
3. Post-Launch Activities
User Acquisition
• Advertising Campaigns: Implement paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook.
• Referral Programs: Encourage existing users to refer new users through incentives.
User Engagement
• Push Notifications: Use targeted push notifications to keep users informed about new content and features.
• Community Building: Foster a community through social media and in-app forums to enhance user interaction.
Feedback and Iteration
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly update the app based on user feedback and market trends.
• A/B Testing: Experiment with different features and interfaces to optimize user experience.
How Much Does OTT App Development Cost?
Wondering how much it will cost to build your own custom OTT platform? The cost depends on so many factors so let’s look at those factors first for OTT App Development:
Factors Influencing Development Cost
Several factors affect the cost of developing an OTT app, including:
App Complexity: The more features you add in to your platform for OTT App Development the more money you’ll have to pay. For example adding features like, offline watching, live streaming, and personalized recommendation.
Content Licensing: If you are licensing rights for the content that are popular then also your ott app development cost will increase.
Development Team: If you hire development company to build your app or designers, it will also impact your ott app development cost. But it will in exchange be great for you as you will be able to launch a perfect app faster.
Technology Stack: Technologies and tools that you choose to build the OTT App Development can also increase the price for you.
Marketing and Promotion: You’ll have to market your app to build the customer base initially and this will also add in your ott app development cost.
Estimated Costs
Basic OTT App: $20,000 to $50,000
Medium-Complexity OTT App: $50,000 to $100,000
High-Complexity OTT App: $100,000 to $200,000+
These estimates can vary widely based on specific requirements and regional differences in ott app development costs.
Conclusion
The OTT market is growing fast and isn’t slowing down. Making an OTT app like Netflix or Disney+ needs careful planning, a strong content plan, and good technology. By knowing market trends, key features, and the development process, you can make an OTT app that entertains people and makes money.
Investing in OTT video app development company is smart because people want more on-demand streaming services. With the right steps, you can find your place in this busy market and give viewers great entertainment.
If you need help with OTT App Development, Miracuves Solutions is an on demand app development company or an OTT app development company in USA, like an app development NYC service, can help you. Remember to consider the OTT app development cost in your plans.
We specializes in custom software and can support your OTT app development needs with our expertise and innovation.
