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OTT App Platform Development: A Detailed Guide!

198 Views | 7 min | Published On: August 21, 2024 Last Updated: August 27, 2024

Remember the days when TV schedules ruled our evenings? Well, times have changed and now we have shifted from traditional cable to binge-watching on demand. 

In 2023 alone, over 3 billion people worldwide streamed content through OTT platforms.  Also, OTT video will reach a projected market volume of USD 462.90 billion by 2027.

Today a single tap on screen can open your endless world of online content, including movies, shows, documentaries, and much more. It has attracted a entrepreneurs to go for OTT app platform development and to stay their business to new heights.

If you're planning for OTT app development to help your business stand out in this saturated market, then you're in the right place. In today's guide, we will help you navigate how to build an OTT app platform, involving cost, factors influencing cost, and much more. 

Without any further ado, let's get started!

OTT Latest Market Statistics & Data 2024

Check the latest market statistics and data for OTT platform:

latest market statistics and data for OTT platform

3 Reasons Why You  Should Invest in OTT App Platform Development 

Here we’ve discussed compelling reasons why you should invest in OTT app platform development. Let’s find out:

reasons why you should invest in OTT app platform development

1. Rise of Video Content

The consumption of video content has exploded, with global OTT streaming expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2023 to 2030. 

As of 2024, over 3.6 billion people worldwide are expected to be streaming video content, driven by the convenience of accessing media anytime, anywhere. This shift away from traditional TV underscores the importance of OTT platforms in meeting modern viewer preferences.

 

2. High Revenue Growth

The global OTT market was valued at approximately $155 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach around $275 billion by 2027, reflecting the sector's rapid growth. 

Revenue models, including subscriptions, ads, and in-app purchases, are driving this surge, with OTT video advertising alone expected to reach $210 billion globally by 2027. Investing in an OTT platform provides a strong opportunity for tapping into this burgeoning market.

 

3. Business Opportunity

OTT platforms offer flexible and varied revenue streams, from subscription-based (SVOD) services like Netflix, which generated over $31.6 billion in revenue in 2022, to ad-supported (AVOD) platforms like YouTube, which earned approximately $29 billion in ad revenue in the same year. 

The ability to reach a global audience further amplifies the business potential, with markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America experiencing particularly rapid OTT adoption, offering new opportunities for growth and market expansion.

Step-by-Step Process to Build an OTT Software & App Development

Understanding the intricacies involved in the development process of OTT software applications is crucial. Here we’ve listed steps involved in creating a robust OTT application. 

Step-by-Step Process to Build an OTT Software & App Development

Let’s check:

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Identify the specific market segment that you want to target with your OTT platform. It can range from movies, sports, documentaries, or TV shows to niche content like fitness or cooking. 

Below we've listed two options for your OTT platform development. Let's learn:

Option 1: Customize a White-Label OTT Solution

In this case, you do not have to develop an OTT platform from scratch.

All you need to do is utilize white-label OTT solutions, which are pre-built streaming services that companies can customize as their own. 

Below we’ve compelling reasons that make this solution attractive:

Category Details
Faster Time-to-Market Leverage pre-built features to quickly launch your OTT platform, reducing development time.
Cost-Effective Avoid the high costs of development by using a ready-made solution with essential features already in place.
Scalability Choose a white-label solution that allows you to scale as your user base grows, with options to add or modify features.
Streamlined Maintenance Benefit from regular updates and support from the white-label provider, ensuring your platform stays up-to-date with industry trends.
Branding Flexibility Customize the platform’s look and feel to align with your brand identity, including logos, colors, and UI elements.

Option 2: Building an OTT Platform from Scratch

If you want to have total power over your OTT platform then building it from the ground up is the perfect option for you. Here you can start with a detailed plan, including features, UI interface design, and infrastructure setup. 

Check the listed reasons for this option:

Category Details
Tailored User Experience Design and develop every aspect of the app to meet your specific audience's needs and preferences, creating a unique user experience.
Total Control Build custom features and functionalities that are not available in off-the-shelf solutions, allowing for greater innovation and differentiation.
Scalable Architecture Design a scalable backend that can handle growing traffic and content volume as your platform expands.
High Security Implement custom security protocols tailored to your platform, ensuring data protection and compliance with regulations.
Long-Term Investment While the initial cost and time investment are higher, a custom solution can offer a more sustainable and flexible platform in the long run.

Step 2: Choose a Business Model

It is important to choose the right business model to ensure consistent revenue from your OTT platform app development NYC. Some of the common monetization models that you can choose for your app business include:

  • Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)
  • Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD)
  • Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD)
  • Hybrid Model 

This decision will influence your platform's design and features. Remember that each model has their benefits and drawbacks. So make sure to choose the one that fits your business goals & objectives. 

 

Step 3: UX UI Design

Develop an intuitive and visually appealing user interface that would boost user experience. Ensure that the design prioritizes easy navigation, responsive design, accessibility, and a smooth streaming experience across devices. 

Designers must create low-fidelity wireframes that outline the basic layout and structure of the platform. It includes the placement of menus, buttons, content sections, and other elements. 

Next comes developing high-fidelity prototypes that simulate user experience. Finally comes conducting usability testing with real users to refine the prototypes. Gather feedback on ease of use, navigation flow, and overall user satisfaction.

 

Step 4: Develop Your Website

In this stage, you must put your plan into action which is – OTT entertainment app development services i.e. your website. 

Make sure to build a responsive and scalable website that works as the foundation of your OTT platform.  Ensure it supports video streaming, user management, and content distribution efficiently.

 

Step 5: Choose the Right Tech Stack

Select the right tech stack for your OTT app platform. This includes front-end and back-end frameworks. Frontend technologies include React Native, Flutter, and other programming languages. 

On the other hand, backend technologies include Node.js, Ruby, and programming languages. Database Models include MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and additional tools like Amazon Web Services, Firebase, and so on. 

Native platforms with Kotlin and Swift development will cost more compared to cross-platform technologies like React Native, Flutter, Angular, and so on. You should choose your technology wisely.

Get in touch with top-notch Apptunix mobile app developers to stay ahead in this competitive market. 

 

Step 6: Select OTT App Development Company

Choosing a reliable and robust OTT app development company like Apptunix. We will assist you in building a scalable and secure OTT platform. Our expertise will ensure your app meets industry standards and user expectations.

Top Features to Incorporate in Your OTT App Platform

Following, we’ve listed the top features that you must consider incorporating into your OTT software app. Let’s discuss:

1. User Profile

Integrating user profile features allows users to create and manage their profiles. It enables them to watch history and personalize their recommendations, and user preferences. Moreover, users can also customize their avatars, modify names, and change other settings. 

2. Search Bar

Incorporate a powerful search bar feature that lets users quickly find content. It can be implemented via keywords, genres, and filters. Additionally, auto-suggestions and voice search can further enhance usability. 

3. Watch List

With a watch list feature, you can allow users to save movies or shows. It provides convenience to users to watch their saved list anytime they want. This feature keeps users engaged by allowing them to save content they want to see. 

4. Social Features

Include social sharing, comments, and favorites to encourage user participation. This also includes integration with social media platforms for friend recommendations and content sharing.

5. Payment Integration

Provide clients with multiple secure options to pay for sales, rentals, and subscriptions. Include popular payment options and support multiple currencies to reach a global audience.

6.Parental Control

Set up parental control features to help parents keep their children safe by limiting what they may access by classifying or rating content. Two instances of this are content filtering based on profiles and PIN security.

7. Multilingual Content

Provide information in multiple languages to reach a diverse audience. Examples of this capacity are language-specific material libraries, dubbing, and subtitles.

8. In-app Purchases

Enable users to buy certain episodes, premium content, or exclusive features directly from the app. This might be a significant source of income in addition to subscriptions.

9. Push Notifications

Send push alerts to users about upcoming releases, new content, or special offers. Personalized notifications based on preferences could lead to higher levels of engagement.

10. Multi-device Support

Make sure the app works on a variety of gadgets, such as PCs, tablets, smart TVs, and smartphones. This enables users to move between devices without interruption and maintain their position in a show or movie.

11. Screen Mirroring

Allow users to mirror content from their mobile devices onto larger displays, including TVs. This feature is especially beneficial for those who would want to watch information on a bigger screen.

How Much Does it Cost to Build an OTT App Platform?

Every entrepreneur wonders this question – how much does it cost to develop an OTT app platform? – Well the answer depends on several factors influencing the OTT app development cost. 

  • If you’re planning to build an app like Netflix, the cost ranges from $25,000 to $80,000.
  • For app development like Hotstar, the cost ranges from $25,000 to $50,000.
  • For app development like YouTube + OTT, the cost ranges from $40,000 to $70,000.

Contact Over-the-top application experts to know the exact cost of your OTT app development. 

Partner With Apptunix to Build a Robust OTT Software App Development

Partnering with Apptunix, a leading mobile app development company for your OTT software app development ensures that your app is not only scalable but also future-proof. With deep industry expertise and a proven track record, Apptunix offers end-to-end solutions tailored to your unique business needs. 

From seamless content streaming to intuitive user interfaces, Apptunix crafts apps that stand out in today’s crowded OTT market. They leverage cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven recommendations, to enhance viewer engagement, ensuring your platform remains competitive and user-focused.

Apptunix’s team of expert developers and designers go beyond standard solutions to create a truly immersive viewing experience. Whether you're targeting a global audience or niche markets, Apptunix provides customized development strategies that align with your growth objectives. Their commitment to quality and innovation results in apps that are not only high-performing but also easy to scale as your content library expands. 

With Apptunix as your development partner, you can launch a robust OTT app platform that delivers flawless streaming and captivates users across all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q 1.How long does it take to build an OTT app platform?

Developing an OTT app platform depends on various factors, including project’s complexity, features & functionalities, design, and soon. However, it take around few weeks to year to build OTT streaming app.

Q 2.How much does it cost to launch an OTT app platform?

It generally ranges from thousands to million of dollars to deploy an OTT app platform depending on content licensing, app development, infrastructure, and other factors.

Q 3.Is it worth to invest in OTT software streaming services?

Investing in OTT app software is highly worthwhile due to its growing popularity and its status as the preferred choice for users today.

Q 4.How long will it take to build an app like Netflix?

The features you choose to include may have an impact on the cost of developing an MVP. Creating a minimum viable product (MVP) for a Netflix-like app often requires 200–500 hours of work.

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