Breakdown of Cost To Develop An App Like Netflix

Before Netflix, people used to rent movies from brick-and-mortar rental stores. Weekends often involved browsing aisles of DVDs looking for the latest release to enjoy our time.

This system wasn’t bad but lacked convenience and Flexibility. Soon, after Netflix brought streaming services, it was hugely appreciated by people that transformed the way we access movies and TV shows.

This revolution brought by Netflix was a huge success. And, as a result, it changed the scenario of the market, investors started looking for an opportunity to enter the market with a Netflix-like app and imitate its impact.

As easy as it sounds, it brings many questions to mind, one of them is

“How much does it cost to develop an app like Netflix?”

The Netflix-like app development cost can range from $60,000 to $200,000. This cost can be affected if your app idea is complex, has too many features, and much more.

Now, with that, let’s delve deeper into this blog to learn about the cost, features, and process of such apps.

Overview of the Netflix App Market

Netflix Market is flourishing.

It saw a significant downfall for a short period but bounced back after it. And, not only us but these market stats also prove the point.

• Growth Rebound: After a slowdown in 2022, Netflix’s subscriber base is growing steadily again, reaching a whopping 260.28 million users globally in 2024.
• Ad-Supported Tier Success: Their new ad-supported subscription plan seems to be a hit, attracting 23 million subscribers already. This could be a significant revenue stream for Netflix.
• Password Sharing Clampdown Effective: Their efforts to curb password sharing appear to be working, bringing in over 200,000 new paying subscribers.
• Global Domination: Interestingly, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have become Netflix’s biggest market, surpassing others. This highlights their global reach and ability to cater to diverse audiences.
• Content Diversity: When it comes to content libraries, Slovakia and Bulgaria surprisingly top the charts with over 8,000 titles each. This showcases Netflix’s effort to offer regional variations in programming.
• Account Sharing Prevalence: In the United States, significant portions (27%) of subscribers share their accounts with family members. This highlights a challenge Netflix is actively addressing with new policies.

This report clearly shows that apps like Netflix have a hold on the market. But, it’s just a starting point, as to develop a similar app requires a well-defined plan.

Features to Integrate in Your Netflix-Like App

Features can make or break your app’s success.

If your features are good enough to solve user problems and make their lives easier, users will stick to your app and continue using it.

In the hope that they do, here are some of the top features to integrate into your Netflix-like apps:

1. Quick Setup

Yes, this is one of the important features of developing a VOD app like Netflix. Whenever users download such an app, they are always eager to try it out.

For which, your app should offer a hassle-free login experience. Users can quickly access the content they love with minimal information required.

This will improve their experience. Many Netflix and Hurawatch Alternatives are offering quick onboarding and that’s surely contributing to their app success.

2. Smart Content Creation

Go beyond basic recommendations.

Once the user is in your app, they will have a plethora of options to choose from. To ease their confusion and help them find amazing content on your app.

You should utilize the power of AI development to suggest new content based on their watch history, genre preference, and more.

3. Multi-Platform Support

Multi-platform support is a non-negotiable feature for your Netflix clone app. This simply means that our app should be accessible across different devices.

Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or desktop, this ensures that user can enjoy their favorite shows and movies on the go or curl up on the couch enjoying ultimate convenience and flexibility at their fingertips.

4. Content Library

Netflix’s massive library boasts over 18,000 shows and movies. Other than Netflix, apps like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other successful apps also offer huge content libraries.

So, if you are ready to build a video-on-demand app like Netflix, you should ensure that your app offers a huge gallery of high-quality, exclusive shows and movies produced specifically for your platform.

It makes sure that there’s always something new to explore, watch and discover.

5. Push Notification

Push Notification simply serves as a reminder to engage with your app.

It’s quite useful for them as well; a user can get recommendations about new releases or new episodes that they might enjoy as per their viewing history.

This will keep them informed and motivate them to return to the app.

6. Advanced Search

A robust search function is necessary for navigating a vast content library for your Netflix-like app.

You should allow users to search by filters including name, subgenres, and much more. it’s a common feature found in Netflix and Bigo-live clone apps.

Also, this way you can cater to a global audience by allowing searches for content in specific languages. This advanced search should provide options to filter between movies and TV shows for a more focused search.

7. Live-Streaming

Live streaming special events like award shows, concerts, comedy specials, or sporting events can create excitement & attract viewers seeking something fresh and unpredictable.

Netflix made a name among users for providing live-streaming content encouraging users to tune in and interact with the platform in real time. This is a shared feature of NFL streaming app development.

Live streams offer a unique sense of closeness and can attract viewers to enjoy something unique compared to pre-recorded content.

8. Social Sharing

You should allow users to share their favorite shows or movies on social media, it exposes the platform and content to a bigger audience.

As a result, you can attract new users and drive app downloads. Also, social sharing allows users to connect with friends who share similar tastes. They can recommend shows to each other, creating a more personal and interactive experience.

Netflix-Like App Development: Step-By-Step Process

“How to create an app like Netflix?” this is one of those questions that people often search for answers to.

Building a successful Netflix-like app requires meticulous planning, execution, and ongoing innovation. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

Step 1: Define Your Niche And Target Audience

First and foremost work is to know about your target audience.

Ensure to identify a niche in the streaming market, do a deep study about your audience, and focus on what you want to deliver.

You need to understand user demographics, viewing habits, and content preferences to tailor the app’s features and content library.

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Business Model

How will you generate revenue? For this, you need to consider different subscription models, advertising tiers, pay-per-view options, or a combination.

You should analyze existing streaming services and their pricing structure to develop a competitive strategy. The goal is to create a sustainable business model that generates revenue while offering a valuable and competitive service to your users.

Step 3: Content Acquisition Strategy

To create a top Netflix-like app, it is a must to curate high-quality content for your users.

For which, you should negotiate licensing deals with different production companies to acquire amazing movies and TV shows.

We suggest that you should also invest in developing your own high-quality originals to stand out from the competition just like how Netflix did. But, initially, we’d say you should reflect on partnerships to manage costs.

Step 4: App Design

UI/UX design plays a crucial role in attracting new users and retaining the old ones.

For this, you should prioritize a minimalist aesthetic that focuses on content discovery and ease of use. You should make sure that users can find whatever they are looking for easily.

The way you design your app should be user-centric so that they can browse content, access settings, and manage their watch list effortlessly.

Step 5: App Development

Now comes the part where developers actually build an app like Netflix.

Once you find a suitable tech stack for your mobile app development, they can work on your idea to bring it to life.

Developers write the code that shapes the app’s functionalities into a solution using different programming languages as per the target platform.

Step 6: App Testing

Once your app is built, it’s time for Mobile App Testing.

Conduct rigorous testing of the app across different devices and operating systems to identify and fix bugs.

Besides, you should also gather feedback through beta testing and iterate on the app’s features and functionalities based on their output.

Step 7: Launching Your App

After the final version is ready, you can launch your app on any platform you like.

You can proceed to submit your app to the App Store or publish your app to the Play Store. However, it will take some time to hear back from them, approx. 2 weeks. Till then, prepare some marketing strategies to create a buzz and increase your app downloads.

Step 8: Maintenance and Support Services

Next up is maintenance and support services, it’s the beginning of a new journey.

Regularly add new content to keep users engaged. Pay attention to your user feedback to personalize the app experience and content recommendations.

Also, stay updated on the latest trends and technologies to innovate your app continuously.

Cost to Develop an App Like Netflix

So, How Much Does it Cost to develop a video streaming app like Netflix?

As discussed, Netflix clone app development cost can be somewhere between $60,000 to $200,000. The price can increase or decrease as per the project’s needs.

Here is a quick breakdown of the cost to develop an OTT app:

Note: This is just an estimate; the cost to develop a Netflix-like app can vary. For this, you can send your requirements to an app development company as per user demand.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Create an App Like Netflix

Developing a Netflix-like app is an exciting venture, but it surely requires careful planning to keep all your costs within your budget.

Here’s a roadmap to factors that can affect your cost to make an app like Netflix.

• Features

Before you start the app development process, it is important to understand the features you want to have in your app.

A basic app with simple features needs a reduced amount of developer’s time and effort and can be made with less expertise. Whereas, advanced apps with complex features will take a lot of time.

So, make sure to integrate core functions first then you can go for advanced features as per user feedback to keep the cost to develop an app in control.

• Development Team Location

Once you have an app idea, time to start the hunt for top developers.

Meanwhile, you should also understand that if you hire mobile app developers from regions like the USA and UK, then the charges will be higher as compared to other parts of the world.

But, this isn’t it, it’s important for you to find a balance between hiring developers and quality work. Don’t compromise quality for cheaper work.

A quick breakdown of hourly rates of different countries:

• UI/UX design

A well-designed app keeps users excited to use it.

As much as we emphasize on a well-designed app, it is also crucial that every additional aspect you add to the design increases the overall design costs.

You can intricate animates; custom UI elements and unique design language require more design hours and potentially advanced skill sets, increasing the designing cost.

• Choosing a Platform

For any investor, options are divided into two categories.

1. Native App Development.

• Android App Development.
• iOS App Development.

2. Hybrid App Development.

Both these platforms have their distinct cost. Such as, building apps separately for different platforms might be costly as compared to hybrid app development.

• Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Whether you create an app like YouTube or Netflix, when it comes to such apps, it is needed that they go through regular maintenance to make sure that the app is working fine.

This helps to prevent crashes, frustrating user experience, and potential security breaches. To stay competitive and keep users engaged, you need to regularly update your app with new content, features, and bug fixes.

Else, this will affect the cost in the long run. So, it’s important to pay attention earlier.

As we laid the foundation of the cost and factors affecting the cost of Developing an OTT App Like Netflix. Now, time to know how you can earn the investment back.

Monetization Models for Your Netflix-Like App

Every investor plans to invest in app development with the motive to earn good revenue.

Well, this strong business approach will help you earn a great profit. But, for that, make sure to integrate some app monetization strategies.

►Advertising

Advertising can be a powerful tool to promote Netflix-like apps and attract users. Plus, as your user base grows, the advertising space becomes more valuable, increasing your revenue potential.

You should strategically place ads within your app, you can expose your app to a wider range of users and keep the money flowing in your pocket.

►Subscription-Based Model

Subscription-based apps have carved out their space in this landscape. You can leverage the benefits of subscriptions by offering different subscription tiers with different features and pricing.

This allows user to choose plans as per their budget and needs. But, before that, we suggest you provide a free trial to let users experience the app’s potential.

►In-App Purchase

Let users purchase individual movies or rent out movies from the platform instead of subscribing.

This will open options for them and cater to those users as well who are not interested in a full subscription but want specific content.

It will be appreciated by your users as well.

►Partnerships

Besides these, you can try partnerships to offer exclusive content, promotions, or co-branded experiences within your app.

This can be a mutually beneficial way to expand your reach and generate revenue.

How Can Nimble AppGenie Help You Build a Netflix-Like App?

Do you want to create an app like Netflix? Then, you should partner with Nimble AppGenie, a top video streaming app development company.

We have developers, designers, and a team of professionals who are eager to serve you with the best. Their experience and expertise can be of use to launch a successful Netflix-like app that exceeds expectations.

So, if you have an idea, then contact us to make it a reality.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, building a Netflix-like app can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. By defining your target audience, prioritizing features, and choosing the right monetization strategy, you can create a successful app that attracts users and generates revenue.

Partnering with an experienced app development company like Nimble AppGenie can streamline the process and turn your vision into a reality. With their expertise in app development, design, and launch, you can navigate the complexities of building a streaming app and ensure its long-term success.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma is the CTO of Nimble AppGenie, a prominent website and mobile app development company in the USA that is delivering excellence with a commitment to boosting business growth & maximizing customer satisfaction. He is a highly motivated individual who helps SMEs and startups grow in this dynamic market with the latest technology and innovation.