Cost to Develop an App Like Tubi: A Quick Breakdown

The world of entertainment is evolving, all thanks to these online streaming apps like Tubi.

The control it has given to watch whatever you want wherever you want has made these apps user favourites in no time. This has also garnered some attention from businesses to develop more such apps and enjoy money through this growing market.

As a result, they usually happen to ask one important question that is “How much does it cost to develop an app like Tubi?”

The cost to create a live-streaming app like Tubi can be somewhere between $10,000 to $30,000 based on different complexities, design, and development teams.

Now, to find out about the true cost, you need to know a lot of things including different factors that affect the overall app development cost.

What is Tubi?

Launched in 2014, Tubi is an online video-streaming platform that has a plethora of TV shows & movies for users to enjoy without paying anything.

The best part is they have a variety of genres to choose from, meaning there is something for everyone. Tubi is easy to use and has an intuitive interface making it easy to quickly find what you are looking for.

It works on both Android and iOS.

The popularity of video streaming platforms is extraordinary. The result is quite visible Tubi has around 80 million active users globally.

Plus, the overall video streaming app market is expected to grow by $2,660.88 billion by 2032. Seeing such a rise in numbers, businesses are moving towards developing an app like Tubi.

Besides that, if you want to target the younger generation, it’d be best to invest to create a video streaming app.

How Do Live Streaming Apps Like Tubi Work?

One thing is for sure, in enhancing the user experience, features play an important role.

Considering the working mechanism will allow business investors to grasp a better understanding of the app and will allow you to plan better.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of it:

♦ Registration & Login

First thing first, register on the app through number and name. Else, you can sign in through Gmail as well.  Although, the app doesn’t require users to register to access content.

♦ Choose Category

Next users’ can choose from different categories, genres, and recommendations. This will help them to tailor the content as per their preference.

♦ Content Selection

Once a user finds their category, they can select the kind of content they want to see. With that, they can even adjust the video quality and more. They can also utilize multiple given suggestions and

♦ Feedback

You get to give ratings and reviews about the respective show or movie that you watched. This will help others to make better decisions.

Now, as we laid the foundation of the work, time to check out some features that users like to see in the Tubi-like app.

Top Features of Tubi: A Live Streaming App

If you take a look at the best video streaming apps, you will find that features are something to look for. Integrating some of the best features can draw users’ attention as well as give them something to look forward to in your app.

Here, we have compiled a list of features:

• Easy User Registration

Make sure to have a seamless and easy sign-in process with different options including phone number, social media, etc.

Allowing users to sign in and onboard quickly will let them find the content of their preference.

• Extensive Library

Tubi has more than 45,000 movies from original to Hollywood studios such as Lionsgate. You can also incorporate some major films and series to ensure that your users stay hooked.

This way, you can cater to a variety of users. Make sure to separate the content as per Genre, so users can find what they are looking for easily.

• Search and Filter

Another must-have feature we should talk about is search and filter. Through this, you can search for any content of your choice.

Offer them better search and filters, this will also help you to understand their content selection and recommend something similar.

You can include genre, content type, and much more for users to choose from.

• Watchlists

Users might get confused with so many options, but this feature will allow users to save it to their watchlists.

They can further utilize this feature to save movies for future watch. Doing so ensures that the app can remind them about the watch later list in the future.

This way, they are well-informed and can track, & monitor the movie content. This way, the app can even personalize and recommendations based on the previous watch lists.

• Resume Playback

To develop a video streaming app like Tubi, Resume playback is a must.

This feature allows you to resume from where you left off on the recent video on any system. You can even add a 30-second rewind or forward button to ensure seamless play.

Your app can even preload the next piece of content as the current content nears its end, so it’s ready to play immediately when you switch.

• Recommendation

Recommendation features analyze what users watching, their browsing history, and search history, based on this information; the app can suggest more to watch.

With such predictions, you can understand and work towards what users can like.

• Parental Control

Tubi has a parental control feature and you can have it too.

This will allow keeping kids away from adult content, this is usually appreciated by parents as they can keep an eye. Parental control basically limits the content available to the children.

• Search and Filter

One of the amazing features to have in Tubi-like app development is “Search and Filter”. Make sure to provide an astounding search feature that shows content based on their preference.

These categories can include different movies, shows, genres, and more for multilingual people. Make sure to keep the UI well organized and utilize the advanced search and filter options to ensure that users find what they are looking for.

• Push Notification

Whether you are making an app like Twitch or Tubi, you need to ensure that you send push notifications to users to keep them aware of updates.

Push notifications are basically displayed text or pop-ups on the screen that remind the user to check out your app/site from time to time.

This keeps user engagement intact and allows them to grow better.

• Accessibility

Tubi is accessible on different devices.

This means users can watch the content on a huge range of devices including smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles. 

Make sure to do so for your app. 

You should offer a user-friendly interface with easy navigation, making it simple for users of all ages to find and watch content. 

Besides, consider closed captions and subtitles to enhance users’ viewing experiences. 

• High-Quality Video Streaming

If you are launching an app like Tubi, make sure to contemplate high-quality video streaming. 

You should offer a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience with a focus on no buffering. Besides, works with adaptive streaming technology that adjusts video quality based on the user’s internet speed. 

This is what going to make your app a reliable option for people looking for free and high-quality streaming without compromising on performance. 

Now, with features out of the way, let’s understand the step-by-step app development guide. Let’s get to know about it in the next section:

Also Read: Apps Like Hulu

Step-by-Step Guide to Develop a Tubi-like Live Streaming App

Well, How to create an app like Tubi?

There are several steps of the development process that should be considered to turn the idea into reality.

Here are the following:

Step 1: Proper Market Research

First thing first, Tubi clone app development starts with “Proper Market Research”.

Through market research, you can get to know about the users, video streaming app development challenges, and pain points. This way, you can launch an app that resonates more with the user.

Besides that, this gives an insight into the app idea that you are striving for.

Step 2: Research Competitors

Researching competitors is a great way to understand the market.

This way, you can understand why they are the top players of the market, and what they are providing to the users. Besides, you can also avoid mistakes they made and ensure a powerful launch.

The best part? You get an idea about the current market and decide the right USP that can differentiate you from the rest.

Step 3: UI/UX Design

Now, time to work on UI/UX design.

This is where designers work on making sketches, prototypes, and wireframes to understand the potential problems and visualize the app’s structure.

The main aim of this phase is to ensure that the design is minimalistic, simple, and visually appealing.

Step 4: Code Development

Once we are done with this designing part, it’s time to work on code development.

This includes two development aspects which are “Front-end” & “Back-end” Development”. By choosing the right tech stack and writing code they ensure that your app becomes a digital solution.

It is one of the most longest and complex processes to develop a video streaming app like Tubi, so make sure to communicate properly.

Step 5: Mobile App Testing

App Testing is one of the important phases that you shouldn’t ignore.

This is where you make sure that your solution is bug-free, technical issue-free, and glitch-free. This means you need to go through the different stages of testing to ensure that your app is functional and stable.

When the final version of the app is ready. Time to:

Step 6: Launch your App

Once all set & done, it is now time to launch your app on the preferred store.

You can either submit your app to an App Store or publish your app to the Play Store. Make sure to follow the instructions and wait for a few weeks to hear back from them.

After this is done, the work is not over. You need to make marketing strategies to increase the app downloads.

Step 7: Support and Maintenance

As soon as your app hits the preferred store.

You will receive mixed reviews. The best way to keep it as per user choice is to constantly work on it. This is where Support and Maintenance services play their role.

You can offer timely updates, new releases, new feature incorporation, and more. Besides that, don’t forget to keep the app functional and bug-free.

Hope, we answered your “How to create an app like Tubi”, now comes another crucial thing, that is:

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Tubi?

On average, the cost to create an app like Tubi is $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Based on several factors this cost can change.

That includes:

1. Features of your app
2. Tech Stack of your app
3. Complexity of your app
4. Location of the Development Team
5. Chosen App Design

But, these are just estimates, to find out about cost in detail i.e. basic and advanced feature cost or something else, we suggest you consult a mobile app development company.

Want to know about these factors?

Take a look at the next section:

Factors Affecting the Tubi Like App Development Cost

Deciding on video streaming app development cost is a hard part, why?

Because various factors affect the overall cost. Let’s get to know about those factors that might affect you.

Here is a checkout list:

1. Complexity

It’s a layman’s rule the more complex your app is, the more it will cost.

If your app idea is simple, the developers will not have much work to do meaning less resources, and time. So, the cost to develop a live-streaming app like Tubi can be less.

Whereas, if the app idea is complex with customization and advanced features, consider the cost high.

So, we suggest you first understand your user’s choices and then work on it.

2. Features

Let’s not lie here: Features are one of the most common factors that affect the cost to build an app like Tubi.

Features are basically decided on two major aspects one is a number of features and the other is complexity.

Well, first of all, a simple and smaller number of features can be considered less costly as compared to advanced features or a lot of features can exceed your cost to develop an app like Tubi that you have in your mind.

3. Tech Stack

There are a number of tech stacks available for you to use.

In case, you are going for a complex tech stack, there is a high chance that you need to hire expert mobile app developers which will automatically affect the overall cost to create an app like Tubi.

Besides that, the chosen tech stack can be more costly if it has a steep learning curve, new to the market, and requires specialized training and resources, contributing to the overall budget.

Tech Stack Includes:

1. Front-End: HTML5, Javascript, and React.
2. Back end: Node.js, & Python
3. Database: MYSQL, MongoDB & Oracle
4. DevOps Tools: Github, Apache, & Jenkin
5. Libraries and Frameworks: Node.js and Win.js
6. Programming Languages: Java, Kotlin, and TypeScript
7. Video Players: Video.js, and AVPlayer.
8. Security: HTTPS, and DRM

With that, the next factor that affects the cost is:

4. Development Team Location

While considering the overall cost to develop an app like Tubi, Development team location can be a factor you should keep an eye on.

As you know, every region has different hourly rates for developers due to their cost of living and other things.

Now, if you hire developers from countries like USA, or UK, then the charges will be more than that of regions like Asia.

Other than the hourly rates, what you should focus on is getting quality work.

Here is a quick glimpse of the OTT app development cost hourly of different countries:

5. Experience of the Development Team

Now, another thing that affects the overall cost is the experience of the team.

If your team is highly experienced then they will charge you high rates for their knowledge, and quality work with no errors and fewer iterations.

Whereas, junior developers who are just starting or mid-level experienced developers who have some years of experience might charge less but they might not handle complex tasks individually.

So, make sure to hire developers based on their work portfolio and experience, so that your app gets launched easily and quickly.

6. Platform Selection

One of the most common factors while calculating the cost to build an app like Tubi is Platform Selection.

There are two options you get:

1. Native App Development

• Android App Development
• iOS App Development

2. Cross-platform App Development

In case, you go for native app development, i.e. developing separate apps for different OS will require more customization, testing, and writing code, resulting in extensive work repeatedly increasing the cost to make an app like Tubi.

To reduce it, you can choose the cross-platform development services, where you get an app working on different OS from a single codebase.

Other than cost, it will also reduce the overall time to market. But, you might have to adjust from performance and quality.

Now, that we have an idea about the cost to Tubi like app development factors, time to know about the ways through which you can earn the money back:

Monetization Models for Tubi-Like App

When considering the cost to develop an app like Tubi, the right monetization strategy can make a huge difference.

Some of the most common strategies to have in your Tubi-like app are:

➤ Subscription Model

A common model leveraged well in Netflix-like app development.

In this model, you have to pay monthly, yearly, or quarterly fees to access the content that covers the subscription. The benefit of this model? You get recurring and stable revenue as well as customer loyalty.

➤ Advertising Model

Who hasn’t heard of the advertising model? Something similar companies look for in Tubi & YouTube like app development.

A simple yet effective model is Advertising.

Through this model, you offer content for free equipped with different ads. These are displayed over the screen as clips between viewers’ content.

This way, you target all users who are active on your app and are not paying for subscriptions.

➤ Transactional Video on Demand

There are many people active on such streaming service who just wants to watch a piece or content element.

Transactional video on demand targets them through which they can buy or rent any movie, episode, or sports event and much more. If used correctly, it can be a great monetization model for you.

Google Play Movies and iTunes leverage this model.

➤ Freemium

Freemium is also a great monetization strategy.

Through this, you get Free and Premium Model meaning you can allow users to check your app for free.

Although, they can pay a fee for premium features such as an Ad-free experience, which is something users look for in a video streaming experience.

So, these are just some strategies you can use for your app. Now, you need an expert team beside you.

How Nimble AppGenie Can Help You Build An App Like Tubi?

Do you want to create an app like Tubi? Well, who doesn’t want?

Take the help of the best video streaming app development company, i.e. Nimble AppGenie to get a robust and exceptional app like Tubi. We have what it takes to convert your vision into a real-life solution.

Our designers, developers, and analysts have years of experience in delivering market-leading solutions, this is why our retention rate is 98%.

Reach out to us with your project and watch us make it a reality just like the way you want it.

Conclusion

Video streaming development is a rewarding but complicated journey.

The popularity of Apps like Tubi that provide so much entertainment and content also shows the opportunity that people are looking for more such apps.

And, developing an app like Tubi is the right step to take forward.

But, it requires proper planning and execution as well as a strategic approach that takes you ahead with a smooth launch. We have given you a proper guide to develop an app like Tubi including cost, steps, and factors affecting the cost.

With a company like Nimble AppGenie by your side, you will get the best out of your investment with a top-class product that doesn’t only satisfy the demand of users but goes beyond that.

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.