Nowadays, the rising popularity of audio and video streaming apps have made them not just viable app ideas but also something for entrepreneurs to make. However, in terms of data transmission needs, these apps consume an intense amount of data followed by heavy competition when it comes to carving a place in a market which is heavily saturated.

Like most apps, developing one requires thorough research and planning. Hence it would be more than helpful for entrepreneurs to understand and see what they are up against.

Is creation of a streaming app difficult?

Making streaming components and features for apps companies have made over the years has taught them things which others can certainly find to be resourceful and helpful. 

Those who are thinking about making an app for streaming either audio or video, whether it is on-demand, live streaming or both; It would be wise for them to visit the topic again and be innovative in this arena to create more worthwhile insights.

Live audio & video streaming apps and on-demand video – a brief comparative overview

Everyone loves streaming content and there are a lot of ways companies can understand this phenomenon. Numerous research reports state how streaming has evolved from taking spots on television to becoming a top priority phenomenon on the internet. Additionally, all types of other data published over time exhibits people spending time streaming tends to have a sizable x to y ratio.

If we ignore the boom in streaming taking place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend will keep growing in the coming future. Space for more apps is present. 

However, executing the app’s launch on time is important. Failing to maintain an app often resulted in startups and ventures crashing down.

To start on the right footing, entrepreneurs wishing to enter the world of app development must think in terms of a minimum viable product (MVP) for a range of benefits to come. While most can do both things in time, it should be understood that each style requires different tools and languages to create the best front and back end for the app.

Like many other streaming platforms present out there, which offer both live and on-demand content like YouTube, Spotify and Hulu, entrepreneurs are best off in focusing on one style before going to another.

If entrepreneurs’ sole focus is on only one style of content then they have managed to avoid the main problem. Yet, they will still need to follow the minimal delivery rule along with ongoing iterative development rules.

One of the first issues tech focused entrepreneurs must look at will be to understand the contents and costs for creating and supporting audio/video (or both) streaming apps. Let us now have a look at the main points of making a streaming app, to see how live and on-demand streaming apps are made.

Understanding the cost of making an app

People can remember how much Netflix invested in making an app because the data in it is easy to come by. Meaning, Netflix the company uses a straightforward coded program setting really good standards for its streaming services.

To build an app like Netflix (which streams on-demand video), or an app that streams live-video like Fox News app, Bloomberg and Sky Sports app, all these apps have similar frontends and development expenses, in general terms.

The front-end development of each app will be similar in most scenarios. However, the back-end development will look different along with the technologies used that connect both front and back end development (meaning the third-party tools and APIs used).

On-demand video apps need a robust storage solution

Suppose a firm wishes to publish its own content on an on-demand streaming app. This will help them plan for a storage solution for the content they are hosting. For websites that allow user-submitted content, higher popularity means higher storage space requirements. This can increase over time.

Hence, professionals from a Burnaby based mobile app development company vouch for a scalable data storage solution on the back end is needed in this regard.

Live streaming – tools to connect users

Apps wishing to stream and retain data need a scalable data storage. Even if it is a private stream between users, or a broadcast, a simple storage solution won’t work.

However, the requirements for storage in this arena are not as high as thought of. Based on how many active users the app has as per function, a certain limit is present for streaming. Yet storage needs do not need to rise until and unless an influx of new active users come in.