Consumers want to watch their favorite shows anywhere, anytime, on any device. It has led to the development of video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video.
On the other hand, OTT, aka over-the-top apps, have also come into existence like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, which were initially built on third-party platforms such as Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS platform.
OTT app development has been the most popular on-demand app development option for businesses looking to compete in this challenging market. The reason behind the popularity of OTT apps is that –
OTT apps will become increasingly popular over the next few years, and investing in an effective one can benefit your business greatly. Depending on your needs for your OTT app, this article explains the cost of developing an OTT app for 2022.
Additionally, OTT app development services are also booming as more and more companies realize the benefits of having their own app. One way to keep your existing customers and gain new ones is by creating an app that allows them to access your company’s services wherever they are and whenever they want to.
These apps have entirely transformed the entertainment sector and given a new definition of media and entertainment.
What is An OTT App?
An OTT app is a type of application designed to be used on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. These apps allow users to stream their favourite shows on their desired internet-enabled devices.
The word OTT stands for over-the-top, which refers to the fact that these apps are not typically developed by the companies that own the platforms on which they are used. It can make OTT app development more expensive than developing a traditional app. However, the cost of developing an OTT app depends on various factors, which you will learn about in the upcoming section.
The Cost of Developing An OTT App
Hiring dedicated developers or working with a mobile app development company are the two main options for developing an ott app. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches. Cost is always a consideration when starting any new project, and developing an ott app is no different.
Depending on your features and functionality, the cost of developing an ott app can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. While there are no definitive answers regarding how much it will cost to develop an ott app in 2022, you can get a better sense of what to expect by understanding the different factors that can affect the price.
The cost of developing an OTT app differs significantly from the cost of developing a traditional app.These apps are developed based on usage data and analytics. It is a susceptible topic. Most of the time, it’s not easy to get an accurate estimate of the cost of developing an OTT app on the ground.
This is because of many of the factors that you need to take into account for a successful business model. These factors are:
Project Length
Longer projects tend to be more expensive because they require more design work and coding. The actual number of features and functionality decides the project’s length.
Number of Features
Apps with many features will require additional work from developers as well as testing. The number of features is directly proportional to the cost.
Number of Screens
Having more screens means making adjustments to accommodate different screen sizes and resolutions. People use their preferred devices for entertainment.
Platforms Supported
Some apps support only one platform, while others need additional coding or design work because they support multiple platforms.
Agency size
A smaller agency might charge less but have less experience working with larger clients or taking on large projects.
Programming Language
Developing an OTT application may result in additional fees if you choose a language other than those supported by default by most operating systems. Languages such as Java can potentially add between 15% and 30% to overall costs.
Hire Dedicated Developers
Hiring app development experts also covers a major portion of the cost of developing an OTT app. The best idea is to hire dedicated developers for video streaming app development. Their hiring cost will contribute to the overall cost.
Miscellaneous
App stores usually take about 30% commission off each sale you make through their store. So it’s worth finding out how they calculate this before making any plans.
However, the cost of developing an OTT app also depends on its version, i.e., basic or advanced. The basic version may cost you around $30,000- $50,000. If you want to include more features, then it may cost you more than $70,000.
The Current Market Practices For OTT App Development
As we move into 2022, we can expect several trends to continue in the world of OTT apps.
- We’ll see more and more businesses turning to media streaming solutions as a way to reach their customers. This means that the demand for OTT app development will continue to increase.
- More companies are hiring dedicated developers or working with mobile app development companies that specialize in OTT solutions. This is because they realize that developing these types of the app is a complex process that requires specialized skills.
- Entertainment companies are investing in big data analytics as they try to better understand their customers’ needs and wants.
- More accelerators and incubators are popping up that are specifically geared toward helping startups succeed with their OTT apps.
- The upcoming years will be full of AI & ML-based OTT apps.
The Final Thoughts
OTT apps are on the rise and are projected to continue growing in popularity. With this increase in demand, the cost of developing an OTT app will also continue to rise. You will need to hire dedicated developers from a mobile app development company that specializes in OTT applications.
