Do you want to create a live streaming app? Apps like Facebook and Youtube Live are all the rage, allowing audiences to experience entertainment in real-time from the comfort of their own home. You can easily build a streaming app with the right software development team and start raking in profits.
Why Create a Live Streaming App
Experts say that by 203, 2.72 billion people will watch live videos via their mobile phones! It’s a massively popular trend, and considering how the market has moved from live events to socially distanced on-demand concerts and content, you’d be wise to create your own streaming app.
Whether you want to broadcast your own content or create an app like Netflix with numerous content streams, many benefits exist.
How to Create a Video Streaming App
There are a few key steps you have to follow when you build a live video streaming app.
Choose Your Online Host
Your first step is finding an online video host where all of your content will live. You’ll embed your host’s video players in your app. The host you end up using will depend on your unique requirements. You will definitely need API, SDKs, and an HTML5 video player from your provider, but also consider any additional feature offerings you may need based on your goals. For example, if you want to monetize your video content, you’ll need monetization support.
You should also consider your budget. Hosting can become quite pricey, but you can save money by opting out of certain features.
Download the SDK
After you’ve picked your hosting platform, download their live streaming SDK. You will have to decide between an app for iOS or Android, or both. Even if you build both, you should focus on one at a time. Decide which one your audience is most likely to use. Once you’ve downloaded it and picked your app, you’ll need a mobile development environment.
You should choose one that supports your streaming and dev needs. Android Studio or XCode are two famous examples. Once you’ve made your selection, upload your SDK to this platform.
Start Developing
Now that the basics are in place use the API code and the live streaming SDK tools to develop your app. You’ll want to work with experienced developers on your project – DIY isn’t recommended! Start customizing your app to represent your brand and your vision. Your goal is to create a pleasant viewer experience, so you should find developers with UI experience and technical know-how to give you the advice you need.
Package Your App and Submit it
Once your app is finished, you can package it and submit it to the various app stores for approval (like the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store). If you don’t want to go that route, you can release the app on your own website.
Start Promoting the App
After your app is submitted and approved by the various app stores, you need to start marketing it. Encourage your existing audience to download it by making posts on social media and sending emails to your customer base.
You should also think about promoting it via paid channels (e.g., promoted posts on social media or banner advertising). Determine the best way to reach your audience and offer incentives for downloads.
If you are monetizing your views, you need more than app downloads to succeed. Use cut-downs and exciting promotional videos on YouTube to encourage users to subscribe or purchase access to popular videos. Try partnering with established artists or influencers to hook new viewers from the start!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to build a streaming app, you can get started! Remember, it’s best to partner with a software developer that can guide you through the process – especially if something goes wrong or if you need to make adjustments along the way. You don’t even have to hire a full-time team – there are plenty of agencies that can help you create a live streaming app remotely or offshore, so start your dream of building the next big streaming app today!
