Author: Redbytes UK SEO

How to Create A Video Chat App Like Skype

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

Wondering if you can create a video chat app like Skype? Even though the market is quickly reaching saturation point with players like Google Hangout, Zoom, and more, there is still space for new players to mark their mark. This is because the demand for the product is skyrocketing worldwide.

 

Before you jump onto the bandwagon in the hope of reaping millions in revenue in a few years, it best to sit down and be clear on the purpose and objective of developing a Skype clone. After all, you have to create a video chat app that stands out in the crowd.

 

Let’s take a look at the process in detail.

 

Start with identifying your Target Audience

 

Are you going to create a skype like app for both iOS and Android users?

 

Are you going to concentrate on targeting millennials only or will there be something to attract a business clientele too?

skype

Before commencing with the app development process, you must ask these questions to identify your audience and their respective needs and expectations.

 

Studies report that the range of age of 60% of video chat app users is between 18 and 29 years. Only 40% of individuals between 30 and 49 years are consistently using video chat apps.

 

One of the reasons could be the generation gap which is why a younger target audience makes more sense. This process will also be the foundation of shortlisting your app features and functionalities as

 

For example, if you intend to cater to millennials, especially youngsters and teenagers, your video app should be built on concepts like Hike and Viber.

 

Cool new features like stickers, filters are a few must-have features that will help you reach out to a larger audience base. This will also add a touch of innovation to your platform.

 

On the other hand, if your app is primarily designed to meet the needs of a business audience, then functionalities such as a secure video conferencing facility should be a priority.

 

Investing in data encryption, quality of the video, and related business applications should not be compromised in any way.

 

Alternatively, you can also combine the two to create an application that can be used by both teens and corporates alike.

 

Read Also: 24 Best Video Chat Apps 2020

 

Features of a Video Chat App

 

skype app features

 

You need to have a list of basic features in place that will create the skeleton of your video chat application. If you build an MVP app, you can start with some must-have functionalities and then keep building on from there as per the demands of your audience.

 

Take a look at the recommended list.

 

1.User Registration

 

You can design your user registration process in two ways. Build a system from scratch that requires the user to submit their email, name, and contact information.

 

Alternatively, you can have a quick registration via a social sign-in or a Gmail id to build your user profile on the app. It is best to have both methods of user registration available so that the user has the opportunity to select their preferred way.

 

2. User Profile

 

Enabling the user to build their profile allows for easy chatting. With every user having their  profile can store their personal information in a single location. Once the profile has been created, users can add avatars, change them, edit and manage profiles whenever required.

 

3. Search and Add Friends

 

This feature is  essential as it enables users to find or get in contact with people that they need to connect with. It should be as easy as sending an invite to join a chat. The user should also be able to invite another user to join their contact list.

 

4. User Status

 

This is a key function that shows your contact list your status on the app. This can also work in terms of highlighting to you the status of your chat companion too.

 

You can add common status messages such as – Away, On A Call, Not Available, etc. This allows users to understand if your companions or friends on your contact list are available to chat or not.

 

5. Text Chat and Delivery Status

 

There may be times when your video chat cannot be supported adequately by your internet connectivity. In such instances, the user should be able to initiate text chats through an exchange of messages.

 

While this is not a showstopper feature, but is necessary, nonetheless. Remember to add a sign to show that the messages have been delivered and read.

 

6. Geolocation

 

Today, geolocation is a feature that is integrated into most applications. This enables your users to select their country simply and conveniently.

 

The GPS data can be automatically read that will detect user location. Your friends on your contact list can also show them which country or city you are currently in.

 

7. Video and Voice Calls

 

Video chats can never be a possibility sans video calls. Moreover, the app should also have the voice call feature available that can be an alternative to normal phone calls. When contacting people overseas, voice calls do not attract any additional charge making the process very economical for users.

 

8. Group Chats

 

The video chat application should also be able to support Group Chats. This is beneficial on a personal and professional level where a specific group of users can be added to a single conversation.

 

9. End-to-end Encryption

 

The type of encryption you offer protects the messages send from the devices of your recipient and sends it at the final transfer point. This means that when the message is sent from the device of the sender, it is already encrypted. But when it reaches the device of the recipient, it is automatically decrypted.

 

The idea is to ensure that no one can hack into the message whilst it is in the transfer state and read it. This feature ensures message confidentiality and drives credibility for your video application.

 

10. Synchronization with Cloud Service

 

Any video chat app should also possess the capability of storing user files such as images, videos, recordings of voice calls,and even documents. These are the types of information that usually people from both corporate and personal users tend to exchange on these platforms.

 

11. Automatic Backup

 

In a situation where you may have to delete the video chat application from your device, the user should not lose any data which was received or exchanged as part of the sent-received correspondence.

 

Having a daily automatic backup feature is, therefore, a key functionality to have that ensures all files on the chat platform are safe and sound.

 

12. Push Notifications

 

Push notifications again is a general feature that should be part of every mobile or web application. Having this functionality ensures that your users are always informed of new app updates and receive notifications of new features that may be subsequently introduced at a later stage.

 

These basic features can form the foundation of your application. You can keep introducing more premium features and functions as the app attracts a significant user base in due course of time.

 

Steps to Create a Video Chat App Like Skype

 

To create a video chat app like Skype requires a lot of steps to be followed. Take a look.

 

Step 1. Back-End Development

 

From your initial discussions with your development team, you should have designed a blueprint and a wire-frame of the application. For all applications, the first step of the development process involves starting with the back-end.

 

This includes creating the server part that enables the video app to function. You have the option to go with a ready-made BaaS solution. This will be suitable if your app is quite simple. On the other hand, if your video has complex features and functionalities, you may have to design and develop a customized BaaS solution from scratch.

 

Step 2. UI/UX Design

 

With your back-end sorted, it is time to concentrate on the front-end. This involves your user interface and user experience design.

 

Ensure that the navigation is simple to use because you do not want your users to be hunting around for features on the application. An intuitive workflow enables them to understand the functions of the app much better. All of this is part of the user experience.

 

The UI should have an attractive and catchy design. This will make prospective users more interested in using the application more frequently.

 

Step 3. Technology Stack

 

Several tech stack  combinations that can be used to create the video chat app like skype. You have a choice of:

 

  • SaaS Solutions for Building Video Chat Application: PubNub, OpenTokRTC, Wowza, Twilio, Socket
  • Programming Languages and Tools to Use for Video Chat App Development: Swift, Java and Kotlin, Bambuser, SDKs, and APIs

 

Take a look at the comprehensive list of technologies as a recommendation. That said, what you end up using will primarily depend on your app’s specific requirements.

 

Read Also: 11 Steps to Create a Mobile Application

 

For Android

 

  • Android Java, Rest APIs, Android studio
  • Third-party integration: Pusher, AppLogic (for chatting), PubNub SDK,

 

For iOS

 

  • Xcode, Swift
  • Third-party integration: PubNub SDK, AppLogic (for chatting), Pusher

 

For Desktop Application

 

  • Socket IO (for chatting)
  • React & NodeJs

 

WebRTC is an open-source technology that is most commonly for video connection between devices that enables quick deployment of real-time communication over iOS and Android chat apps possible. If you end you using this solution, then you will have to deal with four API interfaces.

 

These include:

 

  • MediaStream
  • RTCPeerConnection
  • RTCDataChannel
  • OpenTOK

 

How Much Does It Cost to Create A Video Chat App Like Skype?

 

To create a video chat app like skype is a relatively complex task. The more features and functionalities you have, the more it is going to cost. You will need access to a team of specialist developers, testers lead by an able Project Lead.

 

Here is a list:

 

  • Project Manager
  • The back-end and front-end engineers
  • Designer for UI / UX
  • QA specialist

 

The average time taken to develop the application will be anywhere between 665 to 780 man-hours.

 

  • Registration and address book: 50 – 60 hours
  • Messaging: 180 – 200 hours
  • Multimedia file transmission: 40 – 45 hours
  • Location: 25 – 30 hours
  • Contact sharing: 65 – 70 hours
  • Voice and video calls: 170 – 200 hours
  • Settings: 80 – 100 hours
  • Design (UX/UI): 55 – 75 hours

 

The cost of app development will also vary depending on the location of your development team. Given below is a median cost according to Statista:

 

  • North America: $60-250 per hour
  • United Kingdom: $60-150 per hour
  • Western Europe: $40-120 per hour
  • Eastern Europe: $20-100 per hour
  • India: $10-80 per hour

 

You also need to estimate the cost of deploying ready-made SaaS and BaaS platforms if you decide not to develop them from scratch.

 

How Can You Monetize Your Video Chat App?

 

app monetization

 

Now that you have created your Skype clone, you need the video app to make money. Monetization of the application can be explored in several ways. Here are a few suggestions:

 

Advertising

 

The integration of brand advertising on the video chat app is the most productive method of generating revenue. This is a direct avenue of creating instant interaction between brands and their target audience triggering profit for your video chat app in the process.

 

Premium Stickers

 

While you may have free stickers available on the app platform, you can allow access to superior designs that can be accessed on payment of a fee. You can enable a monthly subscription model wherein you introduce new stickers designs every month.

 

Paid Voice Calls

 

You can enable your app with the paid voice call feature wherein the user pays a fee to call on any wired line across the globe.

 

Read Also: App Development Cost-Design, Development, Deployment

 

Conclusion

 

 

The manner in which video chat apps are reshaping the communication and entertainment domains holds a lot of promise for future players in the space. Armed with confidence and a clear understanding of your objectives and end goals will help you in the process of development.

 

So now that you have everything to go ahead, start the process right away.

How to Create an App like Snapchat?

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

The success story of Snapchat is truly inspiring. A few college students get together and come up with the idea of a photo messaging application. Everyone thinks of it as an idea that has no merit.

 

Fast forward a few years and they have Facebook and Google offering a whopping $ 3 to $ 4 billion to buy it. What do these young entrepreneurs do? They reject the offer.

 

Another three years pass by and the application is worth $ 20 billion. It sounds like a dream but that’s the true tale of Snapchat. Today, it is one of the leading social media networks globally.

 

snapchat logo

 

Entrepreneurs around the world have been moved by this story and have come up with ideas for their start-up venture mirroring an app like Snapchat.

 

If this journey has driven you to create an app like Snapchat and you want a slice of the action too, let’s take a look at what you need to do.

 

What Are the Core App Features That You Need To Focus On?

 

Some years ago, Snapchat was the only easy messaging app with its focus on its best feature of removing messages in one to 10 seconds. With time, several new features have been added to its core functions evolving more like a perfect blend of a public and private messaging platform.

 

Bloomberg reported that this entertainment app has recorded a staggering 10 billion views in a day thus  transforming this messaging channel into a media giant.

 

snapchat app features

 

Here are some of the core features that you should introduce when you decide to develop your version of a Snapchat application.

 

Read Also: 10 Best Free Social Media Apps in UK

 

1. Message Exchange

 

Go one step further than just having a feature like chatting, by offering additional value with a set of innovative features when it comes to message exchange. Snapchat  has its unique function known as ‘snaps’ which are multimedia messages comprising of a photo or short video.

 

These messages are editable. You can add effects, filters, text, captions, drawings. Their recent Chat 2.0 update enables users to make video and audio calls along with sending audio notes.

 

Snaps can be sent privately to your selected contacts, or a published as a semi-public story that automatically self-destructs within a few seconds.

 

2. Self-Destructing Messages

 

This is a custom Snapchat feature where messages sent between users automatically self-destruct within a few seconds. This function has made the app popular among teenagers and young adults across the globe.

 

3. Stickers

 

Modern communication minus stickers seems unthinkable these days. Snapchat provides the option of 200 stickers to their users that have been in-built within the application.

 

When you create an app like Snapchat, think of how you too can come up with a custom feature like Stickers that will attract a large audience to use your platform.

 

4. Location Sharing

 

The location-sharing feature enables Snapchat users to share their whereabouts with individuals on their contact list. Their location appears on the Snap Map.

 

Users of this feature can select which individuals on their contact list can view their location. This works only when the Snapchat is in use.

 

5. Adding Friends

 

Look into Snapchat’s smart ways of adding friends instead of just using standard methods like phone numbers and usernames.

 

Surrounding the Snapchat Ghostface Chilla logo are black dots which is personalized QR code. Using the Snapchat camera, any user can scan it in and start to follow you instantly. This is the work of recognition algorithms in the backend also referred to as Snapcodes.

 

The Add Nearby feature makes use of your location and automatically scans in users within your proximity who have enabled this function on their Snapchat app too.

 

The device coordinates are shared with the server from the app. It then compares the geolocation of devices located close to the primary user.

 

 

6. Video and Audio Calls

 

With the latest update on the app, it enables current users to initiate one-tap video chats instantly. In case your preferred user is not online, you can send an audio note instead.

 

This function offers the user an alternative to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger by transforming the Snapchat platform very similar to a phone.

 

7. Geofilters

 

This is a unique graphical overlay feature known as Geofilters that activates when a user is within a specific geographical location. This can be an event, a city or even a destination.

 

Geocoding is used to mark the location of the images being shared by users. This is  a computational process that automatically converts the geographical coordinates of the location into a description, generally the name of the place. This then shows up overlaid on the image typically within a template format.

 

8. Lenses or Filters

 

Within the Snapchat app, this is probably one of the most exciting features. Allowing the addition of real-time effects on images, making alterations on video images through a process of face detection has taken the messaging app to an entirely new level.

 

This feature was made possible when Snapchat made a strategic acquisition of a facial modification start-up called Looksery. Their core area of expertise making simulating facial appearances on a photo or video more accessible to users in real-time on mobile platforms.

 

9. Stories

 

If you wish to broadcast a photo or video content from your channel to your friends, then Stories is the feature that you should be using. The stories remain to live for 24 hours. The function provides users with a similar social channel to share the news.

 

The feature can now be upgraded to Live Stories that triggers a new functionality. It allows Snapchat users located at the same event location to contribute to the same story trail.

 

10. Discover

 

Discover feature is an alternative method of exploring Stories that covers a wide range of editorial teams. It includes all types of sponsored short-form content from major publishers, for example, BuzzFeed, CNN, Mashable, People, etc. The section undergoes a refresh every 24 hours.

 

How to Create an App Similar to Snapchat?

 

To create an app like Snapchat, you need to do some deep thinking about the development process once you have finalized the list of features that you aim to include in the application.

 

Here is a step-by-step layout of your action plan.

 

Step 1. Discovery or Inception

 

At this stage, your primary objective is to finalize the non-functional and functional requirements. Along with that, have a project budget estimate handy and outline the business needs.

 

Step 2. Documentation

 

The business analysts and project managers at this stage will chart out the specifications of the project. This will include all project-related documents, basically an app blueprint describing how your app is expected to perform.

 

Step 3. Prototyping

 

The prototype of the future app along with scenes and user journeys is created by the mobile development team. This is the stage where you can imagine the future of your app and share your feedback and thoughts with the core team.

 

Step 4. UI/UX Design

 

The design team basis your screen prototype works on the app UI/UX design. You can begin visualizing what your app screens are going to look like at this stage.

 

Step 5. Development

 

All the necessary features in this phase are integrated by the mobile development team post finalization of the app design. As the process of app development progresses forward, you or your project manager may add or subtract precise requirements basis the project’s functionality.

 

 

Step 6. Quality Assurance& Testing

 

Quality Assurance is carried out by the QA team to ensure that the features and functions are performing as per plan. Testing also ascertains that the application is free of bugs.

 

Step 7. Deployment

 

Once the QA team certifies that the app is ready, the development team publishes it on relevant app stores for users to download.

 

Step 8. App Monetization

 

Once the app has been deployed, you also need to look at ways for the app to generate revenue. Take a look at these recommended routes:

 

  • In-between Snap Ads
  • Branded GeoFilters
  • Sponsored Lenses
  • The “Discover” section
  • Sports Partnerships
  • In-app purchases
  • Premium access

 

Tech Stack For The Snapchat-Like App

 

When you create an app like Snapchat, you may consider the following tech stack combinations

 

  • Development Languages: Python, Objective-C(iOS), Cocoa Touch, PHP
  • Hosting: Google Compute Engine
  • Front-end: Semantic UI
  • Back-end: Goole App Engine

 

What is the cost to create an App Like Snapchat?

 

Experts recommend allocating at least a year to build a comprehensive and complex app like Snapchat.

 

Check out the features along with the estimated costs and development timelines

 

Feature Development Timelines Cost for Android in US dollars Cost for iOS in US dollars
Automatically self-destructed messages 1.5 months for two platforms – iOS and Android. 9000 10,000
Location sharing 120 hours 2000 to 4000 for both platforms
Snapcodes 1 month 8000 to 10,000 8000 to 10,000
Nearby function 7 days 3000 3000
Video and Audio Calls 1 month 14,000 12,000
Lenses or Filters 1 month 8000 8000

 

It is suggested that you build your application on the MVP model. Developing it on the MVP platform will enable you to include essential features and functions as given below

 

Feature Description Estimation in Hours
Registration/ login feature Email, Phone number, Social network Around 10 to 16 hours
User profile Profile picture, Password, Contact details, Name, Gender, Phone Number From 60+ hours
Posting Users can postImages, Videos

Users can apply editing tools like Effects, Filters, Smileys, Emoticons

 Up to 320 hours

Applying filters 120+ hours

Creating custom filters 120+ hours

Cropping and rotating photos 80+ hours
Embedded messenger Enable users to exchange messages Up to 40 hours

 

The essential features phase is total around 430+ man hours at least.

The overall time estimate will look something like this

 

  • Business analysis: 225 hours
  • Project management: 223 hours
  • Frontend for iOS: 513 hours
  • Frontend for Android: 519 hours
  • Backend development: 681 hours
  • Quality assurance: 163 hours
  • UI/UX for iOS: 297 hours
  • UI/UX for Android: 307 hours

 

Creating an app like Snapchat is a complex process. Your core team should include the following members

 

  • UI/UX designers
  • iOS and Android developers
  • QA engineers

 

The average rate of your development team will vary anywhere between $25 to $ 43 depending on their location.

 

  • United States: $ 150 per hour
  • Central and Western Europe: $ 43 per hour
  • Scandinavia: $ 42 per hour
  • India: $ 40 per hour
  • Baltic States: $ 28 per hour
  • Eastern Europe: $ 26 per hour
  • Ukraine: $ 25 per hour

 

Read Also: How to Create an App like YouTube

 

The Bottom Line

 

Undoubtedly, Snapchat with its unique set of core features and functions is the reigning king of the social messaging app space. With its numerous photo and video editing tools, young adults have found a new voice of visual communication.

 

hire mobile app developers

 

When you begin with your app development process, it will be a smart move to study how Snapchat has journeyed through its various stages of growth and expansion. Deep dive into these learnings and start benchmarking. It is not necessary to make an identical clone but bring out your unique idea into the forefront.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Take inspiration from the Snapchat story and get your journey on the tracks. Get in touch with a credible mobile app development company to kickstart your project.

How To Create An App Like YouTube

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

The root of every global business began as a start-up. The good news is that the basic technology to lay the foundations of their digital offering is accessible in the public domain. So, it is a definite possibility that your app may just be the next success story.

 

Have you been thinking of developing a video sharing app like YouTube? No doubt, creating an app like youtube is a massive undertaking. But before plunging deep into the ‘how to’ of the process, let’s take a look at some vital data on YouTube.

 

YouTube – An Overview

 

youtube

 

Launched in 2005, YouTube is now the most popular online video sharing channel in the world today.

 

It encompasses every type of video and audio user-generated content including TV clips, music videos and other video clips, such as short original videos, video blogs, gaming videos, educational videos and instructional videos on everything from language learning to DIY.

 

Stats report that YouTube has over 2 billion logged users on a monthly basis making it the most sought after video-sharing channel.

 

With a more penetrated smartphone and internet connectivity has made YouTube into a global platform. In the last few years, YouTube has also become a channel where users can make money.

 

The majority of the content is available on a free to view basis. To date, it is one of the most popular applications that users download from the Android and iOS play stores.

 

 

A Guide to Create A YouTube Like App

 

There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when you start your journey to create an app like youtube. These include app design, features and functionalities, servers, development teams, and overall app development cost.

 

Take a look at this step-by-step guide to create a YouTube clone app.

 

Read Also: 11 Easy Steps to Create a Mobile Application

 

Shortlist the Features For Your Video Sharing App

 

If you opt for an MVP application at the very onset, you can choose a basic list of must-have features for your video sharing application at the point of publishing it on the play stores. Here is a list for ready reference.

 

Search Videos: In a video sharing app like YouTube, the Search feature is of primary importance. The manner in how effectively and efficiently it functions can make or break the success of the application. Incorporate the search feature where users are able to look up videos by title, publisher or random keywords too. Keep adding filters to enhance the user experience of the search option.

 

Drag & Drop / Remote Video Upload: Having a Drag and Drop feature enables users to upload low to medium-sized videos from Google Drive, Dropbox, local disk or even more locations. Even video content from FTP or HTTP locations can be accessed automatically by incorporating remote video upload features.

 

Frames Preview: With a Frames Preview option, you can modify or alter video thumbnails as per your requisites. This allows the user to deliver the perfect preview frame on your YouTube-like video-sharing channel. Moreover, the functionality should be able to offer a choice in thumbnails in order to host videos from the cloud or local disk.

 

Live Streaming: Live Streaming for any video streaming app like YouTube is a vital feature. This allows your users to reach out directly to their followers or audience base and even go beyond their immediate customer target circle. You do not have to exactly follow what YouTube does its live streaming. Instead, work on your own set of innovative streaming experience that gives the user something extra to look forward to.

 

Playlist: When you create an app like youtube it is not just limited to sharing or streaming videos. It also needs to be a storehouse for a massive playlist of music and videos which the user should be able to personalize as per the likes.

 

Multi-channel Support: The Multi-channel Support feature enables the users to upload their audio and video content and share them as a playlist or also on a subscription format. This should be made manageable either from the profile directly or as a default mechanism of the channel via the channel management page.

 

Push-Notifications: With so much content accessible on the application, it is necessary for your userbase to be kept informed of any new addition that falls under the purview of their preferences. The Push Notifications feature can also be used to keep your customers updated on premium services and upcoming deals.

 

Social Media Sharing: Just like any other social or messaging app, a video sharing application like YouTube must also offer the users an opportunity to share the video or audio content that they upload or like on their personal social handles such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. This allows them to increase follower engagement whilst boosting new traffic to their channels.

 

Analytics: It is critical of an app like YouTube to have a robust Analytics tool embedded in order to have a comprehensive understanding of user demographics, current viewership status, and real-time performance statistics. The integration of Analytics also permits the app admin to generate periodic reports on various app segments to the minutest detail of a single video or audio content. Therefore, this functionality is essential for you to know what features and content are working for you and what’s not.

 

Multi-tiered Security: When you have the provision for users to upload audio–video content on the application, you need to ascertain that there are adequate security encryptions in place. Remember that you will need your users to create user accounts on your platform or login via social media profile or their Google ids. All of these data should be under layers of security protection to prevent unauthorized access to the system.

 

Responsive Design: Ensure when you build your application, that the user interface adheres to a responsive design benchmarking against domain leaders like YouTube. You can opt to use from a vast array of templates, designs, fonts, and more and also allow end-user feedback to tailor the design partly. Check on multiple devices like smartphones and tablets to ensure that responsive design works.

 

Admin Panel: As you design your front end features and functionalities, the backend must be sustained by an efficient Admin Panel that provides managerial support to the application. This will allow you to work your way through keeping a record of all essential data and insights along with successfully organizing and managing content on the app.

 

How to Monetize Your Video Sharing App?

app-monetization

It is not just enough to build your application; your video-sharing app must be able to generate revenue for you too. For this, you need to ensure that you monetize the videos in the following ways:

 

Subscription Model: Introduce a reasonable fee that your loyal users will not mind paying in order to view quality content. Enabling this model can ensure that you generate handsome revenue with an ever-increasing user base.

 

Advertisement: As your app gathers a significant user base, you can attract advertisers to market their products and services on your video streaming platform. YouTube has cleverly integrated the advertising option in-between content which has worked well in the larger scheme of things.

 

Pay Per View: The Pay Per View model works on the concept of allowing the user to only pay for the content that they wish to view. It also enables the Admin to understand which content is being viewed more frequently in comparison to all uploaded premium content.

 

Purchasable Asset: Promote your videos by enabling content to be downloaded for offline viewing. This can be a monetization strategy that brings in a steady income flow and helps in scaling your business too.

 

Read Also: Mobile App Business Model [A Comprehensive Guide]

 

How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like YouTube

 

To create an app like youtube may seem like a relatively simple and not very expensive at first glance. It is anything but that.

 

A YouTube clone app that is highly functional, yet lightweight and simple needs a skilled development team working in the backend. Ideally, your development team should comprise of the following specialists

  • Project Manager
  • iOS developers
  • Android developers
  • UI and UX designers for Android and iOS platforms
  • Back-end coders
  • Software tester

 

The average time that will be required to create an app like youtube is anywhere between 160 to 240 working hours or 4 to 6 weeks. There are factors like interface complexity, the number of additional features, settings, and so on that will also end up determining the overall time required to develop the video-sharing app.

 

A key element that is also a deciding factor on arriving at a cost estimate to build this video streaming application is the hourly rates of your core development team. Take a look.

 

  • Android Developer – $15 to $40 per hour
  • iOS Developer – $15 to $45 per hour
  • UX/UI Designer – $10 to $35 per hour
  • Back-end developer – $10 to $45 per hour
  • Project manager – $15 to $45 per hour
  • QA Engineer – $10 to $30 per hour

 

Other than that, the experience of your development team will also help you determine your overall costing for the app.

 

For example, if you opt for a relatively simple version of the application which can be developed by a team of Junior Developers, the cost will hover around $ 12,000.

 

However, if you choose to go with a slightly more robust version of the app incorporating simple to medium complex features and functionalities, the cost will be somewhere close to $ 30,000.

 

This version of the app will include responsive design created for both the iOS and Android platforms by a team of experienced developers.

 

Lastly, if your app incorporates a number of complex and custom-designed features and functions with high-end design and user interface, it can cost you around $ 55,000.

 

The app will comprise responsive design and available on both iOS and Android platforms and developed by a team of sought-after developers.

 

It is best not be start developing on both the iOS and Android platforms simultaneously. Let your development concentrate on one platform first and then move on to the next. This process is more time-efficient, cost-effective, and simple.

 

In fact, an MVP app with a multi-platform development approach can be a complicated procedure. In most cases, the cost runs higher than anticipated and the process of development can encounter several challenges and roadblocks.

 

Adopting a hybrid development approach for the MVP app version may also prove to be more affordable in the long run. In comparison to native applications, hybrid apps are economical.

 

For Android app development, this is one of the safest methods for creating the application. Hybrid development can work offline offering superior visuals compared to web apps.

 

Read Also: App Development Cost-Design, Development, Deployment

 

Final Thoughts

 

 

To Create an app like youtube may be a herculean task but it is not an impossible one. The core aspects that you need to control are being organized and mobilizing the available and financial and human resources to its maximum potential.

 

Have your blueprint of the application design, feature specifications, and your development team already and geared before you begin the actual process.

 

So, without much ado, start the process.

Why Sports Industry Needs Mobile Apps In UK

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

The digital world has now become more mobile as a result of smarter handsets and superior internet connectivity. Your smartphone is the gateway to the online world and often the first point of contact when it comes to getting jobs done or even asking a question.

 

Mobile browsing, in general, has gone up the popularity ladder. That said, mobile apps today play a vital role in the consumer’s overall digital experience. While brands may be under the impression that mobile applications cater to the needs of a very niche audience, new research shows to be false.

 

Mobile apps are being used by over 93% of smartphone users. So, whether you are young or old, man or woman and even children to a certain extent, if you have access to a smartphone, chances are that you will be using mobile apps, one way or another.

 

Why Does The Sports Industry Need Mobile Apps?

 

sports-industry

 

Even though the popular presumption is that sports industry is that people prefer watching matches and games on big screens from the comfort of their homes, a large chunk of the user-base has shifted to sports mobile apps in the last 5 years.

 

The report by Statista finds, “Mobile app verticals with the highest install and user base growth in 2018”.

 

Sports apps have turned out to be the third fastest -rowing app category. Sports and game apps are only behind social, messaging and taxi/ cab hailing applications.

 

sports-apps-statistics

 

The Flurry report stated that mobile app usage grew by almost 11% whereas overall sports app usage increased by 46% worldwide. The epicenter of growth was primarily seen in the European countries where sports app usage and their average sessions rose by 90%.

 

With the global sports market flourishing, the spectator segments too will evolve. Therefore, the need for mobile apps in the sports industry to be developed is  the need for the hour.

 

So, it would fair to think that this is the right time to enter the sports market by developing your very own custom mobile app.

 

Unquestionably the idea sounds like a wise investment. But before you plunge into developing the app, it would be smart to first think through all the features for your sports mobile apps that will be able to withstand market competition in the industry.

 

Read Also: Why You Should Invest in Video Streaming App Development

 

Essential Features of Sports Apps for User Engagement

 

features-in-sports-app

 

To begin with, take a look at some of the must-have functionalities and features that will enable your app to remain competitive and be successful in this domain.

 

1. User Account

 

The User Account is the most basic functionality that you have should possess but if done right, you can score some valuable brownie points with it from your audience. An intuitive set of navigational features linked to the User Account along with a simple, easy to use interface is a great start.

 

Extract insights from the user’s navigational behavior and then customize their app’s UX as much as possible to meet their individual needs and expectations. Connect any in-app purchases to the User Account for convenient management.

 

2. Payment Gateway

 

A Payment Gateway is a must-have if you intend to monetize your application with in-app purchases. Ensure that your app meets all the compliances as outlined by the government of the UK if you a looking to design and build a solution.

 

However, you can also opt for ready-made platforms or payment gateways that can be quickly integrated with your mobile app.

 

These readily available payment gateway solutions are pre-designed to meet Payment Card Industry compliances and at times offer minor customizations to match your app’s branding.

 

3. Ticket Sale

 

When you build a sports app for fans, Ticket Sale is a huge feature because you want the fans to purchase the match tickets from your platform. With a payment gateway in place, you can offer your audience to buy match tickets without even leaving the app platform.

 

Include a feature for your users to monitor ticket prices, availability and stadium seating arrangements before they make their final purchase. This is a great way to monetize your application.

 

In case you are unable to offer a direct purchase from your platform, you can link your app with third-party sites where your target audience can reach within a few clicks. With every ticket sale, you can earn a fee or a commission.

 

4. Merchandising and Brand Store

 

While you may develop a generic sports app, you can still have a dedicated space selling branded merchandise, for example, t-shirts, jerseys, flags, caps, scarves, bottles, etc. of various sports teams.

 

This can be an additional source of income for your app which can be made possible once you have an integrated payment gateway.

 

Remember to sign agreements with teams before you start listing their products on your app. With every purchase made from your app or if you choose to re-direct it to their external platforms, you can earn a fee or a commission on the same.

 

5. Offline Mode

 

Even though every app needs an active internet connection to work on your mobile device, you can still make specific features available that can work offline.

 

This can be watching a section of match highlights or similar videos of that nature which the user can download to watch minus an active internet link.

 

This can be an advantageous feature on your sports application, giving you app an edge over its immediate competitors.

 

 

6. Social Media Integration

 

You cannot do without social media integrations on your sports app because these apps are an irreplaceable part of the modern-day digital user.

 

Primarily you can use them as your point of user registration rather than making your audience fill out separate registration forms with usernames and passwords.

 

Plus, social media integration enables your app users to share their favorite videos, opinions, viewpoints directly on their social media accounts. On the other hand, a direct social news feed from top clubs and sports teams on your sports app can be an interactive feature on your sports app.

 

It can also drive up user engagement of your app with your audience spending more time on it to gather news and share them eventually.

 

7. Sportsmen/Sports Teams Catalogue

 

Have a feature section that highlights popular clubs and sports teams, their history, journey, milestone, and any updated news, statistics and player bios. Users are always hooked to apps that provide them with stories on their favorite teams and sports stars.

 

8. Chats & Forums

 

Incorporating the Chat feature will allow like minded users to take conversion to individual windows. On the other hand, have Forums will encourage users to participate collectively to discuss the latest updates in the world of sports.

 

You can leave engaging questions on the forums which can later be an interactive platform to share opinions, perspectives, and viewpoints.

 

9. News Feed

 

Having a live News Feed functionality on your app will drive more users to spend more time on your platform. Apart from just news, the feed can incorporate tournament timetables, league points, scores, performance on the top sports teams, players and much more.

 

It is strongly recommended that you enable Push Notifications on the app as that can notify your users of the latest news and updates.

 

10. Push Notifications

 

Push or SMS Notifications is a must-have feature for any sports app as it informs the users of recent news in the world of sports. Keeping them updated ensures that they keep coming back to your application again and again.

 

Users may forget the time and date of their favorite teams. Ensure that your Push Notification features have the functionality to notify them of these matches of the teams and any other sports events that they seem to be interested in.

 

11. Calendar

 

Enable your users to sync match dates with their Google calendar via your application. This way, even if they miss your Push Notification, the Calendar feature will give them an alarm before the match begins.

 

Plus, having the match dates on the calendar also allows them to plan so that they can ensure free time to watch the game.

 

12. Live Streaming

 

Live Streaming of matches and games is a make or break feature for a sports app. You can include it in your premium version where users pay a fee or a subscription to watch their favorite sports events on the app platform.

 

Incorporate key game-related statistics, player bios, tournament records to make the delivery more engaging and interesting.

 

13. On-Demand Videos and Highlights of The Match

 

Upload on-demand videos and match highlights to engage your users on the app. With good quality broadcasts, updated video content goes a long way in building your user base.

 

Ensure that the delivery is convenient and fast with limited buffering times. Add a download feature to enable your users to watch these videos offline.

 

14. VRS (Virtual Reality Screening)

 

VRS or Virtual Reality Screening is a trend that is emerging in sports viewership aimed at offering optimal user experience to heighten customer satisfaction. The option to view the game from multiple angles using a VR box suite can  grab your user’s attention.

 

Technology is still being refined at many levels. Once it is established, you can integrate this with your sports app and offer it to your customers as a bonus feature.

 

15. Sports Prediction App

 

Mobile apps for sports predictions or betting area thriving industry in the UK. If you have the appropriate license, you can consider including a prediction or betting feature on your sports app.

 

Type of Sports App

 

Let the need for mobile apps in the sports industry determine the type you add you wish to develop. There are two options that you can explore – dedicated apps and aggregated apps.

 

Dedicated Apps: These apps are usually developed by specific teams or clubs and are generally designed to engage with their fan base. You will need the support of the team or club in question along with the authorization of team sponsors and organizations to proceed with creating a dedicated sports app.

 

Aggregator Apps: The name itself is self-explanatory. Aggregator apps are generic and usually cover all types of popular sports, the latest news in individual sports, teams, players, tournaments, etc. These apps are more exhaustive in nature and cater to the needs of a wider audience.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Develop A Sports App

 

sports-app-cost

 

Assuming that you will be developing the app for both Android and iOS platforms, you need to decide whether you want to build a native or a hybrid application.

 

A native application is more expensive whereas a cross-platform hybrid version will be more cost-effective. That said, the functionalities on a hybrid app may be limited so do consult an expert before you choose to go ahead with this approach.

 

If you do not wish to splurge a ton of money, then an MVP or Minimum Viable Product is what you should consider. The benefit of creating an MVP app is that you can keep adding features and functionalities based on user feedback even after the app has been released in the market.

 

Your development team should ideally comprise of:

  • Project Manager
  • 2 or more Frontend developers
  • 1-2 Backend Developers
  • A UI/UX Designer
  • 1-2 QA specialists

 

As far as the working hours are concerned, here are some estimations:

  • Frontend development: 600 hours
  • Design: 200 to 300 hours
  • Backend development: 400 hours
  • Testing and QA: 90 to 110 hours

 

It would be fair to assume that an app of this nature will require at least 2100 hours to develop.

 

Where you choose to execute your app development process will also be a big factor in your overall cost estimation.

 

  • Ukraine and Eastern Europe: $40 to $150 per hour
  • USA/ Canada: $50 to $250 per hour
  • Western Europe: $30 to $170 per hour
  • India: $10 to $80 per hour

 

It is best to outsource your app development to a credible development agency especially if you are not in the business of developing software.

 

The Future of Sports Apps

 

Digital technologies have disrupted how sports are being viewed today. With people becoming more mobile, the demand for sports apps is bound to rise as individuals want to view their favorite sporting events from any part of the globe.

 

 

Despite several sports apps already in the market, there is still room for innovation. Take a look at where the gaps are and come up with a sports app that is interesting and unique.

How to Create an App Like edX

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

If you are looking for university-level online programs, edX is bound to pop up in your internet search results.

 

edX is a cutting-edge online learning and education app developed by  some of the best brains from MIT and Harward University. The application hosts 2500+ online courses ranging across subjects like web development, computer science, and programming, business, design, etc.

 

These certificate programs are offered by some of the top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies in the world and taught by experts from the best institutions, globally.

 

The app is a student’s private classroom that helps him or her to gain knowledge, learn new skills and earn a certification that is recognized worldwide.

 

The app was initially launched in 2012 and more than a year later it has over a million users already. The goal for edX is to become the leading Massive Open Online Courses or MOOC in the world.

 

Trends & Statistics

 

The e-Learning market is expected to reach $ 325 billion by 2025, according to Forbes. With such potential, it is not surprising that so many edu start-ups are entering the market with a lot of unique concepts, capabilities, and offerings.

edX trends and statistics

But having a billion-dollar idea is not enough in this competitive environment. Apart from your brilliant idea you also need a dependable platform to transform the project into something like edX.

 

So how do you create an app like edX which will achieve guaranteed success? You have to list down the must-have features and models. Other than that, what you also need to know is how much will it cost to create an edX app?

 

Read Also: Top 10 Kids Learning Apps UK 2020

 

Steps to Create an App Like edX

 

steps to create an app like edx

 

It is not an easy job to create an app like edX. To begin with, you must be able to identify what your requirements are. Next, you need to list down the essential features that will make your app stand out amongst your competition.

 

Follow these recommended steps:

 

Develop a Mind Map: The primary component of the e-learning app is its user experience. When you start developing the app, you should conceptualize the interface from your user perspective. There should be a fine line where you can blend them with your business successfully.

 

Through a graphical representation of the mind map, you can chalk out the categories, features and their relevant functions. Think of actions and their corresponding reactions to these features and functions. Take into account the business model and all technical requirements needed to build the application.

 

Wireframes for a Better Vision: Wireframes represent the layout of the website using graphical diagrams. You can also call it the blueprint of the website that portrays every individual element. The function of the wireframe is to ensure that the development team and client have a clear vision of the project and what the app’s features and potential are.

 

User-intuitive UI Design: Make sure that your UI and UX are user-friendly and intuitive as that is the first point of interaction between the business and the customer. If that fails to impress, the user, in probability will not be coming back to the application in the future.

 

Testing for Constructive Feedback: Share your app’s blueprint with a few users and see if the e-learning application has any real impact. Getting their recommendations is useful as making changes in the planning stage is easy.

 

Before making the app live, you need to ascertain that your application is functioning as per expectation. The best way forward is to share the beta version with some real users who are a part of your target audience. Get some honest feedback of them and use to it improve your app’s efficiency.

 

Custom-Made Platform or Customize an Open-Source Platform: There are two approaches for your e-learning application. You can either opt for a custom-designed platform or go for an open-source one.

 

Find the Team: While you are in your planning stage, you also need to hire the relevant team to develop an application for you. You can start interviewing reliable vendors or go for freelancers.

 

Decide on Your Technology Stack: For an e-learning application, you need an advanced technology stack, very similar to edX.

 

Here is what we recommend:

  • Language: JavaScript, Python, PHP, Scala
  • Web Server: Nginx
  • Storage: Amazon S3
  • Database: MySQL, Amazon Relational Database Service
  • Search: Elastic Search, Amazon CloudSearch

 

Essential Features of the App

 

app features of edx app

 

Now that you have decided to enter the education space, you should initially concentrate on the core offerings of your e-learning app. Ideally, the app should offer one or more of these benefits:

  • Have a lot of useful educational content that offers learning experiences
  • Ensure that the student – app interactions are bug-free and seamless
  • Learners should be able to monitor and track their progress in real-time

 

Once you have your core capabilities in place, you must make a list of your essential app features.

 

Take a quick look at the MVP features of an e-learning platform:

 

Registration: Every single user, be it student or teacher must go through a process of authentication. This can be done by using their unique email id or phone number, plus a password. Another way of doing it is by using popular social networking sites like Facebook and Google.

 

Profile Management: The features under Profile Management will depend on the type of profile being created. In this case, a student or a teacher. Having said that, some features and details are common to both such as:

  • User info and profile pic
  • List of active and/or completed courses
  • Information about certificates/points/credits
  • Purchase history
  • Settings page

 

In addition to the above, the teacher’s profile should have:

  • Info page (with information about degree or establishment they represent)
  • List of added courses

 

Search Filters: In an app like edX that contains 2000+ courses, there must be a filter that can help users search for their preferred program. This can be in the form of a search bar that is keyword enabled. Alternatively, it can also be done using categories on the main interface of the app. Users can also use the filter function and check by level, price, language, rates, and so on.

 

Dashboard: For any e-learning app both students and teachers must be able to monitor their progress online. All of this can be done through a unified dashboard.

 

The insights generated such as their completion status, the number of hours they’ve spent on a course, etc. are extremely useful for students to move forward with their chosen program. Teachers, on the other hand, can keep a track of the courses added to their profiles, the number of enrolled students, traffic, ratings, earnings, and more.

 

Course Page: How will you make your course page stand out on the application? Make sure that it carries the course description, information on the program creators, list of topics and materials followed by a review section.

 

You must build in the architecture to include videos, recordings, podcasts, chats, and interactive textbooks. You can go one step further and incorporate elements of gamification which can help in engaging students too.

 

The final step should be an automatic certificate generation upon course completion. If automation is not possible, the administrators can manually do it.

 

 

Payment Methods: If you are going to develop your e-learning platform on a paid model, which means that your courses have a fee attached to them, then you have to have a payment gateway integrated with the application too. The process should be seamless, meaning, students should not face too many challenges in making a payment and teachers should be able to conveniently collect their earnings.

 

Popular methods that can be offered are net banking, debit and credit cards, GPay and other third party gateways. Remember that when you are dealing with money, you must ensure that your application abides by all financial guidelines and security measures relevant to monetary transactions.

 

Course-Making & Editing Page: When you develop your e-learning application, the architecture should be able to accommodate more programs and courses in the future. The probability of the course numbers increasing is way higher than them going down.

 

Hence, you will need the necessary tools to create courses, edit program structure, add materials, content, exercises, links and any other relevant resources such as audio files, videos, and PDFs.

 

Notifications & Reminders: No app is complete without a system of reminders and notifications. With this feature, you can ensure that your users are always well informed about new courses, program updates, reviews, and recommendations, any upcoming events. The notification system alerts the user on any pending app updates.

 

Admin Panel: Minus an admin panel, your e-learning app will never work successfully. All the content is managed by the administrators via the admin panel. They can additionally make edits or delete programs, check insights, generate reports, manage notifications and circulate emailers through the admin panel.

 

How Much Does it Cost to Create an App like edX?

 

app cost

 

The most important aspect of any app development is budgeting. If you do not have the funds, then your edX like the app is going to be a dream.

 

So, what is the cost to create an app like edX?

 

For an e-learning application like edX, with the must-have features already discussed, the development cost will be anywhere between $54,750 and $62,500.

 

This is based on the assessment that the development team will be based in Eastern Europe such as Ukraine and will work at an hourly rate of $50. The project should take approximately 1,095 hours to 1250 hours from conception to launch.

 

However, if you choose to build a fully custom-designed platform, then it will cost you some serious money, effort and time. You will also need a team of experienced and efficient software developers to create the application.

 

Either way, accurate pricing can also be arrived at once you have decided on your application requirements. Also, the development team’s country of residence will make a difference to the overall expenditures.

 

Here is a rough assessment:

  • Eastern Europe. $54,750 and $62,500 (based on $50/h)
  • Central and Western Europe. $109,500-$125,000 (based on $100/h)
  • The USA. $164,250-$187,500 (based on $150/h)
  • $109,500-$125,000 (based on $100/h)

 

The more complex your platform becomes, the more development time and money it is going to take to make it live on the app stores.

 

Read Also: How to Reduce the App Development Cost ?

 

Closing Thoughts

 

Reports show that the corporate online learning industry grew by 900% between 2001 to 2017. And in terms of environment, e-learning is certainly a more sustainable alternative to traditional classroom-style education.

 

No doubt, online learning is the future with benefits galore.

 

 

So, if you are considering creating an app like edX, there is no better time than now for educationist start-ups or entrepreneurs to build their e-learning app to earn serious money.

 

All you need now is the right idea that brings a solution to a learning problem, backed by a solid business model, and the support of an experienced team of developers.

Mobile App Business Model: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

Do you think developing an app is the hardest part? Think again.

 

You may have the app ready for your audience to download, but how are you going to make money off it? You can safely assume that figuring out your mobile app business model or its monetization strategy is the most difficult bit of ensuring that your app start-up is a success.

 

It is the most critical element in the entire equation and possibly the most overlooked too. It is essential to remember that the faster you start generating revenue from your application, the easier it will be for you to sustain the growth of your app start-up financially.

 

Most importantly, in the absence of a monetization plan for your application, ultimately you end up in limited access to investor capital. Without a cohesive revenue strategy in place, after a while, you will find your application going downhill, especially with so much competition in the space.

 

A cardinal mistake that most founding teams tend to make is by not focussing on perfecting the business model behind the application. Do not allow yourself to commit the same error.

 

Fundamentals of Mobile App Business Model

 

You can hit the ground running once you have implemented your mobile app business model. It is not as bad a blindly firing at a target. There are several tried and tested methods  that have proven to be successful revenue generation models in the long run.

 

It is not about being too complex or sophisticated either. All you need is something simple which you can easily understand and familiarise yourself with and your team with.

 

It is always prudent to start with the basics of app monetization. Having a large userbase that does not make you any money is not going to help you sustain your app start-up for long. You will need to have a strong app monetisation approach in place which will determine your success.

 

 

What you need to concentrate on it to convert your existing app users into paying customers which will allow you to start earning a return on your investment. However, without a large user base, earning a profit is impossible.

 

 Before going live, you can have a few business models that you can try out. Look at the results and optimize the model that works for you. The idea is to raise the performance standards and ensuring that you  can meet the demands of your customers simultaneously.

 

In the ideal scenario, you want to introduce a mobile app business model that is still profitable even if you do not have an extensive userbase. Since ideal is not always doable, let’s take a look at some of the app monetization models that you can explore.

 

Read Also: 12 Biggest App Marketing Mistakes That Will Kill Your Brand

 

1) Freemium

 

freemium - mobile app business model

 

Freemium apps have proven to be one of the most scalable and effective app monetization strategies in the last few years. Enticing your users to access the freemium app with limited features encourages them to purchase the full-fledged version if they like it.

 

The model has worked for several app start-ups as your users get a taste of the core competencies of the application and have a comprehensive understating of its offerings and value.  To access the remaining features, they are more than happy to pay a price for it.

 

Allowing free version downloads is extremely powerful since your target audience will not think a lot about it too much. Once they get used to the basic app offerings and want more, that’s the right time to push them towards the premium paid app version.

 

The barrier to entry at this point for new users is quite low. Therefore, the focus of the business model is to keep acquiring new app users who will find the app beneficial. Not that you require a million app installs to generate  revenue. That’s the beauty of freemium apps. However, there are two monetization routes that you can adopt:

 

  • Subscription Fees: With this mobile app business model in place, you can keep charging a select group of customers continuously until they choose to cancel.
  • One-Off Payments: Your users pay a one-time fee at the time of upgrading their application from the freemium to the premium version.

 

Freemium apps can also help you understand if your target audience is  taking to the application. It is a great tool to test which features are working for you and if they are at all willing to pay for an upgrade.

 

The freemium model can be implemented in several ways. Take a look.

 

  • Feature-led Freemium offers a free version of your application with restricted access to its features.
  • Capacity Limited Freemium enables full access to the application even in the free model but only until it reaches its designated capacity.
  • Limited Time Offer Freemium is using the application on a free trial model for a specified period.

 

2) Virtual Goods with In-App Purchases (The Addictive Model)

 

in app purchases - mobile app business model

 

A popular app monetization strategy in recent times is to develop an addictive app that includes in-app purchases. This model works well because it is simple, versatile and scalable.

 

To entice the customer, the addictive app permits the user for value advancement with the help of some type of in-app virtual goods. This is what makes this model so successful.

 

Games and gamification apps have been known to use this strategy frequently. The user will only purchase if the virtual goods being sold offers high value. Make sure that the value proposition is clearly defined as that is going to be the key driving force behind the user incentivizing the user to spend money within the app.

 

While the gaming segment has done well with this monetization formula, in recent times, other types of apps are also experimenting with this mobile app business model approach.

 

To ensure that this strategy is a success, your app needs a considerable user base that will help in the process of generating a sizable return. Therefore, customer acquisition on  an ongoing basis is an absolute must.

 

Do not overcomplicate with multiple purchase options that reward the user. Have a selective range and see how the users respond. This strategy allows you the opportunity to be creative. Take advantage of it and make sure that the features you have on offer add significant value.

 

Read Also: 10 Ways to Raise Fund for Your App Startup

 

3) Advertising and Sponsorship

 

sponsorship - mobile app business model

 

This method of app monetization through sponsorships is extremely profitable for those start-ups that have over 125,000 monthly active app users. Any app with an audience size less than that will find it hard to generate adequate revenue to sustain the growth of the app business.

 

Most importantly, the users must frequently interact with the app that ensures the generation of revenue that is consistent and substantial.

 

It is well worth your time to remember that too much advertising can alienate your audience too. Some can even be slightly overwhelmed with this bombardment. Whilst advertising is meant to offer a more dramatic user experience, it only works well if the exposure is in moderation.

 

Smartphone users today have known to be somewhat averse to too much advertising as it does kind of have an intrusive feel to it. Ultimately, you do not want over usage to ruin the user experience.

 

Therefore, when adopting this style of app monetiszation, companies need to take on a more strategic approach without damaging the user experience or completely putting them off your app for good.

 

4) Paid Apps

paid apps

The simplest and most convenient way to make money off your application is to offer your app install against a payment. Hence, every single time that a user downloads the app, you generate revenue automatically. Generally, this is against a fixed, one-time payment that gives access to the application  until such time that is it active.

 

For many start-ups, this can be a very mobile app business model as the strategy is extremely transparent. The users get into the game knowing fullwell what he or she expects to get in return for this price.

 

Remember that revenue generation in this monetization model is a direct outcome of the number of users that are convinced that your app offers a value add to their needs which is why they would be willing to pay for the download.

 

Unquestionably, you need a significantly large user base to be convinced about this to make a substantial profit. Plus, you will have to continue with your user acquisition marketing efforts and keep adding new members into the network. The sustainability of your business in the future depends on how successfully you execute these key tasks.

 

The customer lifetime value is not really of consequence in this standalone model since the one-time payment approach leaves little room for the paid member to generate additional income for the business. Also, the competition is quite fierce since there is no shortage of free apps which may make it difficult for the users to be easily convinced to pay for it.

 

A strong brand presence must be built around it . Keep educating your prospective customers through continued marketing efforts using all channels including print, digital, social media, e-mail, etc.

 

Alternative & Additional Monetization Strategies

 

If you want your app to start making  profit, it is best to go with a mix of monetization strategies instead of just focussing on a single business model. Other than the revenue generation channels already outlined, you can also think of including alternative and additional strategies to increase your prospects of profiteering.

 

Take a look.

  • In-App Affiliate Marketing: With a specific user base in place, make use of affiliate marketing that enables you to advertise and sell third party products to them through your application platform. With every sale made through your channel, you will earn a handsome commission.
  • Lead Generation: With access to a significant chunk of user data including names and e-mails to demographic features, etc. you can offer this information to third-party entities for a price. This allows these external bodies to use the data to understand user behavior and help them improve their purchase processes for their products and services. However, before you tread this path, ensure that you have taken permission from your user to share their data with other third-party bodies.

 

Read Also: Mobile App Marketing Funnel: Converting Users into Customers

 

What Monetization Model Should You Choose?

 

Whichever mobile app business model you choose to adopt, the end goal should be to generate revenue in a manner that is efficient and effective. Experiment and test out the waters with a lean strategy and evaluate the insights to build on a more robust approach.

 

 

The idea is to have a mix of strategies with minimal effort and maximum returns. Start small and fine-tune your monetization plan over a short span of time.

Home Design App: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

Do you have a huge interior design project coming up soon? In most instances, it is not an easy task to accomplish. Be it renovating a room, office or anything else, home designing means doing a million things.

 

Starting from choosing the right artwork for the walls or deciding on the level of room lighting, playing around with the furniture arrangement, looking through color palettes are just some of the jobs that need to be done. And trying to stay on top of it all can make your head spin.

 

The long line of tasks that needs to get done during such an intensive home design project can be quite overwhelming. It may seem endless. However, at the end of the day, it must take into account the ongoing trends, draw inspiration from the aesthetics and your unique sensibilities to get your design fundamentals right.

 

With only your imagination to rely on, there are high probabilities of an aspect of your renovation project going haywire in a lot of critical junctures. What you are constantly hoping for is all elements to fall into place, exactly the way you envisioned it.

 

So, maybe a technological intervention is something that can help to get things on a fast track.

 

And that’s where a home design app is of tremendous help. Because you can look at the result before you begin with your execution. The introduction of this application has made the job of the home design that much easier.

 

What is Home Design App?

 

home design app

 

With more and more home design apps entering the market, there is no need for additional investments on  books, tutorials or computer programs at all. The greatest benefit of having one or more of these apps on your smartphone is that you take the guesswork home design out of the equation. This makes your vision come alive in more ways than you ever imagined.

 

While many may still be in the hammer and nail mode for their design and home improvement projects, the time to transition to these simpler home design apps is to way the get the job done in 2020.

 

 

Regardless of the enormity of your design project, the applications help you remain organized and inspired. Using these apps can also end up saving on your renovation expenses too.

 

The objective of using these apps is to simplify the process of space design. Plus, you are no longer dependent on an interior designer to carry out your improvement plans.

 

Read Also: How to Shape your Smart homes with Mobile apps

 

Importance of Home Design App

 

importance of home design app

 

With the shift in lifestyles, the interior design segment is constantly evolving. More and more people are turning to professional home designs more than ever before. But with the advent of home design apps, space improvement is now accessible for everyone.

 

With the demands of the modern, contemporary lifestyle, home design is more like a necessity rather than a luxury. Having said that, customers may harp on the following key issues:

  • Client look for price ranged based deliveries
  • Customers will keep comparing prices
  • There may be changes in the blueprints from the client end
  • There may be a mismatch in perspectives and outlooks at the point of delivery
  • You may have to physically be up and about to meet client expectation of good home decor

 

Developing a customised home design app can present be the appropriate solution for these issues to be resolved. It can handle a range of services including customer demands, blueprint changes, orders, payments and more.

 

Features in Home Design App

 

features of home design app

 

When developing a home design app, you need to reflect on the key features that will essentially make or break your application. Experts recommend inclusion of the following functionalities:

 

1) Technological Integration That Offers Real-Life Design Experiences

 

Just like other industries, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality have made its presence felt in the home design segment too. Primarily, applications are using these key technologies to enhance user visualization of space improvement through virtual reality.

 

Essentially, this makes the otherwise, very technical blueprint real and alive as you can view exactly what is going where. Generally, these experiences occur in a 3D environment.  Advanced technologies can even allow users to play out with things like furniture arrangements or take a look at a range of wall colors.

 

Overall, the experience offered is more interactive and engaging for the end- user that furthers the prospect of objects co-existing through involvement in a single, immersive scene.

 

Hence, whilst creating a home design app, these key features of AR and AI should ideally build a solid foundation to support subsidiary features thereon.

 

2) Introduce Online Retail for Home Decor Products

 

The Business Wire Report states that the global home decor market is estimated to generate revenues in the range of $792.6 billion by 2025. This is based on a yearly acceleration of 4.9% predicted for the period 2019 to 2025.

 

With the promise of such rapid growth, it makes absolute sense to include an online store for home decor products with the home design application. General  eCommerce features that the app can consist of:

  • Include a technology that allows for visual recognition such as a simulator experience
  • A 3D zoom-in and zoom-out feature that helps the user to view the space utilization and assist in ascertaining room transformation requirements and expectations
  • Reviews and ratings that acts as a model for trust-building among users before buying products from the application

 

Even though the primary use of the application is home design, the online store is an additional revenue source  that also keeps your existing client based hooked on to it. It also allows you the opportunity to understand customer purchase patterns of home decor products, key trends, behavior, etc.

 

3) Integrate Social Media

 

Social media today is a key player for most industries. The interior design sector has not escaped from its influences. More so, because this is an extremely visual segment.

 

This feature makes a solid case for inclusion since it largely drives direct marketing via users. By enabling users to share their creativity on their private social channels, the home design app is automatically promoted to a prospective user base.

 

Being able to showcase their design to their family, friends, co-workers in turn also highlights the user skills through the application.

 

4) Collaborate with Users

 

The home decor app is an attractive prospect to  several professionals including interior decorators, architects, general contractors, repair professionals, etc. Therefore, building a forum that allows users to collaborate works to everybody’s advantage.

 

Moreover, you can be in constant touch with a network of professionals who can help in the process of developing your home designs too.

 

 

Other Features

 

Apart from the core functionalities, your home design app can also feature the following:

  • Push notifications, blogs and emailers driving in-app engagement
  • Virtual assistance offering advice using chatbots
  • Integration of a payment gateway
  • Incorporate social sharing on interactive channels like Pinterest

 

Read Also: 10 Best Real Estate Apps UK 2020

 

Benefits of Home Design App

 

benefits of home design app

 

The prospect of using a home design app may sound quite complex and daunting for anyone who has not had the experience of it before. However, mastering online interior design makes it a far easier and economical process.

 

Using a home design app offers benefits galore. Some of the key advantages are:

 

1) DIY Can Be Expensive

 

When renovating your home, you may purchase non-returnable, big-ticket items. What may seem attractive in a store environment may not have a similar impact when you bring it home. It can be in terms of the product’s size, scale, color or influence on the room.

 

This trial and error method of DIY home decor can end up being an expensive expedition. Therefore, a home design app helps you to visualize how the product is going to contribute to the overall room setting before you end up buying it.

 

2) Save On Interior Designer Fees

 

While many home decor apps are accessible free of cost, even the premium versions are available at a nominal price in comparison to the fee that you would end up paying an interior designer for their expert advice. Furthermore, these apps also offer services of industry professionals too should the need arise for you to consult one.

 

3) 24/7 Service

 

Being dependent on external forces such as a design expert with limited access can result in the interior design process to be an extremely long-drawn process. In some cases, it can span over months. Unquestionably, this aspect of home improvement can act as an irritant for many.

 

On the other hand, the home design app is a service that is accessible 24/7. Hence, a project that may have potentially taken months can now be completed in a matter of days.

 

Read Also: Must have Features in Real Estate App Development

 

Conclusion

 

With so many home design apps, you would want to create an application that is world-class and caters to the needs of a wider audience. The goal is to provide access to design platforms that can help the user create themes through a process of online visualization.

 

 

Having  eCommerce in addition to the core deliverable is a bonus. Remember that this is a growing market that is going to offer a lot of potential for revenue generation in the long run.

How Mobile Apps Will Benefit Construction Industry In UK

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

Mobile applications are  becoming a popular solution for several layers of issues and concerns across all types of industries not just in the UK, but worldwide.

 

Why?

 

Because mobile apps offer businesses a platform to operate their organizations seamlessly and smoothly. The applications provide clients with top-notch user experience and a channel for easy connectivity with the business.

 

Unquestionably, the proof lies in the pudding. More and more companies are moving towards the mobile app phase. This, in turn, presents the businesses to build a brand name for them in the process by supporting it with a mobile application.

 

Importance of Building Construction Apps

 

importance of construction mobile apps

 

Construction businesses typically fall under the category of conventional companies. However, that does imply that business owners in the construction industry are not modern and forward -looking. Business owners have highlighted a strong desire to build a strong foundation for the companies in the cloud.

 

Read Also: Impact of Mobile Apps in Oil & Gas Industry

 

What does it mean by  a strong foundation for the companies in the cloud?

 

It means that they should be using the appropriate technology to promote their business. For instance, the UK is a major construction market, globally with new projects upcoming all year round.

 

In spite of such a rapid growth rate, why is the construction industry in the UK experiencing such huge financial and time loss?

 

One of the primary reasons is the lack of efficiency and productivity.

 

An online study says that 93% of the construction businesses believe that digitization is going to be the main influencer over their operational processes in the foreseeable future. Moreover, it was seen that 36% of construction firms use five or more mobile business apps to complete their projects.

 

 

It is not surprising to see that mobile apps are right at the top when it comes to technology adoption for the construction industry. In a survey conducted with 600 construction professionals from both medium and small sized firms, more than 80% were strong in their opinion that mobile technology is a high priority. The key benefits lay in deploying mobile apps to the fullest in the construction industry.

 

Role of Mobile Apps in the Construction Industry

 

benefits of mobile apps in construction industry

 

The role of construction managers is stressful and hectic. . They have to keep track of their teams and sub-contractors, monitor their progress  daily, check their schedules, equipment, quotes and invoicing, bylaws, hours and more.

 

All of these construction managers today have easy access to smartphones and tablets. This implies that there is a great opportunity to enhance efficiency and productivity, minimize costs, and fast-track project timelines with the integration of appropriate mobile solutions.

 

Take a look at how mobile apps are important to the construction industry.

 

1) Enhancing Workforce Efficiency

 

With access to powerful mobile applications, it is now convenient for construction managers to carry out processes like monitoring, scheduling, and authorization which also increases transparency and efficiency of the operational procedures. By using custom-designed apps in the mechanism, pacifies the overall process of delivery via a faster communication channel.

 

Mobile apps are  extremely useful, especially in the context of supplier management and scheduling. Additionally, mobile apps are now a paper replacement that leads to a clutter-free workplace. The result – productivity levels are significantly optimized.

 

2) Maintaining Desired Safety Levels

 

The construction industry is not free of hazards. Mobile applications can be very handy as it has the power to mitigate these high hazards that are related to the sector. Also, construction managers can keep track of the training sessions using mobile platforms. By complying with all regulatory guidelines, the level of safety for the workers also improves simultaneously.

 

Mobile apps prove to be important in the construction sector. The apps permit instant reporting of injuries and safety concerns. Plus, the user with the authoritative power  can handle such issues with utmost care which bolters regulatory compliant as and when required.

 

3) Running Projects on Time

 

Completion of projects within designated timeline is of paramount importance, especially in the construction industry. But for most construction businesses it is one of the biggest challenges. Frequent delays often lead to rework resulting in cost and time escalations.

 

With dedicated mobile apps for the construction sector, managers can now organize and sync all of their operational activities and work as per their pre-defined schedules. This also helps in optimizing all available resources.

 

4) Better Communication Process

 

The absence of a robust communication system can contribute a lot to complicating things in the construction sector. The gaps in communication between the managers and team members can result in misunderstandings.

 

A construction mobile app seamlessly connects all necessary stakeholders and gives a complete overview of the project and the communication process. However, you must maintain transparency through increased visibility and involvement in the process fostering better relationships between all involved parties and stakeholders.

 

5) Mobile Apps Can Boost Productivity

 

A recent study found that a construction worker spends around 30% of their time on core tasks. Unimportant jobs such as cleaning up, transporting the materials, keeping the site organized, etc. take up the remaining time.

 

Mobile apps here can optimize the work of construction managers by channelizing their energies in productive areas only. IoT and other updated technologies can be connected to mobile apps so that team managers can keep track of and monitor operations from a single platform. The applications can help in the management of all relevant domains in the logistical chain.

 

 

6) Real-Time Analytics

 

All industries now depend on real-time business intelligence and big data to gain insights. The construction sector is no different. Robust construction mobile applications are in demand since reporting is a daily activity in this business segment.

 

With easy access to apps and the smartphone, real time analytics is available to managers at their fingertips. What happens is that everyone can remain updated in case of issues concerning monitoring, team performance and the project costs rising.

 

Read Also: Features and Benefits of Fleet Management App

 

Benefits of Mobile Apps in the Construction Industry

 

benefits of mobile apps in construction industries

 

When mobile apps are being developed for the construction business, they should be customized to meet the specific needs of the industry. Have a look at the benefits of mobile apps in the construction industry in the UK.

 

1) Focus on Electronic Tendering

 

For 80% to 90% of public construction projects, the electronic circulation of tender is in great demand. In the UK, the figure stands at 100% for contracts circulated online over EUR 90,000. Those construction companies that choose not to adapt to these technologies will be left behind.

 

With established standards in place, the electronic circulation of tender submission ensures security and compliance. It also makes the process more efficient and transparent.

 

2) Boost Potential for Optimization with Smart Building Site Logistics

 

70% of the time, the average construction worker ends up devoting their working time to errands such as material transportation, organizing the site, cleaning up, taking care of the equipment, etc. Digital solutions such as business mobile apps are extremely handy in this scenario as they have the potential to optimize the usage of all available resources.

 

Several construction companies do not implement digital solutions, for example, a supplied software that can optimize worker utilization capacity. IoT in the construction business is largely working towards establishing coordination between construction machinery and vehicles and RFID² technology.

 

This helps in the identification of products within the construction site. Additionally, the mobile that is integrated with RFID technology is also able to analyze when a freshly laid concrete surface is fitted.

 

3) Robots and Drones Are the Future of the Construction Industry

 

Some of the leading construction companies are leaning towards using 3D technology, especially where there is a need to survey the land and the building. Whilst the survey is in progress, the technology can demarcate water pipes, sewers, phone and power lines, fiber optic cables, etc.

 

Similarly, like 3D technology, a recent entrant in this space is drones which are being used for land surveys, keeping an eye on big construction sites and tracking and monitoring project progress.

 

4) Digital Sales is Expediting Direct & Better Service

 

Just like any other sector, the construction industry also has stiff competition. For this, you need to think intelligently and be one step ahead of your peers.

 

To know what your potential customers are looking for is the competitive edge. Finding out their requirements before your competitor does is essential. Digital solutions have penetrated in the domain  where customer relationship management programs embedded in mobile applications extract volumes of customer data.

 

The objective here is to analyze the raw data to draw insights and ensure you generate communication that adds value to your end customers. This will certainly ensure that your customer service is far above everyone else’s.

 

5) Continue With Your Legacy

 

For a construction business, it does not stop with the completion of a single project. As you invest in more projects, you also get the opportunity to build long term relationships with your customers.

 

With a post-sales’ mobile app, construction companies can continue to build a strong relationship with their customers.

 

Read Also: Reasons why Enterprises Need Mobile Apps 

 

To Wrap-up

 

Construction costs have been typically known to shoot up by 80% because 77% of mega projects around the globe seem to run at least 40% behind schedule. Custom designed mobile apps for the construction industry can significantly benefits this situation in a positive direction.

 

 

Therefore, real estate developers and construction businesses are now open to incorporating mobile apps into their systems as it has proven to strengthen the entire construction process.

 

It is not surprising that forward-thinking developers are joining forces with well-known app developers for customized digital solutions and mobile app development.

10 Best Parking Apps UK 2023

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

It is not always easy to find a suitable, affordable space for a car park in the UK. In fact, during busy hours, searching for a perfect parking space and navigating to the spot could be stressful. Things get quite challenging if you are driving to a new, unfamiliar region and seek help.

 

Moreover, keeping change money in your wallet is a bit of a headache, too, when it comes to paying at pay stations that don’t process cards. This is where great smartphone apps for parking in the UK become of great value.

 

These best parking apps in the UK are built to give information on car park options, real-time space availability and easy payment methods on its user-friendly interface.

 

Here we have handpicked the 10 best parking apps in the UK that stood out to our expectations:

 

NCP Parking App PayByPhone
YourParkingSpace RingGO
JustPark Parkmobile
Parkopedia ParkRight
AppyParking ParkMe

 

1) NCP Parking App

 

NCP Parking is the car park app released by National Car Parks in 2011 to help drivers locate suitable parking spaces in their nearest parking centers. Since it is developed by UK’s ace car park provider, it helps best if you are looking for paid commercial car parks with many options to choose from.

NCP Car Park Finder

The app aids in navigational directions to the nearest car park along with price and availability. An interesting feature of the NCP parking app is that it allows you to record your car’s location after parking it so that it is easy to locate and walk back to your car when you return.

 

NCP Car Park Finder - rating

 

It may not be the cheapest bet, but the app still works best for newbies looking for the nearest car park in their neighborhood without a hassle.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

Read Also: 14 Best Rideshare Apps Across the Globe

 

2) PayByPhone

 

PayByPhone literally provides smooth payment options for parking sessions using your phone and has limited but great features. It is the high-ranked parking app in the world with its service available in over 400 cities and 8 countries. Like other apps, it reads the unique code you enter for a car park to display its availability and location.

 

PayByPhone - parking apps uk

 

It has an image-recognition system to sign up and add payment cards. You can also choose to pay via Apple/Android Pay. Making Payment for parking sessions with PayByPhone is easy and smooth.

 

PayByPhone - rating - parking apps uk

 

You can even set up the stay for one minute and stretch it longer with minimum charges. Here also you have session expiry reminders in text messages and options to extend the time.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

3) YourParkingSpace

 

Available for both iOS and Android, YourParkingSpace holds 4 stars and is a pretty great car park app. While it might not be suitable for all types of car park options, the app primarily features an option to allow people to rent out their free parking spaces and private driveways.

 

Your Parking Space - parking apps uk

 

This kind of arrangement comes handy when you are running out of options with conventional car park choices with other apps. YourParkingSpace solution lets you park your car for a little longer than usually expected which is a big deal to many parkers.

 

Your Parking Space - rating - parking apps uk

 

You are allowed to extend the length of stay often in addition to your current session. The app is a great alternative to other parking spots that might be too busy or rigorous or seem like a thumb down.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

4) RingGO

 

Completely free, RingGo is another largest and high-quality mobile parking app offering its service in over 40 towns and cities all over the UK. Due to its simple and handy payment system, scores of parking providers in the country rely on RingGo app system so that drivers can pay for parking without involving hard coins.

 

RingGO - parking apps uk

 

Once you sign up with your vehicle registration and payment details, the easy-to-use RingGo needs a unique car park code for respective pay stations. Enter the code into the app to recognize the parking location.

 

RingGO - rating - parking apps uk

 

You can then use its color-coded map to confirm space availability, navigate to the car park and also make payment for the session in advance. It also features an option to extend the session or send reminders in case your session is to expire.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

 

5) JustPark

 

JustPark is a popularly used and high-rated free parking app that covers up to 1.4 million spaces across the UK. Its service includes off-street and on-street car parks, free parking zones, private spaces, and driveways.

 

JustPark - parking apps uk

 

The outstanding part about the app is that users can land their unused parking space to others on rent including their private space, garage or driveway. The marketplace kind of app also allows you to pick the time for space availability.

 

The end users can view space availability in real-time, price and associated conditions. The app integrates with other map apps installed on your smartphone for navigation purposes.

 

JustPark - rating - parking apps uk

 

Options like  the reservation for parking space are available for over 45,000 locations along with the ability to pay for the sessions using PayPal, card or Apple or GPay. You can even set session expiry reminders and extend the session swiftly.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

Read Also: Top 10 GPS Tracking Apps in 2022

 

6) Parkmobile

 

ParkMobile is a great parking app, too, except that it has a tedious registration process as experienced by other app users. Also, navigation is another part where the app seems to discourage.

 

ParkMobile

 

However, once the process is completed, things get better and you come across a good range of parking suggestions in London. You can select from on-street and off-street park spaces along with availability, space quality, and price.

 

ParkMobile - rating

 

You can easily track down to pay for car park space and initiate the timer for the parking period.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

7) Parkopedia

 

Founded in 2007, Parkopedia is one of the freemium parking apps in UK that provides superior, detailed parking service for more than 70 million parking spaces. This app is used for car parking, parking at streets and private places and is active in 89 countries including the UK.

 

Parkopedia - parking apps uk

 

The app color-codes each parking spot based on its price and available space to know the cheap deals. It lets you connect with navigation apps on your phone to enable navigation.

 

Parkopedia - rating - parking apps uk

 

You would pay £4.99 for its premium version that unlocks additional features such as compatible car parking spaces and their real-time availability, advanced parking space reservation and payment ability for the service via the app.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

8) ParkRight

 

ParkRight is a good considerable car park app for the UK dwellers with perfect-looking options. However, a limit with using the ParkRight app is that it is only available to the London area for now.

 

ParkRight

 

It is so good its availability to other UK locations can make it a hot favorite. Although its London-restricted park service could dismay you a little, people living in or driving across the capital city will find ease and comfort in its search results for on-street and off-street park spaces.

 

ParkRight - rating

 

They all indicate clear information about space availability and fees. It integrates one of the navigation apps installed on your phone and lets you pay via RingGo.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

9) AppyParking

 

Glorious with five-star ratings, AppyParking is an excellent, full-fledged free parking app in the UK market, covering all-round solutions for on-street and off-street parking.

 

AppyParking - parking apps uk

 

It is easy to save money with AppyParking as it helps you find free off-street options or cheap parking spaces with real-time availability. The app also comes with options for disabled motorcyclists and electric charging points.

 

Its slick and simple interface lets you easily access Google Streetview once you have found suitable space and picture what the car parking space exactly looks like. The app also comes handy while navigating to the precise parking spot right in the car.

 

AppyParking - rating - parking apps uk

 

You can pay for parking via card or phone at various UK-wide locations. Also, it is easy to locate your car with its walking route feature when you are leaving.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

10) ParkMe

 

Developed by INRIX known for automotive and transportation solutions, ParkMe is a fantastic parking app available in 15,000 cities. Although primarily serving the American market, the ParkMe app also covers the UK market and stands out with its unobvious well-designed, slick and easy-to-use interface.

 

ParkMe - parking apps uk

 

The app displays space availability, price, distance from your current location and a Google StreetView image as soon as you find a space.

 

ParkMe - rating - parking apps uk

 

It also allows you to mark the car location and set up a timer in case the session is to expire. Since it is more exclusive to US users, the UK version doesn’t offer yet the option to pay for parking sessions via the app.

Google PlayApp Store

 

 

 

Read Also: 10 Best Hotel Booking Apps

Conclusion

 

Even though there are several more parking apps you could try, these 10 best parking apps in the UK are the effortless way to find parking space, commercial, free or rented.

 

 

No matter how busy your day looks, you can always find betters deals for car parks using these phenomenal parking apps. hopefully, you will install and try a few of them to check out whether they suit your parking requirements.

How to Create an App Like Spotify?

Posted on by Redbytes UK SEO

The Spotify Story

 

The Spotify application was officially launched in 2008. Since then, it has become one of the leading music streaming apps boasting a 40% share of online music that is downloaded. To put things into perspective, the application garnered revenues of a staggering EUR 4.09 billion in just four short years.

 

spotify

 

If you are looking for easily accessible music streaming app to benchmark, then Spotify is the perfect example. Recent app store rating pegs it at 4.8 in iTunes and 4.6 in the Google Play Store.

 

Why you need to create an app like Spotify?

 

The Spotify music catalog incorporates more than 11 million music tracks and the number of paid subscriptions was 12.5 million.

 

Spotify operates  uniquely than any other music apps available in the market. Their primary focus is on making your music streaming experience as consistent as possible.

 

How is that possible?

 

spotify statistics

Because they store their music on  several servers. Hence, when you start streaming a specific track, the device automatically surveys through all available servers, which run into millions at a time.

 

These servers are gadgets and computers of fellow users. Spotify servers make use of their cache memory of the user’s devices to access the newest downloaded data to achieve more accuracy.

 

So, what’s the idea that led to so many music streaming apps like Spotify entering the market? Simply because entrepreneurs have been able to identify that there is a need to create an app like Spotify.

 

Therefore, if you wish to gain a strong foothold in the music then you are probably wondering what’s the best way forward to develop a Spotify clone application.

 

Read Also: 13 Best Music Player Apps 2020

 

How to Create A Music Streaming App Like Spotify?

 

With a multi-million customer base, Spotify today has reached the zenith due to its continued hard work. To reach the same level and standard, here’s what you need to do:

steps-to-create-an-app-like-spotify

 

1) Let’s Talk About the Idea

 

Start the process with a solid and groundbreaking idea; basically what you want your app to look like. Check out similar music streaming applications and examine their pros and cons.

 

Only practice, hard work and leaving no stone unturned can help you make it big in this sector. It will drive you to create an app like Spotify that is one of its kind.

 

2) What You Need to Plan and Estimate

 

While there are tons of opportunities to explore in the music app streaming industry, you still need to build your foundation with a lot of research.

 

Target users, their likes, their lifestyles are some of the insights that should be available at your fingertips. You should be able to come up with the best conclusion to hit the ground running with your MVP. Have the provision to set your app preferences according to your customer expectations.

 

3) Have the License to Create A Music Streaming App

 

You cannot proceed ahead with your plans of creating a music app like Spotify without obtaining a license to stream your audio content. The licence in Europe is handled by the European Stage Authors and Composers.

 

4) Hire Music App Developers

 

You will need to kickstart your app development project by hiring a team of developers. This is the recommended team composition:

 

A Project Manager who will supervise the development of the complete music streaming app. He or she will also act as the point of contact between the development team and you.

 

UX and UI designers will be responsible to create an app interface that is user-friendly and intuitive.

 

A team of developers who will build the program structure. They will come up with accurate and readable codings for both Android and iOs platforms.

 

QA Engineers will be required to test all aspects of your application to make sure that it is bug-free and features and functioning as per expectation.

 

5) Get Ready with The Prototype

 

Do not make the mistake of skipping this phase. You should develop an app prototype first that should be shared with your target customer base. Ensure that it is a clickable version.

 

Your prototype should mirror the actual end product that your customer is expected to receive. This is also the time when you can fix bugs and loopholes after gaining feedback from your users. It also comes at the lowest possible price.

 

6)Think About the MVP First

 

You should be prepared to finalize your MVP at this stage. Have all other parameters in place and buckle up for the real game.

 

An experienced project manager is required to lead the team and start building the application that you envisioned.

 

7) Test, Test, And Test Again

 

Another round of testing is mandatory once your application has been created. Make sure that you test the application in depth.

 

Features to Keep in Mind to Make A Music App Like Spotify

 

spotify features - create an app like spotify

 

When you create an app like Spotify, you must incorporate a list of must-have features that will ensure that the application is going to go down well with your target audience.

 

Here is a list of features for ready reference.

 

1) Registration – Your Gateway to The Application

 

Registration is the primary feature of any music streaming application. Once your users download the app from iTunes or Google Play Store, they should be able to get themselves authorized to use it.

 

The app admin receives the user information during the authorization step. This helps them to recommend personalized music depending on individual user preferences. Ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the volumes of data that you will receive post app launch.

 

What’s most important is that the interface should be kept simple and smooth. Allow your users with the option to register using their social media accounts or email id/phone numbers. Offer perks if your registered users share the app on their private social media accounts.

 

Enabling this referral option at this stage will help you to get new subscribers for your music application, plus a strong brand presence on social channels too.

 

 

2) Focus on The Music Tracks

 

Your music application should incorporate features and functions that should enable the user an easy filter or sort through the process to look for music tracks, are best suited to their tastes. You can try out a combination of different settings and variables depending on the level of user access.

 

Enable features that allow users to customize their playlist. It can depend on several factors including genres, situations, artist, moods, etc.

 

3) Easier Way to Find the Favourite Track

 

Have a search function integrated with your music streaming app. This will help your registered users to easily search for their favorite music tracks.

 

Moreover, the Search feature is important since it makes the process of navigation through the application quite easy as it is going to house millions of songs. Additionally, users can personalize their music experience using this feature too.

 

This is important as the world is moving quickly towards everything  available fast and on-demand. Getting access to their preferred tracks instantly is how the Search function fulfills this expectation.

 

4) Socialize Them Through Your App

 

Your application should drive your users to follow their favorite bands, artists, musicians. They can share their music experiences with the new friends that they make via the app. Such a unique feature is sure to catch everyone’s attention that allows people to socialize over their love for music.

 

Enable them to share their favorite tracks with friends and loved ones over social media channels too. Remember to add all relevant and popular social media icons for easy sharing when you create a music streaming app.

 

Great social media exposure will also boost your music app as more subscribers will get added to your network.

 

Read Also: 10 Best Free Music Apps 2020

 

5) Push Notifications

 

You need to inform your app users of new features, functions, tracks that are being added or updated on the application. In fact, for a music streaming app, this is quite a deciding feature as your users will want to remain updated on the latest music that is available through it.

 

Push notifications are the way to go about communicating with your user base in a seamless and non-intrusive manner.

 

6) Let Mobile Network Not Hamper Their Music Experience

 

Introduce the feature of downloading tracks on the user’s device in exchange for saving some real-time information. At the expense of occupying space on the user device, this helps them to continuously listen to their favorite tracks even if there is no internet connectivity.

 

So, whether you are riding the underground or riding inside the elevator, your music will always be playing. It is that simple a solution.

 

How much does it cost to create an app like Spotify?

 

app cost - create an app like spotify

 

You will need to take into account some key factors before you proceed. The price for app development will be a deciding element of course.

 

To help you with that, here are some rough estimations of developer costs on a per hour basis:

  • USA/ Canada: $50 to $250/hour
  • Western Europe: $30 to $170/hour
  • Eastern Europe: $25 to $150/hour
  • Australia: $50 to $150/hour
  • India: $10 to $80/hour

 

Here is a summarised budget that you will need to create a Spotify like application.

 

  • MVP model: 50 USD to 80 USD

 

Support for different platforms:

  • iOS: 80 USD to 120 USD. May be higher in some cases, depending on integrated functionalities

 

  • Android: 95 USD to 150 USD. Again, features and functions will determine the end cost.

 

Both platforms:

  • 150 USD – 190 USD.

 

And again, the price will increase or decrease in case you wish to introduce more complex functionalities and features in your Spotify app clone.

 

Now you are aware of the necessary information about the price to create a music app. Also, remember to take a look at the app development company’s project history too.

 

Read Also: Top 10 Live Streaming Apps 2020

 

Final Thoughts

 

Everyone will  agree that music is the best way that people connect all over the world. Hence, the reason why the music industry is timeless and growing at breakneck speed.

 

 

Whilst Spotify has played all their cards right and is currently occupying the top spot, let that not be a deterrent in you coming up with a music streaming application that may be equally good or even better.

 

If you have an idea and wish to take if further, choose a mobile app development company to help you in the process and become the next big unicorn in the music streaming app industry.