Do you want to build your app like “Netflix”?
Well, it does feel tempting, right? But when it comes to facing the reality, it might be improbable but not impossible!
Speaking of OTT app development, it has now become more important than ever!
Well, the facts don’t lie!
- The global OTT video market size is all set to reach beyond $476 billion by 2027.
- Americans spend more than 21 hours of content consumed per week in 2024.
- The number of OTT users is expected to reach up to 3.7bn by the next year.
Sounds surprising, doesn’t it?
Thus, it is no secret why businesses are going crazy over “OTT Mobile App Development”! Before we embark on the tips to build an OTT app, let’s discuss the meaning of OTT.
| Table Of Contents: 1. What is OTT? 2. How to Develop an On-demand OTT Mobile App like Netflix? 3. What are the Essential Tips for OTT App Development? Final Thoughts Frequently Asked Questions |
What is OTT?
To put it simply, “OTT”, also known as “Over-the-Top” refers to the content (including video and audio) over the internet which doesn’t require a cable or a service provider. Since the demand for interesting and engaging content has been on the rise, people are now glued to getting more and more OTT platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and more.
Since the aforementioned facts don’t lie, businesses understand the growing demand for OTT platforms. Thus, they are now running into OTT mobile app development to grow their business to an unprecedented scale. Thanks to the high-speed internet and growing usage of smartphones and smart TVs, businesses find it an opportunity to establish a strong market foothold.
But do you think it’s that easy?
Let’s take an example!
If you ever look at the branding of “NETFLIX”, you can easily get a feeling of a theatre-like experience which entices you to use the app and engage with its content. With its brand name, colours, and logo design, it has established itself as a top “entertainment brand”.
This amazing digital marketing strategy of Netflix allowed users to consume content and spend more time.
Now that you have understood the meaning of OTT, let’s discuss the steps to OTT mobile app development.
How to Develop an On-demand OTT Mobile App like Netflix?
Building an OTT mobile app isn’t a cakewalk! From extensive market research to post-deployment and maintenance, there’s a lot involved in the mobile app development process. Let’s discuss the steps to build an on-demand OTT mobile app like Netflix.
Step #1: OTT App Ideation and Research
One of the first and foremost steps to build an OTT mobile app is that you should consider extensive market research to understand what your customers are. Furthermore, you should identify all the merits and demerits of OTT mobile app development. Try to research and figure out what is the age limit of your target customers, their watching time, the shows they like, and more.
When you have in-depth information about your target audience, you may never go wrong with OTT mobile app development. It’s time to move on to the next step to build your dream OTT app.
Step #2: Hire an OTT App Development Partner
No matter how deep your research is, there is always room for errors. This is where the importance of professional aid comes in! If you don’t have time or enough expertise, it’s wise to hire a dedicated mobile app development agency with ample experience and must have delivered hundreds of app development projects, if not thousands.
The best thing about hiring a professional firm is that they would understand your business requirements and even provide you with a better solution that caters to your needs and budget. Whether you want to run into Android or iOS app development, choosing the right partner may let you reap countless benefits.
Step #3: Technological Stack
Once you are done hiring the best Android or iOS app development company, it’s time to ask them about the right tech stack and architecture planning. Furthermore, another major highlight of choosing the best mobile app development company is that they have the latest tools and technologies to incorporate and make your app stand out.
Step #4: OTT App UI/UX Design & Prototyping
After figuring out the technical aspects of the OTT app development, you now need to focus on the UI/UX app design and prototyping. Make sure you research well to frame a design that suits your brand. Since you have already done your research, you may now know what kind of design your audience wants. If you want to make your OTT app look appealing, don’t forget to take suggestions from your target audience.
If you don’t know how to create an appealing app design, you can hire the best UI/UX designing company that may create solid, user-friendly, and engaging app designs that not just attract but convert your audience into customers.
Step #5: OTT App Development
In the fifth step, you will need to focus on OTT mobile app development! But during the process, you should first build an MVP (Minimal Viable Product) that covers all the essential features and functionalities. Once you are done launching the MVP, you should monitor its impact, its strength, and the areas where it lacks.
After fetching the results from the MVP app development, you can start completing OTT app development to build your brand.
{Also Read: MVP Development for Startups: Process, Benefits, Cost}
Step #6: OTT App Testing, Quality Assurance, and Launch
In the final step, when you are done with OTT app development, you need to consider testing and QA to identify errors and ensure that the app is running smoothly. Furthermore, you can ask your mobile app development agency to test your app fix potential bugs (if any) and facilitate a quick and hassle-free OTT mobile app launch.
After this, it’s time to launch your app on the respective platforms, Google Play Store for Android app and App Store for iOS app.
What are the Essential Tips for OTT App Development?
Let’s take a look at the essential tips for OTT mobile app development that you may need to consider to make your app a success.
#1. Don’t overlook Monetization Strategies
When it comes to iOS or Android mobile app development for OTT platforms, you cannot overlook the importance of “Monetization Strategies”. No matter what kind of OTT app you want to build, you want to make money out of it (that’s the reason you have built the app). There are multiple monetization models to choose from, which may include “Subscription-based” or “Advertising-supported”.
In the former model, subscribers pay a regular monthly charge to access OTT content while, in the latter, users may get access to content for free but they would see multiple advertisements in between.
Furthermore, if you want to choose the best monetization strategy, always consider the revenue potential and user experience.
#2. Integration With Other Platforms
Irrespective of your app type, you should integrate your OTT app with other platforms and devices so that users can access content across multiple devices. Furthermore, you should ask your developers to build an OTT app that can seamlessly integrate with Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Not only does it help improve user experience but also it makes content easy to access, which leads to enhanced user engagement.
During your mobile app development process, always ensure the OTT app is easy to access across a multitude of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.
#3. User Experience & Interface Design
One of the major tips for OTT mobile app development is the user experience and interface design, which plays an incredibly important role in making your app a success. Remember that a responsive, user-friendly, and appealing app design is crucial to attract, engage, and retain your customers in the long run.
Let’s take an example to understand!
If your target audience includes old age people and middle-aged adults then keep the UI easy and clutter-free, infused with larger fonts and simple graphics. On the other hand, if your target audience includes adults and teens, try to keep the user interface more friendly and more appealing.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s the end of the complete OTT mobile app development in 2024! It is no secret that building an OTT app may help your business connect with a diverse and international audience. If you want to build a solid OTT app, you cannot overlook the importance of professional assistance.
Ready to build an OTT mobile app? If so, look no further than EitBiz!
We are a leading mobile app development agency that has a proven track record of building apps across different industry verticals. We have a dedicated team of 50+ OTT app designers and developers who efficiently leverage expert strategies and cutting-edge tools to not only build your OTT app but also market it and make it viral among your audience.
Are you all set to stay ahead in the competitive landscape? Contact EitBiz to build an OTT mobile app. Drop us an email at info@eitbiz.com or call us at +1(812)530-6300 today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I improve my OTT platform?
If you want to improve your OTT platform, make sure you spare some time and enhance user experience through intuitive navigation, personalized content recommendations, and high-quality streaming. Incorporate features like offline viewing, multi-device compatibility, and user-friendly search functionality. Gather feedback and analyze data of your users at regular intervals to make optimal changes in terms of the content presented and engagement strategies.
2. How is Netflix better than other OTT platforms?
With a package like that of such original content, Netflix does well in its mission: recommending shows in which you have an interest and finding things without difficulty. Advanced algorithms drive home precisely targeted recommendations for viewing, which boosts participation from users, while Netflix continues to invest in high-quality production and allows access from anywhere. So, it is little wonder why many view it as a favorite.
3. What makes Netflix different?
The key differentiators for Netflix are that it houses all the original series and films, exclusive content, and focuses on binge-watching culture. Similarly, the strength of the brand identity of this platform combined with a commitment to innovation and continuous updates in technology and content strategy distinguish it from its competition.
4. How much does OTT app development cost?
The cost of OTT app development can vary significantly based on factors like features, platform (iOS, Android, or web), design complexity, and geographic location of the development team. On average, the cost to build an OTT mobile app may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the specific requirements and functionalities desired.
