Hello Reader! As the title suggests, we are going to discuss OTT platforms. We are going to focus on how to choose the right tech stack for OTT App development and specific components of OTT App Development: Cost, Features, Timeline, and Tech.
But, before we start anything, do you know?
As of 2022, According to the Market Research Future report, the OTT market expansion CAGR is expected to be 15.80%. That’s a massive value of USD 53.03 billion in 2023 to USD 171.49 billion by 2032, representing a CAGR of 15.80%.
High-quality, entertaining OTT applications are in more demand than ever due to the explosion of streaming services and mobile devices. The emergence of over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime has completely changed how people watch television.
Let’s begin our discussion with a brief about what OTT apps are.
What are OTT Apps?
You might be aware of applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music; these are all considered OTT platforms.
OTT apps let you stream, listen to movies and series, and listen to songs and podcasts anywhere, anytime, just with an internet connection. Now, in recent times, OTT platforms are providing offline features, too!
So, these apps can be termed software services delivered over the internet, bypassing traditional television and cable providers.
We will describe how custom mobile app development services companies can help at the different stages of OTT app development in the later section. Still, for now, it’s time to see the core reason behind the popularity of OTT platforms.
Why are OTT Platforms Becoming More And More Popular?
Here are some of the critical reasons that add up to the popularity of the OTT platforms.
- Flexibility: A user gets the flexibility of watching their favorite show at their convenience – in terms of time and place!
- Cost-effectiveness: OTT platforms are the cheapest products/services globally. Take the example of Amazon; they sell Prime membership at 1499 Rs in India, which includes Amazon Shopping Benefits, Prime Video, and everything music. That’s quite a good deal from the user’s point of view.
- Diverse Content: When a user buys a subscription to any OTT – they can see a variety of content such as the latest movies, old selected movies added by platforms, documentaries, and, in some instances, TV shows.
- Freedom and Choice: Unlike TV services, OTT platforms typically do not impose cancellation fees or minimum contract lengths. Subscribers are free to subscribe or unsubscribe as per their preference, giving them independence and choice.
- Device Compatibility: OTT platforms require a login ID and password. They are not platform-specific! We have never seen an app only working on TV or only working on Mobile. Major apps like Netflix, Amazon, SonyLive, etc, work fine and are identical on all the platforms and operating systems.
These factors contribute significantly to the increasing growth and popularity of OTT platforms among audiences.
Numerous OTT services utilize algorithms to suggest content to users, taking into account their viewing history. Ultimately, this enhances the user experience. Maintains their engagement.
What is the Importance of the Right Technology Stack in OTT App Development?
Selecting the tech stack holds significance in the development of any OTT app. It plays a role in guaranteeing the success and efficiency of these applications.
The tech stack comprises a range of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools specifically tailored to meet the requirements of OTT app development. Various crucial factors emphasize the significance of making informed choices regarding technology stacks for OTT apps.
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Streaming Performance
The technological stack you chose for your OTT app development shall provide streaming performance.
Nobody likes to get disturbed via buffering of their favorite shows. So, Streaming performance is the crucial factor when it comes to the selection of the right tech stack.
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Adaptability
Because of the rapid rate of change in the world of technology, it is essential to have a technology stack that can quickly adapt to new trends and advances in the field. Because of this, the app’s continuing success will be ensured.
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Scalability:
You cannot change the tech stack once you are high on user count. That can make you out of the business. From day 1, your tech stack should be able to help you with scalability.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility
Over-the-top (OTT) applications operate on platforms that enable users to access them across different operating systems. By utilizing the technology stack, developers can ensure their product is compatible with various devices, such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
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User Experience
With the right tech stack, you can provide your users with a commendable interface, ultimately providing a rich user experience. If the user falls in love with your app interface, then you will be able to achieve high customer retention %.
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Content Management
Efficient management and content delivery are crucial for Over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The technological infrastructure needs to handle the organization of materials, processing of metadata, and distribution of information.
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Security
The tech stack that you are going to use for the OTT app development must be able to protect the platform as well as users’ data from specific cyber attacks. No compromises shall be made on that.
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Analytics and Insights
To understand user behavior and preferences, OTT apps need robust analytics tools. The technology stack should facilitate the integration of analytics services for data-driven decision-making.
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Content Delivery Network (CDN) Integration
Streaming services rely heavily on content delivery. It is crucial to select a technology stack that seamlessly integrates with Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to optimize content distribution and minimize buffering issues.
Choosing the technology stack for developing Over The Top (OTT) applications lays the groundwork for delivering notch streaming quality, ensuring robust security measures, enhancing user experiences, and catering to the unique demands of the rapidly growing OTT industry.
Moreover, it is essential to consider hiring dedicated mobile app developers as they play a role in determining the success and competitiveness of OTT platforms within the ever-expanding digital entertainment market.
What are the Different Types of OTT Apps?
OTT app development involves more than providing video streaming services. It also encompasses the creation of OTT alternatives, such as.
- Video
- Audio
- VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
- Messaging Services
The Video OTT category, within the realm of OTT service types, has become immensely popular due to its market size. As a result, it serves as a choice for firms seeking to reach an audience.
It is widely acknowledged that the growth of OTT platforms has been instrumental in helping businesses establish positions within their segments of the OTT market. Companies that invest in developing over-the-top (OTT) applications gain an edge in their efforts to capture and retain consumer attention and loyalty amidst the ever-expanding and evolving market landscape.
What are the Must-Have Features to Include in OTT App Development?
In OTT (Over-The-Top) app development, several essential features should be incorporated to ensure a compelling and competitive user experience. These must-have features include:
- User-Friendly Interface
- High-Quality Video Streaming
- User Profiles
- Live Streaming
- Multi-Platform Support
- Offline Viewing
- Social Sharing
- Notifications
- Security Measures
- Accessibility Features
- Multi-Language Support
- Content Discovery
The list of features could go on and on as per the requirements, like live streaming.
By including these essentials in OTT app development, you can create a compelling, user-focused platform that appeals to a broad audience and keeps up with the rapidly evolving streaming service market.
Step-By-Step Breakdown for OTT App Development
Here is the breakdown of the complete process of the OTT
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Start with Analyzing Your Competitors and market Trends
Researching the industry and the competition is a must before commencing OTT App Development. Growth-stage decisions will be informed by your enhanced ability to see opportunities and threats.
If you do a comprehensive market study, you will learn who the industry leaders are and how they plan to compete.
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Next, Pick Out The Specifics Of The OTT App You Want To Use.
After doing market research, the next stage is to choose the optimal kind of OTT and the most important aspects you will be targeting. If you are still undecided, combine this step with the following one.
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Find and Partner with a Reliable OTT App Development Company
This is the most essential part of the development cycle as the OTT app development company will be the responsible party for creating, developing, and deploying the app in the market.
Finding the right company has many ways, like searching, getting recommended by internal members, asking for reviews and references once you shortlist a few companies, etc.
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Select The Right Tech Stack For OTT App Development
To guarantee the best possible performance and user experience, various technologies and techniques must be used. Here are several essential technology stacks for creating over-the-top (OTT) apps:
Frontend Javascript Frameworks like Angular, React.JS Backend NodeJS, Express, Django, Flask, and Phoenix Cloud-based infrastructure Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Databases MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Cassandra, Streaming Technology Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABS) Technology Payment Gateway Integration Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay, Braintree, Amazon Pay, WePay, Melio, BlueSnap, SecurionPay Analytics and Reporting Google Analytics, Mixpanel, AppDynamics, Flurry, App Annie, AppsFlyer Content delivery network (CDN) Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, Akamai, Sucuri CDN, Azure CDN Video encoding and transcoding FFmpeg and Media Encoder. Content management system (CMS): WordPress, Contentful, Storyblok, Strapi -
Create MVP First
Once you have an OTT app development company on the board – ask them to prepare an MVP Minimum Viable Product. It is a prototype that will answer the majority of the questions to appear in the development stage.
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Follow the Agile Development Methodology
It is a technique of developing software iteratively and incrementally that emphasizes adaptation and flexibility. Working in short iterative periods called sprints and being able to react to shifting needs and input from users swiftly are both made possible by this technique.
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Testing and Deployment of OTT Platform Apps
This is the last step once the app is developed. A thorough testing is needed for your OTT app to make sure that your app is bug-free. You must ensure that your OTT app complies with all local, state, and federal regulations on user privacy and content. When you’re satisfied with the app’s overall quality, submit it to the app store or upload it to the web.
How Much Does OTT App Development Cost?
We have a simple answer, as we understand that cost is a vital factor in any application development, especially in OTT app development, where a vast amount of money is at stake.
The Cost consideration may include
- Complexity of the app
- No. of Features and Functionalities
- No. of platforms for which the app is built
- The hourly rates are to be charged by the development partner. (While you hire mobile app developers)
Between $30,000 and $60,000 might be spent on creating even the most basic ad-supported app’s features. However, the price of creating an app that allows for many user accounts, live broadcasting, and the integrated usage of social media may exceed $150,000. Additional resources may be required to run this program smoothly.
If you want your over-the-top (OTT) software not only to meet but also surpass the requirements you have specified, choosing a development firm that is both well-known and highly talented is of the utmost importance.
In Conclusion: Why is SolGuruz The Right Choice?
As a leading firm specializing in the production of top-tier video streaming apps, SolGuruz is devoted to supporting companies in the establishment of state-of-the-art applications that harness cutting-edge technology. With our help, your idea for an OTT app may become a serious competitor in a crowded field.
Our dedication to meeting and exceeding global standards allows us to provide our customers with cutting-edge IT services of the highest quality. Among the many services related to OTT app development that our skilled team of mobile app developers offers are consultancy, UI/UX design, and bespoke app creation.
If you’re ready to take the first step in making your over-the-top (OTT) app a reality, contact us now for a free consultation.
Contact Us Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Step into Creating an OTT App?
Well, the simple answer is – that it is trending, and the market forecast says that even small players will have significant earnings. You can reach the break-even point with copyrights and partnering with Movies and TV production houses, Subscription money from users, and in-app purchases.
What is the Actual Time Limit for Developing an OTT App?
Well, it depends on your business needs, the tech stack you choose, the features you add, and several other factors. But generally, 3-12 months of any value could be the total development time.
What are Some of the Biggest Challenges in OTT App Development?
Some significant obstacles in OTT app development are platform fragmentation, content distribution, user experience, security, and compliance with rules and standards.
