Ever wondered what it takes to create an OTT (Over-The-Top) app like Disney+ or Prime Video? These platforms have revolutionized the way we consume media, offering on-demand content right at our fingertips.
Building an OTT app might seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating your very own OTT app.
“The OTT market’s revenue is expected to expand at a 6.30% annual rate resulting in touching the $429.40 billion mark in 2029.“
This industry stat trend opens revenue prospects
for companies starting OTT app development for mobile apps.
Let’s first start with the introduction.
What is the Prime Video App?
Prime Video is one of the popular. It provides its services by featuring movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Amazon Originals. Having been started in the year 2006, it has expanded significantly over the years and is currently a worldwide entertainment company. Prime Video has a lot of customer base around the world today it has more than 200 million subscribers and has active customers in the USA, India, and the UK.
The detailed highlights of the app are simple and clean design along with great functionality and capability to stream content and have access to the countless program choices. Currently, with standup specials, TV shows, movies, and live sports, audiences can watch their favorite TV programs, TV series, movies, and live sports events.
What is the Disney+ Hotstar App?
Disney+ Hotstar, a global giant streaming platform of Disney and India-based Hotstar, is a key streaming service in the OTT market, especially in the Indian market.
Originally launched in India as Hotstar in 2015, now it’s called Disney+ Hotstar after Disney purchased Hotstar in 2019, the app unites Disney’s deep content catalog with Hotstar’s shows and movies by region.
Disney + Hotstar has 300 million plus active subscribers with English movies, Disney’s popular movies, Indian content, live sports, and Hotstar originals. Currently, the platform offers both worldwide content and localized content, while keeping its subscription fees reasonable, with that in mind, the platform has garnered quite a diverse audience.
Top Prime Video App Features
Here are some of the top features of the Prime Video app:
- Extensive Content Library: Amazon Prime Video brings a wide array of movies, TV shows, and original shows and movies in drama, comedy, action, and many more categories.
- 4K Ultra HD and HDR Support: The Prime Video app allows films to be watched in 4K Ultra HD and HDR which brings brightness and contrast to a whole new level.
- Offline Viewing: If you are a Prime Video member, you can download select movies and TV shows to watch without having to connect to the internet.
- X-Ray: The X-Ray extra adds additional information regarding the cast, characters, and other facts about a movie or TV show you are watching now.
- User Profiles: Another feature of Prime Video is that there can be several personalized lists, recommendations, and history within one account, which is useful when several users are sharing a single account.
- Parental Controls: For your information, the parents can add restrictions for the viewing according to the age of their children and they are also able to put the PIN for specific content that they want to make secure for their children.
- Alexa Integration: If you have a voice-controlled home device like Alexa, you can easily search for content on Prime Video and play it.
- Multi-Device Support: Prime Video is compatible with smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile and tablet operating systems which include Android and iOS, and on web browsers hence making it easier for the user to stream across different devices.
- Watch Party: Watch Party in Prime Video enables you to co-view television programs or movies and share opinions via a chat feature without the availability of a single shared screen.
- Recommendations and Watchlist: After watching a particular movie or show Prime Video gives suggestions on various shows and movies based on the user’s watching history.
Also, you shall have the opportunity to add the movies and shows you’d like to watch later to the watchlist.
These features aim to provide a convenient, personalized, and engaging streaming experience for Prime Video users.
Top Disney+ Hotstar App Features
Here are some of the top features of the Disney+ Hotstar app:
- Massive Content Library:
A streaming service that offers subscribers a large library of movies, TV shows, sports, and other exclusive content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and much more.
- Multiple Language Support:
The ability to have the content in multiple languages with the availability of subtitles and audio tracks in different languages makes it suitable for different viewers.
- 4K and HDR Streaming:
The feature supports HD, 4K UHD, and HDR streaming services for an improved video quality experience.
- Downloads for Offline Viewing:
This feature allows users to download movies and shows and watch them offline, meaning that they can keep on watching their favorite content even when they have no internet connection.
- Kid-Friendly Profiles:
Children’s profiles with a focused library of kid-friendly content and features to restrict access for young viewers.
- Watch Party:
A feature that enables users to watch shows and movies with friends and family members remotely, with the ability to sync playback and an integrated chat.
- Hotstar Specials:
Original programming is available only on Hotstar and refers to series and specials created only for Hotstar.
- Live Sports and News:
It has live streaming for top sports like cricket, football, and much more, and also has live news channels for instant news updates.
- Personalized Recommendations:
Recommendation of program and movie content according to the user’s viewing history and interests to assist the user in finding new content that fits their preferences.
- Multiple Concurrent Streams:
It allows for content streaming on multiple devices at once to enable different family members to watch their desired shows or movies.
These features make Disney+ Hotstar a comprehensive and versatile streaming platform, providing a wide range of entertainment options for all types of viewers.
How to develop an on-demand video streaming app like Disney+ Hotstar or Prime Video?
Developing a video streaming app is not a piece of cake as it requires strategic planning and execution.
Here are some practical steps for you to follow to build your streaming platform like Hotstar or Amazon Prime:
- Market Research and Planning
First, identify whom you are targeting and what market trends in the specific industry you are setting sight on.
Competitive benchmarking is another key area that involves identifying the issues accomplished well or poorly by your competitors. To find a unique angle for your app, contribute to app store listings as these tools help you find your angle.
- Define Key Features
Your app must contain features that engage the users to use it.
Important features include:
- User Profiles and Personalization: Allows multiple accounts while having a personalized content suggestion list.
- Content Library: It consists of a list of movies, and TV shows, including originals quite neatly, so that viewers can access diverse content easily.
- Search and Discovery: It consists of filters and tags that allow users to search specific content.
- Video Quality and Streaming: The streams must be available in high-definition, including high-definition (HD) and 4 K with Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) streaming.
- Download and Offline Viewing: It must allow users to download content to watch offline in different quality.
- Multi-Device Support: Make sure it responds well on a smartphone or tablet, smart TV, or other similar devices.
1. Choosing the Proper Technology Stack
For that reason, let us find out what technologies will be advisable for your app to achieve the desired performance. Key technologies include:
- Frontend: Having developed the idea and understood the target audience, you need to choose the technology stack and ensure that the created application is high-quality, fast, and easy to use; for this, you can use such technologies as React Native, Flutter, or Swift.
- Backend: Use Node. HTML, CSS for dynamic web layouts, JS, Python, or Rails for precise server-side operations.
- Database: Choose flexible platforms like MongoDB or PostgreSQL as the complex size is constantly changing.
- Streaming Protocols: For the streaming application: Use HLS or MPEG-DASH for adaptive streaming.
- Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure: opt for one of these as choices for secure cloud-based storage or computation.
2. Content Acquisition and Licensing
Secure licensing deals with content providers to build a diverse content library. Consider creating original content to attract more subscribers.
- Design and User Experience
Design a user-friendly interface that looks good and is easy to navigate on all devices. Key design elements include:
- Simple Navigation: Easy access to various content categories.
- Responsive Design: Adaptable layout for different screen sizes.
- Interactive Elements: Features like user reviews, ratings, and watchlists.
3. Development and Integration
Develop the app by integrating your chosen technologies and features. Ensure the backend can handle high traffic and large data loads. Important integrations include:
- Payment Gateways: Secure and varied payment options for subscriptions.
- Analytics Tools: Track user behavior and app performance in real time.
- Content Delivery Network (CDN): Ensure fast and reliable content delivery worldwide.
4. Testing and Quality Assurance
Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs. Make sure the app performs well under various conditions. Key testing types include:
- Functional Testing: Verify all features work as intended.
- Performance Testing: Ensure the app can handle high traffic.
- Security Testing: Protect user data with strong security measures.
5. Launch and Marketing
Plan a strategic launch with targeted marketing campaigns. Use social media, influencers, and digital ads to generate excitement. Key marketing strategies include:
- Pre-Launch Campaigns: Build anticipation with teasers and early access offers.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers and brands.
- User Engagement: Encourage user-generated content and feedback.
6. Post-Launch Support and Updates
After launching, monitor user feedback and app performance. Regularly update the app with new features and content based on user feedback. Provide excellent customer support to address any issues.
To Sum Up,
Developing an on-demand video streaming app like Disney+ Hotstar or Prime Video involves detailed planning, the right technology, and a focus on user experience. Following this guide, you can create a successful streaming platform that keeps users engaged and stands out in the market.
FAQ’s
Q1. How much does building an app like Amazon Prime or Hotstar cost?
Ans. The cost of building an OTT streaming platform app like Amazon Prime or Hotstar typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000. This depends on factors such as features, design complexity, platform compatibility, and development team’s location and expertise.
Q2. How much time does it take to build an OTT streaming platform app?
Ans. Building an OTT streaming platform app can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The timeline depends on the complexity of the app, the number of features, the development process, and the size of the development team.
