Today’s users are increasingly moving away from traditional TV viewing. Nowadays, the market demands, first and foremost, require platforms that give freedom of choice. Via such solutions, the audience can pick something maximally suitable based on individual preferences and tastes, as well as the current mood. A brilliant illustration of such a product is Netflix, which offers its users a great diversity of content to watch.
Online streaming platforms are viral and demanded, no surprise that a lot of business owners became aware of how to start a streaming service. So if we combine a unique and competitive concept with a flawless design and relevant functionality, the startup will rapidly progress to a large-scale and profitable company.
Let’s dive deeper into the online streaming solutions’ development, essential steps to take, calculation of approximate costs, and consideration of the most successful existing platforms.
Online Streaming Operational Principle Using Netflix as An Example
This popular service refers to the SVOD platform (subsection video on-demand). The range of shows it offers is uncountable- every user will be able to pick something suitable. Furthermore, Netflix keeps updating the list of available content. This globally-used platform supports several OSs (operating systems). The free trial is also available for three months to get acquainted with the service. After its finish, the platform processes automated subscription renewal each month, which is highly convenient for users.
How to Develop a Streaming Platform: Integral Steps to Take
Let’s outline the stages for the streaming service architecture:
- Building the right plan
- Identify your requirements
- Select the appropriate set of technical tools
- Implement the Minimum Viable Product functionality
- Launch the platform and keep updating its features
Successful Roadmap for the Software Architecture
Below we will consider the proper plan creation to architect an on-demand streaming platform.
Defining the service type
You should come up with a future online streaming service concept. Think over what content you would like to place and for which audience. Aiming at the client base expanse, your solution may contain mixed content to satisfy the interests of all audience groups. Also, consider spreading your answer to multiple platforms, including web and mobile app development services.
Determining the content to deliver
Based on your target audience, you should fill the platform with relevant films, shows, series, and other types of content. In addition, the list of cinematic products should be frequently updated.
Complying with guidelines
To add the content without facing issues with regulations, it’s significant to receive a license for it. For this, you may reach the content vendor first-hand or connect with a copyright vendor.
Interface designing
A custom design building is a more successful choice rather than applying the existing templates. The interface will be much more original, outstanding, and eye-pleasing. Yet, when creating it from scratch, the key point is to select a stylish color palette as well as fonts.
Operating Systems supporting
When going for native app development, your audience will be limited to the selected platform’s users. Websites, on the contrary, can be accessed via the browser regardless of the OS.
Advancing the platform
To engage the first clients and establish credibility, you should promote your solution via various social networks, like Instagram, YouTube, or even mailing lists.
Monetizing
Traditionally, paid subscriptions are used to monetize streaming services. It is also worth introducing a free trial period to allow the audience to get acquainted with the product.
The Tech Solution Set for a Streaming Platform
Each OS requires the usage of specific programming languages. For iOS, they are Swift and Objective-C, and when it comes to Android, developers apply Kotlin and Java. In case you are interested in web platform architecture, the relevant tech tools are NodeJS and C#.
Minimum Viable Product for Streaming: Estimating Costs
Let’s first single out MVP features to include in your platform, as they impact both website and app development cost:
- Registration
- Profile
- Payment gateway integration
- Search witha filtering system
- Settings
- Adaptive notifications
- Admin panel
After launching the streaming platform with essential functionality, you should expand it with advanced features to enhance user satisfaction:
- Rating and feedback
- Online content
- Personal suggestions
- Content download
The cost to architect a streaming solution should be calculated primarily by considering your team’s hourly rate and functionality. The formula is easy: you should multiply the number of hours spent building the chosen features and multiply it by the cost of services of your software development vendor. In the case of a Netflix-like platform, the total time is equal to 1432 hours.
Requirements for a Flawless Streaming Platform
When creating a streaming service, you essentially should consider the following aspects:
- Solid security system (SSL encryption, location restrain, token security, etc.)
- High bandwidth (decreasing the possibility of performance delays)
- Protocol for online content (depending on the project, you should choose the one for streaming)
Vital Tips for Streaming Service Creation
Making a product highly competitive is a complex task. We’ve assembled some key hits to follow to become a significant market player in the shortest time possible:
- Analyze the client’s demands and wishes precisely
- Big Data insights may be useful for delivering personal recommendations
- The more OSs your streaming service will support, the bigger audience it will have
- Comply with guidelines and regulations for the content sharing
Final Estimate for Streaming Platform Architecting
The following images represent the rough estimate of the streaming service development cost. Please remember that each project should be considered separately, so the price may vary substantially.
Please note that it’s significant to select an experienced software development partner. A team of experienced specialists is the primary point to the streaming service’s success.
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