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Just imagine a world where you don’t have to deal with the cable guy, those long lists of channels, or fighting over the key. In a world where you have a pocket-sized access to limitless entertainment, ready to fulfill your need for binge-worthy series, the newest documentaries. My buddy, this is the magic of VOD app development.
Video-on-demand has changed the game in the digital age, where traditional TV is slowly losing its hold. With a CAGR of 13.0%, the $146.6 billion worldwide Video on Demand Market size is predicted to rise from 2023 to 2028.
This has made VOD the talk of the town, and businesspeople are starting to want to invest in it. If you also want to make a Video-on-Demand app, make sure you read this blog post all the way through.
Get ready to dive in; it only takes a few easy steps to make your own VOD app.
Let’s start now!
What is a Video On Demand App?
A platform or service that provides video material is called Video-On-Demand (VOD). This approach of appreciating people’s preferred video-streaming material is really common nowadays.
It lets consumers see films anywhere they are and whenever they choose. All it takes is clicking a link or button.
You could choose to feature video streaming on your present VOD on demand app development. Alternatively you might choose to publish your own video with VOD app development.
Whatever it is, a professional video streaming platform will have the correct technologies and capabilities needed. You also need a video monetizing system fit for your requirements.
How Does Video-On-Demand App Work?
Video-on-Demand (VOD) apps have changed the way we watch videos. Unlike traditional TV with its set schedule, VOD apps offer flexibility and control which lets users watch what they want, whenever they want. So, here’s the step-by-step working mechanism of a VOD app explained by an entertainment app development company.
1. Download and Install
Search for the VOD app you want to use on your app store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) and download it.
2. Sign Up or Login
Most VOD apps require you to create an account or log in with an existing one. This usually involves providing your email address and creating a password.
3. Browse Content
Explore the app’s interface to browse the video library. You can search for specific titles, browse by genre or category, or check out recommendations based on your viewing history.
4. Select and Play
Once you find a video you want to watch, simply tap on it. The app like Hurawatch will start streaming the video, and you can use the playback controls to pause, rewind, or fast-forward as needed.
5. Enjoy and Control Playback
Use the on-screen controls to pause, rewind, fast-forward, adjust volume, and enable subtitles (if available). You can also resume watching from where you left off if the app supports that feature.
Future Predictions and Projections of VOD
- By 2024, the global video-on-demand business is expected to bring in $182.40 billion.
- With an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2027) of 8.27%, it should display a predicted market volume of $231.50bn by 2027.
- With projected income of $80,300m in 2024, the United States is likely to create globally the largest revenue.
- By 2027 the Video-on-Demand industry is expected to have 3.4 billion consumers.
- Expected to reach 38.3% in 2024 and rising to 43.2% by 2027 is user penetration rate.
Why Must You Develop a Video-On-Demand App?
There’s a lot of financial potential in the VOD, though. Like many nations in the United States, places under ongoing development are increasingly adopting the internet and smartphones for watching movies. Thus, investing in custom VOD app development is wise given the fast expansion of this sector of the business.
1. Booming Market
With a CAGR of 10.66% during the projection period, the anticipated $115.55 billion in the Video-on- Demand Market size is predicted to rise to $201.74 billion by 2029. This points to a sizable and expanding viewership for an app like Netflix offerings.
2. Shifting User Behavior
Rising VOD subscriptions follow from the growing use of smart TVs and cellphones. Consumers are choosing on-demand entertainment, hence VOD applications are a relevant and sought-after option. According to recent studies, just 34% of American consumers are content with their present cable TV subscriptions; 77% of them are delighted with the freedom and choice given by VOD app development services.
3. Fierce Competition
The market is competitive even if it seems to be promising. On the other hand, social media app development includes premium content and a distinctive selling proposition (USP) may carve out a niche and build a devoted following.
4. Diverse Business Models
VOD app development services provide financial freedom as well. Subscription models, pay-per-view choices, or a mix of both let you maximize income possibilities and accommodate various user tastes.
5. Long-Term ROI
Although a successful video on demand app development demands an initial outlay, a well-designed app may yield significant profits over time given the VOD market’s explosive rise.
“Our team partnered with Dev Technosys VOD app development solution, and their expertise truly exceeded our expectations. The polished, user-friendly app they developed showcases their proficiency in Video-On-Demand app development and UX design. As a result, our app is rapidly becoming the platform of choice for our community, with user engagement intensifying significantly. We highly recommend Dev Technosys for future projects.” – Sebastian (Canada).
7 Major Steps of VOD App Development
“How can I make a VOD application?” This is one of the queries for which people look for answers all the time. It takes careful strategy, execution, and constant innovation for a successful on demand VOD application development. The main steps to develop a VOD app are broken down by a live streaming app development company.
1. Define Audience and Niche
Firstly, you should build your app using solid research and not guesswork. You must thus be aware of people’ actual requirements, viewpoints, and expectations. Also plan appropriately for user interviews or conversations to identify early difficulties for VOD app development.
With the help of a video streaming app development services provider, think about the possible fields: sports and news, video games and cartoons, personal stuff, academic material, live tours, meetings, conferences, etc. In addition, early comments will help you to clearly see things. You can also lock the first set of devoted beta users.
2. Determine Monetization Strategies
Having a VOD serves ultimately to monetize it and generate income. Three most common approaches of making money via VOD app development Android and iOS are:
- Paid applications charging consumers upon app downloads.
- Premium applications with restricted functionality yet free app offer.
- Other premium features are available just upon payment.
- Commercials running on an app for the advertising cost.
3. Study the Requirements of VOD App
You should make sure that the VOD app has certain qualities which are mentioned below:
i. Internet connectivity
Internet speed affects the on-demand content download capability of the platform. Two Mbps for streaming standard-definition movies would be minimum criteria. For YouTube app streaming services, think of internet speed higher than 2Mbps.
ii. Computing architecture and cloud hosting
Since cloud services give simple access to video content, they are the greatest place to save video material. You can imagine then a platform that scales from the beginning directly. This would stop complicated data movement in the last phases.
iii. Network
Though they would not grow rapidly, video streaming websites would scale out finally. Apply a content distribution network into vod services. Using the CDN, a live-streaming software is another scalable technique for handling a lot of web traffic.
4. Select a Trusted Platform
Now you have to select the suitable platform for VOD content, hosting, and storage. You can take help from a reputable mobile app development company. Cost should not drive compromise with quality.
Paying a little extra sometimes guarantees traffic increase if you create a video streaming website and can provide outstanding performance. Think about working with a VOD app development company with excellent video streaming capabilities and extensive industry knowledge.
5. Design User Interface
Apart from selecting a suitable video on demand streaming, you have to design amazing UI/UX for VOD app development. This equation depends much on technology. Your app should have fantastic design and a great user experience in this very competitive sector.
To create a VOD application, you should thus make investments in pleasing UI/UX design. It is vital to know that instead of a confused interface, choose a simple one.
6. Build & Test the MVP
Though your head can be whirling with hundreds of VOD app development ideas, testing using an MVP app development shows to be more successful. MVP is a light-weight variation of the original program with all required capabilities. This is a basic instrument that would enable you to receive user comments with simplicity. You may therefore quickly design an MVP app with the aid of a mobile app developer.
7. Final Launch
At last it is time to release your VOD app onto the app stores. But before you do that, you should make sure you’ve done everything on your pre-launch schedule. It will enable you to decide you are ready to release your app and that there are no errors.
You should keep an eye on how often your app is used, what time users log in at, and what comments people have about it when it opens. This will enable you to spot strategies for enhancing your VOD software development and rendering it much more flawless.
Must-have Features of VOD App Development
When you start a business to make a VOD app, there are a few things you should look at to see how your users like to watch videos. This will help you figure out what features to add so you can make the best vod streaming app and get the best return on investment.
1. User Panel
| Feature | Description |
| Browse Content | It has the ability to explore the VOD library through various categories, genres, and search functionality. |
| Content Details | Users can get detailed information about each video. For example, cast, crew, ratings, reviews, and similar content suggestions. |
| Playback Controls | With VOD video streaming app development, users can play, pause, rewind, fast-forward, adjust volume, subtitles/closed captions options, and full-screen mode. |
| Watch History | They can keep track of previously watched videos for easy access and to resume watching later. |
| Continue Watching | It shows a list of partially watched videos for users to quickly pick up where they left off. |
| Create Watchlist | When you start VOD app development, it allows users to add movies and shows they’re interested in watching to a personal list for later. |
| Manage Profiles | You can create and manage different user profiles for personalized recommendations and watchlists within the same account. |
| Parental Controls | This app has the option to restrict access to certain content based on age ratings and set PIN protection. |
| Video Quality Selection | With entertainment app development, you can choose the desired video quality based on internet bandwidth (e.g., SD, HD, 4K) |
| Download for Offline Viewing | Users can download specific content for watching without an internet connection. |
| Chromecast/AirPlay Support | It has the ability to cast content from the app to a bigger screen (TV) using Chromecast or AirPlay. |
2. Admin Panel
| Feature | Description |
| User Management | You can add, edit, and delete user accounts anytime. |
| Membership & Subscription Management | In VOD app development, you can create different membership tiers and manage subscriptions. |
| Ad & Promotion Management | You can create, schedule, and track the performance of ads & promotions. |
| Loyalty Plan Management | With loyalty plan management features, you can set up and manage loyalty programs to reward users. |
| Content Management | Edit video titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and delete unwanted content. |
| Real-Time Analytics | With real-time analytics, gain insights into user behavior, content performance, and other data. |
| Payment Gateway Integration | You must integrate secure payment gateways for user transactions. |
| Recommendation Algorithm | You can personalize content recommendations for users based on their watch history and preferences. |
| Role-Based Dashboards | As an Admin, create different dashboards with specific functionalities for different user roles. |
Best 5 VOD Applications in the Market
The Video-on-demand market is much bigger than we thought. There is a huge market potential. As of 2024, about 84% of people in the US will be watching online videos, and 236 million people will have caught up to online content. There will definitely be competition since there is so much room for growth. In the VOD market right now, you have to deal with competition from the best video streaming apps.
| Best VOD Applications | Available Platform | USP | Downloads | Ratings |
| Muvi Cinemas | Android | iOS | Largest library of original content | 500K+ | 4.1 |
| Hulu | Android | iOS | Extensive library of TV shows and next-day airings | 50M+ | 3.7 |
| HBO Max | Android | iOS | Home to popular HBO shows and DC Comics content | 100M+ | 3.7 |
| Disney+ | Android | iOS | Largest library of Disney and Pixar content | 500M+ | 4.0 |
| Amazon Prime Video | Android | iOS | Free with Amazon Prime membership | 500M+ | 3.9 |
VOD vs. OTT: A Comparison Table
If you are new to this industry, you must be wondering what’s the actual difference between the two. Basically, VOD provides pre-recorded content while OTT offers live and pre-recorded. Let’s now have a look at the comparison table below showcasing OTT vs. VOD given by a podcast app development company.
| Feature | VOD (Video on Demand) | OTT (Over-the-Top) |
| Focus | Content consumption model | Delivery method for media services |
| Content Type | Primarily pre-recorded videos | Can include live and pre-recorded content |
| Delivery Method | Internet, cable, satellite | Primarily internet |
| Examples | Max, Hulu (VOD library), iTunes (movie rentals), YouTube (pre-recorded videos) | Netflix, Hulu (live TV), Sling TV, YouTube (live streams) |
How Much Does It Cost To Develop A VOD Application?
A VOD app development solution’s budget can be highly fluctuating, based on aspects like the vod app developers’ location, extent of expertise, and the amount and level of detail in the app’s features.
Most basic video streaming app development costs between $10,000 and $15,000. The exact cost will rely on your needs. Adding advanced functions like multi-language support, multi-screen, intricate UI/UX design, and other factors will cost up to $25,000.
This is because availing a vod streaming app development services needs a lot of backend infrastructure and support for continuous data streaming to give users the best experience. Let’s look at the below table:
| App Complexity | Cost Estimation |
| Simple VOD App | $10000-$15000 |
| Medium VOD App | $15000-$20000 |
| Complex VOD App | $25000 |
To know the exact cost to make a VOD app, you must consult with a mobile application development company. They will provide you a detailed estimation of the VOD app development.
How To Monetize A Video-On-Demand Application?
Most business owners are always on the lookout for novel ways to generate money, even before they learn to create a mobile app. Of course, everyone puts in their own money to make the VOD app development profitable. Entrepreneurs use three ways to make money on a large scale. Most of the time, two or three revenue models are used together to be safe and keep profits in check. So, let’s have a look:
1. Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)
Users of this most often used model pay a regular fee—monthly, annual—for unrestricted access to a library of materials. Consider Disney+, Hulu, or a Netflix app. For platforms with a sizable collection of premium material customers would want to review, this strategy performs effectively.
2. Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD)
Though viewers are offered ads before, during, or after the film, this approach provides free access to materials. The site makes money from businesses purchasing ad space. For platforms unable of a sizable content collection or for reaching a sizable audience, this is a suitable choice and fits well with shorter materials. One good illustration is the free YouTube edition.
3. Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD)
Users pay a cost to rent or purchase specific recordings or events here. For premium stuff like live athletic events, concerts, or current movie releases, this may be a decent choice. Think Apple or an app like HBO Max (for movie rentals).
4. Hybrid Model
Both of these types are used on many devices. A hybrid app development platform may include, for instance, a free tier with advertisements, a premium tier with a membership for ad-free watching and exclusive content, and also let you buy or rent certain movies.
Let’s Build A VOD Application Within Your Budget!
Now that this blog post is over, we can say with certainty that VOD app development is a fantastic and profitable business idea.
What business owners can do to make the most of on-demand video content is actually give users easy access to a huge selection of entertainment options and also make money in a variety of ways.
Thus, grab the chance and begin your fascinating trip to create a VOD app. Consult the best OTT app development company who is suited for your audience’s demands and corporate objectives to create next-generation VOD solutions with AI capacity.
Therefore, if you already have a concept for a VOD app development, set up a free demo to start you on the road toward video-on-demand success!
FAQs
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Create A VOD App?
The time to make a VOD application depends on the factors and complexity of your project. Let’s say, you want a simple VOD app development solution, it can take 2-3 months. But if you go for a complex VOD app, then the development time will increase up to 8 months or more.
Q2. How Much Does VOD App Development Cost?
The cost to build a video streaming app or VOD lies between $10000–$25000. The cost to build a vod app can vary on the basis of your project requirement. For example:
- Simple VOD app – $10000-$15000
- Medium VOD app – $15000-$20000
- Complex VOD app – $25000+
Q3. How To Make Money From Your VOD Platform?
You can earn revenue from VOD platform development by using the monetization methods:
- In-app purchase
- Advertisement model
- Subscription model
- Sponsorship model
Q4. What Are the Types of VOD Apps?
There are majorly three types of VOD apps:
- Subscription VOD
- Transactional VOD
- Ad-supported VOD
Q5. What Are the Benefits of Custom OTT App Development Solutions?
You can get many advantages of custom OTT app development solutions from the best OTT app development company like Dev Technosys:
- Interaction
- Easy Availability
- Data Openness
- Sturdy CMS video player for all devices
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