Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, and WeChat have changed the way we communicate with each other. They help us stay connected with family and friends wherever they are.
In April 2020, cloud-based mobile messaging app Telegram reported over 400 million monthly active users worldwide.
Simply put, messengers are more popular than ever. So, now is the best time for you to build your own messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram (or better)!
Follow these simple steps to create a super cool new chat app.
Step 1: Research the market and determine what problem your app will solve.
Step 2: Determine the best app business model to effectively monetize your app.
Step 3: Hire an app development team experienced in developing messaging apps. WhatsApp and Telegram.
Step 4: Build the architecture of your app.
Step 5: Build an excellent design for your messaging app.
Here are the essential features you must include in your app:
Now, the big question is how much it will cost to build an app like WhatsApp or Telegram. Well, calculating the overall cost of developing a messaging app isn't an easy task. Nevertheless, the approximate cost to develop a chat app can be around $50,000 to $60,000 per platform (Android and iOS). However, the cost can vary depending on the project needs, complexity, features, and functionality you want in your app.
If you are wondering how to create your own messaging app, here are the steps to bring your app idea into reality.
Several factors can affect the cost of developing a messaging app, including technical complexity, devices, and OS, UI, development company's location (obviously, a US-based development company will charge more than one in Eastern Europe or India), etc.
The total cost of a WhatsApp-like app for two platforms (iOS and Android) may vary from $110K to $160K.
Check out our latest article on how much it costs to build an app
One of the industries that benefit from machine learning the most is mobile application development. The use of machine learning became so widely spread that you might not even suspect that an app relies on it.
Machine learning algorithms find patterns in massive amounts of data to make data-based predictions and decisions. The more data ML processes, the better algorithms become and the more accurate predictions and decisions they make.
Today, three main types of machine learning are defined:
Industries That Can Benefit From Machine Learning Application Development
Machine learning is the solution that is gradually finding its way into various industries. Use cases are numerous and, in this part, we are going to talk about the industries and spheres where machine learning can bring the highest value.
Smart and self-driving cars have already entered our lives. Artificial intelligence enforced with machine learning algorithms are used to monitor the traffic and predict changes. The combination of these technologies allows for cars to drive without human assistance.
Machine learning is accelerating the healthcare industry. Such solutions collect and analyze patient data to diagnose and advise possible ways for treatment. Predictive healthcare is gaining traction.
The finance industry has a huge amount of data that needs to be analyzed to make predictions for future data collection, management, investment, and transactions. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are used in the industry for fraud detection and fraud prediction.
The technology can analyze data about incident reports, alerts, and more to identify potential threats and improve security analysis or even advise response.
Companies with assembly lines can use ML algorithms together with sensors and artificial intelligence to predict the need for maintenance. Thanks to their use, companies can avoid unplanned downtown and drops in production.
The eCommerce industry already benefits from this technology. Personalized product recommendations increase the average order value and revenue.
This technology can be applied in the ads industry to improve the efficiency of ad campaigns by targeting users with highly personalized ads tailored to their specific interests and needs.
Read more about Machine Learning App Development
Flutter is an open-source user interface (UI) software development kit (SDK) developed by Google. It was first released in May 2017.
Flutter helps build applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Flutter uses the Dart programming language.
Pros of Flutter
Cons of Flutter
What is React Native?
React Native is a cross-platform framework created by Facebook. Facebook released React Native in 2015 and has been maintaining it ever since. In just a couple of years, it became one of the top solutions used for mobile development.
With the help of React Native, developers can create full, native mobile apps for both iOS and Android using JavaScript.
Some apps built with React Native are Facebook, Airbnb, Walmart, Bloomberg, Instagram, and Tesla.
Pros of React Native
Cons of React Native
React Native & Flutter: Similarities
- Both are designed for cross-platform app development
- Both frameworks are backed by giant tech communities
- They are both free and open-source
- Up-to-date and detailed documentation
- Hot reloading and quick modifications
Should You Use Flutter or React Native?
Flutter vs. React Native? Which one is better for mobile apps? React Native and Flutter are the most popular technologies for cross-platform software development of mobile applications. Your final decision will depend on your experience and the goals and requirements of your project.
Read next: Flutter vs. React Native: Which is the Best Cross-Platform Open-Source Ecosystem?
Covid-19 has changed the way things used to be. Online medicine delivery apps have come to the rescue at times when people were in lockdown. Will customers go back to ordinary shopping modes? This is a good question and I think the answer is not straightforward. People love what is comfortable and easy, something that online medicine delivers apps promise and offer. So, believe it or not, Covid did more than changing people's behavior at a drastic time.
Now let us talk about money. How much does it cost to build a medicine delivery app?
The answer is it depends on several factors. Here they are:
You may consider one or several platforms. Developing an app with more than one platform, naturally costs more. The technology used is also a factor. Additional features, like multiple payment gateways or real-time analytics, add to the cost.
Today, there are development teams in different geographies. Those in the USA and Europe will cost you more but there are also high talents in Asia and Eastern Europe. For instance, a developer in the US charges between $150-$250per hour, whereas in Eastern Europe and Asia developers charge $40-$80 per hour.
The cost will also depend on the time spent on app development.
The reputation of the company is also a factor. It's a good idea to consult the portfolio of the company before you decide to hire a development team.
Learn more about How Much Does It Cost to Build an App?
How Do Medicine Delivery Apps Generate Money?
There are several models for making money with a medicine delivery app. Businesses choose one or a combination of them.
Although this is not the best option for startups, subscription plans are still used by some online apps. Lexicomp is a medical app with a great database of diseases also offering useful information about drugs and their effects. There are several different subscription plans available to choose from to find one that best fits your budget and needs.
This is a more popular approach when you charge a fee for medication but don't charge for the service. Examples are pharmacy home delivery apps PillPack and Capsule.
Businesses can promote medicine, other pharmacies, and medical services and generate revenue from advertisemen
Online medicine apps owners can promote the services of their parties by placing these companies in the recommended section or showing their medicine on the top of the page. Instead, the apps generate revenue from third-party vendors.
The front-end of a cloud-based application interacts with the cloud data storage via an application (i.e., middleware) via a web browser or through a virtual session.
If you want to develop a cloud-based app for internal purposes, market research will provide you with insights into a possible set of features and technologies that can be used for development purposes.
You will also need to choose cloud application development platforms, additional integrations and third-party services that will form the main functionality of your application.
The final stage of cloud-based application development is app testing.
Such platforms are designed to simplify the development process and offer all the necessary means for developing applications.
Taxi and delivery services, education, lifestyle, and health applications are the most on-demand platforms today, for sure. These kinds of apps bring solutions to our lives, easing and revolutionizing the way services are delivered. Several years in a row Uber is a leader in the service application market. Naturally, there is a huge demand for Uber-like solutions.
BTW: Recently Uber has made its API public, meaning you can connect to its software and extend the functionality of your current business. It is possible to start with on-demand taxi app development and offer the delivery option, especially if you are a small local retailer, restaurant, or a bar.
To support this fact, it should be pointed out that apps like Uber and Lyft completed almost 35 million more rides than standard taxis in NY in 2017. Aside from that, Statista predicts that the annual growth of the global ride-hailing service market will reach $126,521 million by 2025.
Let’s find out, Uber works and what is needed to create an Uber-like application.
5 phases of Uber work
Uber work mechanism consists of the following 5 steps:
Request step: User requests the chosen destination and getting the rides fare, depending on the service and type of Uber app.
Verification step: Here the user confirms the pickup coordinates.
Ride matching step: The application finds the nearest car, sending the order to the driver. Order can be accepted as well as to be declined. If declined, the request is sent to another driver.
Payment step: When the order is fulfilled, the user is charged automatically. The application supports Android and Apple Pay systems as well as PayPal and debit cards.
Feedback step: Leaving feedback is an important step in Uber. Users and drivers rate each other, which provides the fairest experience for both parties.
Before deciding to develop an app like Uber, one must consider the application target group. Uber always was a user-oriented application. It is user-friendly, reliable, and convenient.
The Uber-like project consists of 4 connected components. These are:
From the customers’ perspective Uber-like applications have the following features:
Simple registration and profile editing: The registration and later logging in is done either via email or any social media account. There is also the possibility of adding preferable payment methods or promo codes.
Geolocation is an essential part of Uber-like applications. GPS and routing are used to locate the user’s location and routing.
Push notifications: This feature notifies concerning the driver and vehicle information, arrival and completing time, trip status, etc.
Trip cost evaluation: Uber allows seeing the cost calculation before booking the cab.
Leaving feedback and contact: Along with the possibility to rate each other, users have also the opportunity to review drivers’ contact, send and receive text messages.
Customer support: 24/7 assistance is also available on the Uber application.
History: Users can easily access the information concerning the booking history, change payment method, the report regarding an accident, or other accidents.
From the riders’ perspective Uber-like applications have the following features:
Order alert: Notifies about new trip orders with the ability either to accept or decline.
Verification- the checking and verification of drivers’ insurance, driving license is done from the administrative panel.
Messages: Uber has an option for drivers and passengers for sending messages to each other.
Route optimization, navigation: Integrated with Google maps and Apple integration system, allows drivers to choose the best route to the pick-up location.
Revenue reports: This feature is designed for giving the data concerning drivers’ earnings on a daily and monthly basis.
Push notifications are for notifying about all the changes on pickup location as well as on request status, or route changes.
Uber-like application making technologies
Basic apps like Uber should allow users to order a trip, sending trip requests, process online payments, and locate routes using Google Maps API.
How much does an app like uber cost?
The cost of developing an Uber-like application depends on many factors, including the development team type. In the case of an in-house USA based team, the costs are:
In the case of outsourcing, prices can be lower, depending on the development team's geolocation.
Sure, this is a shortlist of features and costs of how to making an Uber-like application, however, the full list depends on the app’s complexity, development team geolocation, features included, involvement, etc.
If you have a concept of a new chat app for the mass-market or want to get messaging software for your organization, here are some facts and insights on how to create a messaging app.
20 billion business messages are sent through mobile apps each month.
Today we use apps on smartphones, and we can use the same apps on computers.
Outsourcing app development may solve the task for both cross-platform and native app developments.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Messaging App Like WhatsApp? Sill, after all, when it all started, nobody knew about WhatsApp, and it was a mobile app in the app store.
Undoubtedly, this is a high price, but with market surveys and the growing popularity of similar apps, it is worth investing in a chat app.
Most chat apps have standard functions like instant messages, photo and location sharing, audio, and video calls.
Each new feature adds popularity to the chat app and, correspondingly, increases the price.
If you are interested in the technologies of developing messaging software, check out the complete guide on how to create a messaging app.
Learn how to create a streaming service like Netflix. Explore how to start streaming service with unique features.
The creation of a streaming service doesn’t end with development.
The process comprises of 9 main steps and a number of sub-steps:
Finding a niche and USP - You shouldn’t think about how to create a streaming service like Netflix; think about how to start a streaming service with unique features instead. Only this way your solution will have any chance for success.
Creating a business plan - You can’t decide how to start a streaming service without having a strict business plan that will guide all your actions.
Content licensing - Another significant part of preparation is making the business legal Aside from legal registration, content licensing is also an inseparable part of video streaming services creation.
Finding a reliable app development company - Find app development companies on such platforms as Clutch, The Manifest, etc. Check the reviews of shortlisted companies.
Deciding on the video streaming app’s functionality - The number of features you decide to implement directly influences the complexity of mobile app development and development cost.
UX/UI design creation - Create a unique style that will make your app different from the competitive applications.
Choosing technologies - Understand which technologies go into the creation of such an application. Building a streaming service with the right technologies is required for its proper functionality.
Marketing and promotion - Marketing and promotion should become integral parts of your strategy. Without a comprehensive marketing strategy, no one will know about your application.
Feedback gathering and planning for growth - After the first version of your app is released, gather feedback from first users. This feedback will help you plan for further versions of your application.
As you can see, the creation of such an app is a complex process with a number of steps that should be followed.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, user behavior changed once and for all. Without the ability to visit fitness centers and jogging, many people started using workout apps to stay fit and healthy. The Global Fitness App Market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% during 2020-2026. In 2026, the global workout app market will be estimated at $15.96 billion.
The first step in deciding how to create a workout app is to determine which type of custom workout app you are going to build.
There are a few distinctive types of such applications that are the most popular today.
Activity tracking apps
Dieting and nutrition apps - Almost 18% of females and 10% of male US users are actively using applications to track their diet and nutrition. Depending on personal goals, users can rely on such applications to lose or gain weight.
Workout apps - A workout application is like a personal trainer inside your smartphone. For the most part, such applications allow you to get personal training sessions in real-time with the coaches you choose.
High-intensity interval training apps - offer short training workouts that last for ~10 minutes. Because of high-intensity exercises, users spend a lot of energy and burn calories over a short time.
Personal trainer or studio app - A possible set of functionalities can be very diverse, like features that allow you to choose a trainer, look up their schedules, find free time to book training sessions.
Meditation app - This type of fitness application is often called yoga and meditation apps. They provide users with different levels of exercises that help them keep peace of mind and do yoga.
As you can see, different types of applications are available. They can be created for a studio, personal trainer, innovative startups, sports company, and other fitness businesses.
The Mobile app industry is evolving harshly, affected by technology advancements as well as consumer demands, and other major factors.
How to create a messaging app from scratch - what tools and technologies are used in messaging and chat application development process.
As of May 2020, 2.52 billion people use chat apps regularly and this number keeps growing and is expected to reach 3 billion in 2022. Just imagine, 41 million messages are sent out each minute globally, stated by Statista. It makes no wonder that the messaging app market will grow rapidly.
For starters, let’s outline what functionality you should implement to develop a feasible product. These days, it is necessary to include the must-have features that would make the system work as well as apply some sort of innovation to make the app appealing to the target users.
Here we list those messaging app functions that the app cannot exist without.
Server-side of software can be coded in PHP, Ruby, Erlang, and similar. Your software development vendor should advise you of what is more suitable to use in your case. Alternatively, you can use a PostgreSQL database, Nginx web server, Nodejs, Ruby, or JavaScript for the backend development.
There is no doubt that app development is a very prospective industry for investment. With more and more users, there will be more opportunities for business growth.
With over 3.5 billion smartphone and 1.35 billion tablet users worldwide, there is no doubt why companies see mobile app development as a lucrative industry.
People use their smartphones every minute. In fact, average Americans check their phones every 12 minutes and over 10% of people check their smartphones every four minutes. They mostly spend their time on apps. According to statistics, over 90% of mobile time users spend interacting with various apps.
The median cost to develop an app ranges from $37,913 to $171,450. If we talk about complex and feature-rich applications, app development cost can reach up to $500,000 and even go beyond this number. The minimum app creation cost varies between $5.000-$10,000. However, the development of a working app with a sufficient number of features will probably cost more.
There are a lot of factors that influence how much it costs to make an app. You need to understand each of them to manage your app budget better and allocate resources wisely.
The cost to build an app highly depends on the type of application you decide to create using native or hybrid development technique. Native apps are those designed for a single platform, iOS or Android. Thus, if you decide to target both groups of users, you will need to build two separate apps, which will increase app development costs.
Hybrid applications, on the other hand, can work on multiple operating systems. In a big perspective, it means that you will spend less money on app development, as you need to build a single application.
Have you ever thought, how free apps make money on app markets? It’s a common question for users as well as for developers, as free apps are far more outnumbered the paid ones, and it’s not clear how one can make money with a free app on the marketplace.
First of all, let’s fix once and for all the common truth for 2020 – the app boom is not over and won’t in a near future according to Techcrunch.
Today people charge fees for app downloads only because they don’t get the idea: free apps can generate money. And that’s how.
A few statistics
Today an average smartphone user installs about 40 apps. In the case of millennials, this number hits 67. We interact with about 30 apps per month, opening an app over 11 times during the day.
It’s predicted to have a 25% increase in the global mobile app market by 2022! According to Statista, global mobile app revenue will hit 581.9 billion in 2020 and grow to 935, 2 billion by 2023.
Free or paid, that is the question
When a free app is released on app markets, it’s automatically got the chance to be noticed by users. It’s because 96.4% of all app downloads on Google Play are free apps. However, 25% of iOS developers and 16% of Android developers earn over $5,000 monthly with their free apps. About 24% of apps generate up to $500,000 in revenue monthly, and 1.5% of apps get over $500,000 per month.
In the case of paid apps, it’s clear that users mainly pay for mobile games: top-10 apps on Google Play with the highest revenue are downloadable free games.
So how to monetize free apps?
Top 8 free app monetization strategies you should know
There are 8 proven monetization strategies for free apps, three of which were leading in 2019 according to Statista. These are:
In-app ads are the most popular way to gather millions of dollars. There are 5 main types of free app advertising strategies.
Placing some other content inside the free application is a part of the referral marketing strategy.
Number of clicks, app installations and etc. brings commition. Referral marketing acts as CPA (cost-per-action model) and includes the following types CPM (cost-per-mille, cost-per-impression), CPC (cost-per-click), CPV (cost-per-view), CPI (cost-per-install).
Besides the in-app ads strategy, there are also four monetization strategies for free apps that can earn a pretty penny:
In-app purchases and a freemium model – giving access to the basic features of an app for free and charge for some additional functionality or bonuses.
Subscription model – This model necessitates payment for a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual app subscription. To use this strategy you must provide your users with regularly updated content, new features, and release updates to make them stay with the app.
Sponsorship model - Find a sponsor to invest in your app in exchange for the promotion of their solution or product, and you’re done! This best works, when you have a huge user base or unique app idea.
Crowdfunding model – Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, IndieGogo, GoFundMe, Patreon, etc. can be another effective channel for monetizing a free app.
Email marketing – Being the oldest among strategies, email marketing uses a user base email addresses to send emails. About 75% of Millennials communicate with businesses using email, so why it’s an effective marketing tool today for making money from apps.
App merchandise & eCommerce - Sell your own branded items within your free application make money from free apps.
Top free apps of 2020 with the highest revenue
Sensortower states that the most prosperous free apps on the market by July 2020, were
Facebook Messenger
There are 4 steps for the best free app monetization:
Step 1 – Research the market and find competitors
Step 2 – Determine your target audience and identify
Step 3 – Create a unique app idea
Step 4 – Decide on the app monetization strategy
There are plenty of technical tools that can help you to make money with free apps from a technical point of view. The best ones are:
Google AdMob – integrated with Google Analytics, it helps to research the target audience, improve ad strategies, increase the click-through rate.
Facebook Audience Network - Ad placements inside applications with more exact targeting for better revenue.
Amazon Mobile Ad Network - In-app display advertising solution to monetize mobile apps across platforms.
Having over 2 billion users today, WhatsApps holds unlimited opportunities for in-app ads, gathering millions from advertising.
Another example of successful in-ads strategy implementation is Facebook that gets millions of dollars from its apps by utilizing in-app ads. Ads generate 98,5% of revenue for Facebook.
Whether choosing one model or combine several for the best monetization of your free application, first focus on providing value for your users and help to solve their problems.
In the modern world where it’s necessary to adapt to rapid changes, many companies decide to outsource key business processes. In 2018, the global market for outsourcing was estimated at $85.6 billion with the perspective of stable future growth.
There are a lot of reasons why businesses choose to outsource mobile app development instead of building their own development teams:
10. Security - Professional companies have protocols ensuring that your new application will work within local legislation and data protection rules.
The process to create a medicine delivery app consists of different stages. You need to find a unique selling proposition, identify competitors, find a reliable software development vendor, launch and market your application.
Read more about How to Start with Medicine Delivery App Development