In 2023, mobile will be king. Today our smartphones are much more like computers. People increasingly rely on them for everything they do, including entertainment. We watch more videos on their mobile devices than ever.
An estimated 2.72 billion people will watch live or on-demand video on their mobile devices. This trend is so strong that mobile data usage is forecast to quadruple by 2024 to meet the increasing demand for high definition mobile video streaming.
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With this ever-increasing mobile shift, businesses and professional broadcasters need to make their live video content fully available to viewers on mobile devices. After all, viewers have to be kept happy if we’re going to keep them. One of the best ways to do this is to create a live streaming app.
In this article, we will explain the main components to creating your own live streaming app. We’ll start with the basics of building one. It contains the most important information you need to know and take into account. We’ll also talk about the ever-growing mobile streaming industry before comparing apps for sending and watching mobile video content.
Let’s not forget the technical details. We cover the power of HTML5 video players and mobile app setup via APIs and SDKs from professional video streaming platforms. In addition, we will also tell you how Dacast’s experienced technicians can help you get up and running in no time.
Table of contents:
- What is a live streaming app?
- Why is mobile streaming important?
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- The basics of live streaming app development
- What is a video streaming API?
- What is a live streaming SDK?
- What is an HTML5 video player?
- How to create a live streaming app in 9 steps
- Get inspiration from other apps
- Types of live streaming apps
- What to do after launching a live streaming app
- Conclusion
What is a live streaming app?
Mobile live streaming has a double meaning. It could refer to streaming video from a mobile device or accessing online video content on a mobile device. It’s important to acknowledge that this post is about viewers accessing and streaming content from their iPhones and Android devices.
Many broadcasters use mobile streaming apps to house their streaming services , like Netflix or Hulu.
Building a custom mobile app allows broadcasters and content creators to design exactly the type of user experience they want. Modern mobile live streaming apps vary greatly in style and functionality. Some are simple platforms, while others offer access to a whole library of on-demand and live-streamed content.
Mobile apps are ideal for broadcasters looking to monetize their video content. For example, building a scalable mobile app has the potential to significantly increase your subscriber base.
As you might expect, creating your own live streaming app requires some resources. These investments may be significant at first, but they can help expand the potential of your streaming business.
Creating a live streaming app can be great for TV channels, sports, news, and other outlets that Having this works great for a large collection of content and live events to share with your audience.
Why is mobile streaming important?
Before we dive into creating a streaming app, let’s take a look at some mobile streaming stats to give you a better idea of the importance of mobile Live streaming is.
These numbers show that the growing trend towards mobile television
- By 2023, three quarters of all mobile traffic will be video. Mobile video is pushing data boundaries and helping to power new technologies like 5G.
- Fans are increasingly watching sports on phones and mobile devices. More than 30% of fans are now streaming sports on their phones or tablets.
- 80% of sports fans use a “multi-screen” approach while watching sports, checking stats or chatting with friends while watching.
- According to David Jurenka, Sr the NFL vice president of digital media, “Fans don’t differentiate between TV, tablet or phone.”
Creating a live streaming app is a great way to keep your viewers engaged on their screen Making an impression on mobile devices.
The basics of developing live streaming apps
When it comes to developing live streaming apps, there are several different approaches that that a broadcaster can track. Developers can get as creative as they like, but all live streaming apps require a common technology.
Before you create a live streaming app with Dacast or any other online video host, is It’s important to identify and understand these three key technical aspects of the mobile broadcasting game.
To give you a better foundation for creating live streaming apps, let’s consider video streaming API, live streaming SDK and HTML5 video player discuss.
What is a video streaming API?
The term API is the Abbreviation for Application Programming Interface. API is a simplified, standardized programming language that allows a developer to easily interact with a specific software or application.
In other words, API is like a set of detailed instructions for developers. These make it easy to create a mobile app that interacts with an online video platform like Dacast. Your developers can use the commands provided in the API to create a mobile app that connects to the streaming platform.
When it comes to professional broadcasting, there are two types of APIs to consider: Player and Video.
The Video API helps you access your video content management system (CMS). Customize the backend broadcast experience and access additional features. The Player API is used to customize the video player.
If you are building a live streaming app, you must use the Player API as it allows your developers to create a player that seamlessly works with customized mobile apps.
According to Streaming Media, “The video workflow and distribution environments are incredibly complex and the road to building a world-class system or just gaining finer-grained control over tasks—especially when delivering video at scale— via API.”
Most companies are migrating to API-based workflows for online video. According to our internal analysis, the number of viewers watching Dacast live streams and on-demand videos on mobile devices increased from 9% in 2016 to 39% in 2017. This corresponds to a fivefold increase. This increase was highest for broadcasters using Dacast APIs, and the number is still growing today.
What is a live streaming SDK?
The key element in creating a mobile app is a live streaming SDK.
SDK stands for Software Development Kit. NordicAPIs defines an SDK as “a set of tools, helper libraries, relevant documentation, code examples, processes and/or guides that enable developers to create software applications on a specific platform.”
In other words: a Live Streaming SDK is a kind of technology that allows developers to easily create actual working samples. To put it in perspective, the Video Casting API is like a set of instructions, and the Video Streaming SDK is more of a toolkit for you to implement those instructions.
Dacast offers both iOS and also Android SDKs to build at Easy Live Video Streaming App Development for Broadcasters and Developers. These live streaming SDKs make it possible to build, test, submit to the app stores and publish a mobile video application in just a month.
With the support of these toolkits, you can also integrate all of the great features of the Dacast platform, including:
- Monetization of Videos
- Analytics
- Security Options
The Dacast code is imported directly into Xcode or Android Studio, allowing a developer to get started right away. Comprehensive documentation makes it easy to use these SDKs as effectively as possible.
We would also like to point out that in the past m3u8 links have been used for building mobile streaming apps. However, SDKs have since replaced this technology.
What is an HTML5 video player?
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There was a time when Adobe Flash Player was good enough to stream almost the entire web. However, things have changed. This player is no longer powerful enough for modern devices, nor does it work with mobile devices.
To keep up with the explosive use of mobile devices, Apple has developed a protocol called HLS. This allows viewers to watch video content on an HTML5 video player for all devices. HTML5 has revolutionized the video landscape. It’s now the new king on the block.
The HTML5 video player works universally. It is compatible with all mobile devices. And it’s the best video player to build your mobile streaming app on.
How to create a live streaming app in 9 steps
Here is a short step-by-step guide to create a live streaming app:
1. Create a team
Video app development is pretty easy, but it requires technical know-how that you can’t acquire by watching some YouTube videos or creating a test project . You need backend and frontend developers, business strategists, marketing experts, UI experts and graphic designers.
From a financial and time perspective, it’s better to build the app only once with the right team from the start , instead of trying several cheaper developers who do a subpar job.
Developing modern video apps is highly competitive. To make your app stand out, you need a team of experts to create a live streaming app for Android or iOS.
2. Choose an online video host
To create a live streaming app, you need to invest in online video hosting. All your video content will live on this platform and you can easily embed the video players in your app.
The platform you choose depends on your unique streaming needs. Here are some things to look for in a video hosting provider:
- Storage: Find out how much storage space you need to offer your users, before you start streaming Android video App Development. The storage may depend on the purpose and functions of your app. For example, if you develop an app that offers extensive categorization and offline downloads, you will need more storage space than an app that only supports backing up a limited number of streams.
- Security: You must offer exceptional security features so that your users can trust your platform. Features to work on when developing a video streaming platform include password protection, secure paywalls, dynamic token security, HTTPS and SSL encryption.
- Features: If you want to build a live streaming app, features like API, SDKs, and an HTML5 video player are non-negotiable.
- Additional Features: Look for additional feature offerings based on your streaming goals. If you’re looking to generate revenue from your video content, you should look into monetization support.
- Budget: Your budget should also be a consideration. Check out different pricing plans and see what you can afford. Consider your desired return on investment (ROI) when setting your budget.
3. Choose your content delivery network
One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to create a live streaming app, you also need to choose a CDN, which is scalable (and why shouldn’t it?).
Choosing the right CDN and negotiating the best rates should be very strategic. Luckily, if you choose a platform like Dacast, you can take advantage of our CDN relationships and the affordable pricing we’ve been able to secure.
To see how Dacast compares to the top platforms on performs in the market, check out our video hosting platform comparison. If you decide to use Dacast, you will need to sign up for an account. Premium accounts and above have access to the Dacast Video API.
4. Download SDK for iOS or Android
Once you’ve chosen your online video hosting platform, download the live streaming SDK provided by your platform. If you’re using Dacast, this is pretty easy. All our API and SDK code is documented in an easy to navigate player documentation page.
At this point you need to figure out whether you are developing an app for iOS or Android. You can create both, but focus on one at a time. We recommend starting with the operating system most commonly used by your target audience.
5. Load SDK into mobile development software
You need a mobile development environment like Android Studio for Android or Xcode which is popular for iOS.
Remember that while you still have You cannot develop a native iOS app with Android Studio, but there are still ways to develop a hybrid app that runs on both iOS and Android devices. Similarly, you can use Xcode to develop apps for Android, but you need a $99/year Apple developer account to publish these apps to Apple’s App Store. With that in mind, you need to choose an app that offers support for your specific development and streaming needs.
Once you’ve decided on one, upload your SDK to that platform.
6.Start developing live streaming apps
Use the provided API code and live streaming SDK tools to develop your mobile app. At this point, you will customize your app to best represent your brand and create the best viewer experience.
This is also where you think about what features you want to include. Here are some general features to consider:
- Login: Consider allowing users to connect through social media accounts, email signing up mail accounts or Apple ID, etc.
- Personal Profile: For example, will you encourage real pictures, bios, or the ability to have followers?
- Chat: Comments and chat boxes are ways to promote the community in your app
- Search function: A search function makes it easier to find videos. Also, consider using hashtags.
- Notifications: What kind of notifications do you want your users to be aware of and how do you want the notifications to look like? How? Some examples of common notifications include reminders, notifications, and other timely information.
- Streaming Schedule: Can vary depending on the type of live streaming app you choose to use this is an incredibly helpful feature to help your live streams get more viewers
- Donate: Will you give streamers on your platform the opportunity to raise funds for their hard work ?
This is where the support of an experienced developer comes into play. Hiring a professional will help bring your vision to life. A small bug can affect the functionality of your app, so assistance from someone with technical know-how is important.
When reviewing developers, make sure you also prioritize security skills. Building a live streaming app is exciting and apps are usually built first, prioritizing functionality, but nowadays security becomes even more important. Even more so when you want a live streaming app that you can monetize (who doesn’t want that?).
As there are many alternatives to live streaming apps today, users are forgiving platforms , where violations occur, less . The damaging effects on your reputation can be irreversible. This is exactly what happened to Sony during the infamous 2014 Sony cyber attack that tarnished its reputation in Hollywood.
7. Working on UI/UX
A bad UI is one of the things that will cost you customers. Before you create a streaming app, conduct a competitive analysis and identify the features of existing apps that your ideal users praise.
Then, take inspiration from them and build even better features into your streaming app. Also, remember to work on both the UI and UX, as apps with a UI don’t always have a good UX.
So develop your video streaming platform to include a Provide a smooth experience from the user’s first login to the app to their last interaction, in addition to designing an attractive user interface.
8. Beta Testing and Soft Launch
An important step in video streaming app development is beta testing. You need to develop a user persona for your testers, determine how many testers you need, and decide on a testing schedule.
Testing gives you valuable feedback on critical features like performance, UI, lags, and navigation, and more to improve before launch.
Although skipping this step will reduce your app’s time to market, it can cost you dearly in the long run and you risk releasing a lower-quality app.
Things to look out for during the testing phase:
- Identifying opportunities to improve or add features
- Major and minor issues
- Quality Assurance
9. Package and Submit App
Once your app is ready, package the app and submit it to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for approval.
The Approval Process may take 1-3 days. Again, if you want to submit to the Apple App Store, you must enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99.
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Note that there are additional steps to submitting a paid app compared to submitting a free app.
Here is the best guide for this process.
Alternatively, you can use internal distribution mechanisms and let viewers download the app directly from your website.
Get inspiration from other apps
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. There are many live streaming apps and companies that have spent millions to find best practices e.g. B. which increases engagement.
Turn through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to find live streaming apps you like that you can get inspiration from, especially those with whom you are in close competition.
Then ask yourself questions like: What do your users like about the apps? What do not you like? What do users often leave positive reviews about? What do users often leave bad reviews about? Reviews of other apps are a goldmine of ways to improve your app.
Types of live streaming apps
If you’re looking for inspiration, you should You think about that there are different types of live streaming apps that you can create. Let’s cover some of the most popular ones.
Video On Demand (Movies & Shows)
Want to build the next Netflix? Or a niche version of Netflix? Video-on-demand streaming has exploded during the pandemic. People love being able to turn off their brains and watch a few videos. There’s still plenty of room to create live streaming apps for a variety of movie genres.
Apps to get inspiration from include Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu. Aside from these behemoths, you should also take inspiration from BroadwayHD and Criterion Channel.
Some of the key features that you should include in such an app are:
- Easy navigation: People watch on-demand content to switch off at the end of the day. Therefore, when building a live streaming app, you should prioritize navigation and easy categorization.
- Search and filter: The more content you have in your app, the more difficult it becomes it for users to find what they are looking for. Your algorithm should be designed to quickly identify keywords and display the content that users are looking for.
- Monetization options: On-demand content is often placed behind a paywall, so monetization options are a must. Find out how many options you can include, e.g. B. subscription-based, ad-based, and a one-time purchase for a limited time.
- Video Analytics: Your users will want to understand how their content is performing. Characteristics to include here include view count, view time, and the like.
- Security: You need to assure your users that their on-demand content not be pirated and sold elsewhere. So, when building a streaming app, pay attention to essential security features.
Sports Live Streaming
Want to build the next ESPN+? Sports have stood the test of time and it’s no wonder sports live streaming apps are huge today. And they’re growing in popularity.
There are many ways to create a live sports streaming app without feeling like you’re competing with giants like ESPN+ and Fox Sports. Some ideas to jumpstart your creativity are sports live streaming apps that cater to a local audience or are geared more towards something like high school sports. Whatever your intentions, there is plenty of room for innovation in this space.
Let yourself be inspired by YipTV, LaLiga Sports TV, which offers Spanish sports, and FloSports, which covers a variety of niche sporting events including Women’s Rugby, Inspire. MMA and much more.
Some of the key features that you should include in such an app are:
- Mobile-friendly : The trend of streaming sports on mobile devices is increasing. Since 2021, the number of people watching sport on their mobile has increased by 37% in the UK alone. So make sure your app is mobile-friendly.
- Stats Window: Watching sporting events is often incomplete without a player or match stats window to the side. So make sure you factor that in when building a live streaming app.
- Extensive library of offerings: If your app is going to serve a global audience, it needs to cater to as many sports channels as may be included.
- 4K and HDR streaming: Offer higher quality streaming to improve the viewing experience for your users.
- Offline Downloads: Sports fans love to watch replays of important events during the game and watch the exact matches repeatedly, so your users will appreciate an offline streaming option.
Live streaming audio
You might want to build the next Spotify. Or a niche version of Spotify. If so, this is for you.
There are ways to create podcasts that cater to specific genres or topics. Likewise, there’s plenty of room to create audio-only live streaming apps that help niche artists gain exposure.
Let platforms like Luminary Podcasts, Breaker – The Social Podcast App, Pandora and IDAGIO for classical inspire music.
Some of the technical specifications that you should include in such an app are:
- Device compatibility, da people stream music from their phones, laptops, audio mixers, and other devices.
- Advanced search and categorization to help users find artists, albums, and songs more easily.
- Social media integrations to share music or clips to Instagram and Facebook.
- Personalized playlists and music collections based on users’ history and preferences.
- Multistream option. DJs and music producers who stream their content live need this option.
Platforms that streamers can use to build a following
Live Streaming apps that allow users to have followers are nothing new. However, there is still plenty of room for niche platforms. For example, Twitch is aimed at gamers and TikTok is aimed at Gen Z’ers (at least it was initially). There will always be room to target different niches.
Some of the key features that you should include in such an app are:
- Target engagement so players and priests can answer questions and conduct polls.
- User Profiles. If multiple users want to stream from the same institution, streaming with different profiles becomes more convenient.
- Parental controls. Minors make up a significant portion of live streamers in the gaming niche. So, while developing a video streaming platform, consider adding parental control features to make your app stand out.
- Payment gateways, so live streamers can monetize their content and conveniently receive payments.
- Excellent overlay options
What to do after launching a live streaming app
Once yours App has been submitted and approved by the App Store and/or Google Play Store, it’s time to promote it.
First and foremost, you should encourage your existing audience to download your app. Make posts on social media and send a blast to your email list.
From there, you should lay out a strategic marketing plan. Determine how best to reach your audience and how to make your offer. You can use content marketing, paid ads, or a combination of both.
When you monetize your video, your desired conversion is more than an app download. You probably want your audience to subscribe to or buy access to certain content.
There are different monetization models you can opt for. To summarize, here are a few:
- Video on Demand Subscription (SVOD): With this model, you can specify that viewers or listeners can only view or only the Listen to content if they pay an ongoing fee. Think Netflix and FloSports.
- Advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD): You can allow advertisers to advertise in your app’s videos. Conversely, you can charge viewers a small fee so that they can get rid of the ads entirely. Think Spotify and YouTube Premium.
- Transactional Video-on-Demand (TVOD): TVOD allows you to make money by charging one-time fees for accessing a specific piece of content raise or special events such as sports championships. Think Sky Box Office or Apple iTunes.
Final thoughts
Given how popular mobile television is today, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to take advantage of it. Luckily, it’s easier than ever for businesses and professionals to reap the benefits of building their own apps.
Although there are some technical aspects, the process is easy to understand. It’s also easy to follow and use – especially when you have a tech expert in your corner.
Dacast offers such expert support. We provide technical support, consulting, and other services to get you up and running quickly. With Dacast, you get a wealth of better video solutions. Feature rich live video tools. White lettering. Video API. Online Video Hosting. Provision of HTML5 videos. Dacast has it all.
You can start making progress now by signing up for our 14-day free trial. It’s risk-free, quick and easy. Start creating and streaming today. No credit card required.
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