2020 has brought an onslaught of uncertainties where people across the globe are being advised to maintain physical distances from each other. Such unique circumstances have forced the majority of the population and businesses to transfer to an online working approach.To ensure that work gets done smoothly, many are increasingly becoming reliant on conference calls. Having said that, studies report that working and speaking with co-workers without actually seeing them can be a cause for distraction.This paves the way for apps like Zoom that have proven to excellent platforms for businesses to conduct their meetings.On the lighter note, apps like Zoom are also being increasingly used to remain in touch with friends and family members, conducting online classes to ensure that communication channels are always open.Lets see how we can create a video chat app like Zoom and its development costStart With selecting a PlatformBefore you commence with the application development, you need to decide on the type of target platform that you will be using. This is essential as it helps in determining the cost outlay and the tools required in the development process.Native AppsIf you choose to go the native route, you need to select which platform will you be deploying the application on. Officially, Android and iOS are supported by their respective programming languages, namely, Java and Swift/Objective-C.Web-based AppsA web-based application is what most developers think of first. Since WebRTC APIs come included with all major browsers, the app can be accessed on any device that has any one of these browsers installed.Moreover, using web-based applications is advantageous as there is no need for an additional third-party tool. You can use simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the application. Or else, go withReactJS, Angular, or Vue that makes the app more powerful.Progressive Web AppProgressive Web App or PWA is a concept that has been recently gaining in popularity. This combines the best of web and native which you may wish to consider as a third strategy when creating an app like Zoom.Define Your Video Chat App FeaturesNow that you have your target platform sorted, the next step is to make a list of features and functionalities that will be highlighted through your application.A lot will depend on the requirements of your application and the budget allocations.Here is a list of recommended features that can be included in your video-conferencing application.1. Pre-call Video Preview2. Chat3. File-Sharing4. Multi-party Conference5. Desktop Sharing6. Recording7. Filters or Icons8. Whiteboard9. Live Streaming10. Virtual Hand-raising11. Polls12. Mute ParticipantsKnow the Technology StackWith a well-defined platform and the list of features out of the way, you need to know on how actually to create an app like Zoom.Here is the recommended technology stack.Native AppsAndroid:Programming Languages – Java, KotlinToolkits – Android StudioSDK – Android SDKVideo Chat – WebRTCiOS:Programming Languages – SwiftToolkits – Apple CodeSDK – iOS SDKVideo Chat – WebRTCSDK and APIWebRTC uses 3 APIsMediaStreamRTC PeerConnectionRTC DataChannelThird-party APIsContusFlyPubnubCometChatWillioThe Development ProcessTake a look at the steps that you cannot ignore when developing your video conferencing app.Step 1 – Back-end DevelopmentStep 2 – UI/UX DesignYour team should consist of the following experts:Project Manager – 1Tech Lead – 1iOS Developers – 2Android Developers – 2Backend Developer – 1UX/UI Engineer – 1QA Engineer – 1If you are building an MVP app, here is a stage-wise break-up of man-hours that you may expect to invest in the development process.How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Zoom?Basis these two ranges, here is a rough cost estimate to create an app like Zoom.USA:- $80/hourly -> $96 000 – $1,20 000 (MVP) -> $140 000 – $2,00 000 (Full feature set)UK:- $70/hourly -> $84 000 – $100,000 (MVP) -> $1,25,000 – $1,70,000 (Full feature set)Western Europe (Germany):- $60/hourly -> $72,000 – $87,000(MVP) -> $1,00,000 – 1,40,000 (Full feature set)Eastern Europe (Ukraine):- $30/hourly -> $36,000 – $43,000(MVP) -> $52,500 -$72,000 (Full feature set)India:- $25/hourly -> $30,000 – $40,000(MVP) -> $45,000 – $60,000 (Full feature set)This is only an estimate and the actual cost will depend on several factors such as the final list of app features, the constitution of your app development team, their location, total man-hours put in the process, etc.
2020 has brought an onslaught of uncertainties where people across the globe are being advised to maintain physical distances from each other. Such unique circumstances have forced the majority of the population and businesses to transfer to an online working approach.To ensure that work gets done smoothly, many are increasingly becoming reliant on conference calls. Having said that, studies report that working and speaking with co-workers without actually seeing them can be a cause for distraction.This paves the way for apps like Zoom that have proven to excellent platforms for businesses to conduct their meetings.On the lighter note, apps like Zoom are also being increasingly used to remain in touch with friends and family members, conducting online classes to ensure that communication channels are always open.Lets see how we can create a video chat app like Zoom and its development costStart With selecting a PlatformBefore you commence with the application development, you need to decide on the type of target platform that you will be using. This is essential as it helps in determining the cost outlay and the tools required in the development process.Native AppsIf you choose to go the native route, you need to select which platform will you be deploying the application on. Officially, Android and iOS are supported by their respective programming languages, namely, Java and Swift/Objective-C.Web-based AppsA web-based application is what most developers think of first. Since WebRTC APIs come included with all major browsers, the app can be accessed on any device that has any one of these browsers installed.Moreover, using web-based applications is advantageous as there is no need for an additional third-party tool. You can use simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the application. Or else, go withReactJS, Angular, or Vue that makes the app more powerful.Progressive Web AppProgressive Web App or PWA is a concept that has been recently gaining in popularity. This combines the best of web and native which you may wish to consider as a third strategy when creating an app like Zoom.Define Your Video Chat App FeaturesNow that you have your target platform sorted, the next step is to make a list of features and functionalities that will be highlighted through your application.A lot will depend on the requirements of your application and the budget allocations.Here is a list of recommended features that can be included in your video-conferencing application.1. Pre-call Video Preview2. Chat3. File-Sharing4. Multi-party Conference5. Desktop Sharing6. Recording7. Filters or Icons8. Whiteboard9. Live Streaming10. Virtual Hand-raising11. Polls12. Mute ParticipantsKnow the Technology StackWith a well-defined platform and the list of features out of the way, you need to know on how actually to create an app like Zoom.Here is the recommended technology stack.Native AppsAndroid:Programming Languages – Java, KotlinToolkits – Android StudioSDK – Android SDKVideo Chat – WebRTCiOS:Programming Languages – SwiftToolkits – Apple CodeSDK – iOS SDKVideo Chat – WebRTCSDK and APIWebRTC uses 3 APIsMediaStreamRTC PeerConnectionRTC DataChannelThird-party APIsContusFlyPubnubCometChatWillioThe Development ProcessTake a look at the steps that you cannot ignore when developing your video conferencing app.Step 1 – Back-end DevelopmentStep 2 – UI/UX DesignYour team should consist of the following experts:Project Manager – 1Tech Lead – 1iOS Developers – 2Android Developers – 2Backend Developer – 1UX/UI Engineer – 1QA Engineer – 1If you are building an MVP app, here is a stage-wise break-up of man-hours that you may expect to invest in the development process.How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Zoom?Basis these two ranges, here is a rough cost estimate to create an app like Zoom.USA:- $80/hourly -> $96 000 – $1,20 000 (MVP) -> $140 000 – $2,00 000 (Full feature set)UK:- $70/hourly -> $84 000 – $100,000 (MVP) -> $1,25,000 – $1,70,000 (Full feature set)Western Europe (Germany):- $60/hourly -> $72,000 – $87,000(MVP) -> $1,00,000 – 1,40,000 (Full feature set)Eastern Europe (Ukraine):- $30/hourly -> $36,000 – $43,000(MVP) -> $52,500 -$72,000 (Full feature set)India:- $25/hourly -> $30,000 – $40,000(MVP) -> $45,000 – $60,000 (Full feature set)This is only an estimate and the actual cost will depend on several factors such as the final list of app features, the constitution of your app development team, their location, total man-hours put in the process, etc.
2020 has brought an onslaught of uncertainties where people across the globe are being advised to maintain physical distances from each other. Such unique circumstances have forced the majority of the population and businesses to transfer to an online working approach.
To ensure that work gets done smoothly, many are increasingly becoming reliant on conference calls. Having said that, studies report that working and speaking with co-workers without actually seeing them can be a cause for distraction.
This paves the way for apps like Zoom that have proven to excellent platforms for businesses to conduct their meetings.
On the lighter note, apps like Zoom are also being increasingly used to remain in touch with friends and family members, conducting online classes to ensure that communication channels are always open.
Lets see how we can create a video chat app like Zoom and its development cost
- Start With selecting a Platform
Before you commence with the application development, you need to decide on the type of target platform that you will be using. This is essential as it helps in determining the cost outlay and the tools required in the development process.
If you choose to go the native route, you need to select which platform will you be deploying the application on. Officially, Android and iOS are supported by their respective programming languages, namely, Java and Swift/Objective-C.
A web-based application is what most developers think of first. Since WebRTC APIs come included with all major browsers, the app can be accessed on any device that has any one of these browsers installed.
Moreover, using web-based applications is advantageous as there is no need for an additional third-party tool. You can use simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the application. Or else, go withReactJS, Angular, or Vue that makes the app more powerful.
Progressive Web App or PWA is a concept that has been recently gaining in popularity. This combines the best of web and native which you may wish to consider as a third strategy when creating an app like Zoom.
- Define Your Video Chat App Features
Now that you have your target platform sorted, the next step is to make a list of features and functionalities that will be highlighted through your application.
A lot will depend on the requirements of your application and the budget allocations.
Here is a list of recommended features that can be included in your video-conferencing application.
- 1. Pre-call Video Preview
- 2. Chat
- 3. File-Sharing
- 4. Multi-party Conference
- 5. Desktop Sharing
- 6. Recording
- 7. Filters or Icons
- 8. Whiteboard
- 9. Live Streaming
- 10. Virtual Hand-raising
- 11. Polls
- 12. Mute Participants
Know the Technology Stack
With a well-defined platform and the list of features out of the way, you need to know on how actually to create an app like Zoom.
Here is the recommended technology stack.
Native Apps
- Android:
- Programming Languages – Java, Kotlin
- Toolkits – Android Studio
- SDK – Android SDK
- Video Chat – WebRTC
- iOS:
- Programming Languages – Swift
- Toolkits – Apple Code
- SDK – iOS SDK
- Video Chat – WebRTC
SDK and API
- WebRTC uses 3 APIs
- MediaStream
- RTC PeerConnection
- RTC DataChannel
- Third-party APIs
- ContusFly
- Pubnub
- CometChat
- Willio
The Development Process
Take a look at the steps that you cannot ignore when developing your video conferencing app.
- Step 1 – Back-end Development
- Step 2 – UI/UX Design
Your team should consist of the following experts:
- Project Manager – 1
- Tech Lead – 1
- iOS Developers – 2
- Android Developers – 2
- Backend Developer – 1
- UX/UI Engineer – 1
- QA Engineer – 1
If you are building an MVP app, here is a stage-wise break-up of man-hours that you may expect to invest in the development process.
How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Zoom?
Basis these two ranges, here is a rough cost estimate to create an app like Zoom.
- USA:- $80/hourly -> $96 000 – $1,20 000 (MVP) -> $140 000 – $2,00 000 (Full feature set)
- UK:- $70/hourly -> $84 000 – $100,000 (MVP) -> $1,25,000 – $1,70,000 (Full feature set)
- Western Europe (Germany):- $60/hourly -> $72,000 – $87,000(MVP) -> $1,00,000 – 1,40,000 (Full feature set)
- Eastern Europe (Ukraine):- $30/hourly -> $36,000 – $43,000(MVP) -> $52,500 -$72,000 (Full feature set)
- India:- $25/hourly -> $30,000 – $40,000(MVP) -> $45,000 – $60,000 (Full feature set)
This is only an estimate and the actual cost will depend on several factors such as the final list of app features, the constitution of your app development team, their location, total man-hours put in the process, etc.
