A Comprehensive Guide to Develop An App Like Bigo Live

Introduction

Bigo Live, a renowned live streaming platform, has witnessed a remarkable surge in its user base, particularly appealing to the younger demographic. Apart from facilitating video sharing, the platform encourages user engagement through live chat interactions and virtual gifting, fostering a vibrant community. Its intuitive interface and exclusive features have propelled Bigo Live to the top charts of the App Store and Google Play Store.

For developers aspiring to venture into the live streaming sector akin to Bigo Live, this in-depth guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to develop an app like Bigo Live. Delve into the distinctive functionalities that set Bigo Live apart from its competitors, and gain valuable insights into the intricacies of developing a successful live streaming application inspired by the model of Bigo Live.

What is Bigo Live?

Bigo Live is a dynamic live streaming application that empowers users to not only stream their own content but also engage with a global community. Users can broadcast themselves, tune into diverse streams, and connect with followers through a range of interactive features like virtual gifts and live chat. Launched in 2016 by BIGO Technology Pte Ltd, a company based in Singapore, the app has garnered immense popularity across the globe, especially in the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia. It continues to evolve as a platform that fosters creativity, connection, and virtual experiences.

10 Popular Live Streaming Apps Like Bigo Live

While Bigo Live has emerged as a market leader in the live streaming sector, several other apps have successfully carved out their niches. Here are ten popular live streaming applications that share similarities with Bigo Live:

No.	App Name	Launched Year	Key Features
1.	Twitch	2011	Gaming-focused streaming, community engagement via chat, and monetization options.
2.	YouTube Live	2011	Wide-reaching platform, supports live streaming of various content types, integrated with YouTube.
3.	Facebook Live	2015	Social media integration, live reactions, and comments, broad audience reach
4.	Periscope (now part of Twitter)	2015	Real-time broadcasting, Twitter integration, replay feature for streams
5.	TikTok Live	2016	Short-form video focus, high user engagement, interactive live streams with gifts.
6.	Instagram Live	2016	Stories feature integration, interactive Q&A, close integration with the Instagram platform.
7.	Livestream	2007	Professional live streaming, event broadcasting, integrates with various hardware and software
8.	DLive	2017	Blockchain-based, emphasizes creator earnings, gaming, and non-gaming content streams.
9.	Ustream (IBM Cloud Video)	2007	Enterprise-grade streaming, event livestreaming, extensive features for professional use.
10.	StreamYard	2018	Browser-based live streaming studio, easy integration with other platforms, no download required

Also Read: Top 20 free Live Streaming Apps

Why Do Entrepreneurs Want to Invest In Building A Live Streaming App Like Bigo Live?

Live streaming has become a popular form of content consumption in recent years, with the industry estimated to be worth over $70 billion by 2021. As more and more people have access to high-speed internet and smartphones, live streaming has emerged as a viable platform for entrepreneurs and businesses to reach their target audience.

One of the main reasons why entrepreneurs want to invest in building a live streaming app like Bigo Live is the potential for high user engagement and monetization. Live streaming allows for real-time interaction between content creators and their audience, creating a sense of community and fostering a loyal fan base.

1. Massive and Engaged Audience

Live streaming platforms like Bigo Live have gained significant traction due to their ability to connect creators with a vast and highly engaged audience. This interactive environment has attracted millions of daily active users, creating a bustling community for content consumption and interaction. For entrepreneurs, this presents an attractive opportunity to not only tap into a large market but also to foster growth and brand loyalty through the development of innovative live streaming applications.

Furthermore, the rise of live streaming as a preferred mode of content consumption has transformed the way audiences engage with digital media. Studies have shown that viewers spend an average of 3 times longer watching live content compared to pre-recorded videos, highlighting the captivating nature of real-time interactions. This shift in viewing behavior offers entrepreneurs a unique chance to captivate and retain the attention of their target audience while building a strong and lasting connection with users.

2. Monetization Opportunities

Live streaming apps like Bigo Live offer various monetization options for entrepreneurs and content creators. From in-app purchases to brand partnerships and sponsorships, there are multiple ways to generate revenue from live streaming platforms. These opportunities are especially appealing to entrepreneurs looking to create a sustainable business model with a steady stream of income.

Moreover, the personalized nature of live streaming allows for targeted advertising and product placement, making it an effective marketing tool for businesses to reach their desired audience. With the ability to integrate e-commerce features into live streams, entrepreneurs can also directly sell products and services to viewers, providing a seamless shopping experience.

3. Community Building and Social Connection

Live streaming not only provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products or services but also allows them to build a community around their brand. By regularly interacting with viewers in real-time, entrepreneurs can foster a sense of belonging and create a loyal fanbase.

Additionally, live streaming platforms offer opportunities for social connection and networking. Viewers from different parts of the world can come together and engage with each other, creating a global community. This can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and even support for social causes promoted by the entrepreneur.

4. Content Diversity and Niche Markets

Live streaming apps have opened up opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into niche markets and create diverse content. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, fitness, or music, live streaming allows entrepreneurs to showcase their unique talents and cater to specific audiences with similar interests. Moreover, the interactive nature of live streaming allows for instant feedback from viewers, making it easier for entrepreneurs to understand their audience’s preferences and adapt their content accordingly. This can lead to a more engaged and satisfied audience, resulting in higher retention rates for the entrepreneur’s brand.

5. Scalability and Global Reach

One of the most significant advantages of live streaming for entrepreneurs is its scalability and global reach. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, entrepreneurs can reach a vast audience worldwide. This means that even small businesses or startups can leverage live streaming to expand their reach and grow their brand without incurring hefty marketing costs.

Moreover, live streaming allows for unlimited viewership, making it possible for entrepreneurs to scale their business quickly. By regularly creating quality content, entrepreneurs can attract a larger audience and potentially reach millions of viewers in no time. This opens up opportunities for sponsorships, partnerships, and other monetization options, making live streaming a lucrative avenue for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses globally.

6 Steps to Develop An App Like Bigo Live

Creating a successful live streaming app like Bigo Live requires careful planning and execution. Here are six essential steps to follow in developing a live streaming app:

1. Planning and Ideation 

The initial step in the process of creating an application similar to Bigo Live involves setting clear objectives and identifying your specific target audience. By doing so, you can effectively outline the necessary features, functionalities, and overall design of your application. Furthermore, conducting comprehensive market research is essential to gain insights into successful strategies utilized by other live streaming platforms, enabling you to distinguish your app in the competitive market landscape.

2. App Feature Definition and Prioritization

After conducting meticulous research and clearly outlining your objectives, the next step is to delve into defining the core features of your application. These features encompass crucial functionalities like real-time live streaming options, interactive chat capabilities for user engagement, virtual gifting features to enhance user experience, and seamless integration with various social media platforms. Once you have identified these primary features, it is essential to prioritize them based on their significance in aligning with and achieving the overarching goals of your app development project.

3. Team Building and Project Management

To ensure a smooth and efficient development process, it is crucial to assemble a diverse and well-rounded team with the appropriate skills and expertise tailored to each specific aspect of your project. This may involve bringing together talented developers proficient in various programming languages, creative designers with an eye for aesthetics, savvy marketers who understand target audiences, and organized project managers adept at overseeing timelines and resources. By establishing clear communication channels, such as regular team meetings and digital platforms, and assigning specific roles and responsibilities to each team member based on their strengths, you foster a collaborative environment that cultivates innovation and productivity. Furthermore, integrating project management tools like Trello or Asana can streamline workflows, track progress, and enhance coordination among team members, ensuring that your project stays on course and achieves successful outcomes.

4. Development and Design 

Once you have a strong team in place, the next step is to plan and execute your app development and design. This involves creating wireframes and prototypes that outline the user interface and experience, as well as testing different functionalities to ensure a seamless and intuitive design. It is crucial to keep your target audience in mind throughout this process, considering their preferences, behaviors, and feedback. Additionally, staying on top of current design trends and incorporating them into your app can make it more visually appealing and user-friendly. Collaborating closely with developers during this stage is vital to ensure that the design elements are feasible and optimized for functionality.

5. Testing and Refinement  

As your app approaches completion, it is vital to conduct comprehensive testing on its various features and functionalities. This process involves not only identifying and resolving any coding errors but also ensuring compatibility across a diverse range of devices and operating systems. Additionally, gathering insights from beta testers can provide valuable feedback for further enhancements. Iteratively refining the app based on user suggestions is key to crafting a successful product that caters to user preferences and anticipations. Moreover, carrying out user acceptance testing plays a critical role in verifying that the app aligns with its intended purpose and resonates positively with the target audience.

6. Launch, Marketing, and Maintenance 

Once your app is fully developed, tested, and refined to perfection, it’s time to launch it into the market. A comprehensive marketing strategy that includes targeted advertising, social media presence, and influencer collaborations can create buzz and generate initial downloads. It is also crucial to continuously monitor user feedback and address any arising bugs or issues promptly. Regular updates and feature enhancements are essential for retaining users and attracting new ones. Additionally, keeping up with evolving industry trends and incorporating them into your app’s design and functionality can ensure its relevance and longevity in the market.

Read More: Top 10 Best Live Streaming Apps to explore

Features of Bigo Live Streaming App

After discussing the app development process, let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that make Bigo Live Streaming stand out from its competitors:

1. Real-time Streaming

Bigo Live offers a dynamic platform where users can seamlessly broadcast and tune into live streams in real-time. This real-time interaction enhances the experience for both streamers and viewers, fostering a sense of genuine connection and engagement. Its unique feature set distinguishes it from conventional video-sharing platforms, positioning it as the preferred option for those seeking an immersive and authentic streaming experience.

2. Multi-visitor Video Chat

In addition to live streaming, Bigo Live provides a versatile platform that not only supports real-time broadcasting but also fosters user engagement through interactive video chat features. This functionality empowers content creators to establish direct connections with their audience, nurturing a dedicated community of followers. By promoting active participation and community interaction, Bigo Live has effectively revolutionized the conventional passive content viewing experience into a dynamic and cooperative journey for both creators and viewers alike.

3. Beauty Filters and Effects

Bigo Live’s built-in beauty filters and effects have garnered significant attention and appreciation from users, particularly in Southeast Asia where the app has seen a surge in popularity. With a wide selection of AR-powered beautification tools at their disposal, users can effortlessly elevate their appearance and presentation quality while engaging in live streams. These unique features serve as valuable assets for content creators looking to captivate their audience through visually appealing content.

4. Virtual Gifts and Rewards 

In the spirit of promoting user engagement and recognition, Bigo Live has integrated a virtual gifting system that allows viewers to show their appreciation and support for their favorite streamers. This feature enables creators to earn income through receiving gifts from viewers, which can then be converted into real money. In a sense, this serves as an incentive for content creators to produce high-quality and engaging content, while also fostering a sense of appreciation and recognition from their followers.

5. Player Kill (Live)

Another unique aspect of Bigo Live is its Player Kill (Live) feature, which combines live streaming with action games. This offers a new and exciting way for content creators to engage with their audience through interactive gaming experiences. By livestreaming themselves playing popular mobile games, creators can attract viewers who share similar interests and passions, leading to increased engagement and community building.

6. Live Commerce

In addition to virtual gifting, Bigo Live also allows its users to engage in live commerce. This feature enables content creators to promote and sell products directly to their audience during live streams, creating a seamless shopping experience for viewers. Live commerce not only benefits the creators by generating additional income, but it also provides a convenient platform for viewers to discover and purchase products that they are interested in.

7. Community Building

At its core, Bigo Live is a social platform that prioritizes building and fostering communities. Through various features such as gifting, live games, and live commerce, creators can engage with their audience in a more personal and interactive way, leading to stronger connections and a loyal fan base. Additionally, viewers can also interact with each other through comments and virtual gifts, creating a sense of camaraderie and support within the community.

8. Bigo Live Stars

To recognize and reward its top content creators, Bigo Live has a program called Bigo Live Stars. This program highlights the most popular and influential users on the platform, providing them with exclusive opportunities such as brand partnerships, special events, and access to advanced tools for content creation. By offering these benefits, Bigo Live not only motivates creators to continue producing high-quality content but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among users, leading to a vibrant and engaging platform environment.

9. Talent Agencies

In addition to individual users, Bigo Live also partners with talent agencies to promote and manage their artists’ live streaming activities. These partnerships allow for a wider range of content and talents on the platform, attracting different audiences and creating more diverse communities. Furthermore, these collaborations help bridge the gap between traditional media and digital platforms, providing opportunities for traditional celebrities to engage with their fans in a new and innovative way.

10. Private Live Streams

Bigo Live also allows for private live streams, where users can control who sees their content and limit it to a select group of followers. This feature is especially useful for creators who want to offer exclusive content or host virtual events for a smaller, more intimate audience. It provides an added layer of privacy and security for both the creator and their viewers, fostering a sense of trust and authenticity within the platform.

11. Replay and Highlights 

Another unique feature of Bigo Live is the ability to replay and highlight past live streams. This allows for users who may have missed a live session to catch up on the content at their convenience. It also gives creators an opportunity to showcase their best moments and attract new followers by highlighting their most engaging content.

12. Live Emotes 

Similar to popular social media platforms, Bigo Live also has a variety of animated emotes that users can purchase and send to their favorite creators during live streams. These emotes provide a fun and interactive way for viewers to engage with the content and show support for their favorite creators.

13. Multilingual Support

Bigo Live, with its extensive global reach, connects users from diverse countries and cultures. Its commitment to inclusivity is evident through its robust multilingual support system, enabling creators to engage with a broader audience by offering translated content. This unique feature not only fosters diversity but also strengthens inclusivity within the platform, ensuring accessibility to a wider demographic.

14. Leveling System

Bigo Live incorporates a comprehensive leveling system that not only recognizes but also rewards active users with an array of virtual gifts, badges, and exclusive perks. By progressing through levels, users unlock enhanced features and privileges, fostering deeper engagement and nurturing a vibrant community spirit among its members.

15. Regional Content

One of the key differentiators of Bigo Live is its ability to cater to diverse regional and cultural preferences. The platform offers a wide range of region-specific content, including music, dance, comedy, and other genres that appeal to local audiences. This localized approach further enhances user engagement and resonates with the platform’s global audience.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Bigo Live? 

Developing an app akin to Bigo Live requires a significant investment, primarily due to the complex features and the need for robust, scalable technology. The cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the choice of platform (iOS, Android, or both), the geographical location of the development team, and the level of customization. Typically, the development cost for an app like Bigo Live could range from $50,000 to $200,000. This estimate includes expenses related to planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. Additionally, post-launch expenses such as server costs, maintenance, and updates must also be considered, which could add significantly to the overall cost.

Breakdown of Costs for Developing an App Like Bigo Live

• Platform Choice: Opting for both iOS and Android platforms increases the development cost but also maximizes potential user reach. Typically, the cost may vary between $20,000 to $80,000 for each platform.

• Geographical Location: The location of the development team significantly influences the overall cost. For instance, developers in North America and Western Europe tend to charge higher rates than those in Eastern Europe or Asia. Rates can range from $50 to $250 per hour.

• Feature Complexity: The more complex the features, the higher the cost. Basic features like user registration and text chat might be on the lower end of the cost spectrum, while advanced functionalities like live streaming, in-app purchases, and AI-based recommendations could substantially increase costs.

• Design and User Experience: Investing in high-quality, intuitive design and user experience is crucial for user retention. This part of development can account for $5,000 to $30,000 of the cost, depending on the intricacy of the design.

• Backend Development: A solid and scalable backend to support live streaming and user interactions is essential. This can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $80,000.

• Maintenance and Updates: Post-launch, an app requires regular updates, bug fixes, and maintenance, which could be about 15-20% of the initial development cost annually.

• Server and Infrastructure Costs: Depending on the number of users and the data load, monthly expenses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

• Marketing and Promotion: While not directly related to development, budgeting for marketing and user acquisition is crucial for the app’s success. Costs can vary widely based on the strategies employed.

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How Much Does It Cost to Maintain An App Like Bigo Live?

Maintaining an app similar to Bigo Live involves continuous investment to ensure its operational efficiency, security, and relevance to its user base. The annual maintenance cost is approximately 15-20% of the initial development cost. Given the initial development range of $70,000 to $250,000, maintenance costs can be estimated between $10,500 and $50,000 per year. This includes server costs, cloud services, updates and bug fixes, and customer support services. Additionally, integrating new features and adapting to evolving user expectations can incur further costs, emphasizing the need for a dedicated budget for maintenance and future development.

Key Points on Maintaining an App Like Bigo Live

• Annual maintenance costs approximately 15-20% of the original development investment.
• For an app development cost ranging between $70,000 and $250,000, maintenance could cost between $10,500 and $50,000 annually.
• These expenses cover server costs, cloud services, implementing updates, fixing bugs, and maintaining customer support services.
• Incorporating new features and adapting to user needs can increase maintenance costs.
• A dedicated budget for ongoing development and maintenance is crucial for long-term app success and user satisfaction.

How can iTechnolabs help you to Develop An App Like Bigo Live?

At iTechnolabs, we excel in crafting top-notch, user-centric mobile applications that align seamlessly with the dynamic needs of today’s competitive market. Our adept team of seasoned developers and designers is dedicated to assisting you in fabricating a mobile app akin to Bigo Live, meticulously customized to meet your specific requisites and financial plan.

We provide an extensive array of services encompassing app development, ongoing maintenance, and steadfast support to ensure the perpetual relevance and functionality of your application. Proficient in the latest technologies and industry best practices, our team guarantees the efficiency, security, and user-friendliness of your app, promising a seamless and engaging user experience.

• Tailored Development: iTechnolabs understands the importance of tailored solutions in the competitive app market. By customizing the development process, we ensure that your app not only meets but exceeds your specific requirements, setting it apart from the rest.
• Experienced Team: Our team at iTechnolabs consists of seasoned developers and designers who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. With a deep understanding of what it takes to create an app like Bigo Live, we are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality by blending creativity with technical proficiency.
• Comprehensive Support: At iTechnolabs, we believe in providing end-to-end support for your app journey. From the initial stages of development to continuous maintenance and updates, our team is committed to ensuring that your app remains current, functional, and aligned with evolving market trends.
• Latest Technologies: By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, iTechnolabs guarantees that your app is built using the most cutting-edge tools and practices available. This approach not only enhances efficiency and security but also delivers a seamless user experience that keeps your audience engaged.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: While quality is paramount, iTechnolabs is dedicated to offering cost-effective solutions for app development. Our competitive pricing model is designed to provide you with exceptional value without compromising on the performance or quality of your app.

Are you planning to develop an app like Bigo Live?

Choosing iTechnolabs to develop an app like Bigo Live carries numerous benefits tailor-made to elevate your project’s success. Leveraging the extensive experience of a knowledgeable team ensures that your app is not just a carbon copy but an innovative platform that stands out in the highly saturated app market. The bespoke development process allows for a customized app experience, directly aligning with your vision and user expectations. Furthermore, the commitment to harnessing the latest technologies means your app will not only be future-proof but also feature-packed, offering users a seamless and secure experience. Coupled with comprehensive support, iTechnolabs ensures that your app remains competitive, functional, and ahead of market trends. Lastly, the promise of cost-effective solutions ensures that you receive maximum return on investment, making the development of an app like Bigo Live both viable and valuable.

• Tailored Development Process: iTechnolabs prioritizes a customized development approach, ensuring that each app is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.
• Advanced Security Features: With a strong emphasis on security, iTechnolabs incorporates advanced protection measures into the app development process, safeguarding user data and enhancing trust in the platform.
• Scalable Solutions: iTechnolabs designs apps with scalability in mind, allowing for seamless updates and expansions in line with evolving market demands and user expectations, ensuring the app remains relevant and competitive.
• Expert Team of Developers: The company boasts a team of experienced and skilled developers who are well-versed in the latest technologies, techniques, and trends, ensuring high-quality app development that stands out in the digital marketplace.
• Ongoing Support and Maintenance: iTechnolabs offers comprehensive post-launch support and maintenance services, ensuring the app continues to perform optimally and stays updated with the latest features and security enhancements.
• Market Insight and Strategy: Leveraging their vast experience, iTechnolabs provides valuable market insights and strategic advice, helping clients position their app effectively within the market and reach their target audience more efficiently.
• User-centric Design: Focusing on the end-user experience, iTechnolabs ensures that the app’s design is intuitive, engaging, and responsive, thereby increasing user retention and satisfaction rates.

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Conclusion:  

With the above-mentioned key features and services, iTechnolabs stands out as a top-notch app development company that caters to the needs of its clients and their target audience. By prioritizing user satisfaction, security, scalability, and ongoing support, iTechnolabs ensures that their apps stay relevant and successful in the ever-evolving digital landscape. So if you’re looking to develop an app that is innovative, user-friendly, and commercially viable, look no further than iTechnolabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Bigo Live?

The cost of developing an app like Bigo Live can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the complexity of features desired, whether the app is for iOS or Android platforms, the design intricacy, the time needed for development, and the location of the development team. Typically, the cost falls within the range of $50,000 to $150,000, but depending on specific requirements and customization, the final price may differ.

Q2. How Long Does It Take To Develop An App Like Bigo Live?

The development timeline for creating an app similar to Bigo Live can vary based on several key factors. These include the intricacy of the features to be incorporated, the extent of customization required to meet specific needs, and the selection of the platform for deployment. Typically, an experienced team would invest approximately 4 to 6 months in crafting a comprehensive and operational application akin to Bigo Live.

Q3. What are the benefits Of developing an app like Bigo Live?

There are several advantages to developing an app like Bigo Live. Some of these include the potential for high user engagement and retention, increased brand awareness and recognition, the opportunity for monetization through in-app purchases or advertisements, and access to valuable data insights about user behavior and preferences. Additionally, an app like Bigo Live can also serve as a platform for connecting people with similar interests and creating a sense of community. Overall, it can be a lucrative and beneficial investment for businesses or individuals looking to enter the live streaming market.

Q4. Why Should You Choose Us To Develop An App Like Bigo Live?

Our team has extensive experience in developing live streaming applications and possesses a deep understanding of the industry’s trends and demands. We offer end-to-end solutions, from conceptualization to deployment, with a focus on creating a seamless user experience. Additionally, we prioritize client satisfaction and strive to deliver tailored, cost-effective solutions within the agreed timeline. Our expertise also extends to incorporating unique features and functionalities to make your app stand out in the competitive market. With our technical proficiency and commitment to quality, we can help you bring your vision of an app like Bigo Live to life.

Q5. How Can You Monetize An App Like Bigo Live?

There are several ways to monetize an app like Bigo Live. One common method is through in-app purchases, such as virtual gifts or premium features, which users can buy with real money. Another option is by displaying advertisements on the platform and generating revenue from ad clicks or impressions. Additionally, paid subscriptions or membership plans can also be implemented to access exclusive content or features. Another way to monetize is by partnering with brands or businesses for sponsored content or product placements within the app. Ultimately, the most effective monetization strategy will depend on your target audience and business goals.  Overall, an app like Bigo Live has a high potential for revenue generation through various methods.