How To Build a Live Streaming App with an API & SDK In 2024

Last updated on August 23rd, 2024

Modern life necessitates that most of us keep a mobile device within reach at all times, whether for professional tasks or personal entertainment. To meet this demand, users increasingly turn to their devices for live video streaming. In fact, projections indicate that 2.72 billion people will watch video on mobile devices in 2023, with live streaming constituting 23% of global viewing time by 2024. Recognizing this trend, many forward-thinking businesses and creators are developing their own live streaming mobile applications.

This article aims to guide you through the process of creating your own live streaming app, enabling you to tap into the burgeoning global market. We will discuss the initial steps to get started, provide insights into the industry’s background, and compare various types of live streaming applications for viewing and broadcasting content. Additionally, we will outline key technical aspects such as integrating mobile apps using APIs and SDKs from leading video streaming platforms, and demonstrate how iTechnolabs’s skilled developers can assist you in launching your live streaming app swiftly.

What is a Live Streaming App?

Using a mobile live streaming app can convey two meanings. Firstly, it refers to live broadcasts transmitted via a mobile device, and secondly, it signifies the ability to access video content on such a device. In this discussion, we are focusing on viewers who engage with and stream video content through their mobile devices. Nowadays, numerous broadcasters utilise mobile streaming applications to market their streaming services, with Netflix and Hulu being notable examples.

Given this context, creating dedicated mobile live streaming apps is a smart approach, as it can significantly enhance the viewer experience. These apps vary widely in style and functionality; some function as basic streaming platforms, while others incorporate live streaming capabilities alongside a library of on-demand content enriched with social media features.

For broadcasters, mobile applications represent a highly effective means to monetise video content. When constructed properly, a scalable mobile app can dramatically increase your subscriber count. While developing your own live streaming app requires a considerable initial investment of resources, the effort can lead to sizeable growth for your business and a potentially substantial return on investment over time.

Why is Mobile Streaming Important?

Before delving into the process of creating a streaming app, it’s important to examine some statistics regarding mobile streaming. These figures illustrate the significant shift towards mobile viewing, indicating that this trend is not merely a passing phase.

Developing a live streaming app positions you to effectively engage with your audience on their mobile devices, ensuring that you remain relevant and accessible in this evolving landscape.

The Basics of Live Streaming App Development

When embarking on the journey of developing a live streaming app, broadcasters have various approaches at their disposal. Developers are encouraged to think creatively, but there are fundamental technologies universally needed for all live-streaming applications.

Before you initiate the development process with platforms like iTechnolabs or any other online video hosting service, it’s crucial to grasp the three key technical elements that underpin mobile broadcasting. To provide a solid foundation for building your live streaming app, let’s explore video streaming APIs, live streaming SDKs, and HTML5 video players.

Must Read: Periscope Business Model: A Live Streaming App

What is a Video Streaming API?

The acronym API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a standardized coding language that streamlines interactions between developers and software applications. Essentially, an API serves as a set of clear instructions for developers, simplifying the creation of mobile apps that interface smoothly with online video platforms like iTechnolabs. By utilizing the commands defined in the API, developers can build mobile applications that effectively connect to the streaming service. In the realm of professional broadcasting, it is important to differentiate between two main types of APIs: video API and player API. The video API allows access to your video content management system (CMS), facilitating a more customized backend broadcasting experience and extended features. Conversely, the player API is crucial for tailoring the video player to meet specific needs.

When developing a live streaming app, incorporating the player API is essential, as it enables the construction of a player that integrates seamlessly with bespoke mobile applications. As noted by Streaming Media, “The video workflow and distribution environments are incredibly complex, and leveraging an API is critical for building a sophisticated system or enhancing control over processes, particularly in large-scale video delivery.” There is a marked trend among businesses shifting towards API-based workflows for online video. Our internal analytics reveal that the percentage of viewers engaging with iTechnolabs live streams and on-demand videos on mobile devices surged from 9% in 2016 to 39% in 2017, representing a nearly five-fold increase. This growth was particularly pronounced among broadcasters implementing iTechnolabs APIs, a trend that continues to ascend today.

What is a Live Streaming SDK?

The cornerstone of developing a mobile app is the live-streaming SDK, which stands for Software Development Kit. According to NordicAPIs, an SDK is comprised of tools, helper libraries, documentation, code samples, processes, and guides that empower developers to create applications for a specific platform. In essence, while a video broadcasting API provides instructions, a live-streaming SDK serves as a toolkit to implement those instructions effectively.

iTechnolabs offers SDKs for both iOS and Android, simplifying the process for broadcasters and developers to create live video streaming applications. With these SDKs, building, testing, submitting to app stores, and launching a mobile video application can be accomplished in as little as a month. Moreover, these toolkits allow for seamless integration of essential iTechnolabs features such as video monetization, analytics, and security options.

The iTechnolabs code can be directly imported into Xcode or Android Studio, enabling developers to dive in immediately. Clear documentation enhances the usability of these SDKs, making them a powerful resource. It’s also worth noting that in the past, m3u8 links were a standard for mobile streaming app development, but this method has now been largely supplanted by the use of SDKs.

What is an HTML5 Video Player?

There was a time when Adobe Flash Player dominated the streaming landscape, capable of delivering content across much of the web. However, the landscape has evolved significantly, and Flash Player is no longer adequate for contemporary devices, especially on mobile platforms. To address the growing demands of mobile usage, Apple introduced the HLS protocol, enabling users to access video content seamlessly on any HTML5 video player.

HTML5 has truly transformed the video streaming scene, establishing itself as the preferred choice. This video player is universally compatible, functioning smoothly across all mobile devices, making it the ideal foundation for any mobile streaming application.

How To Build a Live Streaming App in 9 Steps

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for building a live streaming app:

1. Create a Team

Developing a video application is relatively straightforward, yet it necessitates a level of technical expertise that can’t simply be obtained through watching YouTube tutorials or working on a basic project. You’ll require a well-rounded team, including backend and front-end developers, business strategists, marketing professionals, UI experts, and graphic designers. From both a financial and time perspective, it’s more advantageous to invest in creating the app correctly the first time with a skilled team, rather than opting for multiple less-experienced developers who may deliver subpar results. Given the intensely competitive nature of modern video streaming app development, it’s essential to assemble an expert team to successfully build a live streaming app for either Android or iOS.

2. Choose an Online Video Host

To create a successful live streaming app, investing in a reliable online video hosting service is essential. This platform will serve as the repository for all your video content, allowing you to easily embed its video players within your app. The selection of a hosting provider should align with your specific streaming requirements. When evaluating potential video hosting services, consider the following key factors:

• Storage: Determine the amount of storage you will need for your users based on your app’s purpose and features. For example, an app that allows extensive categorization and offline downloads will require more storage than one that only supports a limited number of streams. 
• Security: Implement robust security features to gain your users’ trust. Essential security aspects include password protection, secure paywalls, dynamic token security, HTTPS, and SSL encryption. 
• Features: Ensure that your app includes critical features such as APIs, SDKs, and an HTML5 video player, which are essential for building a functional live streaming application. 
• Additional Features: Identify extra features based on your streaming objectives. If monetizing your video content is a goal, consider incorporating monetization support into your app. 
• Budget: Evaluate various pricing plans to determine what fits within your financial capabilities. Keep in mind your desired return on investment (ROI) while setting your budget.

3. Choose Your Content Delivery Network

One important consideration when building a scalable live-streaming app is selecting the right Content Delivery Network (CDN). A strategic choice of CDN is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. If you opt for a service like iTechnolabs, you’ll benefit from their established CDN partnerships and competitively priced rates.

To see how iTechnolabs measures up against leading competitors in the market, you can review our video hosting platform comparison. Additionally, to take full advantage of iTechnolabs’s offerings, including access to the video API for premium accounts and above, you’ll need to create an account.

4. Download SDK for iOS or Android

After selecting your online video hosting platform, the next step is to download the live streaming SDK offered by that platform. If you’ve chosen iTechnolabs, you’ll find this process to be straightforward, as all API and SDK documentation is conveniently available on a user-friendly player documentation page. At this stage, you’ll need to decide whether you’re developing an application for iOS or Android. While you can develop for both platforms eventually, it’s advisable to concentrate on one at a time. We recommend starting with the operating system that is predominantly used by your target audience.

5. Load SDK to Mobile Development Software

To effectively develop your mobile application, you will need a suitable development environment, such as Android Studio for Android apps or Xcode for those targeting iOS. While Android Studio doesn’t support native iOS app development, it is possible to create hybrid applications that can function on both platforms. Conversely, you can utilize Xcode to build Android applications; however, releasing them on the Apple App Store requires a $99/year Apple Developer Account. It’s essential to select an app development tool that aligns with your specific requirements for both development and streaming capabilities. Once you’ve made your choice, proceed to upload your SDK to the selected platform.

6. Begin Live Streaming App Development

Utilize the provided API code along with the live streaming SDK tools to start developing your mobile application. At this stage, it’s crucial to tailor your app to accurately reflect your brand while ensuring an optimal viewer experience.

Think carefully about the features you want to incorporate into your app. Here are some typical features you might consider including:

• Sign Up: Consider enabling users to register through various methods such as social media accounts, email addresses, or Apple ID.
• Personal Profile: Decide whether to encourage users to upload genuine photos, create bios, or have followers within the app.
• Chat Feature: Implement comment sections and chat boxes to foster community interaction among users.
• Search Functionality: Incorporate a search feature to streamline video discovery, and think about utilizing hashtags for improved visibility.
• Notifications: Determine the types of notifications you want to send to users and their presentation, including reminders, communications, and other pertinent updates.
• Streaming Schedule: Depending on your app’s focus, a streaming schedule can significantly enhance viewer engagement for live broadcasts.
• Donation Options: Decide if you will allow streamers to collect donations through your platform for their contributions.

This is where the expertise of a dedicated developer becomes invaluable. Hiring a professional can help turn your vision into reality, as even minor errors can hinder your app’s functionality. It’s essential to seek support from someone well-versed in technical aspects. Additionally, when evaluating potential developers, place a significant emphasis on their understanding of security protocols.

While the excitement of creating a live streaming app often drives a focus on functionality, security is increasingly paramount, especially if you aim to monetize the app. With numerous alternatives available, users are less tolerant of platforms that experience security breaches, which can severely tarnish your reputation. A notable example of this is the infamous Sony cyber attack in 2014, which had lasting repercussions for the company’s image in Hollywood.

Also Check: Comprehensive Guide to Develop An App Like Bigo Live

7. Work on UI/UX

A poor user interface can be detrimental to customer retention. Prior to developing your streaming app, it’s crucial to perform a competitor analysis to identify the features that users appreciate in existing applications.

Use this insight to draw inspiration and integrate even more effective features into your own app. Moreover, it’s important to focus on both the UI and UX; an attractive user interface doesn’t guarantee a satisfying user experience. Design your video streaming platform to ensure a seamless journey from the moment a user logs in until their final interaction, all while creating an appealing interface.

8. Beta Testing and Soft Launch

An essential phase in the development of a video streaming app is beta testing. It’s important to create user personas for your testers, decide on the appropriate number of testers needed, and establish a testing timeline. This testing phase provides invaluable insights regarding key aspects such as performance, user interface, lag, navigation, and more, allowing for necessary improvements prior to launch. While it may be tempting to omit this step to expedite your app’s time to market, doing so could lead to significant costs later on, as it risks releasing a subpar app.

9. Package and Submit App

Once your app has been finalised, the next step is to package it and submit it for approval to either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The approval process typically takes between 1 to 3 days. If you choose to submit your app to the Apple App Store, you must first enrol in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99.

It’s important to note that the submission process for a paid app involves additional steps compared to that for a free app. For a comprehensive guide on this process, be sure to refer to the available resources. Alternatively, you can opt for internal distribution methods, allowing users to download the app directly from your website.

Draw Inspiration From Other Apps

There’s no need to start from scratch when developing your live streaming app. Numerous apps already on the market can provide valuable insights into effective strategies for enhancing user engagement. Take the time to explore the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, focusing on live streaming applications that are direct competitors.

Consider what features users appreciate in these apps and what elements they find frustrating. Pay particular attention to both positive and negative reviews, as they offer a wealth of information on user preferences and pain points. Analyzing these reviews can uncover best practices that will help you refine your app and better meet the needs of your audience.

Types of Live Streaming Apps

Once you’ve gathered some ideas, it’s essential to understand that there are different categories of live streaming apps you can develop. Let’s take a look at some of the more prevalent options available in the market.

Video On Demand (Movies and Shows)

Are you looking to develop the next big thing in streaming, similar to Netflix, or perhaps you envision a specialized version catering to a niche audience? The Video on Demand (VOD) sector experienced significant growth during the Pandemic, as viewers increasingly sought entertainment to unwind and escape. There’s ample opportunity to create live streaming apps that focus on diverse movie genres. In addition to major players like Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu, consider taking cues from platforms such as BroadwayHD and Criterion Channel, which cater to specific interests and audiences.

Some of the key features you should include in such an app are:

• User-friendly navigation: Prioritize easy navigation and clear categorization to help users unwind while searching for content at the end of their day. 
• Robust search and filtering: A powerful search algorithm is essential, allowing users to quickly find desired content through efficient keyword recognition. 
• Diverse monetization options: Since on-demand content is frequently gated by a paywall, offer multiple monetization methods, such as subscription plans, ad-supported access, and one-time purchases for limited-time viewing. 
• Comprehensive video analytics: Provide users with insights into content performance by tracking views, viewing duration, and other relevant metrics. 
• Security measures: Ensure users feel confident in the protection of their on-demand content by implementing strong security features to prevent piracy and unauthorized distribution. 

Sports Live Streaming

Are you aspiring to develop the next ESPN+? Sports have remained a beloved pastime, making sports live-streaming applications immensely popular now and likely to grow even further in the future. There are numerous opportunities to launch a sports live-streaming app that doesn’t require direct competition with established giants like ESPN+ and Fox Sports.

Consider approaches that focus on a local audience or are tailored towards high school athletics. No matter your vision, the potential for innovation within this sector is vast. You can find inspiration from platforms like YipTV, LaLiga Sports TV, which targets Spanish sports fans, and FloSports, which covers a range of niche athletic events, including women’s rugby, MMA, and more.

Some of the key features you should include in such an app are:

• Mobile-friendly: The trend of sports streaming on mobile devices is rapidly growing, with a 37% increase in users in the UK since 2021. Ensure your app is optimized for mobile use to cater to this expanding audience. 
• Statistics window: Include a player or game statistics section alongside the live stream, as fans often want real-time data to enhance their viewing experience. 
• Extensive lineup library: To cater to a global audience, your app should feature a wide array of sports channels and programming. 
• 4K and HDR streaming: Providing high-quality streaming options, such as 4K and HDR, will significantly enhance the user experience. 
• Offline downloads: Allow users to download content for offline viewing, enabling sports fans to watch important replays and matches at their convenience.

Live Streaming Audio

Perhaps you’re looking to develop app like Spotify, or a more specialized iteration of it. In this case, the podcasting landscape offers numerous possibilities to cater to distinct genres or subjects. Additionally, there is significant potential to create audio-only live-streaming applications that support niche artists in reaching new audiences.

Consider taking cues from platforms like Luminary Podcasts, Breaker, which emphasizes social interaction around podcasts, Pandora for broader music streaming, and IDAGIO, dedicated to classical music enthusiasts.

Some of the technical specifications you should include in such an app are:

• Device Compatibility: It’s essential to ensure that your app is compatible with a variety of devices, as users commonly stream music from smartphones, laptops, audio interfaces, and other equipment. 
• Enhanced Search and Categorization: Implementing advanced search features and categorization options will make it easier for users to discover their favourite artists, albums, and tracks. 
• Social Media Integrations: Allow users to seamlessly share music or clips on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, enhancing community engagement and visibility. 
• Personalized Playlists and Collections: Create tailored playlists and music collections that reflect user listening habits and preferences for a more customized experience. 
• Multi-Stream Capability: For DJs and music producers who wish to livestream their sessions, offering a multi-stream option will be crucial to support their creative needs. 

Must Check: Cost to Create Apps Like Streamlabs: Live Streaming App

Platforms That Allow Streamers to Amass a Following

Live streaming applications that enable user followings are far from a novel concept. Nevertheless, there remains substantial opportunity for specialized platforms. For instance, Twitch primarily serves gamers, while TikTok originally appealed to a younger audience, particularly Gen Z. This indicates that there will consistently be opportunities to focus on diverse niche markets.

Some of the key features you should include in such an app are:

To further enhance your streaming platform, consider incorporating the following features:

• Audience Interaction Tools: Enable functionalities for gamers and religious leaders to engage their viewers through Q&A sessions and interactive polls.
• User Profiles: Support multiple user profiles to facilitate convenient streaming for various individuals within the same institution.
• Parental Controls: Integrate robust parental control options to ensure a safe environment, especially given the prevalence of underage streamers in the gaming community.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Implement secure payment gateways that allow live streamers to effectively monetize their content and receive payments with ease.
• Versatile Overlay Options: Provide excellent customizable overlay features to enhance the visual appeal of live streams, improving viewer engagement and experience.

What to Do After Launching a Live Streaming App

Once your app has been approved by the App Store or Google Play Store, the next step is to promote it effectively. Start by encouraging your current audience to download the app; this can be achieved through social media posts and a targeted email campaign. Following this initial push, it’s essential to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Identify the most effective channels to reach your target audience and determine how to present your offer. Consider employing a mix of content marketing and paid advertising to maximise visibility. Additionally, if your platform includes monetized video content, your goals will likely extend beyond app downloads to include enticing users to subscribe or purchase access to specific features or content.

There are various monetization models you can go for. As a recap, here are a few:

• Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD): This model requires viewers to pay a recurring fee to access content, similar to services like Netflix and FloSports. 
• Advertisement-based Video on Demand (AVOD): In this approach, your app can feature advertisements within videos. You also have the option to charge viewers a nominal fee to eliminate ads, akin to Spotify and YouTube Premium. 
• Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD): TVOD allows you to charge users one-time fees for access to specific content or special events, such as sports championships, similar to Sky Box Office or Apple iTunes. 

How can iTechnolabs help you to build a Live Streaming App?

iTechnolabs, a expert video streaming app development company understands the importance of an effective marketing strategy for a live streaming app. Our team of experienced professionals can assist you in developing a comprehensive plan to promote your app and reach your target audience.

We offer services such as app store optimization, social media marketing, email campaigns, and paid advertising to help increase visibility and drive downloads for your app. With our expertise in content marketing and monetization strategies, we can also help you create captivating content that will attract users and encourage them to subscribe or purchase access to your platform.

• Custom App Development: We specialise in creating tailored live streaming applications that meet your specific needs and enhance user experience.
• User-Friendly Interface Design: Our design team focuses on creating intuitive and engaging interfaces that keep your users interested and facilitate easy navigation.
• Robust Backend Infrastructure: We provide a solid and scalable backend architecture that ensures smooth streaming and real-time interaction for an optimal viewing experience.
• Integration of Payment Gateways: We help integrate secure payment solutions to facilitate smooth transactions for subscriptions, rentals, and other monetization methods.
• Performance Optimization: Our team conducts thorough testing and optimisation to maintain consistent performance and minimize buffering or downtime.
• Ongoing Support and Maintenance: We offer continued support and updates to ensure your app adapts to changing technologies and user preferences effectively.

Suggested: Build a Streaming Application Like ShowBox App

Conclusion

Video streaming applications and platforms are experiencing a significant increase in viewership, showing no signs of a slowdown. As this content delivery network continues to grow, organizations are increasingly viewing live streaming as a sound investment. Fortunately, building and deploying a streaming application has never been easier, although there are some critical technical elements to consider. While our informative guide will set you on the right path, you may desire additional assistance. iTechnolabs’s team of experts is here to provide that support.

With over a decade of experience at the forefront of video and live streaming, we offer robust mobile broadcasting solutions and comprehensive app support. As leaders in the industry, we ensure an enhanced video streaming experience for your audience, complemented by an array of advanced features like white labeling and HTML5 video delivery, all aimed at delivering the highest quality experience for viewers.