Unveiling the Cost to Build an App like TIDAL Music

Have you ever wished for a music app that delivers nothing less than perfect sound? Well, TIDAL Music just did that by bringing HIFI audio to the forefront of the streaming world. 

Someone who wants to replicate the success of TIDAL Music has this one thing echoing in their mind, “How Much Does it Cost to Build an app like TIDAL Music?”

The TIDAL Music-like app development cost can be somewhere between $20,000 to $60,000+. This can increase or decrease as per the changing market requirements and many other factors. 

In terms of Music Quality, TIDAL Music has established its own place, and trust us when we say to mirror TIDAL Music’s success, you need to know more than just cost. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the details of what goes into creating an app like TIDAL, from the growing market stats to the price tag that comes with it. 

What is TIDAL Music: HiFi Sound- All You Need to Know 

So, what is TIDAL Music? Launched in 2014, it took the world by storm by offering a level that set a new standard for music streaming. 

Unlike apps like Spotify, TIDAL had its focuses on offering HiFi, lossless audio, meaning every track is crystal clear, just like the artist wants. 

But, TIDAL Music isn’t just about the sound- it’s about creating a complete music experience. 

With exclusive content, early album releases, and a commitment to paying artists' music  experience, it has become a perfect option for audiophiles. 

For anyone looking to create a music streaming app, we suggest TIDAL Music has the perfect blueprint for it. Due to quality, innovation, and a supportive community, it is constantly attracting users and investors. 

Before you consider starting your development journey, understand how the app works:

How TIDAL Music Works:

• Download the app and instantly access high-definition, lossless sound and that’s a dream for any music lover.
• Get your hands on exclusive albums, early releases, and special behind-the-scenes access that you can’t find anywhere else. 
• TIDAL then uses smart algorithms to create a personalized playlist that matches your mood and music preference, so they always have the perfect soundtrack. 
• Whether you’re traveling or want to listen to offline music, download your favorite tracks and enjoy them without the need for a connection. 
• Due to its availability on everything from smartphones and desktops to smart TVs and high-end audio systems, users can enjoy their music however and wherever they want. 

TIDAL’s combination of exceptional sound quality and unique features is what has turned it into a global powerhouse- and this is why so many are eager to follow in its footsteps. 

Market Stats: Music Streaming Apps 

Before you dive into the world of music streaming, it’s crucial to understand the landscape you’re entering.

With the right data and stats, you can make better and more refined decisions while creating an app like TIDAL Music.

• • Music streaming now accounts for 84% of the total revenue in the music industry. 
  • Over the past year, the industry saw a growth of more than 10%. 
  • There are many music apps among which TIDAL stands out with 80 million songs.
  • TIDAL’s annual revenue is estimated from $100 to $200 million. 
  • Paid subscriptions represent 23% of all music streaming. 
  • Meanwhile, 78% of people listen to music through streaming services, and more than 600 million people subscribe to a music streaming platform.

Seeing such stats, anyone will feel that it is a great decision to make an app like TIDAL Music which it definitely is. 

But, for that, you need to know the investment required. 

Average Cost to Make an App like TIDAL Music

So, are you wondering, “How Much does it cost to build an app like TIDAL Music?”

Well, the TIDAL Music clone app development cost can go from $20,000 to $60,000+. The price can increase or decrease as per your project needs. 

In terms of Layman’s rule, a TIDAL Music-like app with basic features will cost less, as compared to an app with advanced features. 

Music app development cost doesn't only include the feature, it also includes many other factors that we are about to deep dive into the next section. 

Til then, here is a quick breakdown of the cost to develop an app similar to TIDAL for better understanding: 

Factors Affecting the Overall Cost to Build an App like TIDAL Music

The cost of developing an app like TIDAL Music depends on various factors. Curious about what they are?

Let’s dive into the details:

1. Features 

When considering how much does it cost to create an app like TIDAL Music, Features seem to be the most common factor. 

Isn’t it obvious, the more you are going to have features, the more it will cost? 

The basic features of a music app include user profile, registration, artist, and album profiles. Advanced features like exclusive content, offline listening, and personalized playlists, these will cost your more.

2. Development Team Location

The location of your development team plays a crucial role in the overall cost to make an app like TIDAL Music. 

Developers in countries with higher labor costs, like the US or Western Europe, will generally charge more than those in Eastern Europe. 

Choosing the right location can save you a substantial amount of money without sacrificing quality.

3. Design

A sleek, intuitive design is key for a music streaming app like TIDAL Music. 

The complexity of the design, including custom UI/UX elements, animations, and overall user experience, will determine its cost. 

Simple designs will be cheaper, while custom, feature-rich designs require more cost to build a music streaming app like TIDAL Music. 

4. Maintenance and Updates

Once your app is launched, maintenance and updates are important to keep it running smoothly. 

Regular updates for new features, bug fixes, and adapting to new devices or operating systems will add to the cost. 

The more work you have on your app, the more frequent and extensive updates will be needed. 

5. Testing

Testing is a key factor that you should not skip.

Thorough testing is essential to ensure the app's security and that it runs smoothly. When you consider how much does it costs to develop an app like TIDAL Music, consider testing an essential factor. 

Depending on the complexity of the features like (Hi-Fi audio or live streaming), more rigorous testing is needed. 

Consequently, the more thorough the testing phase, the higher the overall TIDAL-like app development cost will be.

6. Complexity of Your Idea

The complexity of your Idea can be heavy on your pocket. 

A simple music streaming app might be cheaper but incorporating HiFi sound, live broadcasts, or artist partnerships will increase the cost to create an app like TIDAL.

Why? 

Simply because, complexity affects time, resources, and the tech stack required. 

7. Backend Development

The backend also plays a huge role in deciding the overall cost to create an app like TIDAL Music. 

The backend handles everything from user accounts to streaming performance. 

For a TIDAL-like app, the backend is complex and needs to support high-quality audio streaming, large user bases, and content management. 

A robust backend ensures smooth performance, but it comes at a cost. 

8. Tech Stack

The technologies used in your app will significantly affect its cost. HiFI streaming requires advanced codecs, high-quality servers, and stable APIs. 

Choosing the right tech stack can make a huge difference in terms of both quality and cost.

More complex technology simply means a higher cost to develop an app like TIDAL Music.

We believe such factors give you a clear picture of how much does it costs to make an app like TIDAL Music. 

From choosing features to design as well as tech stack, remember, that every small detail impacts your overall budget and the outcome of your project. 

We will provide some tips on how to reduce the overall cost. 

How to Reduce the Overall Cost to Build an App like TIDAL Music? 

If you’re wondering how to reduce the cost to make an app like TIDAL Music, you’re in the right place. 

Developing an app like TIDAL Music can be expensive, but with the right strategies, you can save money without compromising on quality. 

1] Begin with Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Instead of going for a full-featured app right away, focus on making an MVP. 

This means launching with just the core features, such as Music playback, user registration, and playlists. 

By creating small, you can test your idea, gather user feedback, and save on the cost to create a music streaming app like TIDAL Music. You can always add advanced features later. 

2] Choose Cross-Platform Development

For added customization, you can integrate Android app development or iOS app development to optimize the app for the platform’s unique features. 

But, developing separate apps for iOS and Android can double your costs. Instead, opt for cross-platform development and leverage from frameworks like Flutter or React Native. 

These tools let you build one app that works on both platforms, significantly reducing the cost to develop an app like TIDAL Music. 

3] Use Ready-Made Solutions and APIs

Why reinvent the wheel? Use existing tools and APIs for features like payment gateways, social logins, and audio streaming.

For example, integrating a pre-built music streaming API can save you time and money compared to building everything from scratch.

4] Outsource Development Wisely

Hiring an in-house team can put a hole in your pocket. 

We suggest outsourcing to a reliable mobile app development company. You will get experienced developers in many regions with lower labor costs. 

This can drastically cut the cost to make an app like TIDAL Music without diminishing quality. 

5] Focus on Simple, Scalable Design

A fancy design with complex animation can drive up costs and present various challenges.

Thus, keep your app’s design clean, intuitive, and scalable. Start with the basic UI/UX design and then add more improvements later as your user base grows. 

This way, you can keep the cost to create an app like TIDAL Music in check. 

6] Leverage Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Setting up your own servers can be expensive and time-consuming. 

So, use cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud to handle storage, streaming, and scalability. 

This not only reduces upfront costs but also ensures your app can grow with your user base. 

7] Plan for Iterative Development

What we suggest is don’t try to build everything at once. Make sure to break your project into phases and release updates gradually.

This interactive approach spreads out the cost to develop an app like TIDAL Music over time, making it easier to manage your budget.

With development costs optimized, it’s time to turn your attention to monetization strategies that can drive revenue. 

How do TIDAL Music-like Apps Make Money?

Music apps like TIDAL Music: HiFi Sound have changed the way we listen to music, but have you ever wondered how they generate revenue? 

From subscriptions to exclusive content, these apps use creative monetization strategies to stay profitable.

Let’s Break down the key ways such apps make money: 

► Subscription Plans

Several music streaming apps offer tiered subscription plans, such as premium and family plans giving users access to ad-free music, high-quality audio, and offline downloads. 

These recurring payments form the backbone of their revenue model, ensuring a steady income stream. 

► Exclusive Content and Early Releases

By partnering with artists to offer exclusive albums, early releases, or live concert streams, these apps attract dedicated fans willing to pay extra for unique content. 

This strategy not only boosts revenue but also strengthens user loyalty. 

► Ad-Supported Free Tier

A free, ad-supported tier allows users to access basic features while generating revenue through ads. 

Besides TIDAL Music, Such a model can be seen in Spotify-like app development too where users enjoy free access to content, but ads help monetize the platform. 

This attracts a larger audience, and some of them may eventually upgrade to paid plans for an ad-free experience. Such models will help to cover the cost to create an app like TIDAL Music.

► Merchandise and Ticket Sales

Many music apps integrate merchandise stores or ticket-selling features, earning a commission on every sale. 

This not only diversifies their income but also enhances the user experience by offering more than just music. 

► Partnerships and Sponsorships

Collaborating with brands for sponsored playlists, events, or promotions brings in additional revenue. 

These partnerships often align with the app’s audience, creating a win-win situation for both parties. 

How JPLoft Can Help You Develop an App like TIDAL Music: HiFi Music?

The music streaming industry is rapidly growing, with platforms like TIDAL Music transforming how we experience music. 

Millions of users are seeking high-quality sound, and now is the perfect time to create an app like TIDAL Music.

JPLoft, being the top music streaming app development company ensures a smooth development process, from idea to launch, helping you stay ahead in the competitive market. 

Let us help you build a top-tier music app that will captivate users globally. 

Conclusion

Creating an app similar to TIDAL Music can be a great project, given the rising popularity of top-notch music streaming platforms.

However, you need to think about several things like what features to include, how it should look, what technology to use, and where your developers are based. All these factors affect the total cost.

If you make smart choices and find ways to cut expenses, you can build a music app that makes its mark in the market.

Whether you're aiming for crystal-clear sound, content users can't find elsewhere, or brand-new features, making a TIDAL-like music app has the potential to shake up the music world.