Estimating The Cost to Develop An App Like Bigo Live

The way we enjoy entertainment has changed a lot. Traditional TV is now being replaced by video streaming services and sites like Netflix, YouTube, Bigo Live, and Amazon Prime. 

This change meets users' desire for information they can watch whenever they want. Live streaming has improved this experience by allowing people to connect and engage in real time.

Live streaming services like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live have grown a lot. The global live-streaming market was valued at approximately $988 million in 2021 and is expected to reach around $4.29 billion by 2028, showing a CAGR of 23.5% during this time.

Bigo Live has become a popular site where users can share live videos, engage with viewers, and earn money through virtual gifts and prizes. This success has caught the attention of business people looking to join the live-streaming market. 

The entrepreneurs are curious to know the cost of Bigo-live clone app development cost. 

The cost to develop an app like Bigo Live changes based on factors such as features, platform selection, and design complexity. The cost to develop a project typically falls between $25,000 and $150,000.

This blog will explore the normal costs of developing a live-streaming app like Bigo Live. It will cover important factors that affect these costs, necessary features, and ways to make money from the app.

An Overview Of the Inspiring Journey of Bigo Live 

Bigo Live, launched in 2016 by David Li in Singapore, was formed with the goal of building a worldwide platform where people can showcase their skills, engage with real-time audiences, and promote important connections. 

The app quickly gained fame due to its interactive live-streaming features, allowing users to share their skills, play games, and even host live discussions. 

Unlike top social media apps, Bigo Live focuses on real-time interaction, making it a preferred choice for content creators, influencers, and companies looking to connect with their audience immediately. 

Key Facts about Bigo Live:

• • Bigo Live has more than 500 million downloads in the app shop.

  • As of 2023, Bigo Live had more than 400 million users across 150 countries.

  • In the last quarter of 2023, Bigo Live had an average of around 38 million monthly active users.

  • In the last quarter of 2023, Bigo Live's paying users spent an average of around $244.8 on the site. 

Let's move further to know "How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Bigo Live?" and what factors help you determine the total budget of your Bigo Live clone app development. 

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Bigo Live?

Developing a live streaming app like Bigo Live takes a significant investment in technology, features, and security. 

The cost to develop an app like Bigo Live can range between $25,000 to $150,000, based on factors such as app complexity, platform (Android, iOS, or both), and development location.

A basic live streaming app with important features like live video broadcasting and user contact will cost less. 

However, a fully-featured app with AI-powered tips, multi-host streaming, virtual giving, and real-time moderation will require a higher budget.

Oter cost factors include UI/UX design, server infrastructure, video compression technology, cloud storage, and safety standards. 

Additionally, adding monetization methods such as in-app sales, advertisements, and subscriptions will also add to the video streaming app development cost.

In the next section, we will break down the factors affecting the average cost to develop a live streaming app like Bigo Live. It will help you estimate the investment required to create an app like Bigo Live within your budget.

Key Factors That Impact the Cost to Build an App Like Bigo Live

Creating a live streaming app like Bigo Live takes significant investment, as multiple factors add to its Bigo Live-like development cost. 

If you want to develop an app like Bigo Live from scratch or use pre-built solutions, knowing these cost-affecting elements can help you make informed decisions. 

Below are the main factors that decide the cost to create a live streaming app like Bigo Live: 

1. App Platform: Android, iOS, or Both

One of the biggest cost-determining factors is the site you choose for your app. 

Developing a live streaming app like Bigo Live for a single device (either Android or iOS) costs less than building a cross-platform app. 

However, to reach a bigger audience, launching the app on both platforms is a better plan, even though it adds development cost and time.

2. App Complexity and Features

The number and variety of features directly impact the cost to build a live-streaming app like Bigo Live. 

A basic version may only include live streaming and user profiles, while an advanced version combines AI-based content suggestions, virtual giving, multi-host streaming, and real-time chat translations. 

The more features you add, the higher the Bigo Live clone app development cost.

3. UI/UX Design

A smooth and engaging user experience is important for any live-streaming site. 

A well-structured UI/UX design ensures smooth travel and high engagement from users. 

If you want an interactive and visually appealing interface, spending on custom UI/UX design will increase the cost to develop a video streaming app like Bigo Live.

4. Backend Development and Infrastructure

To create a video streaming app requires a strong server to handle large amounts of real-time data. 

The backend architecture includes cloud computers, databases, CDN (Content Delivery Network), and video compression technology. 

A scalable and high-performance backend raises the cost to build a live streaming app like Bigo Live, but it ensures smooth streaming experiences for users.

5. Third-Party API Integrations

To create an app like Bigo Live that improves usefulness, developers often combine third-party APIs for payment gateways, social media logins, AI-based suggestions, and analytics. 

While using third-party services can speed up development, it adds extra licensing and connection costs. This impacts the overall cost to develop a video streaming app like Bigo Live.

6. Security and Compliance

Since live streaming apps deal with user-generated material, security is a crucial element. 

Implementing end-to-end encryption, data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA), AI-based content moderation, and secure payment methods ensures user safety. 

However, these app security measures add to the cost to develop an app similar to Bigo Live.

7. Monetization Features

If you want to create a video streaming app like Bigo Live, adding monetization features is essential. Some common revenue models include:

• • In-app purchases (virtual gifts, stickers, premium content)

  • Subscriptions (monthly or yearly membership plans)

  • Advertisements (banner ads, sponsored streams, influencer marketing)

Developing and integrating these monetization strategies increases the cost to create a video streaming app like Bigo Live, but they also ensure long-term profitability.

8. Development Team and Location

The region in which your development team is located greatly influences the cost to create a live streaming app like Bigo Live. 

Developers from regions like North America and Western Europe charge higher rates, whereas teams from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and Latin America offer cost-effective development solutions. 

Hiring dedicated developers guarantees quality, but it has an effect on the total Bigo Live-like app development cost.

9. Maintenance and Updates After Launch

Once you build a live streaming app like Bigo Live, ongoing maintenance is needed to keep it working smoothly. 

This includes bug changes, feature updates, server upgrades, and security patches. Regular changes help keep users but add to the cost to develop a live streaming app like Bigo Live in the long run.

Apart from the general factors mentioned above, the following Bigo Live-specific factors highly impact the cost to develop a video streaming app like Bigo Live:

10. Video Streaming Quality & Technology

Bigo Live emphasizes high-definition, low-latency video streaming, which is essential for user retention. To maintain high-quality streams, powerful backend infrastructure, and video encoding technologies are necessary.

A robust video streaming setup, such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) or RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), will increase the cost to create an app like Bigo Live, especially for handling large-scale video data.

11. App Scalability

As your live streaming app grows, scalability becomes crucial. 

Building an app that can scale with increased user demand without compromising performance will affect the cost to make an app like Bigo Live.

Investing in a scalable architecture and cloud services will ensure that the app performs smoothly even during peak usage times.

12. Real-time Interaction & Moderation Tools

Real-time chat, live comments, and moderation tools are essential for maintaining a safe and engaging community. Tools to prevent inappropriate behavior, manage trolls and ensure user safety are essential in live-streaming apps.

Implementing these tools requires additional development time and increases the cost to create video streaming apps like YouTube or Bigo Live but is essential for user retention.

To create a video streaming app like Bigo Live, you need a proper strategy that can help you invest wisely in different stages of your project. However, you optimize the cost to make an app like Bigo Live by applying the below given tips. 

Tips to Reduce the Cost to Create an App Like Bigo Live

Developing a live-streaming app like Bigo Live can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce costs without losing quality. Here are some effective methods to lower the cost to build an app like Bigo Live while keeping the app’s speed and user experience.

1] Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of building a full-featured app from the start, focus on creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with only the important features. This method helps test the market reaction and refine the app based on user feedback, saving 30-40% of initial mobile app development costs.

2] Outsource Development to Cost-Effective Regions

Hiring a development team from countries like India, Ukraine, or the Philippines can greatly lower costs compared to hiring developers from the US or Europe. Outsourcing can lower costs by 40-60% while keeping high-quality development.

3] Use Pre-Built Solutions and APIs

Instead of making everything from the start, leverage ready-made software development kits (SDKs) and third-party APIs for live streaming, payment processing, authentication, and chat features. This can save 25-35% of costs, as pre-built options cut development time.

4] Choose Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Hosting the app on cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure instead of private servers reduces upfront hardware costs. Cloud-based options offer scalability, lowering maintenance fees and saving 20-30% of the operational cost to build a video streaming app like Bigo Live.

5] Optimize UI/UX Design

To create a mobile app with a visually appealing and user-friendly design doesn’t have to be overly complicated. A clean and simple design lowers the cost of designing and building the app while still providing a smooth user experience. This can cut costs by 15-25%.

6] Follow an Agile Development Approach

Adopting an Agile approach ensures the development process is open and iterative. Instead of making expensive changes later, agile development helps incorporate feedback at every stage, avoiding unnecessary costs and saving 10-20%.

7] Use Cross-Platform Development

Instead of making different apps for iOS and Android, using frameworks like Flutter or React Native allows developers to make a single codebase for both platforms. This lowers the cost to create an app like Bigo Live by 30-50% and speeds up the launch process.

8] Reduce Unnecessary Features

Many businesses try to include advanced features in the first version of their app, leading to higher costs. Instead, start with only the most necessary features and add advanced functions gradually based on demand. This can save 20-35% on beginning development costs.

9] Partner with an Experienced Development Team

Working with a reliable mobile app development company ensures efficient project planning and completion. A skilled team can avoid expensive mistakes and help optimize resources, saving 15-30% of overall development costs.

By following these cost-saving strategies, businesses can reduce the cost to build an app like Bigo Live by 40-60% while still ensuring good performance and user engagement. 

Now, after studying all about the average cost and cost-deciding factors, it's time to learn how these can generate high ROI and become key players in the industry. 

How Does a Live Streaming App Like Bigo Live Make Money?

Live streaming apps like Bigo Live generate revenue through multiple monetization models, allowing them to maximize earnings while engaging users. Below are some of the most effective ways these apps make money, along with their benefits.

► Virtual Gifts and In-App Purchases

Bigo Live allows users to buy virtual gifts, such as stickers and animations, using in-app currency. Viewers send these gifts to streamers as a form of appreciation, and streamers can convert them into real money.

Benefits:

• • Creates a direct revenue stream for both the app and content creators.

  • Encourages more engagement and longer streaming sessions.

► Subscription Plans

Live streaming platforms offer monthly or yearly subscription plans that provide exclusive benefits like ad-free streaming, VIP badges, and priority access to popular content creators.

Benefits:

• • Ensures a steady flow of recurring revenue.

  • Increases user retention as subscribers stay engaged for premium perks.

► Advertisements and Sponsorships

Bigo Live displays banner ads, video ads, and sponsored content within the app. Brands also collaborate with streamers for product promotions and paid sponsorships.

Benefits:

• • Allows monetization without charging users directly.

  • Opens opportunities for partnerships with brands and advertisers.

► Pay-Per-View (PPV) Streaming

Some exclusive live-streaming events require users to pay a one-time fee to access premium content like celebrity live sessions, concerts, or webinars.

Benefits:

• • Generates high revenue from exclusive events.

  • Attracts a larger audience willing to pay for premium content.

► Affiliate Marketing and E-Commerce Integration

Top video streaming apps integrate e-commerce features, allowing streamers to promote products through live shopping events. Users can click links and buy products directly within the app.

Benefits:

• • Provides an additional revenue stream by earning commissions on sales.

  • Enhances user experience with seamless shopping features.

► In-App Advertisements 

Bigo Live allows streamers to run their own ads within live sessions, giving them a share of ad revenue. This feature encourages more content creators to join the platform while increasing the cost to develop a live streaming app like Bigo Live. 

Benefits:

• • Attracts more influencers and content creators.

  • Boosts overall engagement and app activity.

Build a High-Performing Live Streaming App with JPLoft

Want to develop a live streaming app like Bigo Live? JPLoft is here to turn your vision into reality! 

As a leading video streaming app development company, we specialize in creating feature-rich, scalable, and engaging streaming platforms tailored to your business needs.

Our team of expert developers ensures seamless UI/UX, high-quality video streaming, secure payment gateways, and AI-driven recommendations to enhance user engagement. 

We also provide custom monetization strategies, helping you generate maximum revenue from your app.

With years of experience in app development, we offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. 

Whether you need a Bigo Live clone app or a custom-built platform, we deliver cutting-edge technology with robust security and smooth performance.

Partner with JPLoft and launch your next big streaming platform today! Get in touch now for a free consultation.

The Bottom Line 

Developing a live streaming app like Bigo Live requires a well-planned approach, from picking the right features and technology stack to ensuring smooth UI/UX and strong security. 

The cost to develop an app like Bigo Live relies on multiple factors such as app complexity, platform selection, development team location, and monetization strategies. 

However, businesses can reduce costs by choosing important features, using pre-built solutions, and outsourcing development to cost-effective regions.

With the growing success of live streaming, investing in a feature-rich, scalable, and entertaining app can be highly profitable. 

If you're ready to start your own video streaming platform, working with an expert development team can help you build a successful and revenue-generating app.