How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Spotify?

If you’re thinking about creating a music streaming app like Spotify, you’re in the right place.

So, how much does it cost to develop an app like Spotify?

Spotify-like app development cost can go from $30,000 to$120,000+, depending on the complexity of the features, the design, and the development team’s location.

Whether you’re looking to build an app like Spotify from scratch or add unique features to the existing one, understanding the cost breakdown is crucial for making informed decisions about your app’s development.

Are you ready to take your music streaming app idea to the next level? Let’s explore everything you need to know.

Spotify: The Ultimate Music Streaming Platform 

Spotify is a giant in the music streaming industry, known for its vast music library, personalized playlists, and user-friendly interface.

Launched in 2008, the app revolutionized how people listen to music, offering both free and premium subscription options.

With over 640 million active users and 252 million premium subscribers worldwide as of 2024, Spotify has become synonymous with music streaming.

The app uses a freemium model, where users can listen to music for free with ads or pay for a premium subscription that removes ads and adds features like offline listening.

Spotify has a massive catalog, with over 100 million tracks and growing, and it continues to lead the industry with features like Spotify Wrapped, personalized playlists, and podcasts.

The global music streaming market is growing rapidly, with projections to reach $29.7 billion by 2028, making it a highly lucrative space for new entrants.

If you want to create a music app, Spotify's success serves as a great blueprint to replicate. 

Spotify’s ability to adapt to user preferences and its continuous investment in technology are some of the reasons it’s the leader in the industry.

And, to make an app similar to it, it is necessary to understand Spotify-like app development cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Spotify?

So, how much does it cost to build an app like Spotify?

Spotify Clone App Development Cost can be somewhere from $30,000 to $120,000+, depending on various factors such as feature complexity, design, and the development team’s location.

Here is a quick breakdown of your music app development cost:

This is just an estimate, it is not an actual price. 

Mobile app development costs depend on various factors such as tech stack, UI/UX design, and features of your app. 

For example, if you want to incorporate sophisticated AI-driven recommendations, the cost will be on the higher end as compared to basic apps. 

For more details, consult an app development company.

Factors That Affect Cost to Develop an App Like Spotify

The cost to create an app like Spotify can vary significantly based on several factors.

Each aspect, from the features you choose to the development team you hire, can impact the overall price.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that influence the overall cost to build a music app like Spotify:

1] App Features and Complexity

As a general rule of thumb, the number and complexity of features directly influence the Spotify-like app development cost.

A basic app with core functionalities such as music playback, playlist creation, and search will cost less.

While, adding advanced features like personalized recommendations, podcasts, or live streaming will increase the cost to build an app like Spotify.

Whether you are expanding or starting a music app business, the key to keeping the cost low is to start with basic features and then add more as per user feedback.

2] UI/UX Design

The UI/UX design of your app is the first thing that is going to attract users.  

In layman’s terms, simple, minimal designs are less expensive, while custom animations and a more complex interface increase the cost to build a music streaming app like Spotify.

Spotify’s design is clean and user-focused, so you’ll need to ensure the design is intuitive, attractive, and consistent across devices.

3] Technology Stack

Tech Stack is what drives your app, ensuring everything at place from app security to user experience. 

So, the technology stack chosen for your app will greatly affect both development time and cost to develop a music streaming app like Spotify.

A basic app can be built using Firebase or AWS for the backend, while more complex apps with heavy user traffic and advanced features like AI may require specialized tools and frameworks.

4] Platform Development

Deciding whether to opt for an  Android app development service, an iOS app development service or both is a big choice. 

But, the question here is how it affects the overall cost to create an app like Spotify.

Developing for one platform is more affordable, but a cross-platform app will allow you to reach a wider audience.

Cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native help lower the development cost compared to building separate apps for each platform.

5] Development Team Location

Once you have an idea, time to hire mobile app developers. 

In case, you hire them in in North America or Western Europe can be expensive, with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $150/hour.

Alternatively, outsourcing to Eastern Europe or South Asia can save you a considerable amount, with rates as low as $20 to $50/hour. 

When you calculate how much does it costs to develop a music streaming app like Spotify, make sure to consider this.

6] Backend Development

The backend is the powerhouse of your app.

After all, it handles everything from user data management to music streaming.

A basic backend may cost less, while a robust backend with high scalability, real-time data, and AI integrations will raise the overall cost to build an app like Spotify.

7] Third-Party Integrations

No doubt, adding third-party integrations can really take your app to the next level.

However adding such services like payment gateways, social media logins, or music licensing APIs can increase Spotify-like app development costs.

For example, integrating Stripe for payment or Spotify API for music data adds functionality but requires additional resources.

8] Testing & QA

Testing is really important to keep your app up-to-the-market standards. 

It ensures that the app is free from bugs and works seamlessly across devices.

But, the more features your app has, the more testing it needs, and the more it is going to add to the cost to build a music streaming app like Spotify.

Each of these factors significantly contributes to the cost to create a music streaming app like Spotify.

By understanding these elements, you can better plan and budget your Spotify-like app.

How to Optimize Spotify-like Development Cost?

Let’s be honest here: Developing a music streaming app like Spotify can be a significant investment.

However, there are several ways to optimize costs without compromising on quality.

Below are some practical strategies to reduce your Spotify clone app development cost while ensuring your app remains robust and feature-rich:

► Outsource Development

In order to reduce your cost to make an app like Spotify we advise outsourcing. 

Hiring an in-house development team can be expensive, especially if you’re based in North America or Europe.

Outsourcing to countries with lower development costs, such as Eastern Europe or South Asia, can save you up to 50%.

You can hire dedicated developers who are capable of delivering high-quality work at a fraction of the cost compared to local teams.

► Use Open-Source Libraries and Tools

Instead of building every feature from scratch, you can use open-source libraries and third-party tools.

For example, you can integrate free or low-cost music APIs, use pre-built payment gateway integrations, or implement open-source frameworks for streaming.

This approach can save you significant amounts whether you create an app like TIDAL Music or Spotify.

► Implement Agile Development

Agile development practices focus on incremental delivery, allowing you to build and release the app in smaller, manageable chunks.

This approach helps reduce the cost to develop an app like Spotify by allowing for early testing, feedback, and adjustments.

With Agile development, you can prioritize critical features and release them first, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective development process.

► Minimize Custom Features

When you consider creating an app like Shazam or Spotify, custom features can give your app a unique edge.

For your first version, focus on essential features that are commonly found in streaming apps, like playlists, music search, and basic social features.

Advanced functionalities like live streaming or AI recommendations can be added in future updates once you’ve gained users and revenue.

► Optimize for Scalability from the Start

To make an app like Spotify, it is important to plan for Scalability. 

While it might seem cheaper to develop an app with basic backend architecture, this could lead to higher costs later when you scale.

By designing a scalable backend from the beginning, you can avoid the need for major rework later on.

This proactive approach can prevent the potential cost to develop a music streaming app like Spotify from skyrocketing as your app gains more users.

► Outsource Non-Core Tasks

For tasks like graphic design or content creation, consider outsourcing them to freelancers or specialized agencies.

This can help reduce Spotify like app development costs compared to hiring full-time employees for every aspect of the project.

By focusing on core features and functions and outsourcing non-essential work, you can keep your overall budget in check.

By applying these strategies, you can optimize the development process, save money, and still create a high-quality music streaming app that users will love.

Spotify App Development Timeline

Developing a music streaming app like Spotify involves several stages, each with its own set of tasks and time requirements.

The overall timeline depends on the complexity of your app, the features you choose to include, and the size of the development team.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of how long does it take to build an app like Spotify.

Total Development Time: 5 to 10 months

All we have to say is to plan carefully and prioritize features, this way you can keep the development timeline on track and ensure timely delivery.

How to Make Money with a Spotify Clone?

Monetizing your music streaming app is essential to turning it into a profitable venture. There are several ways to generate revenue from a Spotify clone app.

Let’s look at the most effective methods and their revenue potential.

1. Subscription Models

One of the most common ways to monetize a music streaming app like Spotify is through subscription plans.

Offering a freemium model (free tier with ads and a premium, ad-free version) allows users to try your app for free, then upsell them to a premium tier that provides additional features like offline listening, higher-quality audio, and no ads.

• • Revenue Potential: Subscription fees can be a substantial revenue stream. If you charge $9.99 per month and have 100,000 users, you could earn up to $1 million per month from just the premium subscriptions.

2. In-App Purchases

In-app purchases provide an opportunity to generate revenue from free users who may want additional features, such as exclusive playlists, higher-quality streaming, or unique music content.

You can also offer one-time purchases such as premium songs or limited-edition albums.

• • Revenue Potential: In-app purchases can contribute 15%-20% of your total revenue. For example, if 10% of users purchase add-ons or special content, that could bring in $100,000 per month with a user base of 1 million.

3. Advertisements

If you offer a free tier of your music app, ads are a great way to generate revenue.

Display ads, audio ads, or video ads can be shown to users on the free plan.

As your app gains more users, you can charge more for advertising space, particularly if you target specific demographics.

• • Revenue Potential: Ads can contribute 10%-25% of total revenue. For example, with 1 million monthly active users, you could generate $50,000 to $100,000 monthly from ad placements.

4. Affiliate Marketing

You can integrate affiliate marketing by promoting related products or services within the app.

For instance, partner with music equipment brands, concert promoters, or even ticketing services to promote products to users.

Offering affiliate links for purchasing concert tickets or music gear can help generate additional revenue.

• • Revenue Potential: Affiliate marketing can contribute 5%-10% of your revenue, depending on the number of users clicking on the promotions and purchasing items.

5. Sponsored Content

Brands and artists are always looking for ways to reach your app’s user base.

Sponsored playlists, artist promotions, or featured content are great ways to monetize.

Companies may pay you to create special playlists or features for their campaigns, providing them exposure to your audience.

• • Revenue Potential: Sponsored content can generate substantial income, especially if your app attracts a large audience. Depending on the partnerships, you could earn anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 per campaign.

6. Merchandise Sales

Selling branded merchandise through your app is another revenue opportunity.

You could sell T-shirts, caps, or posters related to the app, or partner with artists and bands to sell their merchandise directly through your platform.

• • Revenue Potential: Merchandise can contribute 5%-10% of your revenue, especially if you collaborate with popular artists or bands with large fan bases.

7. Data Analytics and Insights

If your app collects valuable data about user preferences and listening habits, you can sell anonymized data or insights to market research companies or music industry stakeholders.

This could include listening trends, favorite genres, or other behavioral data.

• • Revenue Potential: Selling data can generate 5%-10% of your revenue, depending on the type and volume of data you have access to.

By combining these monetization strategies subscriptions, in-app purchases, ads, and more you can create multiple revenue streams for your Spotify clone app.

A well-executed combination of these methods will ensure you maximize your revenue while offering value to your users.

JPLoft – Here to Help You

At JPLoft, we specialize in building high-quality music streaming apps, offering expert services that help bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re looking to create an app like Spotify, implement advanced music algorithms, or design an engaging user interface, our team has the expertise to guide you through the entire development process.

We understand the complexities of building an app in the competitive music streaming industry and provide innovative solutions that meet your business goals.

From app design and development to deployment and monetization strategies, JPLoft, a leading music streaming app development company, can help you turn your ideas into a reality.

Ready to take your music streaming app to the next level? Let’s make it happen!

Conclusion

Building a Spotify-like app is a rewarding venture with the potential to tap into the ever-growing music streaming market.

The cost to develop an app like Spotify can range from $30,000 to $120,000+, depending on the complexity of features, design, and the development team. 

By focusing on essential features and adopting cost-saving strategies like cross-platform development and MVP creation, you can significantly reduce your initial costs and get your app to market faster.

With the right monetization strategies, including subscription models, in-app purchases, and ads, your app can generate substantial revenue.

It’s important to carefully plan your development process, ensuring that you balance quality, user experience, and cost to create a successful music streaming app.