Music Streaming App Development Cost: A Complete Guide

Thinking about  Music Streaming App Development and wondering, “How much does it cost to create a music streaming app?”You’re not alone.

The music streaming app development cost can fall between $30,000 to $200,000 or more, based on several factors.

With the growing music streaming industry apps like Spotify & Apple Music are dominating the overall music market, seeing many investors are eager to step into this market.

And, this is where they look for what is the cost of music app development, well, it is not just a price that we share, there’s more to this than just numbers.

Let’s explore the cost to develop a music streaming app in greater detail.

Ready to dive in? Keep reading.

Should You Build a Music Streaming App in 2025?

Short answer? Absolutely!

Let’s break it down with three compelling reasons to build a music streaming app:

1. The Market Is Exploding

The music streaming industry is on a steep upward trajectory.

Global revenue is expected to cross $90 billion by 2030, and 2025 will be a pivotal year in that growth.

Users are shifting away from traditional downloads and CDs, opting for the ease of streaming platforms that offer curated playlists, recommendations, and on-the-go access.

With the market ripe for innovation, it’s a prime opportunity to carve out your space.

2. Endless Revenue Possibilities

Music streaming apps don’t just rely on one income stream.

• • Subscriptions: Offer premium plans for ad-free, high-quality audio.
  • Advertisements: Monetize free users through targeted ads.
  • In-App Purchases: Sell curated playlists, exclusive content, or even merchandise.

These revenue models not only keep your app sustainable but also allow you to scale effortlessly.

3. Game-Changing Technologies

Tech innovations are setting the stage for more interactive and personalized music experiences.

• • AI-Powered Recommendations: Keep users hooked with music that matches their preferences.
  • Immersive Sound Tech: Create unforgettable listening experiences with 3D audio.
  • Cross-Platform Integration: Let users switch seamlessly between devices without losing progress.

With these tools at your disposal, your app can stand out in an already competitive market.

So, should you build a music streaming app in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes. The timing, technology, and market conditions couldn’t be better to hit the right note.

What is The Cost of Music App Development?

On average, the overall music streaming app development cost in 2025 can go from $30,000 to $200,000 or more.

While a basic app might be enough to get started, scaling to meet user expectations often requires additional investment.

For instance, a simple app with core features like playlists and music catalogs may cost around $30,000 to $100,000.

However, if you’re aiming for something more sophisticated like offline playback, personalized recommendations, and multi-device support the costs could climb to $100,000 to $150,000.

High-end apps, incorporating features such as live streaming, AI-powered suggestions, and advanced analytics, might stretch your budget beyond $200,000 or more.

The final music streaming app development cost also depends on factors like the size of your development team, the technology stack used, and the platforms you target.

Whether you focus on iOS, Android, or both can significantly impact the cost of music streaming app development.

For reference, below we are providing a table so you understand better about the cost to develop an app:

One by one, we will get into every detail so you understand how a single small element that might not look like much of a deal, can still add to the cost of music streaming app development.

Features & Its Impact on Music Streaming App Development Costs

When people usually ask how much does it costs to create a music streaming app. The answer is music app features you include in your app along with many other factors affect it.

So, knowing all about them will help you to know the final cost:

► Basic Features

There are several features that are important and are must-have. See how these necessary features add to the overall cost to develop a music streaming app.

1. User Registration and Login

To enjoy endless music, the first step users take is creating an account.

Whether through email, phone, or social media, users can sign up easily.  The smooth entry ensures instant access to all features, with no hassle.

Cost Impact: Low, as this is a very common feature requiring basic authentication systems.

2.  Music Playback

Press play and let the magic happen!

This easily users can enjoy seamless streaming, pause, skip tracks, or adjust the volume. It’s all about giving users complete control over their music experience.

Cost Impact: Medium, as backend support for smooth playback and responsive controls is required.

3. Search Functionality

As the name goes, users can easily look for their favorite tracks, artists, albums, or playlists with ease.

The robust search feature makes sure nothing stands between you and your favorite tunes.

Cost Impact: Medium, as it requires well-organized database systems and smart algorithms for better search results.

4. User Profiles

A lot of people get mixed up with the two terms user registration and user profile, they may sound similar but are different.

Let’s make it simple: When someone registers on your app, they’re just signing up, but creating a profile is optional. If they choose to make one, they can add things such as preference, birthday, and favorite artist.

Cost Impact: Medium, as backend infrastructure is needed for user data storage and customization.

5. Authentication

Your music app is your personal space, and to keep it safe, you need some tight security.

Similar to what we see in apps like Spotify & Apple Music, you have to handle security in a way that includes authentication and biometrics. After all, First impressions matter!

Cost Impact: Medium, involves security protocols, database management, and user account integration.

► Advanced Features

Moving from basic features to advanced features, we are here with some growing music app features that can help you separate yourself from the crowd.

6. Offline Mode

No Wi-Fi? No problem!

Users can download their favorite songs and listen offline whenever they want. Perfect for travel or those moments when you’re disconnected from the world. Many often look for the cost of developing a music app with offline mode, so here it is.

Cost Impact: High, as it requires additional storage management and development for offline playback functionality.

7. AI-Powered Recommendations

Imagine an app that knows exactly what users want to hear. This is where AI-powered recommendations can help.

 It’s a growing music app trend through which based on the preferences users fed in the app from search, history, and listening time, the app shows fresh content keeping them hooked.

Cost Impact: High, as it needs sophisticated machine learning models and constant data analysis to personalize recommendations.

8. Social Sharing

As you know, music is meant to be shared!

With this feature, users can easily post their favorite songs or playlists on social media, turning their listening experience into a social account.

Whether you are starting a music business or expanding it, having such a feature can grow your following.

Cost Impact: Medium, Includes integrating with social media APIs and enhancing front-end features for sharing.

9.      Lyrics Integration

Sing along with your favorite song~!

With synchronized lyrics, users can enjoy both the music and the words in perfect harmony, making the whole experience more interactive.

Cost Impact: Medium, requires syncing lyrics with music and ensuring real-time accuracy.

10. Multi-Language Support

Listen to music in their language, this is what users want.

Your app should support multiple languages, so users from all over the world can navigate and enjoy the platform in their preferred language. But, having such a feature might affect the cost of music streaming app development.

Cost Impact: Medium, as translation services and language adaptability need to be built into the app.

► Custom Features

Custom features are the game changer for your music app, allowing you to stand out in a crowded market. But, adding such a feature also adds to the cost to build a music app. Let’s see how:

11.  Live Streaming

Concerts, events, and exclusive performances, users want to enjoy all of them from the comfort of their homes.

With the rise of live streaming app development, users now can connect with exciting live shows directly via the app. Leveraging such a feature is a great idea.

Cost Impact: High, as it requires strong server infrastructure and real-time streaming technologies for smooth performance.

12.  Podcasts

It’s not all about music!

Users enjoy podcasts too. And, this is pretty evident with growing podcast app development.

Podcasts allow users to explore another form of audio including a variety of topics like news, interviews, and entertainment, all in one place.

Cost Impact: Medium, requiring content management and integration of podcast streaming services.

13.  Custom Animation

Make the experience pop! Custom animation adds an exciting visual element to the app, this allows browsing and transitions more engaging and fun for the users.

Cost Impact: Medium, involves creative design work and advanced front-end animation development.

14.  Voice Search

Voice search removes the need for typing.

This is why, users are so fond of voice search as they can just tap on the mic and say the name of a song or artist, and voila, your music is ready to play.

Cost Impact: High, requiring integration of speech integration software and accurate voice processing technology.

15.  Blockchain Integration

Fairness and transparency for artists!

Blockchain technology allows for clear royalty distribution, ensuring artists are compensated fairly for their work in a secure, tamper-proof way.

Cost Impact: Very high, as Blockchain Integration demands specialized development and robust security systems for transparency.

Now, we believe you have an understanding of how feature affects the overall music app development cost.

With this covered, we are about to discuss the factors affecting music streaming app development costs.

Music Streaming App Development Cost Breakdown

We get it- you’re curious to know how much does it costs to build a music streaming app.

You should be, after all, with the right factors in mind, you can make a more accurate on-demand music app development cost estimation.

1] App Features & Functions: The Heartbeat of Your App

Features are the soul of any app.

Having amazing features in your app can separate you from the rest. But, it also adds to the overall music streaming app development cost.

From basic features like playlists and music search to more complex ones like offline mode or AI-driven recommendations can increase the price.

The more features you integrate, the higher the investment, but they’re also what will make your app stand out from the rest.

2] Platform Selection: Choose Your Playground

Choosing between iOS/Android app development, or Cross-platform can be a difficult choice.

As each comes with its unique requirements, so does the cost to create a music streaming app.

Suppose you go for both platforms, it requires more resources, time, and expertise, which naturally increases the overall music app development cost.

However, targeting one platform at a time will keep the costs lower, but it might limit your reach.

If you want maximum exposure, expect to spend more on developing apps for both platforms. Deciding which platform to focus on should depend on your budget, market strategy, and target audience.

3] UI/UX Design: First Impression Matter

The UI/UX design of your app matters.

A thoughtfully crafted user interface and user experience can improve customer engagement.

You can integrate some animations, graphics, and transitions to make it look professional, but be prepared for the cost to create a music app to rise consequently.

Price Estimate:

4] Third-Party Integrations: More than Just Music 

If you look at top music streaming apps, you will realize it is not just about streaming songs-it is also about making an experience.

For this, you will need third-party integrations like social media logins, payment systems, or even access to popular music libraries.

Integrating these services requires APIs, added development, and additional licensing costs. And, all these add to the cost to create a music-streaming app.

5] Backend Infrastructure: The Power Behind the Scenes

Think of your Backend Infrastructure as the engine of your app-it’s what keeps everything running smoothly.

If you’re planning on large-scale growth or real-time features like live streaming, your backend needs to be solid.

A stronger and scalable backend will increase the cost to build a music streaming app but is important to support thousands or we say millions of users.

6] Security: Protecting Your Users and Data

Talking about app security is one of the most important aspects of your app.

From encryption to two-factor authentication, keeping your users' data safe can be costly, but it’s a must-especially if you have paid subscriptions or personal user data.

Security will surely affect the overall cost to develop a music streaming app.

6] Music Streaming and Content: The Legal Side of Music

Want to stream music legally? This is where comes licensing and they don’t come cheap.

Licensing fees can take up a huge chunk of the cost to create a music streaming app especially if you’re offering a large catalog of popular tracks.

Make sure to factor these in when estimating your cost to create a music streaming app.

Based on the size and scope of your music library, licensing costs will vary.

7] App Maintenance and Updates: Keep It Fresh

Building the app is just the beginning. After launch, regular updates, bug fixes, and new features are needed to keep your app up and running.

You’ll need to assess music streaming app maintenance costs. As the cost to build a music streaming app doesn’t end once the app is live-it’s a continuous investment.

8] Development Team Location: Where Does Your Team Work From?

The location of your development team has a major impact when considering the cost of music streaming app development.

If you hire mobile app developers from countries like North America or Western Europe will be more expensive compared to working with a team in Eastern Europe, Asia, or South America.

So, make sure you need to balance quality with cost-effectiveness.

9] App Scalability: Build For Tomorrow

Planning for the future might seem like extra work, but it’s a smart move.

If you plan on growing your user base quickly or scaling your app to support more content, you’ll need to include it to understand the overall cost to build a music streaming app.

This forward-thinking approach will increase the cost to build a music streaming app, but it ensures your app doesn’t crash as your audience grows.

By understanding all these factors in mind, you’ll get a better understanding of the cost to build a music streaming app and how each element impacts your music app development cost.

From building a simple app or a complex platform with worldwide reach, each decision will have an effect on your overall budget.

Hidden Costs in Music Streaming App Development

From the above write-up, you have an understanding of common factors affecting on-demand music app development.

However, this is not all; you need to know hidden factors that impact music app development costs for a clearer picture.

A] Music Licensing and Royalties

Licensing fees are often underestimated, but they form a critical recurring cost for any music streaming app.

Depending on the size of your library and user base, these costs can quickly escalate.

These hidden costs to build a music app grow with your app’s success, as higher streams mean higher royalties.

Budgeting for royalties ensures compliance and builds trust with music providers.

B] App Store Fees

Once your app is live, app stores charge a percentage of revenue generated from in-app purchases or subscriptions.

For instance, if your app earns $1 million annually through subscriptions, you could lose up to $300,000 in store fees alone.

When you calculate how much does it costs to develop a music streaming app, these charges should be factored into your long-term revenue projections.

C] Marketing and User Acquisition

Getting users to download and subscribe to your app requires a robust marketing strategy.

This often includes social media ads, influencer campaigns, and app store optimization (ASO).

Marketing can cost up to 20-30% of your total budget, especially during the initial launch phase.

It can affect the cost to build a music streaming app, effective promotion ensures user acquisition and retention.

D] Infrastructure Scaling Costs

As your user base grows, so do the demands on your servers, bandwidth, and cloud storage.

Scaling your infrastructure ensures a smooth user experience during peak traffic.

High-traffic apps like Spotify or Apple Music spend significantly on scaling their infrastructure to avoid downtime.

Make sure to reflect on for cost to build a music streaming app as your app grows.

E] Security Compliance and Penalties

Music streaming apps handle sensitive user data like payment information and personal preferences.

Failing to comply with data protection regulations can result in hefty fines.

Investing in compliance upfront avoids legal issues and protects your app’s reputation.

F] Unexpected Development Delays

Unforeseen delays during development, such as additional testing or feature revisions, can extend your project timeline and budget.

Allowing for buffer time and budgeting for unexpected delays ensures your project stays on track financially.

G] Customer Support Systems

Providing excellent customer support requires investing in chatbots, help centers, or human agents.

Great customer support enhances user satisfaction and retention, making this a worthwhile investment.

H] Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN ensures fast, uninterrupted music streaming by distributing your content across servers globally.

CDNs are vital for ensuring low latency and smooth streaming, especially for apps targeting global audiences.

I] Analytics and Performance Tools

Monitoring app performance and user behavior requires investing in analytics tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude.

These tools help refine your app’s features and improve user retention by analyzing user preferences and pain points.

J]  Legal and Administrative Costs

Launching an app involves legal and administrative expenses such as setting up contracts, trademarks, and company registrations.

While these costs to develop an app may seem minor, they are essential for protecting your intellectual property and ensuring smooth operations.

Step-by-Step Process & Cost Breakdown for On-Demand Music App

We get it.

Those who are starting out in this industry must be curious to know the music streaming app development cost for a startup.

But, let us tell you be it a startup or an established business, the development process plays an important role in the overall cost of building an on-demand music app.

How? Here is a table explaining it well:

Top Music Streaming Apps to Take Inspiration From

Several music apps are available in the market. But, there are only some that stand out in the market.

We are going to take a look into the top music apps that have set the bar high. These platforms not only inspire but also give you a clear idea of what it takes and costs to build something equally amazing.

1. Spotify

Spotify is the king of music streaming, with over 500 million users worldwide.

Its personalized playlists, podcast integration, and seamless user experience make it a fan favorite.

If you want to create an app like Spotify, expect to invest from $30,000 to$120,000+.

Why? Simply because Spotify’s advanced features, like AI-driven recommendations, social sharing, and offline require a robust backend and top-notch development.

2. SoundCloud

SoundCloud is your go-to platform for indie artists and music lovers who crave fresh, unique tracks, consequently user-generated content model sets it apart from the rest.

Thinking of building an app like SoundCloud? The cost could range from $20,000 to $70,000+. This includes features like audio uploading, user profiles, and community engagement tools.

3. Shazam

Shazam isn’t just a music app; it’s a music discovery tool.

With a simple tap, it identifies songs playing around and connects users to that song album, or targets it to an app where they can listen to it.

Planning an app like Shazam can cost you around $10,000 to $60,000+. This cost fluctuates as per audio recognition technology, database integration, and a sleek user interface.

4. Pandora

Pandora transforms music streaming with its personalized radio stations. Its Music Genome project analyzes songs to create tailor-made playlists for users.

To build an app like Pandora, you’re looking at a cost of $30,000 to $100,000+. This includes developing algorithms for music recommendation and ensuring smooth streaming.

5. YouTube Music

YouTube Music combines the power of both video and audio. It is a true example of how a great idea turned into an app can look like.

If you want to create an app like YouTube Music, expect to spend from $40,000 to $120,000+. This cost reflects video streaming capabilities, licensing, and advanced search features.

6. Apple Music

Apple Music is a powerhouse, offering a huge library of songs, exclusive releases, and seamless integration with Apple devices.

It is a shining example of what Perfect iOS App Development can achieve- smooth performance, intuitive design, and flawless functionality.

To develop an app like Apple Music, you’ll need a budget of $50,000 to $100,000+. This includes high-quality audio streaming, exclusive content deals, and whatnot.

7. TIDAL Music

With some outstanding features, TIDAL Music stands out from the rest.

How? It focuses on high-fidelity audio and exclusive artist content. It’s the go-to platform for audiophiles who crave premium sound quality.

If you’re aiming to create an app like TIDAL Music, the cost could range from $20,000 to $60,000+.

This includes high-quality audio streaming, exclusive content partnerships, and a premium user experience.

Why These Apps Inspire

These apps aren’t just successful, they’re iconic.

They’ve solved real problems for users, whether it’s discovering new music, enjoying high-quality audio, or accessing exclusive content.

If you’re ready to create a music app, we believe this section offering the music app clone development cost can be of help.

Take inspiration from these giants, start with a clear vision, prioritize user experience, and invest in the right features.

How to Reduce Minimize Streaming App Development Costs without Compromising Quality

Often people look for the cheapest way to develop a music streaming app.

Let us tell you there is no cheapest way, but there are ways you can reduce your cost to develop an on-demand music streaming app while maintaining quality.

Dive in to know them in detail;

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Focus on the essential features first, such as user accounts, playlists, and streaming capabilities.

Advanced functionalities like offline mode or AI recommendations can be added in later updates.

This approach not only saves money but also allows you to test the market and gather user feedback before scaling up.

For example, instead of investing heavily in live streaming or exclusive content partnerships from the start, launch with a simple music catalog and playlist feature.

This could cut initial costs by 30–40%.

2. Leverage Open-Source Technologies

Open-source tools and frameworks can significantly lower development costs.

Frameworks like Flutter or React Native allow you to create cross-platform apps using a single codebase, reducing development time and expenses.

Similarly, open-source music APIs can save costs on building music databases from scratch.

By using an open-source framework, you could save $20,000 to $50,000, especially if you’re targeting multiple platforms.

3. Outsource Development to Cost-Effective Regions

Hire dedicated app developers from regions like Eastern Europe or Asia can help you save up to 60% on hourly rates compared to teams in North America.

For instance, a project that costs $200,000 in the US might cost only $80,000 in India or Ukraine.

However, ensure that the team has experience with similar projects to maintain quality.

4. Use Pre-Built Modules and APIs

Instead of building every feature from scratch, integrate third-party APIs for functionalities like music recommendations, analytics, and payment gateways.

APIs like Spotify or Gracenote provide robust music libraries, while Stripe and PayPal simplify payment processing.

Though these APIs come with subscription fees (typically $10,000–$30,000 per year), they save significant upfront development costs and time.

5. Negotiate Licensing Deals

Licensing and royalty fees can be one of the biggest expenses for a music streaming app.

Negotiating with smaller labels or focusing on niche genres initially can lower these costs.

You can also partner with independent artists who may charge less but bring unique content to your platform.

By focusing on independent or niche music, you could reduce licensing expenses by 20–30% compared to partnering with major labels.

6. Automate Testing and Quality Assurance

Manual testing can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, invest in automated testing tools to streamline the QA process.

Tools like Selenium or Appium can quickly identify bugs and performance issues without requiring large QA teams.

Automated testing can save $5,000–$10,000 during development and ensure a smoother launch.

7. Plan for Scalability from the Start

Choose a scalable backend architecture like microservices or cloud hosting.

While these may cost more initially, they reduce long-term expenses by minimizing the need for expensive overhauls as your user base grows.

For example, a cloud-based backend on AWS or Google Cloud might cost $5,000–$15,000 annually at launch but can scale efficiently as your user base expands.

8. Limit Custom Design Work Initially

While a sleek and unique design can differentiate your app, custom designs with animations and interactive elements can increase costs.

Starting with a clean, simple design and adding customizations later is a more budget-friendly approach.

This strategy could save $10,000–$20,000 in the initial phase without compromising user experience.

9. Focus on a Specific Market or Audience

Launching your app with a targeted approach such as focusing on a specific region, genre, or audience can reduce costs.

Catering to a niche market means fewer licensing needs and simpler features, allowing you to refine the app for a specific group of users.

For instance, targeting independent music enthusiasts rather than a global audience reduces content acquisition and infrastructure costs.

Cost optimization is not just about cutting expenses but also about investing smartly in areas that provide the highest ROI.

By adopting these strategies, you can reduce the cost to make a music streaming app while ensuring that your app is both high-quality and competitive in the market.

How Music Streaming Apps Make Money?

Knowing how much does it costs to build a music streaming app might be the first step, you also need to explore how your music app will make money.

Let’s dive into different revenue models that can change your music app into a money-making solution.

1. Freemium Model

One of the most famous monetization models is to allow access to basic features for free and charge for premium features like offline listening, ad-free experience, or exclusive content.

It is a great way to attract users and convert them into paying customers.

Revenue Potential: High, especially if you convert a good percentage of free users to premium subscribers.

2. Ad-Supported Model

Ad-Supported Model is famous, this way those users who are not paying can enjoy the app while you earn revenue from them by displaying ads in the app.  

This model works well across various music apps, whether you're building a piano or guitar app, or even creating something similar to Spotify or SoundCloud.

It’s a popular way to generate revenue without charging users directly.

Revenue Potential: Medium, but it scales as your user base grows.

3. Subscription-Based Model 

Coming to a tried and tested method that is a subscription-based model.

Spotify-like app is a great example of this model.

In this model, you can charge users a recurring fee to access all features of your music app, such as premium content, higher-quality content, higher-quality audio, or early access to new releases.

This is ideal for a loyal listener.

Revenue Potential: High, providing consistent and predictable income.

4. Pay-Per-Download 

Make sure to allow users to buy individual songs or albums for a one-time fee. This is great if you have a catalog of exclusive content, offering users the ability to own their music.

Revenue Potential: Medium, depending on the popularity of the content offered.

5. Sponsorships and Partnerships 

Through this model, you can collaborate with brands or artists for sponsored content, playlists, or in-app events. You can offer exposure to brands while earning revenue through these partnerships.

Revenue Potential: High, especially with well-known brands or artists involved.

6. Crowdfunding or Donations 

If you have a niche audience, you can encourage them to support your app through crowdfunding platforms or in-app donation options. This model works well for apps with loyal and passionate users.

Revenue Potential: Low to Medium, depending on the strength of your user community.

7. In-App Purchases

Sell virtual goods or additional features within the app.

Users might buy premium skins, exclusive playlists, or access to special events. This model can be highly profitable if executed well.

Revenue Potential: Medium to High, depending on the types of in-app purchases offered.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Promote music-related products, such as concerts, tickets, merchandise, or even equipment.

By partnering with music brands, you get to earn a commission on each sale made through your app.

Revenue Potential: Medium, with the potential to increase as your app grows in popularity.

JPLoft – Your Partner in Music Streaming App Development

Looking for a reliable partner to turn your music streaming app idea into reality? At JPLoft, we specialize in building high-quality apps that resonate with your audience and meet your business goals.

Being a leading music streaming app development company, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this industry. From crafting scalable backends to integrating AI-powered recommendations, we provide end-to-end development solutions tailored to your vision. 

Let’s create an app that doesn’t just meet expectations but sets new standards. Ready to start? Contact JPLoft—your trusted music streaming app development company—today!

Let me know if you’re ready for the conclusion section or need adjustments to the promotional part!

Conclusion

Building a music streaming app is a promising venture in today’s digital-first world. However, it requires careful planning, strategic budgeting, and a clear understanding of the features and technologies that drive success.

Whether you’re creating a simple app for a niche market or a comprehensive platform to rival Spotify or Apple Music, the cost to build a music streaming app will depend on the scope of your vision.

As the demand for personalized, on-the-go music experiences continues to grow, there’s never been a better time to invest in this industry.

With a trusted partner, your app can have the potential to not just deliver music but create memorable experiences for your users. So, what’s your next move? Let’s make your music streaming app a reality!