Introduction
Overall Cost Breakdown to Develop an OTT App
| Tier | Basic MVP | Mid-Level App | Full-Scale App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | $12,000 – $16,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 | $35,000 – $55,000+ |
| Timeline | 4–6 weeks | 8–10 weeks | 14–18 weeks |
| Includes |
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| Security | Basic encryption | Token-based authentication |
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| Integrations | Single payment gateway |
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| AI / Analytics | Basic usage reports | Engagement & retention insights |
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Explore Our New Blog On – Cost to Build an App Like Netflix
Essential Features of an OTT App
To compete with an OTT platform like Stan, your application must include core video-on-demand (VOD) features along with premium enhancements that support regional content delivery, sports streaming, and Smart TV–first viewing.
User-Side Features
1.User Registration & Profiles
- Secure email and social login: Enables quick and safe user onboarding across devices.
- Multiple user profiles: Allows personalized recommendations and viewing history under a single account.
- Parental controls with age restrictions: Ensures safe content access for children and family viewing.
- Device management: Lets users monitor and control active sessions on mobile, web, and Smart TVs.
2. Content Catalog & Discovery
- Categories, genres, and collections: Organizes content into structured categories and curated collections for easy browsing and discovery.
- Trending and recommendations: Highlights popular and recommended content based on user behavior and viewing trends.
- Personalized carousels: Displays customized content carousels on the home screen to increase engagement and watch time.
3. Advanced Video Player
- Adaptive bitrate streaming: Automatically adjusts video quality based on internet speed for smooth, uninterrupted playback.
- Subtitles and closed captions: Improves accessibility by supporting subtitles and closed captions across multiple languages.
- Multi-language audio: Allows users to switch audio tracks to watch content in their preferred language.
- Continue watching: Enables users to resume content from where they left off across devices.
- Offline download: Allows users to download videos on mobile devices for uninterrupted viewing without internet access.
4. Subscription & Monetization Tools
- Monthly & yearly plans: Offers flexible subscription options to suit different user preferences and budgets.
- Free trial support: Allows users to explore the platform before committing to a paid subscription, increasing conversions.
- Add-on packages (like Stan Sport): Enables premium content upsells through optional sports or exclusive add-on subscriptions.
- In-app purchase integration: Supports secure in-app payments across mobile and Smart TV platforms.
- Coupon and promo system: Drives user acquisition and retention through discounts, promo codes, and limited-time offers.
5. Smart TV & Multi-Device Support
- Android TV: Enables wide OTT app distribution across Android-powered Smart TVs with seamless Google ecosystem integration.
- Apple TV: Delivers a premium streaming experience with smooth performance and deep integration into the Apple ecosystem.
- Amazon Fire TV: Provides access to a large OTT audience through Amazon’s Fire OS with voice search and Alexa support.
- Samsung & LG Smart TVs: Supports TV-first streaming through Tizen and webOS platforms, maximizing reach on leading Smart TV brands.
Admin Panel Features
1.Admin Content Management
Manage all content uploads, metadata, tags, and categories from a centralized backend for faster publishing and better OTT library organization.
- Upload videos, trailers, and banners: Enables centralized management of videos, thumbnails, and promotional assets across mobile, web, and Smart TVs.
- Tag with genres, actors, and language: Uses metadata to power search, recommendations, filters, and personalized content discovery.
- Schedule future releases: Allows automatic publishing of episodes, movies, or live events at predefined dates and times.
2. User Management
Allows admins to view, update, restrict, or deactivate user profiles and accounts.
- View active sessions and devices: Enables monitoring of logged-in devices and active user sessions for security.
- Flag inappropriate activity: Helps identify and take action against suspicious or policy-violating behavior.
- Control profile access or limitations: Allows admins to set restrictions and manage access levels for user profiles.
3.Subscription & Billing Control
Control when and how ads are displayed in AVOD-based OTT platforms by defining precise ad rules across content, users, and devices.
- Manage payment history and upgrades: Track user payments, plan changes, and subscription upgrades.
- Add, edit, or remove plans: Update subscription plans and pricing without platform downtime.
- Enable auto-renewal toggles: Allow users or admins to turn subscription auto-renewal on or off.
4. Analytics Dashboard
View real-time user behavior and overall platform performance insights.
- Monitor view time, bounce rate, and churn: Analyze engagement metrics to identify user drop-offs and optimize content strategy.
- Track most-watched content: Identify top-performing movies, shows, or live streams.
- Analyze retention over time: Measure user retention trends to improve long-term engagement and subscriptions.
5. Push Notifications
Send alerts for new content releases, expiring subscriptions, and personal reminders.
- Scheduled or event-triggered notifications: Automatically trigger notifications based on time or user actions.
- Personalized content suggestions: Deliver tailored recommendations based on viewing behavior.
- Works across web, mobile, and TV: Ensures notifications reach users on all supported OTT platforms.
6. Ad Management
Control when and how ads are displayed in AVOD-based OTT platforms by defining precise ad rules across content, users, and devices.
- Define ad frequency per session: Set limits on how often ads appear during playback.
- Insert pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads: Support multiple ad formats across content and devices.
- Track ad performance reports: Monitor ad impressions, engagement, and revenue performance.
Advanced OTT Features to Stay Ahead
1. Multi-language Support
Reach global audiences by offering multilingual interfaces and dubbed content.
- Switch subtitles and audio: Allows users to change subtitle and audio languages while streaming content.
- Localize UI language: Adapts the app interface to different languages for regional audiences.
- Auto-detect language preference: Automatically sets language options based on user location or device settings.
2. Watch Party
Enable users to co-watch content with friends in sync, even remotely.
- Shared playback control: Allows multiple users to watch content in sync with unified play, pause, and seek actions.
- Emoji and chat reactions: Enables real-time interaction through emojis and chat during co-viewing sessions.
- Invite-only access links: Provides private, secure links for joining watch parties
3. In-app Chat & Emojis
Let users interact while streaming, especially during live events or premieres.
- Real-time chat under video screen: Enables live conversations directly beneath the video during streams or premieres.
- Custom emoji packs and stickers: Allows users to express reactions using branded or themed emojis and stickers.
- Filter or moderate chat during broadcasts: Helps control spam and inappropriate messages in live chat environments.
Enable users to co-watch content in sync, emojis, and chat in real-time during live events by leveraging modern frameworks through building a real-time chat app with React.
4. Live TV Streaming
Stream sports, news, or concerts with minimal lag and full HD quality.
- Schedule live programs in advance
- Low-latency HLS streaming
- Pause/play and rewind live broadcasts
Stream sports, news, and events in real-time with minimal latency and full HD quality by implementing advanced live protocols through developing a live streaming app like Omlet Arcade.
5. Smart TV Platform Support
Make your app available on large screens for immersive home viewing.
- Compatible with Apple TV, Android TV, and Roku: Ensures wide Smart TV and streaming device support for maximum OTT reach.
- Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support: Allows seamless casting from mobile devices to large screens.
- TV-optimized interface and navigation: Delivers an intuitive, remote-friendly user experience designed for TV viewing.
Technology Stack
1. Frontend Technologies
- Flutter
- React Native (Ideal for cross-platform mobile app development)
2. Backend Technologies
- Node.js
- Python (Powerful for handling business logic and API integrations)
3. Database Options
- MongoDB
- PostgreSQL (Support for both structured and flexible data storage)
4. Payment Gateways & APIs
- Stripe
- Razorpay
- Tabby API (Facilitate seamless checkout and split payments)
5. KYC/AML Verification Tools
- Onfido
- ShuftiPro (Used for automated identity checks and compliance requirements)
Monetization Models for OTT Apps Like Stan
SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand)
Users pay monthly or annually for unlimited access to your full content library. Great for predictable, recurring revenue generation.AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand)
Users watch content for free in exchange for viewing ads. This model boosts reach while monetizing non-paying users effectively.TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand)
Users pay per title or event they watch. Ideal for exclusive films, concerts, live events, or special content releases.Freemium Model
Offer a basic free tier with limited access, then upsell premium features or exclusive content to maximize user conversion potential.Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions by promoting third-party brands or services. A low-cost, passive revenue model that complements core monetization strategies.
Development Process to Build an OTT App Like Stan
1. Market Research & Requirement Gathering
Analyze your target audience, competitors, and content niches. Define your OTT app’s core objectives, monetization goals, and feature set.
2. Wireframing & UI/UX Design
Create wireframes and design an intuitive user interface for mobile, TV, and web platforms to ensure smooth content discovery and playback.
3. Choosing the Right Tech Stack
Select scalable technologies for the frontend, backend, streaming engine, and cloud infrastructure based on app complexity and user load expectations.
4. Backend & Frontend Development
Develop the app’s architecture, video delivery logic, user management, payment integration, and build responsive frontends for all supported devices.
5. Integrating Streaming & Monetization Modules
Embed video players, encoding engines (like Mux or AWS MediaConvert), and configure monetization options such as SVOD, AVOD, or TVOD.
6. Testing & QA
Conduct thorough testing across devices to identify and fix bugs. Ensure video quality, playback speed, security, and compatibility are flawless.
7. Deployment & Post-Launch Support
Deploy the app on app stores and smart TV platforms. Monitor performance, gather feedback, and roll out updates, content, or features regularly.
Why Choose SDLC Corp for OTT App Development?
SDLC Corp is a leading OTT App Development Company delivering secure, scalable, and AI-powered video streaming platforms.
- End-to-end OTT platform development
- Smart TV & Chromecast integration
- DRM, Encryption & Anti-Piracy Systems
- AI-Driven Recommendation Engines
- AWS & Mux-Based Cloud Streaming
- 250+ Apps Successfully Delivered
You can also explore how we build scalable marketplaces here:
Conclusion
Building an OTT app like Stan is a high-growth opportunity that combines premium content delivery, flexible monetization, and Smart TV–optimized experiences. With the right technology stack and secure streaming infrastructure, businesses can launch a scalable platform tailored to evolving audience needs. Partnering with an experienced food app development company like SDLC Corp ensures seamless development, monetization integration, and long-term scalability for sustained growth.
FAQ's
How much does it cost to build an app like Stan?
Between $15,000 and $70,000+, depending on features and platforms included.
How long does it take to develop a Stan-like OTT app?
Does an OTT app require Smart TV support?
What is the biggest ongoing cost for an OTT app?
Can an OTT app support live sports streaming like Stan?
Yes but it requires ultra-low latency, high throughput, and advanced DRM security.
