Introduction
The OTT streaming industry is growing rapidly, and platforms like Stan show how powerful localized content and exclusive licensing can be. If you’re planning to build an OTT app like Stan, this guide explains the true OTT app development cost, required features, and tech stack. For broader context, explore our guide on building a Netflix-like video streaming app and niche platforms like Crunchyroll to understand the full OTT landscape.
What Is an OTT App Like Stan?
Stan is a leading Australia-based OTT streaming service offering on-demand video content, live sports, fast-tracked TV shows, and partnerships with major studios. Unlike global giants that focus on massive catalogs, Stan succeeds by:
- Prioritizing localized and exclusive content
- Offering multi-device access including Smart TVs and set-top boxes
- Delivering high-quality streaming at regional bandwidth levels
- Catering to local sports enthusiasts through sports add-ons
An OTT app modeled after Stan must combine VOD streaming, live content capabilities, user personalization, multi-device support, and strong regional licensing management.
Essential Features of an OTT App Like Stan
User-Side Features
1.User Registration & Profiles
- Multi-profile support
- Age-based content restrictions
- Parental controls
2. Content Catalog & Discovery
- Categories, genres, collections
- Trending and recommendations
- Personalized carousels
Advanced Video Player
- Adaptive bitrate streaming
- Subtitles and closed captions
- Multi-language audio
- Continue Watching
- Offline download
4. Subscription & Monetization Tools
- Monthly & yearly plans
- Free trial support
- Add-on packages (like Stan Sport)
- In-app purchase integration
- Coupon and promo system
5. Smart TV & Multi-Device Support
Stan is popular on:
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Samsung & LG Smart TVs
This significantly increases development cost but is essential for real OTT adoption.
Admin Panel Features
1. Content Management
Manage all content uploads, metadata, tags, and categories from a centralized backend.
Upload videos, trailers, and banners
Tag with genres, actors, and language
Schedule future releases
2. User Management
Admins can view, update, restrict, or deactivate user profiles and accounts.
- View active sessions and devices
- Flag inappropriate activity
- Control profile access or limitations
3. Subscription Control
Configure and manage plan types, billing cycles, and free trial offers.
Manage payment history and upgrades
Add, edit, or remove plans
Enable auto-renewal toggles
4. Analytics Dashboard
View real-time user behavior and platform performance insights.
Monitor view time, bounce rate, and churn
Track most-watched content
Analyze retention over time
5. Push Notifications
Send updates on content drops, expiring subscriptions, or personal reminders.
Scheduled or event-triggered notifications
Personalized content suggestions
Works across web, mobile, and TV
6. Ad Management
Control when and how ads are displayed in AVOD model setups.
- Define ad frequency per session
- Insert pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads
- Track ad performance reports
Advanced OTT Features to Stay Ahead
1. Multi-language Support
Reach global audiences by offering multilingual interfaces and dubbed content.
- Switch subtitles and audio
- Localize UI language
- Auto-detect language preference
2. Watch Party
Enable users to co-watch content with friends in sync, even remotely.
Shared playback control
Emoji and chat reactions
Invite-only access links
3. In-app Chat & Emojis
Let users interact while streaming, especially during live events or premieres.
Real-time chat under video screen
Custom emoji packs and stickers
Filter/moderate chat during broadcasts
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 & Chromecast Support
Make your app available on large screens for immersive home viewing.
Compatible with Apple TV, Android TV, Roku
Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support
TV-optimized interface and navigation
Technology Stack
Frontend: Flutter / React Native – For cross-platform mobile apps with seamless UI on iOS and Android.
Backend: Node.js / Django – Enables fast server-side logic, API handling, and scalable content delivery.
Streaming Engine: Wowza / AWS MediaConvert / Mux – Powers real-time, high-quality VOD and live streaming.
Database: PostgreSQL / MongoDB – Stores structured and unstructured user and content data efficiently.
Authentication: Firebase / OAuth – Provides secure logins using OTP, social media, and token-based access.
Payment Gateway: Stripe / Razorpay / PayPal – Manages subscriptions, one-time payments, and global currency transactions.
Hosting: AWS / Google Cloud Platform – Scales infrastructure with secure, high-performance cloud and CDN solutions.
Choosing the right tech stack is crucial for performance, scalability, and efficiency. Explore the latest tools driving innovation in our blog on Must-Have Mobile App Development Tools.
Cost Breakdown to Develop an OTT App Like Stan
| Tier | Basic MVP | Mid-Level (Includes Basic) | Advanced (Includes Basic + Mid-Level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20K – $30K | $40K – $50K | $60K – $100K+ |
| Timeline | 4–6 Weeks | 10–12 Weeks | 20–24 Weeks |
| Included Features |
|
|
|
| Security | HTTPS, secure login, token-based auth | Biometric login, role-based access | DRM, end-to-end encryption, GDPR-ready |
| Integrations | Firebase, Payment Gateway | AI Recommendation Engine, Smart TV SDK | CDN, DRM, Multilingual Content Engine |
| Tech Stack | Flutter, Firebase, Node.js | React Native, PostgreSQL, Django | Microservices, AWS, Mux/Wowza |
| Analytics | Basic user metrics & playback logs | User engagement, content performance | Retention, revenue insights, churn prediction |
Key Factors That Influence OTT App Development Cost
- Number of Platforms (Mobile, Web, Smart TV)
Supporting multiple platforms increases development time, testing, and customization for different screen sizes and devices. - Level of AI Personalization
Advanced content recommendations, behavioral tracking, and dynamic UI personalization require sophisticated algorithms and increased backend logic. - Type of Streaming (VOD vs. Live TV)
Live TV requires lower latency, real-time encoding, and scalable infrastructure—costlier than standard video-on-demand delivery. - UI/UX Complexity
Custom animations, user flows, and intuitive interfaces require more design hours and iterative testing, affecting overall budget. - Security and DRM Requirements
Implementing DRM, watermarking, and anti-piracy tools adds licensing fees and technical complexity for content protection. - Geolocation or Language-Based Content Delivery
Serving region-specific content with language and legal localization increases backend logic and content licensing needs.
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
FAQ's
How much does it cost to build an app like Stan?
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.
