Want to develop an App like TikTok? Learn about underlying architecture, framework,
Tools, and Cost
TikTok is an excellent example to prove that there is no end to innovation. It has become one of
the most used applications worldwide and has attracted millions of users. Now, let us get to the
main point of discussion. How to transform a business idea into a successful app like TikTok? In
this article, we are going to discuss all the steps that you need to follow to develop this
application. Additionally, we will also discuss the possible cost of the entire project.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media-based entertainment platform that allows all of its users to broadcasts,
record short video clips, and adds favorite tracks. Additionally, the users can also share these
videos on other social media platforms. This was an ingenious idea to combine video, audio, and
social networking into one application.
This application was an instant hit as the app download crossed 500 million in the first month. In
the year 2019, TikTok earned a global revenue of $13 Billion. However, it is unknown to none
that the application took a big hit as it got banned in multiple countries. The app can never be
blamed for the mistakes of the users. So, TikTok will remain a global success.
Notable Features of the TikTok App
TikTok has various features that are simply revolutionary. These features have been entertaining
millions of users worldwide. Let us take a quick look at some of the outstanding features offered
by TikTok:
● Video uploading
● Video editing.
● Live streams
● Social sharing
● Soundtracks
● QR code scanner
● Duet Option
● Geolocation
The Algorithms of TikTok Application
The application uses a very advanced system to create a user interface that is second to none. To
give a user the best experience, the system analysis various statistics such as user interactions,
video information, device, and account settings. TikTok constantly monitors the user interaction
and the activities to keep a track of the user’s taste and provide him with handpicked content and
videos. So, if you want to develop an application like TikTok, you must get a similar system
interface.
The tools and technology to create an application like TikTok
Basic tools that the app must possess
1. Log in & sign up
The user must be able to sign up and create an account to share content. Additionally, there
must be various ways to create an account, like email ID, phone number, Facebook, etc.
2. Edit profile
A user must be able to edit and personalize the profile to express themselves. These
customizations may include the addition of a photo, age, location, bio, etc.
2. Upload videos
The primary motive of this application is to be an effective social media platform. The ability to
share video is a big step towards achieving this goal.
3. Filters & effects
A crude photo won’t be able to express the actual emotions. So, features such as photo filters and
effects will attract millions of users towards your application.
4. Video editing
Similarly, a normal video won’t be able to engage in the present generation. So, you must add
various video editing features so that they can create innovative content for your platform.
5. Hearts & commenting
Social media mean the interaction of millions of users. So, you must create a tool that allows the
users to express their feeling about someone’s post. For instance, the ability to heart a post or
comment on it is a great approach to this.
6. Sharing
A user will want to share content with his friends if he finds it interesting or informative. So, you
must add an option that allows the user to share any post on the app.
7. Notifications
Someone can’ be constantly active on the platform. So, you can add a tool that sends
notifications about the latest activities, new comments, shares, messages, etc.
8. Admin panel
It is impractical to think that owner will be able to manage the entire platform. So, you have to
create a panel of individuals with the job to moderate the app. For instance, they will take down
any offensive post, ban spam users, etc.
The team of developers required for the entire project
The development of a social media platform is an extensive task. For instance, you have to
develop the app, make it uniform for all platforms, make marketing and monetizing solutions.
So, you will need the following experts on this project.
o Business Analyst to analyse the scope of your application.
o Project Manager to coordinate the entire project.
o UI/UX designer to design the user interface of the application.
o Android developer to develop the application for the Android platform.
o iOS developer to make it compatible with the iOS platform.
o Back-end developers to optimise the user experience and search for bugs
o QA engineer to access the application and polish all the minor details before the public release.
Monetization of the Application
It is natural that you have worked hard on the application and invested a lot of money on the
project. So, you must find a way that helps you to earn revenue from your application. So, app
monetisation is the answer to your question. Let us take a look at some of the ways that will help
you earn from your app:
o In-App Purchases can act as a great way to earn money from the users by asking them to pay a
small amount to access some extra features of the application.
o In-App Subscriptions will serve the same purpose but it will allow the users to unlock the full
potential of your application and they will be billed periodically for the subscription.
o Ads within the application is an excellent way to earn money from an app and keep it free to
use at the same time. For instance, you can run ads such as banner ads, video ads, native ads,
etc.
Factors that will affect the final price for the app development
For development, various factors can completely change the cost of the project. Let’s take a look
at some of these factors.
● Platform
The platform that will host your app will highly affect the cost of developing the app. For
instance, iOS development is 30% cheaper compared to Android. This is because Android runs
various types of devices so the application has to deal with variable screens sizes, resolutions,
OS versions, etc. However, if you are developing an app like TikTok you must develop it for
both platforms.
● Design
The design of the application plays a vital role in the overall budget. The UI of the app needs to
be made according to the increasing demands of the users. So, this might add a few thousand
dollars to the budget.
● Features
The more features you add, the higher the budget will soar. To develop a complex app like a
social media application, it takes a lot of time. So, this will also add to the cost.
● Development Team
It is quite obvious that the size of your development team will have a direct impact on the budget
of your project. In-house development is an expensive process as you have to pay for the
hardware and software as well. So, nowadays, contractual service is quite popular. In this
process, you have to hire a developer or a group of developers on an hourly basis and they will
develop the application according to your requirements. Presently, an iOS developer charges
around $110 per hour while an Android developer charges around $150 per hour.
An estimate suggests that it will cost you around $123,300 to develop an app like TikTok for
both platforms and around $72,050 for a single platform.
Conclusive views on the development process of an app like TikTok
So, we can conclude that it is rather easy to develop a social media app if you have the budget
for it. There are various developers available to be hired who can help you to create your dream
app. So, follow all the steps mentioned in the article and you will be able to turn your dream into
reality.
