Cost & Mechanisms Required To Build An App Like Snapchat [Roadmap + Costing] To Know In 2024

By 2024, 405 million users will have connected with their loved ones on Snapchat, with over 800 million active users. However, who are these users? – Nobody else except youth—the lifeblood of contemporary connectedness! Snapchat has capitalised on this youth strength to grow into a large business. Many entrepreneurs have expressed interest in creating an app similar to Snapchat due to its incredible success story.

This article will detail all facets of developing a Snapchat-like app, including important considerations, economical methods, a step-by-step application development Dubai process, and associated expenses. Let's get started right now without further ado!

Factors Influencing Snapchat App Development Cost

Several factors influence the price of developing a Snapchat app. We've talked about them in-depth below. Let us verify:

Platforms

It is essential to choose the appropriate platform for your app before beginning the development process: android app development, iOS, or both (Cross-Platform).

Android

• Cheaper than iOS
• Offers a vast target base and a larger market share (70.77%) worldwide.
• Need knowledge of the programming languages Kotlin or Java.
• Testing is required across different devices due to the fragmentation of the Android market. It can cost more and take more time.

iOS

• Pricey in contrast to the Android
• With a 29.58 percent market share worldwide, iOS is the most popular mobile operating system.
• Need knowledge of the programming languages Objective-C or Swift.
• Use less time and money.

Cross-Platform

• Runs across several platforms with the same codebase thanks to technologies like Xamarin, Flutter, and React Native
• Increased audience reach
• Development and upkeep that are simpler
• Less expensive and time-consuming

When selecting a platform for your company, carefully consider your app's objectives, target market, and financial constraints.

App Size

The app factor's size also determines the cost of development. Take a look at the table below:

App Size and Development ExpenseSimple/Basic App: $25,000 - $40,000. In between $40,000 and $60,000.

Large/Advanced App: $60,000 or more

Functionalities & Features

Creating an app that functions similarly to Snapchat but has less functionality will be less expensive. Conversely, adding sophisticated features to your app, like Snapchat, would make it seem like another social media platform and take more time and money.

Therefore, it is optional to follow Snapchat's path. Depending on the objectives of your project, the intended audience, and other elements, you can add features and functionalities. Look at the features listed below that you can incorporate into your app.

Tech Stack

A Snapchat-like app can be created using the complete set of frameworks, programming languages, and tools included in the tech stack. Compared to a basic tech stack, integrating an advanced one will be more expensive.

Here is a tech stack list that covers the creation of apps similar to Snapchat:

Developers with a local focus

Top app developers and development businesses frequently base their fees on their clients' location, cost of living, and living costs. Here is a list of developer fees broken down by region.

Cost-Effective Strategies To Reduce Snapchat App Development Cost

The following are some economical methods that can assist you in reducing the expenses associated with developing an app similar to Snapchat:

1. Clearly State the Needs

App development projects frequently have cost overruns due to unclear or lacking specifications. Entrepreneurs can save expenses and the need for further development work by outlining every requirement for the app. This proactive strategy contributes to keeping the project within its budgetary constraints.

2. Select MVP Creation

If you want to create a low-cost app similar to Snapchat, go for the MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Here, you can make an app with the most essential functionality and publish it on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

With the assistance of investors, you can pursue full-fledged app development after you've tested the app in the marketplace, identified your target user base, and examined the competitive environment.

Here, MVP is a practical strategy that will save project costs, increase revenue, and facilitate the easy presentation of your idea to potential investors for funding.

3. Select the Fixed Cost Model.

An approach with a set price lowers the possibility of budget overruns. A comprehensive picture of the up-front costs helps guarantee that the project will stay within budgetary constraints.

The development company gives you a comprehensive project price and a set payment schedule upon completing the task.

Roadmap To Build App Like Snapchat – Essential Steps To Know

Following, we’ve discussed a step-by-step guide to developing apps like Snapchat along with their cost breakdown. Let’s learn:

Step 1: Research and Planning

Research is the cornerstone of developing a robust application. Before you begin, understand the target audience, latest market trends, and potential competitors. Next comes the conceptualization and idea validation stage. The app idea is validated through focus groups, surveys, and MVP development.

Total Estimated Cost:

According to Clutch, 51% of organizations claimed pre-research costs up to $5,000 to develop a first concept and do research.

Step 2: Design and Development

The design and development phase follows next. The UX UI design team creates the application's user interface and experience. Wireframing, prototyping, and graphic design provide a compelling and easy-to-use application customized to meet the intended audience's needs. After the design phase is over, the development process begins. 

Developers create the front and back ends of the Snapchat-like program and integrate all necessary features and functionalities and the required tech stack.  

Step 3: Testing and Deployment

Testing is the crucial stage before launching any app. It ensures that your app is operating efficiently. Therefore, make sure to test your app for any errors, bugs, or other concerns.

After testing comes the deployment stage, your app will be launched here on the Google Play Store or Apple Store. To enhance the overall user experience, gathering user input, advertising the app across many platforms, and enabling reviews are necessary.

Total Estimated Cost:

It ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 (depending on the complexity of your app)

Step 4: Maintenance and Updates

You must update your Snapchat-like software and make enhancements after it is launched. It guarantees that your software will remain competitive in the market and meet the demands of your customers. 

Total Estimated Cost:

The industry standard for calculating maintenance costs is 50% of the first year's development costs and then 15-20% annually after that. Actual fees may vary based on technology, team size, app complexity, and upgrades.

Build a Robust and Cost-Efficient Snapchat-like App With DXB APPS

Given the exponential surge in social media usage, developing a Snapchat-like social media app is a popular venture. This cutthroat industry offers a ton of growth and income-generating prospects.  

Partner with DXB APPS, a leading mobile app development company – you can kickstart your Snapchat-like app development process with professional developers and designers. 

Conclusion

Building an app like Snapchat is a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. With the right roadmap, expertise, and investment, success is within reach. DXB Apps, as a top mobile app development company, is here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

What are the crucial points to consider when building an app like Snapchat?

There are 3 points that you must consider when developing an app like Snapchat. Firstly, collaborate with experienced developers for Snapchat-like app development.

Secondly, it is necessary to prioritize the MVP to test the market before moving on with fully-fledged software. Lastly, hire the right lawyer to minimize potential loopholes for lawsuits or liability issues. 

What programming languages are used in the Snapchat application?

Snapchat uses programming languages such as Objective-C, Python, JavaScript, PHP, Cocoa Touch, and Android-SDK.

How much does it cost to build an app like Snapchat?

The estimated cost to develop an app like Snapchat ranges from $25,000 to $80,000 or above, depending on the project’s complexity, features & functionalities, UX UI design, and other factors.