A lot of entrepreneurs have been inspired by TikTok to create similar social media platforms. The app allows users to upload and share videos on this platform. In addition, TikTok provides a wide range of editing effects, filters, and other tools for editing videos. Other than that TikTok is an excellent source of entertainment as it keeps millions of users stuck to it forever. But have you ever wondered what is the meaning behind TikTok? Before we explain How to make an app like TikTok, let’s study the app overview
TikTok Success Glimpse
- The average user spends 52 minutes a day on TikTok.
- In the App Store and Google Play, TikTok has been downloaded more than 2 billion times.
- According to the latest research, TikTok is used by teenagers. TikTok users are majorly between 16 and 24 years old.
- Around 800 million people worldwide use TikTok each month.
How to Make an App Like TikTok: Technology and Features
Prior to creating an app such as TikTok, it's important to consider essential features, in case you are building an MVP first. An MVP (minimal viable product) consists of the core elements of an app. We have listed some core features below.
1. Login in & Sign-up
A user is required to sign up in order to post content on the platform. It is better to provide an easy sign-up option via email, phone number, Facebook, etc.
2. Edit Profile
Provides users with the option of customizing their profiles, such as changing the profile pictures or username, adding a biography, etc. The idea of customizing options is always a good one.
3. Upload Videos
Providing users with a fast and easy way to post videos is crucial. As it plays the most important role in terms of engagement.
4. Filter
TikTok offers multiple filters. This adds a fun element to the app that eventually helps to attract more users,
5. Video Editing
Video transitions and special effects are required for users to be more creative with their content.
6. Heart & Commenting
The TikTok app provides the opportunity to like and comment on videos, similar to Instagram. There is also a tab where users can view the liked posts.
7. Sharing
You can offer sharing options to gain more users. It stands for the ability to share their publications on other social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Additionally, TikTok offers to connect the user's profile to other social networks.
8. Notifications
Push notifications are necessary to keep users informed. You should notify users about comments on their videos, likes, or any other updates. Notifications are typically sent via Google Cloud Messaging (Android) or Apple Push Notification Service (iOS).
9. Admin Panel
There are multiple functions available in the admin panel, such as managing users (e.g. editing, deleting posts, or blocking lists). Admin panel also allows counting the number of posts, and followers, providing information about new users, and more.
So many features can create chaos and hassle. To avoid this you can simply go for prototype app development initially.
TikTok Clone App Advanced Features
Those basic features are good enough when launching the MVP version of your social media app. However, once you are ready to launch your final version, you should consider adding these advanced features.
1. Live Video Streaming
In many social media platforms live video streaming is very popular. Users can interact with other users in order to personalize and connect better.
2. Real-Time Analytics
A live viewer graph provides a visual representation of live viewers and broadcasters. Additionally, it provides data on comments and hearts.
3. Location-Based Content
Making an app like TikTok can also include some advanced features. The device can be located using this feature. As a result, the app shows content posted by other users in the same location. Moreover, users can include their current location in the video.
4. AR Filters
A lot of AR filters allow you to change the color of your hair or eyes, add objects above your head (e.g. dog ears, flowers), and more. Technology like this is becoming increasingly popular these days. This feature is interesting and improves engagement.
To create app like TikTok you need a reliable tech partner that can help you build a robust digital product. Team Applify is one of the top mobile app development agencies. Please check out our Clutch profile, in order to know more about our work
Technology Stack
A lot of modern technologies can be used to create an app like TikTok. In the case of native mobile development, you need to choose programming languages · Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android). Moreover, app developers can build Flutter apps for cross-platform development.
List of the tech stack you require to build the TikTok clone app
Android App
- Programming language: Kotlin
- Networking: OkHttp 3
iOS App
- Programming language: Swift
- Networking: Alamofire
Back-End Development
- Framework: Express & Hapi
- Database: MongoDB, SQL, MySQL
- Cloud: AWS
- Programing language: Node.js
Tools
- Storage: Amazon S3
- Signup: Amazon SES, Amazon SNS
- Notifications:
- Google Cloud Messaging for Android
- Apple Push for iOS
- Real-time analytics:
- Azure stream analytics
- Google Mobile App Analytics
- AR-filters: ML Kit, ARCore
- Geolocation:
- Google Maps API,
- MapKit/Core Location frameworks (for iOS).
- Chat: Twilio
Are you confused about which platform is right for your TikTok clone app development? This android vs iOS guide can help you choose the right platform.
How to Make an App like TikTok: Cost Estimation
There are several factors you need to consider before determining the cost of app development. The most essential of them is the design, application features, and a team of mobile developers.
Let's discuss the above-mentioned factors in detail.
1. Design
Designing is a time-consuming as well as a relatively expensive process.
It takes approximately 100 hours to build the whole application design will cost about $7000 - $10000.
Are you new to the design world? Our app design agency can help you build an appealing design.
2. Features
The cost of a feature development depends upon its complexity. The more complex it is to build, the more hours it will take to be ready, and eventually, the cost will also increase.
3. Tech Team
In order to develop a clone app like TikTok, you require the following tech experts in your team.
- Business Analyst
- UI/UX Designer
- Android Developer
- iOS Developer
- Back-end Developer
- QA engineers
Ways to Hire a Tech Team?
- Building an in-house tech team.
- Hire experts via outsourcing.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Having in-house developers simplifies communication but increases expenses like rent, equipment, etc. Meanwhile, outsourcing companies provide high-quality final products at affordable hourly rates. Furthermore, outsourcing provides you access to experienced specialists located all over the world.
Finding difficulty in choosing the right app development team? Our mobile app development company in Dubai is an expert in developing clone apps.
The hourly rate differs from region to region.
- North America $150 - $170
- Western Europe $70 - $100
- Eastern Europe $50 - $70
- Australia $110 - $130
- South Pacific $30 - $50
Providing an exact value is hard to anticipate, however, if you want to know the closest estimation of TikTok app development cost. We are launching our mobile app cost calculator soon. This tool can help estimate the cost of mobile app development.
Conclusion
Social media apps like TikTok are highly popular among Gen-Z people. It is an amazing platform that solves the purpose of entertainment, information, engagement, and marketing advertising.
Building a social media app requires a deep market study. There are different social media platforms for different purposes. You can come up with unique ideas that help you stand out from the competition. Other than that, you need to make sure you are partnering with the right team.
