This post will help you understand how to develop a Snapchat clone app and other aspects of social media app development like cost, features, and tips. But before we dive into the technicality let’s gather some intel on Snapchat’s success and some social media facts.
Social media plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Thanks to messaging apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Whatsapp, our communication has become more accessible. Once it was just a trend and now we can’t start our days without sharing a streak.
The world of chatting apps is just like fashion; many popular apps exist, and many more clone versions will appear and create wonders. So, if you are willing to create your own Snapchat clone app this article is a must-read for you.
Snapchat Success Glimpse
Snapchat was started in 2011 by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. It was a risky time to launch the app because Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were ruling the social media market. However, the unique concept of private messaging space created the revolution. Just after one year of the launch, Mark Zuckerberg, (CEO of Meta) offered $ 3 billion to buy Snapchat. But Spiegel declined the offer and today Snapchat is valued at $15.18 billion.
Key Considerations While Building an App like Snapchat
No worries if you're still confused about how to create an app like Snapchat or where to begin, we've got you covered. For a successful mobile app development process, make sure you have these 3 aspects.
1. MVP Stage
You need an MVP before releasing the full version of your product to test the concept and estimate the market. Don't get confused with a prototype; an MVP (minimum viable product) is a fully-functionalized version with a limited set of important features that gives the entire experience before investing the full money.
2. Lawyer
The owner of the rights to the images and videos should be taken into consideration when dealing with user-generated content. As well as learning about local copyright laws, you should also learn about the laws of the state or country in which you operate.
It is usually included in the terms and conditions of apps that the platform owns all rights to the content, stating that it owns the rights. Creating a conditions agreement for the app should be drafted with the help of a lawyer who understands the details and can avoid legal loopholes.
3. Developer Partner
Providing users with a top-notch experience is essential to knocking out the competition. The agency you choose will directly affect the outcome. The app will end up raw and sloppy if you hire someone with no relevant experience. In other words, even if you have a good strategy to market your app there is no guarantee of success without a good professional tech team.
Finding difficulty in choosing the right Mobile app development team? Our app developers in Dubai are expert in developing clone apps.
Monetization Strategy of Snapchat Clone App
Before we explain the app structure and functionality, it is important for you to study the monetization strategy of Snapchat. Similar to Facebook, Snapchat has an Ads manager platform. This platform allows advertisers to set the right demographics for their consumers.
There are different types of ads on Snapchat. Let’s study them one by one.
1. Sponsored Lenses and Filters
Creating Snapchat lenses boosts engagement and raises Snapchat's awareness due to the rising number of active users. The flow is very simple: a brand uploads its lens or filter, promotes it to the relevant audience, and users can post snaps and stories using it.
Snapchat advertising costs start at $5 per day. A lens can now be created directly through Snapchat's Ads Manager with its Lens Web Builder.
2. Snap Ads and Story Ads
Snap Ads are full-screen photo or video ads that appear in between user-generated content, such as user stories. There is a swipe-up link that takes the audience to a product page. The Snapchat platform allows advertisers to set a budget and adjust it according to their targets and performance.
One difference between Story Ads and Snap Ads is that there is no swipe-up link that directs users to an informational page. As a result, Story Ads must be engaging and memorable.
Feature Set of Snapchat Clone App
Before you start your app-building process make sure you know what features the social media clone app must have.
1. Snap Sharing / Streak
Snap sharing can be considered the main functionality of Snapchat. Users can directly share snaps via direct message and they will self-destruct within a few seconds.
2. Lenses
Lenses are the most used and engaging feature in Snapchat. This feature allows users to click pictures with animated and amusing filters. Some filters have the ability to change the audio voice while recording the video.
2. Geofilters
Geofilters are similar to general lenses, but they are available at particular locations.
3. SnapCode
Users can add friends is a very basic function of any social media app. However, Snapchat made it interesting by introducing Snapcode. Snapcode is a unique QR code that acts as a user name. Users can be added as friends by just scanning their QR code. This feature is very useful when people meet at a loud place. But we want to add each other on Snapchat.
4. Chatting
Chatting is one of the key elements that helped Snapchat to stand out. The messaging includes cool stickers, chat auto delete when seen, auto delete chat after 24 hours, and saving the message option.
5. Story
The story is actually a snap broadcast that allows users to manifest their content for 24 hours. It also updates users who have viewed their stories.
6. Discover
This feature allows you to find stories from the editorial team. It provides feeds from different companies, such as cosmo, people, Mashable, CNN, and others.
Too many features can create hassle and chaos in your mind. To avoid it you can simply go for the prototype app development initially.
Development Process of Snapchat Clone App
To make a full-fledged Snapchat-like app, your concept must go through the following software development stages:
- Strategy
- Discovery/planning phase
- Designing Process
- Coding and Development
- QA Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance and support
Want to speed up the development process of the Snapchat app clone, read this guide to make the process faster.
Cost of Building a Snapchat Clone App
It is difficult to outline the exact cost to develop an app. But we can provide you with an estimated cost on the basis of various types of expenses you encounter during the development process.
1. Tech Team
The App building cost depends on the digital product development agency you hire. The hourly rates vary depending on location.
In the USA the average development cost is $100 -$120 per hour. Whereas in Eastern Europe it ranges between $60 - $80 per hour and in Asain pacific region it is around $30 - $40 per hour.
Want to hire developers to build app like Snapchat? You can hire app developer for your mobile app project.
2. Developing Platform
Platform selection is one of the first decisions to be made before building an app. Having your app available on more than one platform is essential if you want to increase its popularity, especially on iOS and Android. In terms of Snapchat, you can access it on every major platform.
Still confused about which development platform will be best for your Snapchat app clone? This native vs hybrid vs cross-platform guide can help you choose the right platform.
3. Design Cost
Depending on your requirements, mobile app design costs vary. If you want a complex design, it will require more hours and cost more.
New to the design world? Our UX design agency can shape your idea into an engaging design.
4. Additional Cost
Other than that, there are additional costs like deployment costs, support, and maintenance, and additional service costs like product analytics. In order to get a close estimate of your try Applify new’ app cost calculator. With this tool, you can anticipate the cost of your Snapchat clone app easily. Want to get an idea of the Snapchat app clone development budget? This app cost calculator is here to help you.
Final Thoughts
After learning how to develop an app like Snapchat. It feels like it will be challenging, but with the right development team and appropriate strategy, success is possible. At Applify, we deliver minimalist design with high-performance build and the right guide to push the perfect market-fit products.
