How Much Does it Cost to Build an App like Snapchat [Roadmap + Costing]

In 2025, Snapchat boasts over 900 million active users, with a staggering 469 million users connecting with their loved ones daily. But who are these users? – None other than youth – the pulse of modern connectivity! 

Snapchat has harnessed this youth power to become a successful enterprise. Its remarkable success story has sparked the interest of countless entrepreneurs who want to build an app like Snapchat. However, the challenge arises regarding the cost of developing an app like Snapchat. Entrepreneurs often find themselves unsure regarding the accurate cost involved in the process. If you are one of those entrepreneurs, look no further—this ultimate guide is for you. 

Here, we’ll delve thoroughly into every aspect of Snapchat app development, exploring crucial factors,  cost-effective strategies, step-by-step development process, and costs involved in Snapchat-like app development. 

Without any further ado, let’s get started!

Snapchat Application: Interesting Statistics & Facts

Take a look at interesting stats and facts about Snapchat:

Snapchat Business Model Canvas

Let’s take a look at Snapchat business model canvas:

Factors Influencing Snapchat App Development Cost

Several factors influence the Snapchat app development cost. Following, we’ve discussed them in detail. Let’s check:

#1 Platforms

Before you start with the development process, selecting the right platform for your app – Android, iOS, or both (Cross-Platform) – is crucial.

When choosing a platform for your business, make sure to evaluate your app goals, target audience, and budget effectively. 

#2 Size of the App

The size of the app factor also determines the development cost. Check the table below:

#3 UI UX Design

Incorporating a basic UI UX design for your Snapchat-like app will be less expensive than a complex design. Let’s look at the segments involved in UI UX design – 

#4 Features & Functionalities

If you want to build a Snapchat-like app with basic features, it will cost less. On the contrary, incorporating advanced features similar to Snapchat into your app will take more time and cost more, and make you just another social media app. Thus, it is not necessary to track Snapchat. You can add features and functionality based on your project’s goals, target audience, and other factors. Check the following list of features that you can consider including in your app. 

#5 Tech Stack

The tech stack for building a Snapchat-like app comprises a collection of frameworks, programming languages, and tools. Incorporating an advanced technology stack will incline towards the expensive side compared to a simple tech stack. 

Here we’ve provided a tech stack list that goes into Snapchat-like app development:

#6 Location-based Developers

Development companies or developers often charge based on their location, cost of living, and dwelling expenses. Here we’ve listed developer rates as per their location. 

If you want a reliable partner for your project, consider hiring a reputable mobile app development company like Apptunix. Get in touch today to kickstart your business!

Learn How To Build a Successful Messaging App Like Telegram?

Cost-Effective Strategies to Reduce Snapchat App Development Cost

Following, we’ve discussed several cost-effective strategies that will help you to minimize Snapchat-like app development costs:

1. Define Clear Requirements

Uncertain or incomplete requirements are a common cause of cost overruns in app development initiatives. By clearly defining all the app’s requirements, entrepreneurs can minimize costs and the need for additional development work. This proactive approach helps ensure that the project stays within its allocated budget.

2. Opt for MVP Development

Go for MVP (Minimum Viable Product) if you want to build a Snapchat-like app at a low cost. Here you will build your app with minimal or basic features and launch it in the Google Play Store or Apple Store. Once you’ve tested the app in the market, targeted a user base, and analyzed the market landscape– you can go for fully-fledged app development with the help of investors. Here, MVP is a cost-effective approach that helps you minimize project costs, boost business revenue, and present your idea to investors for funding in a hassle-free manner. 

3. Go for the Fixed Price Model

A fixed-price method reduces the risk of budget overruns. Providing a clear image of upfront expenses helps ensure the project remains within financial constraints. Here, the development business offers you a fixed payment plan upon completion and provides a detailed price for the entire project.

4. Incorporate Agile Methodology

The Agile methodology is regarded as the best of all product development techniques. It makes development more adaptable and iterative, thereby reducing development costs. Here, the software may be developed in stages without increasing costs, allowing necessary iterations as needed. So, developers complete the first specific step (called a sprint), and it is then showcased to clients. Once the client approves it, the developers move to the next sprint. Ultimately, Agile methodology also ensures the app satisfies all user requirements and needs, thereby reducing operational costs. 

5. Select the Right Providers for App Development

The choice of app development business has a significant impact on project costs. Choosing a reliable and established business increases the chances that the project will be finished on time and within budget. Make sure to get in touch with a reputable company like Apptunix that has a track record of completed projects and relevant experience.  

Roadmap to Build an App like Snapchat [Cost Breakdown]

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, make sure to understand the target audience, latest market trends, and potential competitors. Next comes the conceptualization and idea validation stage. Here, the app idea is validated through focus groups, surveys, and MVP development. Finally, make sure to document features, functionalities, and technical specifications that would go into app development. 

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. By using wireframing, prototyping, and graphic design, they 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 necessary tech stack.   

Step 3: Testing and Deployment

Testing is the crucial stage before launching any app. It ensures your app runs efficiently. Therefore, make sure to test your app for errors, bugs, and other issues. After testing comes the deployment stage. Here, your app will be launched on the Google Play Store or Apple Store. To enhance the overall user experience, it is also necessary to gather user feedback, promote the app across multiple platforms, and enable reviews. 

Step 4: Maintenance and Updates

You must keep your Snapchat-like software up to date and make enhancements after launch. It ensures your software remains competitive in the market and meets your customers’ demands.  

How Do Apps Like Snapchat Make Money?

If you’re planning to build an app like Snapchat, understanding its revenue model is a must. The monetization strategies of Snapchat show how creativity, technology, and engagement can turn a free app into a billion-dollar business.
Let’s explore the five main ways Snapchat makes money:

1. Snap Ads

This is the biggest money-maker. These are those unskippable, full-screen video or image ads that pop up between friends’ Stories or within content on the Discover page. They’re super effective because they grab a user’s full attention, making them a goldmine for brands aiming for high engagement.

2. Sponsored Lenses and Filters

Brands pay a lot of money to create their own AR lenses. Think of the face filters that let you try on virtual glasses or put on a branded dog-ear filter. These Lenses are shared virally, essentially turning users into free brand promoters, offering an incredibly immersive and fun form of interactive marketing.

3. Snapchat+ Subscriptions

Snapchat introduced a paid subscription tier, Snapchat+, that offers exclusive perks such as early access to new features, custom app icons, and special profile badges. This creates a solid direct revenue stream from its most loyal users by offering them a VIP experience and reducing the platform’s reliance solely on the ad market.

4. Snapchat Discover Content

Snapchat partners with major publishers and media companies to show their professional content on the Discover page. Ads are placed within this premium content, and Snapchat shares the resulting ad revenue with the content partners.

5. Spectacles Hardware Sales

Snap Inc. designs and sells Spectacles, smart glasses with a built-in camera that can capture Snaps. This venture supports their “camera company” identity and serves as a long-term play to integrate their platform with wearable technology. This could generate future hardware revenue and boost usage of their AR platform.

Ever wondered how to make billions? Explore TikTok business model here!

Build a Robust and Cost-Efficient Snapchat-like App With Apptunix

Developing a Snapchat-like social media app is obviously a popular venture, given the exponential surge in social media usage. This cutthroat industry offers a tons of growth and income-generating prospects.  Partner with Apptunix, a leading social media app development company – you can kickstart your Snapchat-like app development process with professional developers and designers. We offer top-notch, cutting-edge solutions with no hidden development cost. Our services will elevate your application and deliver an exceptional user experience, keeping it ahead of the competition.