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

499 Views | 7 min | Published On: April 12, 2024 Last Updated: June 6, 2024

In 2024, Snapchat boasts over 800 million active users, with a staggering 405 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-like social media app development, exploring crucial factors, cost-effective strategies, the step-by-step development process, and the costs involved. 

Without any further ado, let’s get started!

Snapchat Application: Interesting Statistics & Facts

Take a look at interesting stats and facts about Snapchat:

Interesting facts and statistics of Snapchat app

Snapchat Business Model Canvas

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

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.

Android
  • Less expensive than iOS

  • Offers a larger market share globally (70.77%) with a huge target base

  • Requires expertise in Java or Kotlin programming languages

  • Needs testing across various devices because of fragmentation in the Android landscape. It may consume more time and cost.

iOS
  • Expensive compared to the Android

  • iOS holds a 29.58 percent share of the global mobile operating system market.

  • Requires expertise in Swift or Objective-C programming languages

  • Consume less time and cost

Cross-Platform
  • Runs on multiple platforms using a single codebase via frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin

  • Wider audience reach

  • Easier development and maintenance

  • Cost-efficient and takes less time

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 social networking app development cost. Check the table below:

App Size Development Cost
Basic/ Simple App $25,000 - $40,000
Medium App $40,000 - $60,000
Advanced/Large App $60,000 or above

#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 – 

Different Segments Timeline Development Cost
Wireframing & Prototyping: Assembling wireframes and prototypes to demonstrate the application's structure and functionality. 2-4 weeks $700-$1,000 (depending on the complexity)
UI Design: Creating the application's visual elements, such as the font, iconography, color scheme, and layout. 4-8 weeks $800 - $10,500
Interacting Design: Designing animations, transitions, and user interactions to improve the user experience. 2-4 weeks $3,000 - $10,000 (depending on the complexity)
Responsive Design: Ensuring the app's interface complies seamlessly with various devices and screen sizes. 2-4 weeks $2,000 - $9,000 (depending on the complexity)
Usability Testing: Identifying and resolving usability issues using real users. 1-2 weeks $2,000 - $8,000

#4 Features & Functionalities

If you want to build a Snapchat-like app with basic features and functionalities, it will cost you less. On the contrary, incorporating advanced features similar to Snapchat in your app will consume more time and cost, and curate you as just another social media app. 

Thus, it is not necessary to follow the trail of Snapchat. You can add features and functionalities according to your project’s goals, target audience, and other factors. Check the following list of features that you can consider including in your app. 

Snapchat-like Features Details Development Time
Stories Share photos and videos with your followers that disappear after 24 hours. 65-90 Hours
Real-time Messaging Engage in instant text conversations with friends and contacts. 80-100 Hours
Video-Audio Notes Record and send short video or audio messages for quick communication. 30-60 Hours
Video-Audio Calls Make high-quality video and audio calls with friends and groups. 80-120 Hours
Lenses & Filters Apply fun and creative overlays to photos and videos in real-time. 300-400 Hours
Stickers Express yourself with a wide range of colorful stickers and emoticons. 55-90 Hours
Disappearing Messages Send messages that automatically disappear after being viewed. 30-40 Hours
Group Chat Chat with multiple friends simultaneously in a group conversation. 125-180 Hours
Geofilter Overlay location-specific graphics or filters onto photos and videos. 40-60 Hours
Snap Map Share your real-time location with friends on a map and discover nearby snaps. 60-90 Hours
Notifications Alert Receive alerts for new messages, stories, and other activities. 40 Hours
Discover Explore curated content from publishers, creators, and influencers. 55-80 Hours
Memories Save and access your favorite snaps and stories in a personal archive. 45-60 Hours
Admin Panel Manage user accounts, settings, and content moderation. 150-200 Hours
Location Sharing Share your current location with friends for meetups or directions. 30-40 Hours

#5 Tech Stack

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

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

Programming Languages Python, C++, JavaScript, Obj-C, and more.
Hosting Google Compute Engine
Front-End Framework Semantic UI
Back-End Framework Google App Engine
Analytics Amplitude, Flurry, Google Analytics

#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. 

Region Hourly Rates (in USD)
United States $100-$150
Middle East $40-$70
Southeast Asia $20-$40
Eastern Asia $25-$65
United Kingdom $100-$120
Australia $100-$120
Western Europe $80-$120
Eastern Europe $30-$50

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!

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:

Strategies to reduce Snapchat app development cost

1. Define Clear Requirements

Uncertain or incomplete requirements commonly cause cost overruns in app development initiatives. By clearly defining all of the app's requirements, entrepreneurs may minimize cost and the need for extra 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 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 comes as a cost-effective approach that will help you to minimize your project cost,  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. By providing a clear image of the upfront expenses, it helps ensure that the project will remain within financial restrictions. 

Here, the development business offers you a fixed payment plan when the work is completed and provides you with 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, which drives down development costs. 

Here, the software may be created in stages without adding to the costs, making the necessary iterations as needed. So, developers complete the first specific step (called a sprint) and then it is 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, reducing the cost of the operation. 

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 reputable company like Apptunix that have a track record of completed projects and relevant experience.  

Roadmap to Build 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 by step process to build app like Snapchat

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. 

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.

Note: A rough estimate cost around 10% of the 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.   

Total Estimated Cost:
UX UI Design: Estimated Cost ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 (depending on the complexity of your app’s design)
Development: Estimated cost ranges from $25,000 to $250,000 or above (depending on the complexity of the app)

Step 3: Testing and Deployment

Testing is the crucial stage before launching of 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. 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 input, advertise the app across many platforms, and enable reviews. 

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 keep your Snapchat-like software up to date 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 as follows: 50% of the first year's development costs, and then 15-20% annually after that. Actual costs may vary based on technology, team size, app complexity, and upgrades.

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 level up your application and offer an exceptional user experience, keeping it ahead of the competition. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q 1.How does Snapchat make money?

Although there are other advertising options on the site, such as Sponsored Lenses, Sponsored Geofilters, and Snap Ads, advertising remains Snapchat’s main source of revenue. 

Additionally, it generates revenue from selling products on the Snap Store, accessories for Spectacles, and subscriptions to Snapchat Premium, which unlocks premium features. These various revenue sources contribute to Snapchat’s financial success.

Q 2.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 social media app 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 any potential loopholes for lawsuits or liability issues.  

Q 3.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.

Q 4.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. 

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