The whirlwind of IoT revolutions and connected devices have engulfed the IT industry today, combining the best of both programming and device hardware. Not only has it opened new promising horizons for IoT developers and companies, but IoT app development tools also enables creation of remarkable products in narrow time frame. The multifaceted field of IoT is growing into something of an unstoppable drive.

Already 57% of companies have adopted IoT technologies, and this number is likely to mushroom by 2020. So how can you approach the idea of building IoT-enabled apps? For that you need robust IoT app development platform and tools.

Here is the list of the 10 most significant and popular IoT app development tools.

#1. Arduino

Arduino is a perfect option for better optimization of your IoT activities. It is an easy-to-use prototyping platform with a hybrid collection of software and hardware solutions.

The data from active IoT sensors is processed by the master brain Arduino itself. Building projects are effortless with Arduino that comes with a microcontroller facilitating the proper working of IoT devices so far.

Features

• Easy for beginners and professionals.
• Simplified device registration
• A mobile dashboard on the go
• Quicker Integration of essential tools

#2. Tessel 2

Popular as one of the robust technologies supporting IoT or AI-driven systems. This is very much used in building basic prototypes or IoT systems. Tessel 2 is useful as it can integrate numerous sensors & modules resulting in supreme IoT based solutions.

Tessel is successfully offering hardware applications and active servers for working systems. IoT management is smoother with open source projects like Tessel 2.

Features

• Extremely reliable wi-fi.
• Efficient power management.
• Robust and speed solution.
• Can be programmed using NodeJS.

#3. OpenScada

OpenScada, being one of the popular IoT development tools are produced by Eclipse IoT groups. The tool opens up for guaranteed security and flexibility concerns on connected systems.

Many companies compile OpenScada tools for building advanced and superior IoT applications which is very necessary today.

Features

• Supports editing/Debugging
• Supports several programming languages
• Includes various distinctive tools
• Simple and easy -to- use.

Read Also : Top 10 IoT Trends to Expect in the Future

>#4. Node Red

Node Red is widely used in major IoT projects today. Developed by IBM, it offers amazing modules to connect APIs services and devices with very less errors.

Developers can easily integrate or connect devices, resulting in better IoT device management. Node red gives out a well-defined purpose or function nodes in the flow-based programming of IoT devices.

Features

• Well explained tutorials for beginners.
• Easy streamlining of IoT applications.
• Open Source logic engine
• User-friendly experience.

#5. Home Assistant

Smart home Automation is easy with the open-source tool Home Assistant. Desktop browsers or mobile devices are used for monitoring a home assistant. This open-source tool is best for privacy, security, and operation management.

Factors that slow down internet activities are hindered by the home assistant system itself. The tool is operational on local networks. The latest versions even help in monitoring battery levels of smart devices.

Features

• Amazing sensor control
• Reliable systems eliminating bugs
• Python-based coding system
• Trusted for operations.

#6. Device Hive

One of the leading IoT data platforms with a wide range of integration and customization options.

Device hive supports various programming languages and can integrate with any other Device clouds and plugin services IoT devices are easily manageable via device Hive. Visualize data source and dashboard for IoT management is easily organized in Devicehive.

Features

• Integrate multiplatform libraries
• Scalable hardware systems
• Easy smart device communication & management
• Monitor multi-device connectivity

#7. Raspbian

IoT tech enthusiasts have invested their efforts in creating an awesome IoT development tool till time. And it is Raspibian. The major advantage of IoT technology is that Raspbian installation is with the use of pre-compiled software.

Smart interconnected devices are easier to control using the Raspbian tool. The tool is mainly used in Raspberry Pi for home automation.

Features

• Provide optimal customization tools.
• Over 35000 precompiled packages.
• Improved stability and performance
• Easy to use UI

#8. Canopy

Canopy is a winning Open source platform that lets users control and manage connected devices as a whole. It is so popular for its advanced features that give an entirely new customer experience and engagement.

The major advantage falls on its early capability of identifying issues on IoT systems and remotely control them with triggered notifications. The canopy also offers a cloud-based portal that allows users to review their project reports and easy integrations of critical IoT applications.

Features

• Real-time dashboard feature
• Exclusive configurable KPIs
• Reduced operational costs
• Increased visibility of devices.

#9. Zetta

Zetta is a well known open-source platform creating top IoT servers that are active on remote networks. It gives connected devices amazing visibility and assembles them into real-time data-intensive applications.

Zetta works best with microcontrollers like Arduino leading to cloud-based management. The tool helps in abstracting the hard to build IoT systems into feasible projects at a lesser period.

Features

• Optimized for data-intensive apps.
• Run across global systems.
• Efficiently manage connected devices.
• Powerful API communication.

#10. Devicehub

Developers easily work with Devicehub for creating successful IoT app stories. It helps in monitoring integrated IoT solutions along with cloud integration. It uses the platform as a service for hardware/mobile developers to gauge smart device users and multiple such devices remotely.

Devicehub has organized several automated fleet solutions, vending machines, etc which has been so relevant and useful for users. It is the starting point for beginner or professional developers for creating IoT devices.

Features

• Flexible integration of hardware/web technologies
• Deliver scalable app solutions
• Highly secure communication systems
• User-friendly interface.

Read Also : Impact of IoT on App Development

Concluding Note

To fuel up the progressive trend of IoT, many of the software providers are coming up with app development tools that will help developers create novel IoT devices and apps.

Choosing the right IoT app development tool is a matter of usage, comfort, popularity of opinions and suitability for the type of development project. You can choose to collaborate with IoT development specialists for further assistance in your next IoT project.

As of the first quarter of 2019, Google Play has over 2.1 million apps and Apple Store has more than 1.8 million apps. The staggering number of mobile applications available today is pushing enterprises and entrepreneurs to focus on developing unique apps that stand out from the rest.

The application has to be designed and developed with one-of-a-kind features and based on the latest app development trends to beat competition and keep the users engaged.

If you are thinking of creating an app, you have two app development options – the conventional way and the other is MVP.

1) Developing an App With MVP

MVP is considered to be a better approach than building an app in the traditional way. MVP or -minimum viable product- is considered to be an asset for business enterprises.

Read Also: Role of Blockchain in Mobile App Development[Case Study]

It allows app developers to first test the idea of the app with their targeted audience. The MVP can even be considered as the base architecture of a mobile application.

The most crucial aspects of MVP are that it includes only the essential features of the app that the developer considers to be necessary.

Initially, the development team receives feedback from potential users and that enables them to understand the expected response of the app in the market.

This also allows developers to assess the specific areas of the app that needs improvements and where the performance is not as per expectations.

It is crucial to note here that an MVP application is not an incomplete or unfinished app. It might not contain all the features of the final product, but yet, it functions in the distinctive way of the design of the application.

You could say that MVP is a basic, but still a complete app that grows stronger as you add more features to expand and enhance its potential.

2) Make Changes as You Go With MVP

When you develop an app with MVP and early adopters are installing the application, you are able to collect analytical data, get feedback, carry out customer interviews and measure results.

This means that you get to test your application and if the results do not meet your expectations, you can tweak the features of your app or add new features to it.

If your app has passed the test, you can continue adding or improving existing features and the cycle can go on until the lifecycle of the mobile app.

MVP is the perfect solution if you want to test your app first and spend less money and time in completing your app project.

As Johnny Holland said, “An MVP is a down payment on a larger vision.”

3) The Need to Build An MVP

Famous and successful applications like, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Uber were created based on the MVP approach. It is believed that an MVP app development method is the quickest way to turn an idea into a thriving business.

By building an MVP, you can avoid the monumental developmental, as well as, marketing mistakes for your application. MVP helps in validating the prototype of your app -and assists you in going to the market faster.

Also, owing to its dominating market presence, potential users actually use the MVP application, which creates a real user experience. Thus, the feedback generated is effective in the assessment of app design and development.

By building an MVP application, you are presenting your targeted audience with an idea of your vision. In case the users are not too taken by your MVP, it clearly means that there is no market for your application at all. And you should start brainstorming for better ideas.

Since a prototype consists of only the basic features, MVP app development is reasonably priced and not time-consuming. Furthermore, it helps to create an early base of users for when your application will be finally launched.

How MVP Helps in Developing and Releasing Mobile Apps?

a) Get an Idea About the Preferences and Expectations Of Customers:

Without understanding the expectations and needs of the customers, it is impossible for businesses to create a popular and profitable application. There are so many instances where users have rejected some of the features of a full app version.

MVP enables businesses to get the essential and unique features of their application evaluated by real users. It also allows developers to offer real users with a number of options and features.

Therefore, it becomes easy for businesses to comprehend and also meet the expectations of the users.

b) Helps in Managing and Deploying Resources Efficiently:

Today, the developers have the option of writing the same application in different programming languages and making use of a number of development tools.

Therefore, businesses often find it daunting to develop a mobile app with the correct technologies. MVP allows businesses to get the application’s essential and unique features reviewed by actual users.

The suggestions and opinions of the users help businesses in assessing the actual performance of the application’s compact version. The feedback from the users also helps developers in addressing a number of defects and issues by using latest technologies.

c) Boost the Security and Functionality of The App:

Due to security issues and bugs, users often uninstall mobile applications. Users also expect the app to perform and function optimally under different conditions.

Enterprises these days opt for crowd testing or crowdsourced testing to get the software’s performance, functionality, usability, accessibility and security assessed under varying conditions.

Read Also: How to Make An App Using API[Complete Guide]

MVP assists businesses in improving the application’s features, security and performance based on the response of real-time users. The early detection of the defects and bugs also helps developers in quickly repairing the flaws.

d) Improve Engagement and User Experience:

Businesses can beat competition by designing and developing mobile applications with exclusive features. But they will not be able to persuade users to make use of the app on a regular basis without consistently boosting user experience.

Developers need to update the application at regular intervals to enhance engagement and user experience. MVP also helps enterprises to update applications as per the changing preferences of the users and emerging trends.

e) Decrease the Cost and Time of App Development:

Besides improving the quality of the application, MVP also helps businesses in reducing the cost and time of app development. The MVP approach allows businesses to develop a compact version of the application.

Therefore, the developers are not needed to work only on unique and essential features. They can continue to add new features and improve existing features on the basis of user response.

They can also accelerate the app development process by not working on additional features that users do not need. A number of start-ups and businesses these days take advantage of MVP in order to launch mobile applications by overcoming obstacles related to money, resources and time.

Here are instances of leading mobile applications that have hugely benefited by embracing MVP.

• Snapchat: Initially, Snapchat was a very basic chat application. It is the core feature of short-lived visual messages and text. Gradually, it introduced other features to enhance its value and became a full-fledged chat application in no time.
• Uber: Launched as a very basic application, the Uber app only had key features, which allowed passengers to connect with drivers and make payments for the rides. From such basic features, the app continued to expand and finally became a very complex app with a host of functions like, customer review, driver review, cab ride stories and so on.
• Facebook: Facebook started a social media revolution, but it did not start at one go. It initially came with a basic app that allowed people to connect with each other, regardless of their locations. As the app became popular, the creators started adding more features and with time, you have the Facebook app that you know today where you can make friends, promote your business and so much more.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

Conclusion

To sum up, the MVP is a necessary part of the mobile app development process. However, it is not compulsory that you have to build, as well as, publish the MVP app.

But, if you are opting to develop the MVP for your product, it definitely provides increased possibilities of app retention and more scalability.

To most daily commuters, a taxi booking app like Uber is a godsend. You not only get a cab ride, but the app ensures that drivers abide by all traffic rules and regulations along with offer exemplary customer service.

The overall taxi booking app segment is was estimated to be around USD 183,677 million in valuation in 2019. With a yearly growth rate of 14.8%, the market is projected to hit a valuation of USD 318,765 by 2023.

These figures clearly show a shift in people’s attitude and their acceptance of technology in something as mundane as hailing a taxi.

The success story of Uber has opened the floodgates for more interested players to create their version of a taxi booking mobile app.

Before you kickstart the process, let’s deep dive into how to create an Uber like app and its cost estimation.

How Uber Works

It is vital to understand the inner operations of the Uber app. This will help you in your ideation and fine tuning your taxi booking app concept further.

#1. Submit a Ride Request

The prospective rider places a ride request by sharing Pick Up and Drop Locations using the app. Drivers near the Pick-Up location receive this request information.

#2. Uber Matches the Rider with the Driver

The algorithm in the app matches the nearest available driver with the rider. However, the driver can opt to accept or cancel the request. The request is then transferred to the next available driver.

#3. Sharing Ride Confirmation

As the driver accepts the ride request, the rider receives a booking confirmation on the app. It also shows the cab’s estimated arrival and the route taken by the driver in real-time.

#4. Making a Payment

The rider can view the fare on the app at the pre-booking phase. The payment is processed on ride completion either via online modes or through cash.

#5. Driver Ratings

Uber shares driver ratings and customer reviews on the allotted driver with the prospective rider. This helps build trust and reliability between the service provider and the rider.

While it is important to study how Uber operates, start-ups can only see any form of success if they can bring some form of innovation and novelty in their version of the taxi booking app. This is where the feature-list comes into play.

What Are The Key Features To Create An App Like Uber?

All taxi booking apps come with 3 sets of features. These include:

• Rider features
• Driver features
• Admin Panel

Let’s take a look at these feature lists in detail.

Rider App Features

#1. Registration & Profile Management

Every taxi booking app requires the user to register with their information on the application to use the platform. Common registration practices include using Gmail ids or social media handles other than using mobile numbers and email ids.

#2. Save Destinations

Having a feature where users are able to save the most frequented destinations with keywords such as Home, Work, Others, can be convenient and time saving. Every time they wish to choose these destinations, they can type the keywords instead of the address.

#3. Multiple Drop-off Points

User may have work at multiple journey points, or perhaps they are sharing rides with family or friends who need to be picked up or dropped off along the route. Users can change or add points whilst travelling too. For this, Uber has introduced multiple drop-offs that have given them an edge over the competition.

#4. Ride Cost Estimate

When the user submits the Pick-Up and Drop Off locations, the app displays a range of products and their individual fares. The app uses a backend algorithm to calculate the fare.

#5. Schedule a Ride in Advance

The functionality to pre-book rides in advance allows users to plan their travel ahead. Uber offers its users to schedule rides anywhere between 15 minutes to 30 days.

#6. Fare Splitting

While not an absolute must on the feature list, having the option to split the fare between friends and family members adds to the appeal of your taxi booking application.

#7. Driver Matching

When riders generate a request, the algorithm in the backend automatically matches it with the nearest available driver taking several factors such as passenger location, the status of the driver, car models, driver ratings, etc. into account.

The allotted driver gets around 15 to 20 seconds to accept the ride request, post which it is transferred to the next available driver automatically.

#8. Geolocation and Routing

Any taxi booking application stands on the foundation of a solid geolocation feature. The GPS works two ways. It identifies the rider’s pick-up and drop-off points and shares it with the driver.

The routing of the journey from the driver location to the pick-up points is chartered on the map. On picking up the rider, and initiating the journey, the GPS again works out the most efficient and quickest possible route to the drop-off points.

Read Also : 15 Best Car Rental Apps

#9. Booking Cancellation

The driver can cancel the ride request on receipt if he or she is unable to fulfil the request at that point of time. The rider, too, can cancel the request within a designated time span before a cancellation fee is charged on the ride.

#10. Panic Button (SOS)

Uber has ensured that all riders feel safe and secure when availing a cab on their platform. The app comes in-built with an SOS or a Panic button that is connected to a dedicated call centre.

If the rider feels unsafe or threatened in any way, he or she can immediately press the Panic Button and speak to an agent who is trained to deal with people in such situations.

#11. In-app Chat Or Call Feature

It is essential to have a feature that connects the driver with the rider seamlessly. To ensure zero leakage of personal information such as the mobile number, an in-app call or chat functionality can become the preferred mode of communication between both concerned parties.

#12. Payment Method Integration

The taxi booking service is no different than any eCommerce platform. It is a transaction between the driver and the rider and Uber, here, acts as the facilitator.

To provide another layer of convenience to the customers, the taxi booking service has integrated online payment options Credit or Debit Card, through which the riders can pay the fare for the completed trip.

A receipt is generated on trip completion which gives the rider the following break-up:

• Base fare
• Cost per mile
• Cost per minute
• Safe rides fee

#13. Rating and Feedback

Users get an alert to rate the ride once the trip is completed. This is a key functionality for any taxi booking service as it helps maintain consistent levels of service.

Drivers with low ratings will automatically get fewer ride requests allotted to them. The ratings can be combined with specific feedback.

This gives more in-depth and elaborate information to the service provider on the driver and the customer’s experience of the trip. Good driver reviews are shared along with their profiles for prospective riders to see.

#14. Trip History

The section that outlines the Trip History basically acts as a point of reference for the app’s user. It generally displays information like date and time of travel, distance covered, driver information and more.

#15. Booking and Payments History

A dedicated section to show user booking and payment history would be very useful for your app users. The information that is generally captured here includes booking details such as the date, time, cost, driver/passenger name, car model, pickup and drop-off locations, rating etc.; and invoice, date, method of payment etc.

#16. Communication and Notifications

When there are active customers using your taxi booking app frequently, you need to have a medium of communication in place to alert them of news, updates, changes in terms and conditions, etc.

The best way is to have a Push Notification system that automatically shares these updates with every single app user.

Driver App Features

#1. Go Online

Uber does not employ its driver partners but offers them a platform to work at their convenience. They can choose their own working hours simply by activating a feature known as ‘Go Online’.

As soon as the bar is active, the taxi booking app can start sending ride requests to the driver. When the drivers are ready to call it a day, they can simply deactivate the bar and they will no longer get any further ride requests.

#2. Accept A Ride

A rider request comes through and is shared with the nearest available driver partner. The driver may be hunting for trips or maybe on an existing journey already. It is up to the driver to accept or reject the ride request.

#3. Route Optimization

Once the driver accepts the ride request, the map automatically charts out the most efficient route to the pick-up location. This is repeated once the driver starts the ride and the GPS displays the most optimized route to the drop-off point.

#4. Trip Planner

The Trip Planner feature allows driver partners to plan their day more effectively in order to generate maximum revenue. This can be done by sharing customer preference and hourly trends with the drivers.

#5. Quest Earnings

Uber Quest is a unique feature on the application where it enables driver partners to earn more revenue if they are able to complete a number of pre-defined trips within a designated time frame.

Having a similar feature on your taxi booking mobile app can motivate and incentivise driver partners to use your application over the competition, accept more ride requests and stay productive.

#6. Notifications for Drivers

Just like users, driver partners too need constant notification on app features, latest upgrades, company announcements, etc. All of this again can be effectively communicated to them via a Push Notification feature.

#7. Status Bar

This is a more advanced app feature on any taxi booking service. Activating this functionality alerts driver partners whenever they are on the periphery of entering a busy area.

This also gives them the option to continue with their journey towards the busy location or change to an alternative route or destination.

#8. Earnings Tab

Drivers need a dedicated segment on the app to keep track of their earning during the day, week, month, year, and more. They should also be able to monitor the earnings that are being transferred to the bank account by the service provider via this same feature.

#9. Reviews &Ratings

Every time a trip is completed, the driver too has the option to rate and review the passenger. As the user profile builds up, the same is shared with the drivers when they get ride requests.

#10. Trip History

The Trip History on the driver app acts as a reference point for all the trips that the said driver has fulfilled till date. If there is any discrepancy later on, both the company and the driver can check this section to sort out the issue.

#11. Driver Destinations

This is a unique feature that allows drivers to choose their favourite location and only accept ride requests from passengers opting to travel in that direction. This is a functionality that has gained in popularity in taxi booking apps such as Uber.

#12. Heat Maps

Introducing the heat map feature on the taxi booking app can be extremely handy as drivers can view areas that are generating maximum ride requests. Those willing to earn more can drive around in these specific locations.

#13. Driver App Basics

Driver partners may find it difficult to operate or navigate the application. A section that contains explanations, how-to videos and app tutorials can help clarify the concepts and doubts enabling them to use the app instantly.

#14. Driver Referral

Driver partners when they are happy with the taxi booking platform and the company as a whole can refer more such individuals who may be interested in partnering with the service provider. A Driver Referral program in place helps in growing the driver database.

#15. Boost Area

The taxi booking app must be able to function even when internet connectivity is poor. In the absence of such functionality, driver partners may lose out on potential earnings if they are unable to connect to the app.

Admin App Features

#1. Assign Trips

The role of the admin can be extended to facilitate trip bookings when prospective riders are not able to make a booking themselves in a situation where there are network or connectivity issues.

The admin can also make trip assignments to drivers when ride requests shoot up in specific locations.

#2. Driver Report

The admin is able to view a dedicated Driver Report from the Admin Panel. This outlines individual driver partners and gives an overview of key parameters like the driver’s driving style, obedience to traffic rules, etc. over a period of time.

If the report finds a driver guilty of rash driving or committing several traffic-related offences, the service provider can ban the driver from using the taxi booking application.

#3. Fare Management

A vital function of the admin is to manage the fare prices. This is determined taking into various factors such as time of day, fuel price, location, and more.

#4. Driver Commission

Every driver receives a commission on completing a trip. The admin manages the rate of commission that is passed on to partner drivers taking into consideration parameters like performance, customer feedback, driver professionalism and experience.

#5. Customer Grievances

It is important for the admin to analyse and assess customer feedback. This can be done by recording all customer complaints and later used as a source of generating key insights to enhance the client experience.

#6. Admin Dashboard

The admin panel is a unified platform through which the administrator can monitor practically everything. Be it upcoming or ongoing trips, cancelled or completed rides, all these can be tracked via this dashboard.

Technology Stack and Team To Create An App Like Uber

To create an Uber like app, the following technology stack is recommended.

Programming languages for backend: Node.js, Python, Java, PHP, Ruby on Rails.

GPS: OpenStreetMap API for both iOS/Android can be used

• For Android: Google Maps and Google Location Services API
• For iOS devices: MapKit or CoreLocation framework

In-app payments: Credit cards, Paypal, Stripe, BrainTree, Paytm, PayPal mobile SDK.

Push notifications: Google Firebase for Android, and Apple Push for iOS phones

For SMS send outs: Twilio, Plivo, Nexmo, Tropo

As far as the tech team is concerned, you can kick-start the project with the following composition:

• UI/UX designer
• Android / iOS engineer
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• Back-end developer
• QA engineer

How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Uber

The cost to create an Uber clone will vary depending on the complexity of the app.

• MVP with basic UI/UX design: $6,500 to $8,500
• Apps with medium to advanced features: $22,000 to $28,000
• An advanced Uber-like application: $45,000 to $65,000

In case you are developing an app for a single platform, the hours for every feature and functionality is estimated to take around:

Features & Functionalities	Estimate of Hours
Registration (in-app or via social networks)	32 to 40
Client profile	16 to 24
Driver profile	16 to 24
Placing an order (customer)	80 to 96
Booking (driver)	48 to 56
Pickup location and route	32 to 40
Booking history (customer)	16 to 24
Booking history (driver)	16 to 24
Payment	40 to 48
Database schema	24
Business logic	240
Admin dashboard	160
System performance report	160

To create an Uber like app for iOS and Android can take double the time.

Statista shares the average per hour rate of developers from around the globe:

• North America: $60-250 per hour
• United Kingdom: $60-150 per hour
• Western Europe: $40-120 per hour
• Eastern Europe: $20-100 per hour
• India: $10-80 per hour

Read Also : How to Create an App Like Ola

Final Thoughts

Behemoths like Uber have firmly established themselves in the industry and are working on expanding globally in an aggressive manner. That said, there is still room for start-ups to enter the market with innovative taxi booking apps.

The entire concept of a taxi booking service is about availing a cab through a dedicated app on your mobile device. With pick-up and drop off points inserted, all that you have to do is to sit back, relax and enjoy the hassle-free ride.

There are very few players in the market right now. But at the very helm is Ola, a dominating force in the space. That said, the creative business minds are looking to break in the sector with their clones of the Ola app too.

Lets have a look at how to create an app like Ola and its development cost

Interesting Facts about OLA

• OLA initially started as the Olatrip.com website which offers weekend trip packages.
• OLA started his first office in a small room of 10×12 feet in Mumbai.
• Bhavish did everything to provide customer support by photographing drivers and Ankit did coding for 48 hours. Bhavish has self-driven the cabs to drop customers.
• The first logo of OLA is very different from now.
• If the vehicles of OLA is stand in one line, it will cover 3895 km.
• The most common names of drivers registered on OLA are Sanjay, Suresh, Ramesh, Rajesh, and Santosh.
• The most amazing policy of OLA is that-they never ask the religion and caste of the drivers.

If you want to create an app like OLA, some features are must developing-features for the successful taxi booking app. Let’s have look at some important features required to create the OLA app.

The Business Model Explained

Before you embark on your journey to create an app like Ola, it is vital to be clear on the business model.

A business model for an online taxi booking service operates on a two-sided marketplace. While the demand is generated by the riders, the supply end of it is fulfilled by the drivers. Ola, here, offer the platform to facilitate between the tow. This makes it really convenient for both involved parties to use the platform.

Ola like taxi booking platforms generates revenue by earning a commission or fee on every completed ride. Having said that, the drivers are not directly employed by the taxi booking service provider. In fact, drivers are partners who have the liberty to choose their individual work schedules.

The company has limited control over their partner drivers. Plus, they can accept or decline the time period that they wish to be involved with the organisation. While the service provides a way for drivers to earn their livelihood, it also offers a unique value proposition to riders too.

Everything Depends On Your Planning

It is the aggravation in demand which is driving so many entrepreneurs to meet supply in this space. That said, when it comes to developing an app like Ola, the approach to planning has to be spot on.

The key points to remember are:

• Adopt a Primitive Approach to dive into the space
• Have a sustainable model that can be scaled as demand escalates
• Focus on a systematically distributed supply chain management to meet customer demand
• Retain and engage your customers

You also need to think about the differentiators of your app. The secret lies in how you plan out your feature list.

Getting Your Feature List In Place

The Ola app has three major components that come together in a cohesive manner for the platform to function effectively.

• The admin app
• The Ola app for Drivers
• The Ola app for Riders

Each individual component comes with its set of dedicated features. To ensure ease of understanding, let’s take a look at the features, category-wise.

Read Also : 24 Best Online Food Delivery Apps

Features for Ola App for Riders

#1. Sign-In

The sign-in process is just like any other application. You can join in using your email id/phone number along with choosing a password. This is mandatory as you will not be able to progress with booking a rider unless you a registered user of the application.

#2. Track a Ride

Ola offers its riders the option to track a ride as soon as the booking by the driver has been accepted. The rider is able to see how far the driver is from the given pick-up point and how much time they will take to reach. The integrated map displays the route that the driver takes as well.

#3. Fare Estimation

Ola gives the riders an estimate of the fare once the pick-up and drop-off points have been entered on the app. Since online cab service offers a variety of products, the fare estimating will vary depending on the service that you chose.

A powerful algorithm in the background does all the calculation and therefore is a key feature of the application.

#4. Call Button

This button enables the rider to connect with the driver if they wish to communicate any additional information other than the pick-up location which is already entered in the application.

#5. Add Rides

The rider can add up to two locations other than the end destination at the time of booking the ride. This is helpful in case the rider especially if more riders are joining in/ or being dropped off the trip progresses towards the final destination.

#6. Cancellation Window

The rider has the option to cancel the ride even after booking. If the cancellation happens within the specified timelines, the rider is not charged a fee.

On the Other hand, cancellation outside the window can levy a fee to compensate the driver for the time and effort taken to reach the pick-up point.

#7. Multiple Modes of Payment

Just like any online eCommerce service, customers expect the service provider to have different modes of payment available on the application.

The riders can select from their dedicated offerings like Ola Money and Post-paid services and other regular channels like Wallet, GPay, Debit and Credit Cards or even cash.

#8. Driver Service History

Whenever riders book a cab on the application, they can check up on the driver’s service history. Ratings and reviews on drivers help to instil rider confidence before they start their rides.

#9. Track Service History

Riders who use to app frequently can keep track of their ride history using this dedicated section. The feature shows every individual ride taken along with its receipts. If the riders notice any discrepancies in the billing, he or she can take it up with the Customer Service team.

#10. Book Now Ride Later

Ola riders have the option to schedule rides which can be taken at a future date. While the confirmation is received immediately, the driver details are shared only on the date of travel. The ride can be tracked post the driver details is sent to the rider.

#11. Panic Button

To ensure rider safety, all online cab booking apps must have a dedicated Panic Button. This gets activated as soon as the rider boards the cab and connects directly the app’s call centre or can also be connected to the nearest police station. For any app like this, this is a must-have security functionality.

#12. Favourite Destinations

Riders can identify their frequently travelled destinations and label them according to their convenience. For all future bookings, they can select the destination saved with a single tap instead of typing it all over again.

#13. Push Notifications

This is a standard app feature which sends regular updates to its users. Be it new products, fare changes, policy upgradations or even reminders to pay your Ola post-paid bills, push notifications is the chosen medium of communication.

Features of the Ola App for Drivers

#1. Editing Personal Profile

The driver version of the online cab booking app must have a section dedicated to where they can enter their personal information and photographs. This builds up a profile that ultimately gets displayed on the app’s customer front-end.

Along with personal information, drivers can also upload their identity documents which can be verified from the company end before allocating any rides to them.

#2. Scheduling Their Driving Times

The driver application provides a feature that enables them to select their duty times. They can drive whatever hours of the day are convenient for them. In fact, if they wish to take a break, the same can be done via alerting the company via the application.

#3. Activity Alert

The app has the provision for an alert system every time an on-duty driver is chosen for a ride. It also shows the driver the fare estimates for the specific ride. This ensures that the driver never misses out on any opportunity.

#4. Connecting With The Customer

The app allows the driver to call the prospective passenger via the app. This is a key feature because it establishes a connection in case the driver needs additional directions to reach the pick-up location or is unable to find the rider on reaching there.

#5. Route Optimization

Once the driver is alerted of their next ride, the map automatically determines the fastest and most efficient route possible to reach the pick-up location. By leveraging the route optimisation functionality, the driver navigates efficiently to the pick-up point.

Read Also : 15 Best On demand Service Apps

#6. Cancellation Window

As a driver is alerted of a ride, there is a window during which the trip can be cancelled. This option can be exercised if the driver has not gone off-duty but is indisposed to drive at the particular time.

#7. Wait Times

As the driver reaches the customer location, the first 3 minutes is non-chargeable. In a situation where the rider arrives after the allocated wait window, the fare metre is already on.

In some cases, the rider may have charged extra on the wait time along with fare estimate shown for the trip.

#8. Forward Dispatch

This is functionality that permits drivers during an ongoing trip to accept another ride request. This is important as it helps cut down on driver slack time and encourages productivity to earn more.

#9. Heat Maps

Drivers can have a basic overview of the demand through a map view. They can drive towards those specific locations where the ratio of riders is relatively high. This will generate more ride requests from prospective passengers.

#10. Driver Destinations

The app also allows the driver to accept a ride request towards a specific destination. This means that they can make money whilst being en route to their chosen location.

#11. Driver Delivery Reports

The delivery report feature is basically a summary of the driving styles that the app captures over a period of time. If the reports indicate rash driving on a consistent basis, the company can remove the driver from their list of partners.

#12. Earnings

Drivers can track their earnings via the app. It also correlates it with the number of trips that they have completed. Plus, it also highlights any applicable bonus earning possibilities too.

Admin Panel

#1. Real-Time Notifications

The Admin dashboard of the app is the unified platform through which customers receive real-time notification of the availability of cabs in any specific area. The admin can also get an overview of the real-time location of all the drivers and vehicles.

#2. Cost & Surge Management

Admins can calculate surge pricing or takes into account discounts, if applicable on the rider’s account during a given time period. It can update ride fares basis the distance, location or vehicle type.

#3. Document Processing Tool

Driver information can be updated, edited or even deleted on the admin panel. Plus, it also aggregates and tags key information like ID proofs, contact details and the vehicle info like pollution card, insurance, etc. in a consolidated manner.

#4. Driver Management

The company needs to have a robust Driver Management system in place which can easily be done through the admin dashboard.

Listing new drivers, managing existing ones and removing those who do not wish to work for the company can be done here. It can assign rides to available drivers using the panel.

#5. Analytics

The data generates through the millions of bookings coming through the app can be analysed using the Analytics system incorporated within the admin panel of the application. All future business decisions can be taken considering these key insights.

Technology Stack

With the feature list out of the way, the next point of concentration is the technology stack. For an online cab booking service, this is what we recommend:

Development

• iOS: Swift, Xcode, Alamofire
• Android: Kotlin, Java Studio
• Tools: Twilio, Amazon S3, Send Grid, Facebook API, Firebase Cloud, Stripe, Socket.io, Google Maps API

Testing: Jira, Confluence, GitLab, Jenkins, Crashlytics

Release: AWS, EC2, S3, Apple Store, Google Playstore

Build Your Development Team

There are several avenues to create your Ola clone app. Have an in-house team, outsource it to freelancers or even an agency within or outside your country. Whatever the case may be, the complex app like Ola demands the following resources:

• Business analysts
• UI/UX designers
• Web developers with Node.js skill
• Android developers with Kotlin skill
• iOS developers with Swift skill
• Testers / Quality Assurance Engineers
• A project manager

How much does it cost to create an app like Ola ?

The scope of work is the primary determining factor of the amount of time and budget required to create the OLA taxi booking app.

Depending on the location of your app development team, the cost estimate becomes clearer.

• North America: $60 – 250 per hour
• United Kingdom: $60 – 150 per hour
• Western Europe: $40 – 120 per hour
• Eastern Europe: $20 – 100 per hour
• India: $10 – 80 per hour

Lastly, the complexity of the app is also a determining factor in the budgetary calculations.

• A basic MVP app may cost around $7,500
• A blend of basic features along with some advanced features can increase the cost to $ 20,000 to $25,000

An app with completely unique and advanced features can be as high as $50,000 to $60,000 or even more

Read Also : How to create an app like Uber

Final Take: How to approach

 

While Ola can be your benchmark, there is scope for any new entrant in the market to innovate. It is essential to create your unique value proposition with your online taxi booking app like OLA, figure out your niche and a profitable monetization strategy for revenue generation.

With the help of your development team, find the right solution that fits in with your requirements and helps to achieve your business goals.

WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular messaging apps. While it could be tough to rival that, you might want to create an app with features similar to WhatsApp. It could be as an add on for your business or existing app or education institution. In this blog, we unravel how to make a messaging app like WhatsApp.

Why an app like WhatsApp?

As we all know, WhatsApp is gaining much popularity among us. It’s easy & attractive features make users love that app. WhatsApp is available on all operating systems & also active on multiple devices.

You can enjoy boundless communication through text messages, voice messages, video calls, etc. Besides, you can instantly share your photos & videos with your friends either personally or in your group. Thus, creating a messaging app like WhatsApp gains a place.

Table of contents

• Steps to create an app like WhatsApp
• Features of a messaging app
• Technology stack
• How much will it cost to create an app like WhatsApp?
• Popular messaging apps

Steps to create an app like WhatsApp

#1. Select the platform

As we said earlier, WhatsApp is active on multiple platforms. It is essential to decide the platform on which your app should appear whether it be in iOS, Android, or cross platforms.

#2. Choose the best business model for your app

It includes the various factors that decide the success of your app.

Target audience: When creating an instant messaging app, it is obvious to look upon the users and their expectations. Mostly, WhatsApp is used by all age groups especially by young people. Business firms also use such apps for their official purposes. So, you should consider the target audience in advance.

Monetization strategies: Your app is a product of structured development stages with their different costs. You must monetize your app without making your users hesitant about paying the money.

App features: The above monetization is easy when your app stand out unique from similar apps. Your app should contain an extra factor that makes people choose & use your app.

App promotions: Your app must be appearing each day. Once you publish your app, it should automatically make your users install & use it. After uploading in the play store, you can plan various promotion activities to attract your users

#3. Decide your app features

This step can decide the priority of your app among users. You should create a list of the most important features of your messaging app. You can also add brand new features to your app.

#4. Form a development team

Developers are the real heroes of an app story. Their tireless working result in a successful application. You can select an experienced team for creating your preferred app service.

You can either outsource or take In-house members to carry out faultless development stages. Below are some of the personnel who form a development team in a messaging app.

Project manager: He/she with an excellent managing skill inform the client about the project throughout the development process

Project Analyst: An analyst could accompany the project manager and make his/her work at ease.

Developers: Undoubtedly, they make an app technically stable & error-free. It includes front-end development; Back end development. Number of developers can vary upon the complexity of the app. Developers of iOS & Android form a separate team.

Designers: Users should feel the purpose of your app through the design itself. An unattractive design can make your venture into a failure. You should have a skilled team of UI/UX designers who can create intuitive designs for your app.

Testing & QA engineers: Your app shall go through various testing stages & ensure its proper performance. A good team of testers constantly working on bug-fixing & errors can make your app a highly responsive one.

Marketing manager: If your app needs promotional activities, an efficient marketing manager can make it happen.

#5. Set up the budget of your app

The pivotal factor of an app development process is its cost. The cost can vary with the complexity, development team, their location, features, etc. You should be able to estimate the overall cost & commence your app development.

Read Also :  24 Best Social Media Apps

Features of a messaging app

Let’s explore the various features that shape an instant-messaging app.

#1. User Registration

The first and foremost feature of a messaging app is an authentic registration. Users can register via e-mail or other social media accounts. WhatsApp opens up its world via mobile number following an SMS verification.

#2. Add contacts

WhatsApp like apps helps users to find out their friends who already have a registered account. The more friends they engage with, the more they stay connected with the app.

#3. Profile

Setting up your profile is the main thing. Users create a username with a bio about whatever matter they like to share. There is an option to change the display picture & upload status. So, developers should make space for profile options.

#4. Instant Messaging & Backup

As a messaging app, its sole service is to let users send & exchange messages. It has an option to create a group chat, where any number of people can react & exchange messages at a time.

In addition to this, a messaging app has to back up the chat history of the users. Instant messaging permit users to reply & get notified about the message which was received offline. Stickers & emojis in messages give users an emotional connect with the app.

#5. Push notifications

Giving Instant notifications on updates is a must have feature. They make users notified about invites on a new group conversation.

#6. Multimediality

Here, you can share pictures, short voice notes, text messages & videos. It can be considered as a typical feature to combine use of multiple media. Many users rely on messaging apps to send lengthy multimedia content.

#7. Favourites

Users can feel free to speak with their favourite contacts easily. They can add more people to this list or erase contacts.

#8. Active on multiple platforms

If you are planning to start a messaging app, adding this feature will ensure a wide customer base. When available on multiple platforms, it can make their activities at ease.

#9. Contact sharing

Building long term relations through messaging apps can be noticed today. One can share contacts with other users. But no one can pose a threat to a person by sharing his/her contact with unknown users.

#10. Quick search

You can search for old content by typing anything related to it or even the date. You can allow search via keywords in your new app.

#11. Voice & video calling

Voice calling is a feature where you can have a call with a group of persons or individuals. This feature takes your app to the next level through video calls. Users love to see & speak with their friends limitlessly. Video calls are also helpful in official matters.

#12. Presence management

A feature to know who else is free to chat with you. Your online friend, their last seen, etc are familiar terms among instant chat app users.

#13. Security & Privacy

Ensuring the security of the content users share is the best thing you can include in your app. This feature enhances the reliability of your app.

The users can decide about their contents & make it visible to whom they wish to. Any unauthorized or third-party engagement cannot be encouraged. Various encryption options can make the app more secure.

#14. Cloud synchronization

This very feature makes the contents viewable across any device of the users. But the various systems should be good to accept changes. Any synced device can allow users to see their contents.

#15. Updates & upgrades

An app without advancements make users bored using the app. So, after publishing an app, the developers should work on the features to make it better & unique. You should include feedback systems to know your app issues & resolve them asap.

#16. Status

Users can express their thoughts, views & emotions in a creative style with our status feature. Status can be either in video, photo, or text format.

#17. Payment Gateway

Users can send and receive money via the app with our UPI-based payment service. The in-chat payment feature will allow users to make transactions with users on their contact list.

#18. Payment History

Users can keep track of their transaction history and identify their expenses at any time.

#19. Ad Integration

With the implementation of an active directory, you can store all your user’s data in one place. The administrators can quickly add or remove groups, users & resources quickly & efficiently through a single directory dashboard.

#20. Offline Support

Implementing offline messaging to your chat app will enable users to send messages even when they are offline. The only condition is the other user must be among your contact list and be under a 300-feet radius from you.

Technology stack of a messaging app

Authentication	Nexmo API (via phone number), Facebook SDK, Twitter Kit (via email/social media accounts)
Chatting	WebSocket
Programming language	Java, Cotlin (Android), Swift, Objective-C(iOS)
Database	PostgreSQL
File storage	Amazon S3
Notifications	Google Cloud Messaging, Apple Push Notifications
Cloud services	Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote
Video & Voice calling	WebRTC

How much will it cost to create an app like WhatsApp?

The cost of an app can vary from app to app. As it is known, the complexity, number of platforms, features & functionalities of the app determines the cost.

Apart from this, the location of your development team is also a deciding factor in the cost of your app development.

Countries	Cost per hour
US	$50-$250
UK	$40-$170
Canada	$55-$250
Western Europe	$35-$170
Eastern Europe	$20-$150
India	$10-$80

Popular messaging apps

Instant messaging apps are now part of our daily life. Everyone is looking upon newer features on their existing apps & welcoming brand-new apps too.

Discord	Specializes in various types of communication between communities ranging from gamers to other users. The app indulges its users to let them share video content via organised channels. It allows users to view content on various platforms.
Telegram	It is considered as a secure & reliable source of messaging. This app work on multiple platforms with about 400 million active users. Telegram is constantly working on its features having an ad-free interface.
Amino	Amino lets users share their thoughts & ideas instantly with their friends. The latest features include creating videos, read blogs, quizzes, etc. The easy customization of user-profiles makes it unique.
Hike	One of the popular amazing apps well known for hikemojis. Users can create personal stickers & emojis. Advanced features include location sharing, videos, audio, etc.

 

Read Also : How to create an app like Nextdoor

Conclusion

Creating a messaging app is not at all a bad idea. You can create an app like WhatsApp but not with the same features. Know the main purpose of your dream app & add exclusive features in it. The era of messaging apps is evolving & your chances are remaining.

The root of every global business began as a start-up. The good news is that the basic technology to lay the foundations of their digital offering is accessible in the public domain. So, it is a definite possibility that your app may just be the next success story.

Have you been thinking of developing a video sharing app like YouTube? No doubt, creating an app like youtube is a massive undertaking. But before plunging deep into the ‘how to’ of the process, let’s take a look at some vital data on YouTube.

YouTube – An Overview

 

Launched in 2005, YouTube is now the most popular online video sharing channel in the world today.

It encompasses every type of video and audio user-generated content including TV clips, music videos and other video clips, such as short original videos, video blogs, gaming videos, educational videos and instructional videos on everything from language learning to DIY.

Stats report that YouTube has over 2 billion logged users on a monthly basis making it the most sought after video-sharing channel.

With a more penetrated smartphone and internet connectivity has made YouTube into a global platform. In the last few years, YouTube has also become a channel where users can make money.

The majority of the content is available on a free to view basis. To date, it is one of the most popular applications that users download from the Android and iOS play stores.

 

 

A Guide to Create A YouTube Like App

There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when you start your journey to create an app like youtube. These include app design, features and functionalities, servers, development teams, and overall app development cost.

Take a look at this step-by-step guide to create a YouTube clone app.

Read Also: 11 Easy Steps to Create a Mobile Application

Shortlist the Features For Your Video Sharing App

If you opt for an MVP application at the very onset, you can choose a basic list of must-have features for your video sharing application at the point of publishing it on the play stores. Here is a list for ready reference.

Search Videos: In a video sharing app like YouTube, the Search feature is of primary importance. The manner in how effectively and efficiently it functions can make or break the success of the application. Incorporate the search feature where users are able to look up videos by title, publisher or random keywords too. Keep adding filters to enhance the user experience of the search option.

Drag & Drop / Remote Video Upload: Having a Drag and Drop feature enables users to upload low to medium-sized videos from Google Drive, Dropbox, local disk or even more locations. Even video content from FTP or HTTP locations can be accessed automatically by incorporating remote video upload features.

Frames Preview: With a Frames Preview option, you can modify or alter video thumbnails as per your requisites. This allows the user to deliver the perfect preview frame on your YouTube-like video-sharing channel. Moreover, the functionality should be able to offer a choice in thumbnails in order to host videos from the cloud or local disk.

Live Streaming: Live Streaming for any video streaming app like YouTube is a vital feature. This allows your users to reach out directly to their followers or audience base and even go beyond their immediate customer target circle. You do not have to exactly follow what YouTube does its live streaming. Instead, work on your own set of innovative streaming experience that gives the user something extra to look forward to.

Playlist: When you create an app like youtube it is not just limited to sharing or streaming videos. It also needs to be a storehouse for a massive playlist of music and videos which the user should be able to personalize as per the likes.

Multi-channel Support: The Multi-channel Support feature enables the users to upload their audio and video content and share them as a playlist or also on a subscription format. This should be made manageable either from the profile directly or as a default mechanism of the channel via the channel management page.

Push-Notifications: With so much content accessible on the application, it is necessary for your userbase to be kept informed of any new addition that falls under the purview of their preferences. The Push Notifications feature can also be used to keep your customers updated on premium services and upcoming deals.

Social Media Sharing: Just like any other social or messaging app, a video sharing application like YouTube must also offer the users an opportunity to share the video or audio content that they upload or like on their personal social handles such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. This allows them to increase follower engagement whilst boosting new traffic to their channels.

Analytics: It is critical of an app like YouTube to have a robust Analytics tool embedded in order to have a comprehensive understanding of user demographics, current viewership status, and real-time performance statistics. The integration of Analytics also permits the app admin to generate periodic reports on various app segments to the minutest detail of a single video or audio content. Therefore, this functionality is essential for you to know what features and content are working for you and what’s not.

Multi-tiered Security: When you have the provision for users to upload audio–video content on the application, you need to ascertain that there are adequate security encryptions in place. Remember that you will need your users to create user accounts on your platform or login via social media profile or their Google ids. All of these data should be under layers of security protection to prevent unauthorized access to the system.

Responsive Design: Ensure when you build your application, that the user interface adheres to a responsive design benchmarking against domain leaders like YouTube. You can opt to use from a vast array of templates, designs, fonts, and more and also allow end-user feedback to tailor the design partly. Check on multiple devices like smartphones and tablets to ensure that responsive design works.

Admin Panel: As you design your front end features and functionalities, the backend must be sustained by an efficient Admin Panel that provides managerial support to the application. This will allow you to work your way through keeping a record of all essential data and insights along with successfully organizing and managing content on the app.

How to Monetize Your Video Sharing App?

It is not just enough to build your application; your video-sharing app must be able to generate revenue for you too. For this, you need to ensure that you monetize the videos in the following ways:

Subscription Model: Introduce a reasonable fee that your loyal users will not mind paying in order to view quality content. Enabling this model can ensure that you generate handsome revenue with an ever-increasing user base.

Advertisement: As your app gathers a significant user base, you can attract advertisers to market their products and services on your video streaming platform. YouTube has cleverly integrated the advertising option in-between content which has worked well in the larger scheme of things.

Pay Per View: The Pay Per View model works on the concept of allowing the user to only pay for the content that they wish to view. It also enables the Admin to understand which content is being viewed more frequently in comparison to all uploaded premium content.

Purchasable Asset: Promote your videos by enabling content to be downloaded for offline viewing. This can be a monetization strategy that brings in a steady income flow and helps in scaling your business too.

Read Also: Mobile App Business Model [A Comprehensive Guide]

How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like YouTube

To create an app like youtube may seem like a relatively simple and not very expensive at first glance. It is anything but that.

A YouTube clone app that is highly functional, yet lightweight and simple needs a skilled development team working in the backend. Ideally, your development team should comprise of the following specialists

• Project Manager
• iOS developers
• Android developers
• UI and UX designers for Android and iOS platforms
• Back-end coders
• Software tester

The average time that will be required to create an app like youtube is anywhere between 160 to 240 working hours or 4 to 6 weeks. There are factors like interface complexity, the number of additional features, settings, and so on that will also end up determining the overall time required to develop the video-sharing app.

A key element that is also a deciding factor on arriving at a cost estimate to build this video streaming application is the hourly rates of your core development team. Take a look.

• Android Developer – $15 to $40 per hour
• iOS Developer – $15 to $45 per hour
• UX/UI Designer – $10 to $35 per hour
• Back-end developer – $10 to $45 per hour
• Project manager – $15 to $45 per hour
• QA Engineer – $10 to $30 per hour

Other than that, the experience of your development team will also help you determine your overall costing for the app.

For example, if you opt for a relatively simple version of the application which can be developed by a team of Junior Developers, the cost will hover around $ 12,000.

However, if you choose to go with a slightly more robust version of the app incorporating simple to medium complex features and functionalities, the cost will be somewhere close to $ 30,000.

This version of the app will include responsive design created for both the iOS and Android platforms by a team of experienced developers.

Lastly, if your app incorporates a number of complex and custom-designed features and functions with high-end design and user interface, it can cost you around $ 55,000.

The app will comprise responsive design and available on both iOS and Android platforms and developed by a team of sought-after developers.

It is best not be start developing on both the iOS and Android platforms simultaneously. Let your development concentrate on one platform first and then move on to the next. This process is more time-efficient, cost-effective, and simple.

In fact, an MVP app with a multi-platform development approach can be a complicated procedure. In most cases, the cost runs higher than anticipated and the process of development can encounter several challenges and roadblocks.

Adopting a hybrid development approach for the MVP app version may also prove to be more affordable in the long run. In comparison to native applications, hybrid apps are economical.

For Android app development, this is one of the safest methods for creating the application. Hybrid development can work offline offering superior visuals compared to web apps.

Read Also: App Development Cost-Design, Development, Deployment

Final Thoughts

To Create an app like youtube may be a herculean task but it is not an impossible one. The core aspects that you need to control are being organized and mobilizing the available and financial and human resources to its maximum potential.

Have your blueprint of the application design, feature specifications, and your development team already and geared before you begin the actual process.

So, without much ado, start the process.

An ecommerce platform is a software application that lets online businesses to launch, host and manage their online store.  All ecommerce platforms provides businesses with standard functionality such as the ability to showcase products in an online catalogue, take payments online, manage customers and provide with after-sales.

Ecommerce platforms help to save your time and allows you to focus more on the marketing and selling side of the businesses. With e-commerce platform, you can create, customise, and launch online stores and start selling.

This eliminates the need to spend a huge amount of time on coding, designing websites as well as online stores and maintaining the web hosting and server. It is very secure and you may experience little to no downtime.

It enables you to provide great customer service to your customers with seamless payment and shipping integration. There are a lot of e-commerce platforms available.

Read Also: 10 Best Shopping App

Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your business is really a daunting task. This article will help you choose the right ecommerce platforms for your business.

1) Shopify

This ecommerce platform allows you to start, grow and manage a business. It helps you every step of the way from first sale to full scale.

To start your business, all you have to do is to create a business name and logo, get a custom web address, personalize your website with high resolution images and increase awareness and run ad campaigns on social media.

Then, start selling using shopify’s powerful features. Shopify allows you to sell online, in-person at retail locations, pop-ups and on social media, online market places etc.  With shopify, you can transform any existing website or blog into an online store.

It helps you to find and sell your products to the right shoppers, wherever they are. It allows you to fulfil one or multiple orders in one click.

It manages customer’s contact info and order histories. It saves time with a unified inventory that stays accurate across all the places you sell.

It securely accepts credit cards on your online store from the first day itself. It allows you to see real-time and recent activity, gain insight into your visitors and analyse your business performance.

It lets you get detailed information about your business, including sales, customers and marketing. Shopify dashboard, which is available on desktop or mobile, allows you to run your business from anywhere.

2) EKM

This cloud based ecommerce platform offers everything that you need to sell online, from your own domain name to the ability to take payments.

EKM have over 150 themes, which helps your shop to look unique. Its features come standard with all plans, thereby eliminating the need to pay for expensive add-on apps.

3) Big Cartel

This is one of the cloud-based ecommerce platforms, designed for artists and makers. It is very affordable and has a free forever plan. It is easy to set up and use.

It allows you to connect directly to your Facebook account, allowing you to sell from your Facebook page. It offers high-level data encryption that keeps your customer’s information safe.

By using Big Cartel ecommerce platform, you can improve the look of your store with a range of pre-made themes or give your store a completely custom look by tweaking the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript directly. It also allows you to manage your shop from any phone or tablet.

4) Magento

This ecommerce platform is built on open source technology which offers online merchants with a flexible shopping cart system as well as control over the look, content and functionality of their online store.

It provides powerful marketing, search engine optimization and catalogue-management tools. It is a very robust system and easy to install.

It has the ability to scale that allows shops with only a few products and simple needs to easily expand to tens of thousands of products and complex custom behaviour without changing platforms. It offers a variety of plug-ins and themes to help you improve the customer experience easily.

5) WooCommerce

This flexible, open-source ecommerce plugin is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using Word Press. It is easy to install, free to use and full of customization options, this makes it easy to design your own e-Commerce store.

It allows you to sell both physical and digital goods in all shapes and sizes. It offers product variations, complex configurations and instant downloads to shoppers. It even sells affiliate goods from online marketplaces.

There are hundreds of free and paid WooCommerce Storefront themes available, you can click on any theme and download the theme of your choice.

You can personalize your store’s design even more with WooCommerce Blocks and use them to add selections of or single products to any page, for a seamless blending of commerce into content.

It gives you complete control from taxes to stock levels to customer accounts.  It also allows you to add and remove extensions, change your store’s design and switch themes or hosts or payment service providers.

It is built with a REST API and integrates with virtually any service.  It allows you to access store data from anywhere, at any time, 100% securely.

Read Also: How To Create A Successful Retail App Like Walmart

With Woo Commerce, developers can easily create, modify, and scale a store that meets client’s specifications and make enhancements either with extensions or with customs solution. It has a robust framework that supports stores from basic to enterprise.

6) PrestaShop

This immensely feature-rich, free, open-source ecommerce solution can be used to run stores in the cloud or via self-hosting. It has a variety of tools that will help you to build a successful online shop.

It works well on PHP and helps the business merchants to build comprehensive eCommerce websites coupled with amazing functionality. It is one of the strongest eCommerce website builder platforms and has an intuitive interface to manage your online store.

PrestaShop comes with features such as advanced backup schemes, high reliability and easy accessibility, allowing users to scale their business and increase the credibility of the site.

It uses a web template system that allows you to customize the store theme and make use of add-on modules.

To create PrestaShop theme, you need a robust PrestaShop theme maker that will help you built your own theme according to your specifications.

7) Lightspeed

This cloud-based ecommerce solution comes with features such as automated tax calculation, support for multiple currencies and languages, and integrated shipping options. It allows you to add up to 10 different images for every product in your store.

It has a search feature that makes it very easy for customers to find exactly what they’re looking for.  It lets you do things like edit your metadata, titles, tags, descriptions and Meta descriptions.

It optimizes all the themes using SEO best-practices. It offers a built-in blogging tool, thereby allowing you to create SEO optimized content easily.

It offers an array of marketing tools to help your store grow. It also offers an optimized back end, which will help your site to load fast. It allows you to create product categories, process returns, add and update product descriptions, add photos etc.

With Lightspeed, you can use optimized website templates to create a beautiful e-commerce store easily. It does not require any coding skills.

Omnichannel allows you to integrate your online and in stores into one platform.  It has centralized inventory, the ability to track customers both online and in-store and the ability to generate a report covering both online and in-store metrics.

8) Ecwid

 

This cloud based ecommerce platform helps you create an easy to use online store and start selling anywhere online or in-person.

It is a perfect solution for small as well as medium sized businesses. It can be integrated with your existing website, business page on a social network, your blog, marketplaces or mobile app.

With Ecwid, you can sync and manage all the storefronts from one control panel. It does not require any installation. It can be added to any website through their widget or a plugin for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Wix websites.

9) X-Cart

 

This is one of the open source PHP shopping cart ecommerce software platforms that enables online merchants to process orders, track inventory and manage every aspect of an online store.

It is easy to use, maintain and modify. It is the only PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant software that you can run on your own server.

It comes with features including awesome design templates, real time smart search and bulk product editing. It provides effective SEO tools as well as offers auctions, coupons and discounts.

10) Squarespace

This website builder helps you to create a stunning and professional-looking portfolio website. All you have to do is create an account, choose a template and then edit it.

It is ideal for photographers, artists and designers and also for anyone who loves design and wants their website to look as good as the content they are showing off online.

Its templates are crisp, clean and full of white-space, which gives your portfolio a very high-end feel and can really elevate you above your peers. In addition, templates are mobile-responsive to ensure that your work looks great whenever and wherever it is viewed.

11) PinnacleCart

This hosted ecommerce software platform provides a robust all-inclusive online store builder that allows you to custom design an online store, manage product catalogues, create marketing campaigns, collect web analytics etc.

It integrates with a host of add-ons such as AVALARA, MAILCHIMP, ENDICIA and ADDSHOPPPERS. It comes with SSL certificates. It can make the payment page or your entire checkout process secure.

It is PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard) and PCI certified.  PinnacleCart storefront allows you to set up recurring billing accounts for customers or provide multiple languages and currency selections.

It lets you create beautiful storefronts with features such as photo galleries, image magnify, zoom and lightbox. It has a content management system (CMS) for creating information pages and managing SEO attributes. It offers various marketing tools that enable you to promote your ecommerce store.

Read Also: Top 10 Ecommerce Trends To Implement In Your Business

Conclusion

When choosing the best platform, you need to consider your business’s needs, sales volume and potential future growth.

These ecommerce platforms offer different features. All of them give business owners the opportunity to build a branded online storefront to sell their products.

Clubhouse app has been in the news ever since its Beta version was launched back in 2020 and its popularity is on the rise day by day. This is an invitation-only audio-chat app that lets users to be part of live audio conversations by creating or accessing digital “rooms”.

The incredible platform enables people to talk in real-time, tell stories, and use their voice for communication or to exchange thoughts.

Enthusiasts are still astonished by the way in which the app has won the acceptance of millions in this short period. There are a lot of social media interaction apps already in the arena. So those wishing to create an app like Clubhouse should bear it in the mind that it is not simply about developing a basic app but designing one with user comfort and exclusive features to make an impact.

Let us have a look at how to create an app like Clubhouse and its overall budget!

Success Story of Clubhouse

The app came to limelight as a start-up in March 2020 when the Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Paul Davison and Rohan Seth launched it while the actual start-up was initiated in Fall 2019. Initially, it was designed for podcasts in the name ‘Talkshow’ which was later rebranded as Clubhouse.

There were only about 1,500 users in May first week. The popularity of the app skyrocketed when the American venture capital company Andreessen Horowitz invested in the app in mid-May. The portfolio of the said firm includes Coinbase and BuzzFeed which resulted in a wave of discussion.

According to Forbes report, the investment was around $10 million and the secondary sale shares were around $2 million. Another report from Forbes stated that even when investors estimated $100 million worth for the app, there were some investors who were keen to fund up to $200 million.

With 4.8 ratings from around 5 lakh responses, they boast of millions of users at present with an amazing value of $ 1 billion.

Here let us have a look into the key specialities and stats of the app that made it so popular and successful in a short span of time!

• Unlike many popular social media apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, Clubhouse can be referred to as an invite only-audio social network with no room for video and written messages and that is what makes it unique.
• Following registration with app, users can go to ‘rooms’ to listen to others talking about your interested topics or even join as a speaker with the permission of the room owner.
• Tech innovators and celebrities were the first ones to use the app through invite and that itself triggered more reach to the platform. Being the only app of its kind at present, it grabbed the attention of enthusiasts in no time.
• Moreover, the time of launch was another important factor for its huge success. The time of pandemic made everyone disconnected with the world and most of the people were lonely and felt desperate for live interaction when Clubhouse made entry.
• It was designed as an exclusive experience for iOS but expects to hit more platforms soon. Unlike other social media apps, Clubhouse is a live app that does not store anything for next day and this uniqueness has made it a standout from the usual social interaction platforms.
• The app gives the feel like a personal offline conversation and as there is no video involved, people can be at the flexibility of making casual conversations without the need of preparedness.
• Celebrities like Elon Musk, Roger Stone, Mark Zuckerberg, Kanye West, and Jared Leto are among the top users who are part of this new sensation.
• With more celebrities joining the app, the demand is on the peak. According to reports from Reuters, demand for membership was evident in platforms like eBay, Reddit, and Craigslist with about $400 for invitation codes.
• According to CEO Paul Davison, the active weekly user base in January 2021 was about 2 million whereas it went to 3.5 million downloads by February 1^st and later to 8.1 million downloads by mid-February and it crossed 10 million just 1 year after its release.
• They announced that Android version will hit the market soon and even hired Android developers in February which substantiates their statement. Social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, Discord. Spotify, Slack, Telegram etc has already launched additional features to directly compete with the app.

The enthralling comments on the app by top medias says it all. Let us have a look into a few of them.

• Vogue: FOMO fuels people to download the latest tech trend
• New York Times: the invite-only app draws attention with exclusivity
• CNBC: celebrities and high-profile venture capitalists are promoting it.
• Forbes: the audio-only app feeds the need for human connection.
• BBC News- Experience of meeting strangers on ’90s chat lines
• Product Hunt- Gen Z alternative for radio.

Read Also : 24 Best Social Media Apps

Core App Features

Those who are aspiring to create an audio chat app like Clubhouse can go through the core features of the app. The list also discusses some feature options that can be easily integrated with the existing app to make it more competitive.

#1. Clubhouse Invitation

Already registered users in the app have the exclusive feature of sending invites to any two people of their choice. As stated by officials, there are three main ways through which a person can get entry to the app in the first place. It is by getting an invite, virtual waiting list registration and some rumours are there saying you can even buy an invite.

#2. Onboarding

This is the first step once you enter the Clubhouse app. It asks you to give your name along with a photo. Followed by that, you can just enter any room you like. New users are by default muted at first and it allows you to unmute if you wish so with the permission of moderator. If you are the one who created the room, you will be the moderator.

#3. Sign-up/log-in

This feature can be added with integration option to make creating the account easy for users. You can either allow for sign up through email services or through other social media account credentials.

Only users with an invite can get to the sign–in page while others can go to waiting list by choosing “Get your username”.

#4. Feed

Users can open the feed to see the various discussions that are happening now which are denoted as rooms. You can see the room’s name as well as the people who are inside. The list contains the upcoming events and the live ones.

#5. Rooms

You can create a room, join existing rooms, or simply view a room. The Start a room button lets you to create a room. You can choose from Open, Social, and Closed room types. Users have the freedom to politely interrupt the speaker by raising hand. You can leave the room anytime by pressing Leave button quietly or after announcing that you wish to leave.

A simple architecture of a room usually contains the following:

• “Leave quietly” button
• “Raise hand” button
• Search possibility within room
• List of speakers

When inside a room, you can check the current speaker and their account. You can even see who invited the speaker and the time of invitation and the clubs in which they are a member, very much like the feature of Twitter.

#6. User profiles

This section comprises user’s name, picture, and a short description. However, you can make room for users to add more relevant details or give optional fields to make the profile look more interesting in your new app.

#7. Clubs

This is like Facebook groups. Users have the freedom to join any clubs and meet other people of similar interest. The clubs let you view members, add new members, and even suggest topics for discussion.

A club can be formed only following at least 3 regular room conversations. The clubs can be made private (club members only) or public. The simple architecture looks like the following:

• Club name
• Members
• Club logo or picture
• Categories of interest
• Short description

There is also a follow button for clubs which you can press to get notifications when conversations are hosted. Three possible roles inside a club includes the following:

Admin: They can schedule conversations, add, or remove people, access club rules and profile and even send invites on behalf of club.

Members: They can set up private rooms within the clubs, glance through private rooms, or even nominate new members.

Followers: They can access any open rooms created by admins with no special grant to access private rooms.

#8. Interests

This section is to get an overview of your interests which helps Clubhouse to give you best options to follow people or topics. You can even select “Follow no one” option when your feed remains empty.

#9. Search

Any social media app handling live content will have a very handy feature like ‘Search’ and so is the case of Clubhouse. This feature lets you to search for people whom you wish to follow or chat topics of interest. During a conversation, the search option can be used to look for people inside a room.

#10. Upcoming for you

This is an interesting section that shows what is in the store for you in the upcoming days. This shows a schedule of the events that are already fixed, start times, conversation names, speakers, and short description of topics. Pressing the bell icon gives you reminders of when the chat will kick start.

The section can be filtered for three categories- My events, Upcoming for you and All Upcoming.

#11. Activity

This feature gives an overall outline of the previous activities that are linked to your account. This includes the people who recently joined the app, who are following you, the scheduled events as well as the clubs of other members.

#12. Notifications

Like other social media apps, Clubhouse also makes use of push notifications for enhanced user engagement. This section notifies you about events and tells you when someone you follow creates a new room.

Another specialty of Clubhouse app is that content is live only and nothing is stored for future. So, such a reminder feature can help users not to miss the content when their favourite topic or speaker is in action.

#13. Topics

To make it easy for users to find the most suitable rooms, Clubhouse lets them choose from a list of topics available. Topics are assigned by the speakers at the time of room creation to make it easy for listeners to find rooms of their interest.

#14. Moderation

For any type of social media apps, the role of a moderator is crucial. The room owners should be given the moderation rights and an admin panel can be an added boost to monitor user reports as well as to ban rooms that triggers bullying or hate speech.

#15. Settings

A user always prefer a customizable version of the app and the settings section can give them the option to change any features according to their preference. It can be theme, languages, block, or mute users, adjust notifications, change topics of interest and more.

#16. Clubhouse Payments

This feature is still in the testing phase as they cooperate with Stripe to kick start in April 2021.

#17. Creator First

This accelerator program is an initiative to support content creators on the platform to improve their audience base with a direct payment system to monetize the content.

Read Also : How to Create an App Like Zoom 

Technology Stack to Create an App Like Clubhouse

The actual technology stack of the Clubhouse app is still not disclosed. Agora is rumoured as the tech behind Clubhouse, but the officials have neither accepted nor declined the same. As audio streaming quality and real time communication is the key, there is no room for any compromise for technology side responsible for the same.

Analysts pointed out the possibility of a similar technology stack for Clubhouse:

• PubNub for actual voice room
• AWS(S3) for storing profile images
• Cloudflare for hosting APIs
• Data Theorem for app security
• Amplitude for product analytics

Here let us take a snapshot of the various technologies that help to create an innovative app like Clubhouse:

• IDE-Xcode, Android Studio
• Programming Languages- Swift, Kotlin, PHP, Node js
• Cloud Storage-Amazon S3
• Utilities- Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Visual Website Optimizer
• Payment Gateways- Braintree, Paypal, Stripe
• Email- Gmail, AWS, SendGrid
• Database- Mongo DB, Redis, MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Messaging Platform- Twilio, Nexmo, Sinch, RestComm
• Analytics- Mixpanel, Google Analytics, Keen.io
• Deployment Platforms- iOS, Android, Cloud

Development Team to Create an App like Clubhouse

It is crucial to have a flawless blend and communication among the development team throughout the process to complete the project in minimal time with maximum productivity. All these specialists have an important role to play to develop better insights, avoid possible errors and bring in the right mix of excellence. Afterall, it is the teamwork that matters the most in the success of any project.

• Business Analysts
• UI/UX Designers
• iOS Developers
• QA Engineers
• System Administrators
• HTML/CSS
• Back-end Developers
• Scrum Masters
• Project Manager
• Team Managers
• Quality Analysts
• Testers

How Much Does It Cost to Create an App like Clubhouse?

If you decide to go for only iOS platform, the expense can be somewhere around $30,000 for a basic app and it can be around $45,000 for an advanced app while some analysts even suppose it can go about $50-60K with extensive features.

However, if you choose to go for Android also, the cost will go higher. Having said that, the cost need not go double as similar design and same back end can serve the purpose.

Below are some of the major factors that affect the app development cost:

• Product design
• Time frame
• Product features
• Technology stack
• Project size and complexity
• Hourly rate of development team
• Number of members in team

Out of all, the hourly rate of development can make a considerable difference in the overall budget and the rate is mostly dependent on the location from which they operate.

A rough estimate of number of hours needed to create Clubhouse app will be around 400 hours for iOS development, 350 hours for Android development, about 100 hours for design, and up to 120 hours for PM/QA which totals about 870 hours.

However, there can be some unseen parameters that will pop up during the process which consumes more time. Considering many related factors, experts have pointed out an estimate time of up to 1,250 hours to complete the project if you include advanced features.

How Can an App Like Clubhouse Be Monetized?

As of now, Clubhouse app has not added any room for monetization. Including ads is the easy way but it can be more irritating for users that one think and the purpose may go in vain. The team is still thinking of some other way which can be choosy for users but still gain some momentum through subscriptions, tickets, and the like.

There are ways where Clubhouse as well as Clubhouse users can get revenue like-app transaction fee, paid premium listings and making accounts premium.

Read Also : 20 Best Messaging Apps

Final Thoughts

The success and popularity of this social audio network in this short time has triggered interest among other enthusiasts to create an app like Clubhouse. But as we have discussed, it is not something simple but needs tremendous hard work and a dedicated team who will never compromise on the quality.

As the mundane chatting on social media apps and messengers or scheduled Zoom meetings for work or studies are eating up most part of your day, a platform that gives room for random and spontaneous communication can give some interesting twist to your social life.

Experts have even thought of possibilities regarding building a similar app that can be tailored for corporate needs. Ongoing collaborative work, live communication and quick calls are considered as the specialities of this platform that makes it promising for internal corporate communication, especially during this remote working culture of covid era.