Video Streaming App Development: A Complete Guide + Cost, Features & Monetization

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A video streaming app is a software application that delivers audiovisual content (live or on-demand) over the internet so users can watch without downloading files — and understanding its structure is a key part of Product Development for any modern digital platform.

It includes everything from Netflix-style on-demand movies to live event streams and short-form social video.

These platforms are commonly called streaming services, OTT apps (over-the-top), VOD apps (video-on-demand) or simply video apps depending on region and context.

By 2027, the landscape is huge: there are hundreds of major global streaming platforms plus thousands more regional and niche apps (broad catalog lists and community-maintained directories run into the many hundreds).

The user scale is massive and still growing. Estimates put global video/OTT users in the multi-billion range for 2025 — several sources report figures from roughly 4.5 to 5.3 billion people engaging with OTT/video streaming services that year; major platforms alone will count billions of viewers (for example, YouTube viewership alone is estimated at ~2.5 billion viewers in 2025).

Platform breakdowns matter when you build an app: because Android controls roughly ~71–72% of the global smartphone base and iOS the remainder (~27%), the majority of mobile streaming app users are on Android devices, while smart TVs / connected TV households already number in the ~1+ billion homes and continue rising — meaning TV apps are now a primary consumption surface alongside mobile.

Why this matters for 2026: the market’s revenue and user growth remain very strong — analysts project double-digit growth over the rest of the decade and market size expanding sharply (industry forecasts put the global video-streaming market well into the hundreds of billions and growing toward the $300–400+ billion range by the late 2020s).

That combination of enormous audience, shifting device mix (mobile + connected TV), and rising ad/subscription revenue makes building a best-in-class streaming app one of the highest-potential product plays for 2026.

What is a video Streaming App aka Live Streaming App?

A video streaming app is a digital platform that delivers video content. It allows users to watch movies, live sports, TV shows, live broadcasts, and user-generated clips directly over the internet.

With a video streaming app (OTT platform), there is no need to download the content. Users can access content directly on any internet-enabled device, such as smartphones, laptops, desktops, and TVs.

In many parts of the world, these apps are called OTT apps, VOD platforms, streaming services, or simply online video apps, depending on the market and type of content.

OTT platforms are extremely popular in the USA, Australia, and Europe.  Today, streaming has become the default way people consume videos across the world.

Some of the Most Popular OTT platforms include:

  1. Netflix
  2. Amazon Prime Video
  3. Disney+ / Hotstar
  4. Hulu
  5. HBO Max / Max
  6. YouTube & YouTube TV
  7. Apple TV+
  8. Peacock
  9. Paramount+
  10. BBC iPlayer
  11. Rakuten Viki
  12. DAZN (sports)
  13. Sling TV
  14. Tencent Video, iQIYI, Youku (China)
  15. VIU (Middle East & Asia)

These platforms lead globally, while hundreds of regional and niche OTT apps serve specific languages, genres, or communities.

Top 5 Video Streaming Platforms in 2025 (with User Counts and Future Outlook)

Top 5 Video Streaming Platforms in 2025

As of 2025, the global video-streaming space is dominated by a handful of major platforms that together account for hundreds of millions of subscriptions worldwide.

Based on recent data, here are five of the largest OTT services — along with their approximate user base as of 2025 and what their growth might look like toward 2030.

PlatformApproximate Subscribers / Paid Users (2025)What Makes It Stand Out / NotesProjected Growth or Outlook by ~2030*
Netflix301.6 million globallyWorld’s largest streaming service; vast global reach across 190+ countries; vast library of movies/series; high daily engagement.Expected to remain a top player. Netflix likely shifts focus more on retention, original content & hybrid/ad-supported models.
Amazon Prime Video167–200 millionStrong global footprint, bundled with broader Amazon ecosystem; combines SVOD + added benefits for Prime users.Some estimates project 250-270 million global subscribers in the next few years.
Disney+127.8 million paid subscribers globally (Q3 2025)Known for strong family-friendly & franchise content (animation, blockbuster films, exclusive originals); growing international expansion.Disney+ is expected to continue expanding internationally; long-term potential to reach higher global market share.
HBO Max / Max55–56 million paying subscribers in 2025 (US-centric)Strong presence in United States, known for a mix of recent shows, original content, and a range of plans (including ad-supported).Likely to keep a steady hold in its core market.
Hulu55–56 million paying subscribers in 2025 (US-centric)Strong presence in United States, known for a mix of recent shows, original content, and a range of plansLikely to keep a steady hold in its core market

Want to develop an OTT app from scratch or create a replica of a popular streaming platform?

Get in touch with our expert team today and turn your video streaming idea into a high-performing, scalable app that engages users worldwide.


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How to Make Money by Video Streaming App Development?

One of the biggest advantages of launching a video streaming app in 2026 is that the business model can generate revenue in multiple ways—not only through subscriptions but also through ads, in-app purchases, live events, and creator monetization.

Modern OTT platforms are designed to be profitable from day one if the right pricing model, content strategy, and audience niche are identified early.

Popular Monetization Models for Streaming Apps

Most successful OTT platforms generally rely on one (or a combination) of these models:

  • SVOD (Subscription Video-on-Demand): Most of the OTT platforms/video streaming apps are earning from the SVOD model.

    In this model, users pay subscription fees to the platform on a monthly or yearly basis. It is the primary method of making money from an OTT/video streaming platform.

  • AVOD (Ad-Supported Video-on-Demand): Along with the subscription charges, these OTT platforms make money from ads. Free content on these video streaming apps is supported by ads.
      
  • TVOD (Transactional / Pay-Per-View): There are some OTT platforms that charge users only for the content they consume. Users only have to pay for the movies, events, live shows, and sports they watch.

  • Freemium Model: Some OTT platforms allow users to watch some video content for free, but if they want to watch premium content, then they have to subscribe to the freemium model.

  • Hybrid Monetization: Some modern OTT platforms increasingly combine subscription + ads + live events to maximize revenue per user.

    It is one of the most trending monetization models. This model creates a win-win situation for both the platform owners and the users.

Additional Revenue Channels in 2026

New-age streaming apps now earn beyond traditional subscriptions with features such as:

  • Live-event ticketing (concerts, sports, webinars)
  • Live-commerce & product selling
  • Tipping and donation systems for creators
  • Paid live sessions, workshops, tutorials
  • Sponsored content and brand partnerships
  • Affiliate product placements inside content

This flexibility allows both content creators and platform owners to turn video streaming into a high-revenue business ecosystem rather than just a media library.

Why Hire Android App Developers for OTT App Development

If you are planning for OTT app development in 2026, then the first platform you must target is Android. With the highest number of smartphone users across the world, Android OTT app opens up the door to around 80% of smartphone users globally.

Even in 2026, Android will continue to dominate the global mobile market, which means most video streaming apps will receive the highest user volume on Android devices.

In 2026, building an OTT platform without a strong Android experience means missing a huge audience segment.

You will miss the most lucrative and rising market from regions such as India, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, where Android leads the ecosystem.

Hiring experienced Android app developers helps you build a video streaming platform that is optimised for performance, secure media playback, adaptive bitrate streaming, and smooth viewing on different device types and screen sizes.

Skilled Android developers also understand important OTT components like user authentication, DRM (Digital Rights Management), offline downloads, push notifications, and integration with Google TV and Android TV.

A team of professional Android app developers can help you implement powerful monetisation models, including subscription (SVOD), advertising (AVOD), and pay-per-view options.

This all allows you to start making money from day 1. Hiring Android app developers for OTT app development can be an important decision.

Hire Developers to Launch Your iOS and Android OTT Video Streaming Platform

Whether you need an iOS OTT app or an Android video streaming application, hire expert iOS and Android app developers from Albiorix Technology.


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iOS App Development Services for Video Streaming Apps

iPhone and iPad users are looked upon as the most valuable OTT audiences; therefore, you will need Professional iOS app development services to develop video streaming apps that are fast, feel awesome, and secure.

An iOS app development service allows you to target the entire Apple ecosystem, including Apple TV.

When you hire a team of experienced iOS OTT app developers, they help you develop a video streaming app with modern features such as adaptive bitrate, secure content delivery, AI-based recommendations, and offline viewing.

These features ensure smooth video performance even during network issues.

Compared to Android users, iPhone and iPad users are more likely to buy subscriptions to different OTT platforms. Which means an iOS-first or iOS-friendly OTT strategy can significantly increase revenue per user.

With custom iOS development, your video streaming application can offer seamless viewing, stable playback, Face ID authentication, and deep integration with Apple ecosystem tools.

IOS app development services can offer you an OTT platform that is more premium, secure, and future-ready.

We Are the Best Video Streaming App Development Company in India

If you are looking to develop a video streaming app or want to develop a replica of popular OTT platforms like Netflix, then get in touch with Albiorix Technology.

We have more than 10+ years of industry experience in building custom OTT apps for clients coming from Australia and the USA. Our team of OTT developers have hands-on experience in developing custom video streaming apps.

As a leading video streaming app development company in India, Albiorix Technology specializes in creating high-performance OTT apps tailored to your audience, business goals, and platform needs.

Our video streaming app development services cover everything from conceptualisation and design to development, deployment, and ongoing support.

In the last 10 years, we have developed custom OTT platforms for clients across industries. From startups to enterprises, we have helped businesses own video streaming apps that scale seamlessly across mobile, web, and smart TVs.

Our global client base includes satisfied partners in Australia and the USA. We design and deliver OTT solutions that meet international standards.

By choosing us, you get more than just an app—you get a partner who understands monetization, user engagement, and technology trends in 2026.

Whether it’s SVOD, AVOD, live streaming, or hybrid OTT models, our team ensures your platform delivers a smooth, secure, and immersive viewing experience.

If you’re ready to turn your video streaming idea into a revenue-generating video streaming app, contact us today and let our experts guide you through every step of your OTT app journey.

Conclusion

To develop a successful video streaming application in 2026, you will need a perfect blend of strategy, technology, and user experience.

We are among the top OTT app development companies in India, and we offer end-to-end video streaming app development services that help businesses reach global audiences, engage users, and monetise effectively.

Whether you want to develop an OTT platform from scratch or want to develop a duplicate of a popular video streaming application, our team of experts will ensure your app is fast, secure, and aligns with your future goals.

Contact us today to turn your video streaming idea into a high-performing, revenue-generating platform.

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