The social media platform has transformed the way people communicate with each other. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become a popular tool for connecting with other people. They not just allow us to connect with our family, friends, and peers but also provide a medium for promotion and business.

Instagram is one of the leading as well as the most popular social media platforms. It was launched on 6th October 2010 and received a huge global response. If you are planning on developing an app similar to Instagram then it is important to make sure it is good otherwise it will fail to compete with it.

Determining the cost of developing the app is among the most important considerations. Here is an overview of the factors that determine the cost of developing an app similar to Instagram.

Cost of developing an app similar to Instagram:

Here are some variable factors that have a role in determining the cost of app development.

Creating an MVP:

MVP stands for a minimum viable product. There are several video and photo-sharing apps available on Apple and Google play store and to test the waters it is wise to create an MVP of the app. It will help you get useful customer feedback which can assist in making improvements.

Creating an MVP first saves a lot of time and money as well. It allows you to test the feasibility of the product before fully investing in it. Remember that you are not going to get any customers if you just copy-paste all of Instagram features. You have to offer something unique to get their attention.

Check: MVP development services

Account authorization:

People share important and personal information on social media platforms so it is necessary to offer security. Setting up account authorization is an integral feature of all social media platforms. The users should have more than one option for signing up. There should also be options on how you can set up a new password in case you forget it.

Developing the account authorization page that has the option of registration through email, phone, and sign in options can take 65 to 70 hours.

Editing profile option:

Adding the option of creating and editing profiles is essential for the social media platform. It allows users to share videos and photos and edit their personal details any time they want. The average time for developing the feature is about 50 hours.

Adding messaging feature:

People should be able to interact with each other while using a social media app. Instagram offers a communication option so to compete with it is important to provide a real-time messaging feature. You will need to add a notification as well so the users are alerted when they receive a new message.

It is also crucial to protect the server from excess loading of the messages. It is also a smart idea to link the notifications with iOS or Android using a device authorization server. You can create the link using GCM or APN.

Creating a messaging platform may require 120 to 140 hours to develop the feature.

Uploading data:

The next phase is adding video and photo uploading feature. It is the most important tool of an app such as Instagram. Users have the option of choosing images from phone memory or from within the app. The approach you choose for adding the feature depends on the platform you are developing for. It is a smart choice to develop for both iOS and Android.

The feature is not an easy one to develop. The estimated time for developing it is between 75 to 300 hours. You should also offer the option of integrating the option of comment and tag.

Customizing posts:

A photo and video sharing app should have an editing feature. It allows users to make their posts fun and exciting. Customization allows users to use their creativity while adding pictures and videos. It takes approximately 65 to 70 hours to develop.

Extra settings:

An app like Instagram needs an area where it offers options to disable or enable push notifications, set account privacy, and change language settings. To allow push notifications it is important to connect the server to Google or Apple server. Adding extra settings can take 90-130 hours to develop.

Connecting to social media:

A good social media should not stay aloof. Linking up the app with other popular social media platforms is a good idea. You will need to link the app account ID with the social media one. You can use the authorization tool as well. Creating the link can take 8-10 hours.

Check: Cost to make social media app

Geo-location and search option:

To add a geo-location feature you will need API support and services of locations and maps. The search option is also a necessary addition as it makes it possible to easily find what they are interested in.

Developing both features can take 20 to 40 hours.

Check: How to create a location based app

Design of the app:

The design of the app should be unique so that it is recognizable. The user interface and experience are key aspects of the app design. To design an app similar to Instagram can take 60 to 70 hours.

Check: Hire UX designer India

Development team:

The development team you hire also determines the cost of the app. The cost can vary depending on your choice as the charges of freelancers are different from developing companies.

Instagram app development cost:

The cost to make an app like Instagram depends on various factors the rough estimate of developing cost can range from $50,000 to $60,000.

For more information feel free to contact Aalpha

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