Snapchat is a mobile messenger application that allows the user to send messages, videos, editing pictures, and chatting with others. It is a great application for people who like to share their daily routine with others.

The reason Snapchat achieved major success is due to the self-destruction mechanism for videos and images, the videos disappear after a certain time. Moreover, this idea was welcomed by the users when Snapchat was launched in 2011. After a couple of years, stories were added to Snapchat which was adopted by Facebook and Instagram also later on.

Key Features of Snapchat

• Snaps

The pictures and videos taken through Snapchat are denoted as “Snaps”. Their ability to self-destruct is unique which makes the application so popular. Snaps can be edited by adding various filters.

• Friend requests

Friend requests can be sent by using a username or phone number. Snapchat allows two more methods for adding friends which are by using a Snap code and by adding the nearby location of a snap chatter (Snapchat user).

• Stories

Stories are those videos and photos which can be viewed by the user and their followers within 24 hours. After 24 hours the story disappears. Stories are also added in WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

• Snap location

The Snap location is a unique feature that tells the location of a snap chatter if he has allowed access to his location to Snapchat.

• Snap cash

This features grants the user to send payments to their friends or followers.

• Geo filter

This feature offers graphical stickers depending upon the current location of the snap chatter or any event occurring near.

• Discover

On the discover display user can see the stories of major corporations however they are only viewable for 24 hours.

Steps for developing a Snapchat replica app

The development part is essential certain steps can be taken for developing a replica for Snapchat.

• Assembling a team

The team should consist of one project manager, designer, and two developers however more team members may be required for a complex project.

The rates for hiring team members may vary from region to region.

• Launching MVP

MVP stands for a minimum viable product. Launch your application with merely enough options (MVP) therefore it may be utilized by the client and deliver feedback that will facilitate within the future.

Launching a Minimum variable product for your style could be a smart strategy, this way changes may be created if required before launching the application formally. Begin with a miniature model to cut back risks, money, and time.

Check: MVP development services

• Choosing an operating system

Choosing the operating system on which the application will base upon is a vital step. The two prime operating systems used for developing are android and IOS.

• Android

Android brings more revenue from in-app purchase, it takes more time to design on this platform. Around 70% of the mobile market owns Android.

• IOS

IOS brings more revenue on average, IOS has a stable market share in Europe and the USA. However, the publication process for IOS is hard.

Check: App like Instagram

Development kits

To develop an app that is a clone of Snapchat developing knowledge is important. Some of the tools which may come in handy for developing are.

• Messenger app development

SDK (software development kit) like “Firebase” and “Quickblox” are used to develop a messenger app.

• User location detection

To use geo-filters, finding friends near, and finding the location of a Snap chatter user location kit is essential. It is preferable to use the “Core location framework” kit for IOS and the “Android SDK class” kit for Android.

• Video transmission

SDK’s like “ooVoo” and “TokBox” is preferred for video communication, they also support audio and text messages.

Check: hire iPhone app developer india

Cost to Develop an App like Snapchat

The price cost for developing will differ between IOS and Android. IOS will require fewer man-hours to develop the application so it will cost less than Android. The Backend and Frontend of the application will require an estimate of 1000 hours to develop depending upon the number of team members.

At Aalpha information systems the cost to develop an app like Snapchat can range from $20,000 to $150,000.

Check: cost to make social media app 

How does Snapchat gain profits?

Snapchat uses numerous ways to generate revenue some of which are the following.

• Paid advertisement

Snapchat refers to videos in the Discover section to advertise a certain individual or a corporation. Snapchat charges 15 cents per view.

• Purchased Content

Multinational companies pay Snapchat to add their logos under the geo-filter category of Snapchat. Many companies create geo-filters to advertise their brand.

• Sports Partnership

Snapchat has been promoting multiple sports icons such as NFL, NBA, etc. Snapchat intends to promote sports products such as Adidas and Nike for sports fans.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to create an application like Snapchat. Follow the steps mentioned above. Finding a good team and a project manager is a challenging task who could tackle technical issues. Eradicate any glitches faced by users timely, value user feedback so that more users download the application.

Hope you’ve understood about an app like Snapchat, for more information feel free to contact Aalpha

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