How Much Does it Cost to create a Video Conferencing App like Zoom

2020 started with the outbreak of coronavirus spreading worldwide. And now as predictions stand, it has had a drastic effect on our daily lives, day-to-day business operations and work environments.

According to reports, Zoom has gained over 2.5 million users within the first few months of 2020. Across the globe, countless number of companies are embracing the video-first culture and it is believed that by 2024, the market for video conferencing will reach $20 billion.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service that was found in the year 2012 by Eric Yuan, an engineer from Cisco systems. This application is used to virtually meet others either by video, audio or even both. The platform is compatible with Mac, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux etc. Now if we see, over half of the Fortune 500 companies reportedly have started using Zoom in the last 6 months.

Calling via the Zoom app is free as long as you keep your calls under 40 minutes. For conversations longer than 40 minutes, users need to get an upgrade for a $14.99/monthly plan. This entry level upgrade allows you to host a conference call with a maximum of 100 people at a time and can keep talking for all 24 hours.

How to Get Started Using Zoom?

To get started, first, you need to choose the right plan according to your purpose:

• • • Zoom Free
    • Zoom Pro
    • Zoom Business
    • Zoom Enterprise

Features of Zoom Video Conferencing App

At all price levels, Zoom delivers everything you need for professional or personal use to hold online meetings, regardless of its size and strength.

Here are some of the most exciting features of Zoom:

• • • HD audio and video calls
    • Screen-sharing options
    • Mute participants
    • Virtual background
    • Team chat and one-on-one messaging
    • Built-in recording and transcripts
    • Join from anywhere and from any device
    • Can schedule meetings in advance
    • End-To-End Encryption Security
    • Create public polling and Q&A
    • Virtual-hand raising that improves communication
    • Beauty mode with ‘Touch Up My Appearance’ option
    • Gallery view- allows 49 windows to be opened in one gallery view
    • Admins can disable personal meeting IDs or PMIs for instant meetings

SUGGESTED READ: On Demand App Trends & Statistics to Know in 2022

What does it Take to Create an App like Zoom?

Before starting up with an app, the most important part is the cost. Hiring the right team of developers to help choose the best technology stack requires keen attention because this can either take you to an unexpected level of success or leave your app unfound in the app stores.

So to calculate the cost and create a Zoom like video conferencing app, you need to first have a list of your app’s indispensable features. All the factors are to be considered before fixing or calculating the price of the app. So, before getting into the cost we need to think about how to create an app like Zoom:

1. Required Team Structure for Developing an App like Zoom

• • • Project Manager
    • Android/ iOS app developers
    • Back-end developer
    • UI/UX Designer
    • Q&A Specialist

2. Choose the Desired Platform

Native Apps: Native apps are built for a specific mobile operating system such as Apple iOS or Android OS. These apps can be used offline, which makes them faster to open and access anytime.

Web-based Apps: Web Apps are basically internet-enabled apps that are accessible via the mobile device’s web browser.

These apps are usually written as web pages in HTML and CSS using Jquery, JavaScript or similar language. Web apps are instantly accessible to users via a browser across a range of devices (iPhone, Android, Windows etc.).

3. Best Technology Stack for Mobile App Development

iOS

• • • Programming languages: Objective-C, Swift
    • Toolkit: Apple Xcode
    • SDK: iOS SDK

Android

• • • Programming languages: Java, Kotlin
    • Toolkit: Android Studio & Android Developer Tools
    • SDK: Android SDK

Cross-platform App Development

• • • React Native + JavaScript/TypeScript
    • Xamarin + C#

Hybrid App Development

• • • Cordova/PhoneGap
    • Ionic

Process of Development

1. Prototyping

The starting point of the design is prototyping. This allows you to think through in detail the appearance and interactions of the app product. Usually, the process is divided into 3 stages:

• • • Conceptual
    • Interactive
    • Animation

Take a look at the reasons why you should create a prototype.

2. UI/UX Design

To succeed, it is important to think about an attractive user interface because user experience remains the top priority in any development process. A good UI/UX design means a visually appealing interface with intuitive navigation options.

That means future users shouldn’t spend a lot of time understanding how the app works. Since the success of the app design plays a big part in the overall development process it’s important to hire a creative app designer or a team who can explore all the scenarios that enhance the user experience.

3. Back-End Development

The back-end development side implies different stages, where the development team works on the app server, the web server and also the database. Even if most of the apps these days use BaaS solutions, a video chat app like Zoom requires more complex technologies to create its own server from scratch. Whether your back-end is in the cloud or on-site, a back-end server is the life vein of any app network.

And when it comes to creating a video call app, the central focus shifts to optimising aspects. The app is supposed to perform well when dealing with large amounts of data. Therefore, at times the development process might take time for reaching the impeccable quality of performance.

Node.js Vs. Python– Know the Best Technology to Develop Your Project in 2021.

4. iOS App

If you are planning to create an iOS-based video conferencing app, the best bet would be to Swift. It is much simpler, easier and faster than Objective-C, to build video conferencing apps.

5. Android App

Most video-based apps apply WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), a technology that supports real-time communication in mobile & desktop systems through a wide range of APIs. It is currently maintained by Google and has gained popularity among the dev community.

Features of WebRTC

• • • Plugin-free RTC
    • Peer to peer
    • High-quality
    • Support mobile, browser and IoT devices
    • Encryption mandatory

Also check out how to create apps for Android and iOS using react native?

6. Third-party API’s

There are several third-party APIs that facilitate the process of creating video conferencing apps simpler. Since the tech market offers a diverse choice of third-party APIs, here are the best ones you can choose from:

• • • Vonage Video API (formerly TokBox OpenTok)
    • Wowza GoCoder SDK
    • Twilio
    • PubNub
    • CometChat
    • Quickblox

7. Beta Version and Testing

Depending on the app’s functionality, the number of tests may vary. At the testing stage, the code is checked and bugs are eliminated. The main QA tests that are provided include smoke testing, retesting, regression tests, performance testing.

Also Read: What are Test Automation Frameworks and Types?

How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Zoom?

The cost of a video chat app depends on:

• • • Features
    • Design
    • Hourly rate of your development team

Out of the three, the biggest factor that influences an app’s cost is the hourly rate of developers which often depends on the location.

Here’s a rough estimate of the number of days required to develop an MVP for a video conferencing app:

To be honest, it is not possible to tell the exact cost to develop an app like Zoom or any app in general. Therefore, the above given figures are just an average rate per location. But still, if you are considering an MVP mobile app like Zoom with essential features, then the development cost may fall somewhere around $45000 to $70,000 if the development location is an Asian country.

Prioritise features for your MVP for better results.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Create an eLearning App like Byju’s

Conclusion

To fill in the void of lost interpersonal connections brought on by the global pandemic Covid-19, individuals, businesses and startups have to start relying on Zoom, as it has already set an example in the market for how video conferencing apps should be.

Are you searching about how to create an app like Zoom to bring your teammates or family closer and stay connected? NeoITO, we bring to you the best user experience and services to create a corporate socialising video conferencing app that will help you keep professional & personal requirements intact. Contact us, now!