On-Demand Music Streaming App Development – Cost, Features, Monetization, and Process
By idea2appAdmin
February 21, 2025
Table of Contents
In the last few years, the popularity of streaming digital music has seen a dramatic increase. New players provide a contemporary, user-friendly, interactive, and engaging experience. What’s the cost of music streaming app development? This is among the frequently asked queries. This blog will discuss the cost of creating an app for music streaming.
The music streaming market worldwide is predicted to generate $29 billion in 2024. It is projected to increase at an average of 4.70% annually from 2024 to 2027, increasing and reaching $33.97 billion in 2027. The data shows that the demand for music streaming apps will rise.
In light of this, many companies seek to invest in developing music streaming apps. If you’re among those looking to build an app that streams music and are interested in the costs of creating it, you should read this blog to the close.
In this blog, we will identify the most important features, cost, monetisation and process to implement in music streaming app development. It is imperative to develop a strong approach to developing a music streaming app. Companies should be aware of the constantly changing technology environment to ensure their apps’ success.
Businesses must consider the app’s complexity, price, and timeframe for developing a music streaming app. Before beginning a project, it is essential to comprehend the price of building an app that streams music. A music streaming app development company will assist businesses in creating an app that meets their requirements and budget.
So, let’s begin.
The concept that music applications are a part of has evolved over the last few years. There is no longer a time when people needed to find a site that allowed free music downloads and then return to their phones to listen to the music.
With many music streaming apps available, all users need to do is pull out their smartphones, open the app, type in the track, and then play! Music apps are generally desktop, mobile, or web-based applications that allow users to stream, download, or purchase music they love. They are a major player in the market of $25.71 billion, as forecasted for 2023. This industry is expected to grow at a rate of 5.13% from 2023 to 2027.
The apps that play music can now be regarded as one of the most popular app concepts. Furthermore, the apps and games have features shared with games based on music. The increase in the business of making music can be seen by the sheer number of users of the app for music streaming app-616.2 million.
Music streaming apps such as Spotify from Spotify AB, music discovery apps such as Shazam DJ Mixer, and Mixer are the most popular types of music apps used the most frequently. Additionally, many apps are famous for their podcasts and are considered to be an element of apps that stream audio.
The most popular music apps are listed below. You can select an area of interest and start the process of music streaming app development.
These are apps that have an innovative streaming feature, mobile user interfaces, and are designed for a variety of devices. Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify are just a few examples of streaming music apps. They permit users to instantly play music that they like. Streaming services on demand also offer recommendations and discovery functions. These are based on what users are most attracted to listening to.
With the ever-growing need for music streaming on demand, Pandora introduced Pandora Premium, a $9.99/month streaming service designed to compete directly with Apple Music and Spotify. With Pandora Premium, users can play Pandora radio and also make playlists.
They are applications that permit music enthusiasts to develop their skills by helping them learn music. They are also educational apps and are well-known in users’ eyes because of the amazing musical learning experience they provide. The app’s interface aims to provide an effective music learning experience to its users, which is why this app category has many followers.
Music editing apps are often regarded as the perfect form of ease of use since they excel at relieving stress due to their simple and user-friendly interfaces. The app’s interface simplifies editing and makes it portable enough to be used.
So, any editing problems can be quickly addressed, and swift adjustments can be made at any time. The app developers for music editing combine their expertise in UI/UI design with outstanding sound capabilities, thus giving you efficient music editing solutions.
It’s a smart idea to store your online music collections to prevent losing your music due to computer failure, virus infection, or any other reason. It also gives you more room for your growing collection. So, the music storage app lets users save their tracks and stream them wherever and whenever they wish.
How do you create your streaming music service? It is essential to identify the most popular features based on your customers’ requirements. It is commonplace to categorize features into two categories: functionality and advanced features. The features you need are part of your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) version of your app for streaming music.
It is a term used to describe a product that has the necessary functionality to satisfy users’ basic requirements (e.g., offline playing, seamless playback, etc.). You can build an app for streaming music MVP, release it, and then get feedback. Following that, you can upgrade it with more sophisticated and expensive features.
In addition, having an MVP version of your app means you’ll have better chances of getting money for its development. An active product will make stakeholders feel confident in your company. Our experts can offer you thorough market research and also help you develop a competitive streaming app with the basic capabilities to attract investors.
Let’s identify the most important features you should consider implementing in music streaming app development.
A large musical library forms the foundation of any streaming app with a vast selection of albums, tracks, and artists. This feature must include an efficient search engine that enables users to swiftly locate certain tracks, artists, genres, or albums. Advanced search options for music may consist of filters for release date, popularity, and the user’s ratings.
Letting users make, manage, and share playlists is an essential component of any custom-made music streaming app. Users can combine their most-loved songs into playlists that are customized to suit different types of moods, activities, or even events. The app must also provide already-made playlists curated by experts or inspired by popular themes.
A Favorites option allows users to quickly access the albums and songs they love most. Sharing options boost the social aspect by allowing users to connect their music collections with their friends on social media or direct links. This feature promotes participation and personalization, improving the overall experience for users.
Social sharing options allow users to share their music experiences with family, friends, and followers. Integration with popular social media platforms lets users share music, playlists, and listening experiences directly through the application. This will boost the app’s visibility and help attract new users via recommendations from others.
Features like collaborative playlists or social feeds, where users can check out what their peers are listening to for a more social aspect. Inviting social interaction in the app can increase user participation and retention. Social integration can make the streaming experience more engaging and enjoyable.
High-quality audio streaming lets listeners enjoy music with the highest quality audio. It is about offering various streaming options ranging from standard to high-definition and catering to various speeds as well as data plans.
The users should be able to select the best quality depending on the conditions of their network. The app should also have the option of adaptive streaming that adjusts quality by the network’s strength. High-quality audio is crucial to meet the demands of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
In-app notifications inform users about forthcoming concerts, new releases, personal recommendations, and app updates. If you plan to develop a live streaming application, music streaming app, or something else, the push notifications will notify users of the latest content or occasions and encourage users to revisit the app.
Regular updates and enhancements communicated through the app can build trust and demonstrate a constant commitment to improve users’ experience. The well-designed notifications you use when developing an audio streaming application ensure that users are entertained without being annoyed and balance information delivery with the user’s convenience.
It lets you manage subscriptions, make featured playlists, as well as (delete them and then add them). It requires one admin panel to manage all your apps.
The process of music streaming app development requires several actions that need to be completed. Here’s a brief overview of the process for development:
Establishing the goal and capabilities of your music streaming application is the first step. It is essential that you conduct market analysis to determine your target market, identify competitors, and establish unique selling factors. A detailed plan of the app’s functions, including the user interface and technology requirements, is crucial.
When the plan and idea are set, the following step is to design the visual layout and user interface (UI) for the application. Designers create mockups or wireframes that show the app’s layout, along with navigation and other interactions. The goal is to create a visually appealing and intuitive layout with a heavy emphasis on user-friendliness.
The backend development process involves the creation of the database infrastructure and server infrastructure for the application. It consists of the implementation of user authentication and authorization methods to secure access. The core functions like user management, music catalogs, and management of playlists are designed. Integration of APIs to support features such as music metadata, authentication for users (e.g., OAuth), and processing of payments (if relevant) also occur.
Frontend development is the process of creating the client-facing part of the app by using the right frameworks or platform-specific technology. React Native is an option for cross-platform development, but technologies such as Swift or Kotlin for iOS and Kotlin for Android are platform-specific choices. The emphasis here is on creating UI elements, navigation, and user interaction based on the design specifications. Integration with backend services is performed to pull data and handle users’ actions.
Get licenses from record labels or publishers to stream their music legally via your website. This is essential to prevent copyright infringement concerns.
To provide a full entertainment experience for music, a complete music catalog must be included in the application. Depending on licensing agreements, collaboration with music labels and publishing companies and using music streaming APIs such as Spotify and Apple Music may be required. Implementing features such as search and browse, recommendations, playlists, and offline playback are essential to the complete experience of streaming music.
A thorough testing process is carried out to ensure that the application works properly, is stable, and gives users a seamless experience. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Bugs are discovered and fixed, performance is optimized, and compatibility with different operating systems and devices is guaranteed.
The app is ready for release by creating the required certificates, signing the code, and then creating releases. It is then uploaded to the appropriate stores for apps, like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, to be reviewed and approved. After approval, the app is made available to users for download.
After the app is released, it is essential to maintain it for a long time. Feedback from users, bug reports, and performance issues have to be dealt with promptly. Regular updates are scheduled to introduce new features that improve functionality and keep up with platform requirements.
It is important to remember that the development process may be different based on particular requirements, the technology used, and the size of the team. A clear plan of action, productive collaboration between developers and designers, and prioritizing the customer experience throughout the entire process are crucial to successful development.
The total cost of music streaming app development is not easy. It can be determined initially, as prices vary according to the attributes. Most of the time, on-demand music streaming apps development costs are based on a time basis, based on the time frame and complexity that the app has.
Based on recent standards, the hourly price is between $30 and $40 and includes payments to projects, the project Manager, App Developers, UX/UI designers, and the Testing & Quality Assurance Team. Additionally, the price varies according to the area of the.
The cost of music streaming app development, such as Spotify or SoundCloud, will be approximately $30k- $50k on each of Android and iOS.
It is recommended that the beginning of app development concentrate on distinctive characteristics that help the application stand out.
We understand that you are trying to figure out the price for creating an application for music streaming. With a list of the factors that could affect the cost of custom music streaming solutions, it is possible to make an app that streams music.
The level of complexity of an app can directly affect its cost. An app with a high level of complexity with a long feature list will cost more than a simpler app with a lower features list and an index of less complexity. We’ll try to provide you with an estimate of what it will cost to create music streaming apps for Android and iOS about their level of complexity.
A well-defined user interface is among the primary elements that determine an app’s performance by increasing the rate of engagement and retention. The price of creating an app is subject to change because it is important to evaluate the layout several times to ensure that the app provides an effortless experience for the intended audience.
The total cost of app development depends on the platform you decide to use for your music streaming application. It is possible to build your app using iOS or Android or opt for cross-platform development. Even though the price differences between Android and iOS application development are small, it is recommended that the user choose one streaming platform initially. As your app gains popularity, switching to a different platform is possible.
The number of people hired to develop music streaming applications for Android or iOS will directly affect the cost. It is suggested that you outsource the task. Building an in-house music streaming app development team can be challenging, especially when hiring and managing the entire workforce. The team will offer you the full expertise at a much lower price.
The location of your app development company will impact your budget. If you choose to hire an agency located in Asia or Africa, for instance, the cost per hour for development is lower than if your company was situated somewhere in the UK.
The process of developing an app does not stop once it is released in the store. You’ll need to spend enormous amounts of effort to ensure that the app is bug-free and running smoothly. Incorporating the latest technologies with market needs is a method to guarantee that the app will continue to be successful. Maintenance expenses directly affect the cost of music streaming apps.
A robust technology stack is crucial to your app’s performance in a highly competitive marketplace. The latest technologies can help put your app on the road to success and provide the best return on investment. The most well-known music streaming apps for Android and iOS utilize many straightforward frameworks and technologies to master.
The features you incorporate in your music streaming application, such as Pandora, will have an immediate effect on its budget. Mobile apps with a huge feature set will provide you with the edge you need to increase the user experience and engagement.
You can make money off your mobile apps for music streaming in various ways. In this section, we’ve discussed some of the most effective strategies, including:
Free versions of apps with only limited or no access to premium features are preferred over those without. However, this doesn’t mean that the information you have restricted is not secured; just a small part of it is accessible to all. For example, Spotify started its service by using a freemium-based business model; however, it is crucial to know that it is advertising-supported. This approach to business attracts an increase in users to your site. Even though they are freemium users, it is more probable that they will turn into potential customers who pay.
Every revenue strategy for a service should include ads. Advertising creates spaces to trigger revenue generation. Display ads and in-content advertisements Streaming are two categories of music-related advertisements.
Display advertising refers to visual advertisements shown on screen in a short period of time between, before, and after the music. The advertisements are usually repeated each time for a few minutes. Short fragments are played in content streaming videos or audio before or after the music. This stream and display strategy works well with the freemium business model.
You could encourage customers to upgrade from the free, ad-supported service to more expensive, non-advertising subscription plans. It starts with a lower cost when you’ve enough freemium customers who enjoy your audio broadcasts and the platform experience. You could develop OTT pricing plans catering to different customer groups, such as students, families, and more.
Many music streaming services offer monthly plans that allow users unlimited access to music. This way of monetizing will enable businesses to earn a steady income. Because the music industry has to pay for licensing regularly, this is the most commonly utilized type of on-demand music streaming app. If the subscription model is a good one, since users receive more benefits and a greater number of incentives through this subscription model, they are more likely to choose this model.
Here are a few of the most well-known trends that are set to revolutionize features in music streaming apps you use daily. Some of the most popular app music streaming trends:
It is employed in dating, social media health, and almost every sector you can fathom. It is a safe bet that investment in AI advancements will be on the rise in the next few years to step up the user experience. Such features can assist users in getting out of the constant shuffle of what music to play the next time, making it a significant trend in music streaming.
The algorithm takes into account the music you listen to frequently, the artists you follow, and the time of day when you listen to your music most. By analyzing your music habits, AI can determine the type of music you listen to and suggest music based on your current mood.
Music has always been a communal experience, regardless of whether it’s sharing the band with the people you know or singing along. In response to this trend and the increasing demand for developers for mobile apps to take on the new trends in the world of music streaming by putting content that users create at the top of the list.
Let’s take it easy.
Music streaming companies traditionally concentrate on making listening more enjoyable for users. In the near future, we’ll see the rise of social features, where users can join with friends to create music playlists for parties or any other event.
In the end, they’ll be capable of discussing their particular style of artist, genre, and discoveries with friends. This can help people discover new music through their peers, create a sense of community, and meet music lovers.
Digital audio is becoming a part of high-fidelity audio options, giving listeners an increasingly immersive experience comparable to the original recordings.
Most streaming services utilize compression formats for audio (like MP3) to decrease the size of files. This allows streaming to be more efficient, but it also sacrifices specific audio data, which is also referred to as traditional streaming.
With lossless audio emerging as one of the most significant streaming trends in the music industry, the future of this field is definitely bright. Audio formats like FLAC or ALAC will compress music without compromising the content.
In the end, you will be able to hear every minute element of the track and feel as if you’re at the studio recording with the musician.
When discussing the latest trends in streaming music, it’s difficult not to mention AR and VR integration. This way, you can participate in concerts happening across the globe. This is how AR and VR could transport you to a different world, and that is why music is one of the top industries that use VR and Augmented Reality.
The potential that comes from AR development is well-known, as digital components are connected to the physical world, creating an exciting experience for the user. AR helps you experience a greater and deeper connection to music and immersive and interactive experiences. For instance, you could hold your phone up to the album’s cover and view behind-the-scenes footage, or any other awesome animation animation.
Virtual reality is where you enjoy live shows from any part of the world, and even look at various perspectives and more. It’s enough to make anyone giddy.
Imagine a close-up image of your favorite artist’s performance or in music videos. You can enjoy another kind of experience that fits your style and allows you to engage with the surroundings. While AR and VR are both in the first stage of music technology and may take some time to grow, the potential is evident.
As technology develops and becomes more affordable, companies will benefit from market trends in music streaming services to provide more engaging and customized user experiences.
Imagine that you can adjust the volume of music according to your mood or activities due to the integration of intelligent home appliances. With virtual assistants such as Alexa, you can manage playback, change volume, and so on, which is perfect for those who do not want to use their hands while doing dishes or sweeping.
Smart speakers will analyze your listening area and provide suggestions based on this, resulting in an easier, more personalized, and immersive experience to listen to music efficiently, optimizing your listening experience to provide the best experience. In addition, by integrating them, it is possible to join your favorite music player to a speaker and create the perfect music with music that flows from one room to another.
With the growth of music streaming apps, more than ever, the ownership of music is a subject of debate. With transparent and secure technology like blockchain, artists can monitor the location and frequency at which their music is being streamed and receive royalties for each play.
Additionally, it could allow users to own a portion or all rights for a song, which could lead to increased revenues for musicians. Furthermore, it removes middlemen to make the music industry more transparent, which will lead to an increase in demand for blockchain-based apps.
These trends must be top of your list when you plan to develop an app for streaming music soon.
The music streaming app development is bringing the music industry to new heights. With the rather new metaverse concept, music streaming apps have lots of potential. The music industry will be keeping an eye on live streaming to observe how it works, how applications for developing music streaming apps will work with the experience, and how it could transform the world of music as metaverses gain traction.
It could grow into something greater than we think of right now. Some say Spotify has already begun to hint at being part of the Metaverse, which could be completely new in the world of music.
The music business will continue to grow and change, becoming more important than ever as music streaming services grow in popularity and new methods for users to connect with music are developed. We suggest that you hire music streaming app development company like Idea2App to determine if you have an appropriate tech stack fit and if you’re willing to be a part of the transformative changes to music streaming.
The use of smart personal playlist algorithms and well-designed UI/UX designs can positively increase dependency on the music streaming app. The more in-depth you look into each user’s preferences, the more precise your music library and sets will become.
Users can join playlists, share music with friends, or discover upcoming artists with social features.
Music streaming apps are classified into three categories: Radio Streaming Services, Music Media Libraries, and Cloud Storage-Based Music Players, each offering distinct features.
To use the music streaming application, you must get music licenses. You will have to deal with artists and labels or utilize music licensing companies like Music Reports or BMI. The cost for acquiring music licenses varies based on the size of the library and the popularity of the artist.