How much does it cost to build an Arabic content streaming platform like Shahid?

Understanding the Cost of Building a Streaming Platform Like Shahid

Shahid is a global entertainment platform for Arabs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It is the first video-on-demand (VOD) service in the Arab world, powered by the MBC Group. Shahid offers the world’s top Arabic library of content and Western, Turkish, Korean, and Bollywood titles. The portal also offers a wide variety of entertaining, educational, and culturally sensitive material for children.

An Arabic content streaming service like Shahid costs between $40,000 and $300,000 (150k to 1100k AED), to give you a rough estimate. The location of the app development company, the UI/UX design of the app, the platform on which it is built, the coding process, and other factors all have an impact on the development cost.

Although it can be challenging to estimate the precise cost of developing a content streaming platform, a specialized app development company like PerfectionGeeks Technologies can give you an estimated budget based on your specific needs.

Additionally, our accurate formula can assist you in comprehending the cost structure of a content streaming platform like Shahid.

Here, the development hours refer to the amount of time needed to finish the app's wireframing, prototyping, and designing requirements, as well as its coding and maintenance. The hired app development company, about which we will learn more in a subsequent blog post, also affects the hourly fee for development.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build a Video Streaming App

Understanding the features and the technology that will be used to combine them is crucial before allocating the overall budget for creating a video streaming app. Additionally, it is essential to understand that selecting the best development team can ensure the highest ROI.

1. App complexity

   The budget for developing an app is significantly influenced by the total complexity of the app. You will pay more for a simple video streaming mobile app with few features built into it than for a very complicated content streaming platform like Shahid with a long feature list. Here are the estimated costs in MENA for developing apps at various levels of complexity:

   Video Streaming Platform Type Estimated average cost of mobile app development time frame:

   1. Simple: $40,000 to $60,000 3 to 6 months
   2. Moderately Complex $60,000 to $100,000 6 to 8 months
   3. Highly Complex $100,000 to $300,000 9+ months

2. UI/UX design of the app

   A clear UI/UX approach is necessary for the development of a strong mobile app and will guarantee the latter's success. For the video streaming platform to increase user engagement and retention, a seamless UI/UX design is essential. To accomplish this, multiple testing techniques are required to meet customer requirements to accomplish this. It's crucial to remember that these processes may influence how much Arabic video streaming services like Shahid charge.

   The following variables influence the price of the UI/UX design of the video streaming app:

   • Visual elements
   • Typography
   • Colour psychology
   • Content writing
   • Button placements
   • Branding
   • UI Optimization
   • Portrait or landscape mode

3. App platform

   The cost of developing an app is significantly influenced by the platform chosen. Based on a variety of factors, the budgetary needs for iOS and Android platforms vary. Budgetary issues also apply to cross-platform applications. Starting with a single platform and moving to cross-platform software after it finds popularity in the market is advised to maximise the budget initially. This strategy assures a successful launch while helping to control costs.

4. Team size

   Another important factor that might impact the cost of an Arabic content streaming platform like Shahid is the size of the hired app development team. For instance, the entire development cost would be considerably lower if you used freelancers for your project. Still, given the lack of expertise in the area, you will have to make quality compromises. However, you can cut costs if you outsource your project to a specialised app development company while utilising their years of experience.

   Team size required to build a dedicated video streaming platform:

   • 1-2 project managers
   • 1-2 business analysts
   • 2-3 front-end developers
   • 2-3 backend developers
   • 1-2 designers
   • 1-2 quality assurance analysts

5. Location of the app development agency

   The cost to establish a platform similar to Shahid in the UAE depends on where the app development company is located. For instance, compared to the UAE, UK, or US, the hourly rate of development is lower in regions like Asia. The estimated pace of development for various regions is as follows:

   Region Hourly Rate of Development:

   UAE $60-$65

   US $95-$100

   Western Europe $80-$90

   Australia $70-$90

   Eastern Europe $50-$55

   Asia $25-$40

6. Maintenance

   A significant element influencing the entire cost of developing an Arabic video streaming app in the UAE is ensuring adequate mobile app maintenance. It is essential to take concrete steps to guarantee the optimal performance and seamless operation of apps across all platforms. A flawless user experience is provided, and the app's lifespan is ensured through proper maintenance. The maintenance fee covers the costs associated with ensuring that the app is free of bugs, as well as the costs associated with providing app updates or implementing new technologies to meet market demands.

7. Tech stack

   The Arabic video streaming app may gain market momentum quickly and pave the road for its impending success with the help of a strong tech stack. It's also critical to realise that the cost of creating a streaming platform like Shahid depends on the technologies used to create the app.

8. Feature List

   When estimating the cost to develop a platform like Shahid, the feature list is essential. In general, an app's overall cost increases as more features are added. A well-defined feature set that distinguishes the app from rivals is required for market success. The feature set of the app should be able to improve the user experience and expand functionality.

Why is PerfectionGeeks Technologies the Right Choice to Develop a Video Streaming Platform like Shahid?

It's time to employ a specialised firm that can help you put things into perspective now that you completely understand the costs associated with creating a streaming platform like Shahid.

The premier app development business, PerfectionGeeks Technologies, has a wealth of expertise in providing high-quality, cutting-edge, and user-friendly OTT app development services.

With years of experience creating video streaming apps utilising cutting-edge technologies like HLS, RTMP, and MPEG-DASH, our highly qualified developers can help you. Additionally, we adapt our customised solutions to your unique business needs. Our attention to the user experience makes sure that the platform we design is simple to use, intuitive, and fun for users.

Some of our major customers in the MENA regions for whom we have helped to attain maximum ROI outcomes include KFC, Pizza Hut, Adidas, 6th Street, IKEA, and the Qatar Government (Hukoomi). Get in touch with our team to build a custom Arabic video streaming app and redefine your presence in this digital ecosystem.

FAQs

1. How much does the Shahid content streaming platform cost?

   Developing a video streaming platform like Shahid costs between $40,000 and $300,000 (150k AED to 1100k AED). Several factors further impact the overall development budget, for instance, the hourly rate of development, the UI/UX design of the platform, its coding process, the technologies used, feature set integration, etc.

2. How long does it take to develop a content streaming platform like Shahid?

   The time frame to create an app like the Shahid streaming platform varies as per the app’s overall complexity. For instance, a highly complex app with an extensive feature set will take around 9 to 10 months, while a simple video streaming app with minimal features will take around 4 to 5 months.

3. How much does the Shahid app cost?

   The Arabic video streaming app Shahid is free to download and also offers some limited free content to users. The app’s monthly subscription costs around 29 AED per month, while the annual plan costs around 299 AED. Shahid also offers a VIP plan that includes live TV channels and some exclusive content for 199 AED per month. It is also vital to understand that the app’s subscription rates vary depending on the user’s location.