13 Jun 2025
  

Factors Affecting Cost of Video Streaming Platform Like OSN+ in Mena

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Rupanksha

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OSN+

The MENA region has been home to what could be one of the most exciting digital transformation hotspots, namely the growth of services for streaming videos. With a growing need for entertainment on demand, video streaming platforms such as OSN+ have a huge impact on the region’s population, offering the best content and an entirely individualized viewing experience that is tailored to specific preferences and tastes.

According to Statista, the video streaming industry will expand exponentially and is predicted to grow rapidly at a rate of 6.27% from 2025 until 2029, pushing the market’s value to $6.62 billion in 2029. This rapidly changing industry raises an important question for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners: it’s no longer about deciding whether to invest in a streaming service but what kind of platform one will choose.

Before you dive into this thrilling field, consider one key aspect: gaining an understanding of the financial foundations to advance your ideas.

This blog will help you understand the various layers of investment required to create an online streaming platform such as the OSN+ application. We will also explore the causes that could increase cost of mobile app development in the Middle East and ways to build a high-quality app that meets modern streaming demands and improves the user’s experience.

What is OSN+?

What is OSN+?

OSN+, a premium MENA streaming application, offers an extensive collection of distinctive television shows, films, and original content from various genres. It caters to a range of viewers by offering the latest entertainment on demand, such as popular international shows, Arabic dramas, and Hollywood blockbusters.

With features such as offline viewing, parental controls, and personalized recommendations, the platform allows users to stream in high definition on multiple devices. An Arabic streaming app such as OSN+ allows people to enjoy content on the go.

Leveraging expertise of software development in the Middle East, you can build OSN+ alternatives using simple payment options and an intuitive user interface. I have found that creating my own OSN+ app clones is the most effective option for businesses as it continuously adds the latest content to its catalog and grants users access to exclusive content.

Types of Live Streaming Apps

When you decide to create an app for live streaming, you must know the type of live streaming app it falls under. There are three kinds of live-streaming applications.

1. Live Broadcasting Apps

Live broadcasting apps are the most well-known type of live-streaming application. They allow users to transmit live-streamed video and audio recordings to other users connected to the streaming. These apps have led to a multitude of online influencers and famous people.

2. Audio Streaming

Create a video of the image, and you can download an app that streams audio. An app for streaming audio lets you listen to audio streamed via the internet in real-time.

Examples: Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music.

3. Video-On-Demand Streaming

This kind of live streaming application allows users to plan and view their preferred TV shows on the internet whenever they like.

Technical Stack Needed for Video Streaming App Development Like OSN+

video streaming

Since the primary goal of software development for streaming media is translating content into an actual world setting, a specific technological stack is required to establish and maintain it successfully. In this article, we will examine a few of them specifically.

1. Live Streaming SDK

This is an instrument to aid in software development. It is also known as the Software Development Kit. It has a range of libraries, documentation codes, tool sets, and guides that assist developers in building applications. It is compatible with an API, which refers to a collection of tools, and SDK aids you in using and managing these tools. Therefore, SDK assists in creating applications, testing them, and uploading them.

2. Content Delivery Network (CDN)

The right CDN will ensure high performance and accessibility of the live stream since it places the content as close to the user as possible, thus boosting the speed of streaming overall and the platform’s performance. A popular and decent choice for this scenario is AWS CloudFront, which runs many well-known streaming platforms. Amazon Chime will benefit if you want to utilize the WebRTC protocol.

3. Video Streaming API

API refers to an Application Programming Interface, an old-fashioned language used to create streams of code for various streaming programs. It consists of several tools that aid the developer in his work. API makes the development of a video streaming platform simpler. It is most often employed to manage video content and customize it. It is a crucial device for mobile video application development.

4. Streaming Protocols

There are two most commonly utilized protocols: RTMP and WebRTC. The RTMP protocol is used to stream high-quality media content, while WebRTC provides a real-time connection feature. This means that RTMP offers users high-quality video and audio content that is particularly suitable for translating concert performances, for instance. However, it takes more time to complete the process over WebRTC, which is more suited to real-time communications and is utilized for video calls within applications like Zoom.

5. Media Player

The most crucial thing to consider in the live-streaming process is that it influences the development process and is based on your goals. It is, therefore, essential to choose which kind of streaming you want to use and where you wish for it to be translated. The most commonly used method is to select the HTML5 video player since all types of devices support it. It is the ideal option for video streaming site development.

Essential Features of Developing Video Streaming Platform Like OSN+

Essential Features of Developing Video Streaming Platform Like OSN+

The most significant feature is the video streaming API integration, which assists users in participating in video conferencing and recording videos from the application. But here are the fundamental elements needed to develop the MVP for a live-streaming application:

1. Real-time Streaming

The app’s main draw is the feature permitting users to record and stream live streams to viewers who are subscribed to the creator’s channel or the general public.

2. User Profile

The principal purpose of a profile is to share the user’s private details and profile pictures with friends and followers. This feature can be useful since it lets users choose who can read their personal information and modify their privacy settings. Your program will also gain an extra level of security and flexibility through this method.

3. Ratings and Comments

Social interaction is crucial for the success of live-streaming applications. Therefore, it is essential to include an option for rating and comments so that users can provide feedback.

4. User Registration and Login

Each software program must have an initial registration form so that users can create an account and then use their credentials to log in to the application.

5. Search

Users can find details by topic, popularity, trending channels, location, interests, or topic using the search bar. Access to your desired streams is possible thanks to the feature significantly enhancing user experience. In turn, you get more things.

6. Multi-Device Compatibility

The OSN+ application for TV supports many devices. With no interruptions, viewers can start viewing on one device and then move to another, ensuring seamless access to content across various platforms.

7. User Gallery

Videos recorded are saved and organized within the users’ profile page in the gallery. The gallery is an archive of digital content where users can share their portfolios with other users and revisit their most memorable moments. The gallery feature allows for engagement with the community and the ability to discover content.

8. Live Events

Live news, sports, and other special events can be streamed live using the OSN+ app for PC. The adaptive bitrate streaming feature and HD video boost the quality. The feature will keep users entertained with new and innovative videos.

9. Multi-Language Support

The various OSN+ apps APK alternatives include subtitles, dubbing options, and content in various languages. This makes it easier to access content worldwide and is beneficial to a range of viewers.

10. HD & 4K Streaming

A customized OTT application such as OSN+ provides High-quality playback that adjusts resolution based on the speed of the internet. HD, Full HD, and 4K UHD support can enhance viewing quality.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing an App Like OSN+

App Like OSN+

For around 20 MENA regions, VOD earnings are anticipated to rise to $2.3 billion and reach $4 billion by 2027, which will showcase the region’s increasing capability to stream video. Creating a video streaming platform like OSN+ entails multiple expenses, such as developing and designing interfaces, hosting, and licensing content. Budgeting is based on factors such as platform size, functionality, and market demands.

The price of developing an online video streaming platform development like OSN+ can range between $50,000 and $300,000+ [183650 – 1101900+ The cost to develop a platform like OSN+ ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. Why is there such a broad price range? All it boils down to the scale and scope of your undertaking.

Various variables determine the cost of creating an app that streams live. Let’s examine the following factors:

1. Type of App

The second important element determining the total price of developing an application for streaming video is the kind of streaming app. It is essential to comprehend that a streaming application is divided into three distinct categories, which are as follows:

  • Live Video Streaming Applications: The top examples of live streaming applications are YouTube Live, Twitch, and many more. They focus on broadcasting in real time.
  • On-Demand Streaming Applications: Netflix is the most popular example of these streaming video apps. It lets users stream content according to their preferences.
  • Social Media Video Applications: TikTok is one of the most well-known social media video applications that allows users to create video content.

You must understand that each type of video content requires unique back-end functionality and setups that impact the total cost. For instance, numerous live-streaming applications require an impressive server infrastructure to manage real-time information. This infrastructure is, in fact, quite costly compared to the other services.

2. Number of Features

Incorporating various features into an application for streaming video raises the overall development cost. Therefore, it is recommended to use only those features that are necessary.

The most important features you should consider integrating are a content management system (CMS) and the management of user profiles, search and filtering, push notifications, and more.

These features are required to enhance the user experience. They are also essential to raising the overall development cost due to the need for expertise and time.

3. Platform Selection

The platform you choose to build your application for streaming video directly affects the cost of development. Whether you choose one platform or a cross-platform design could significantly impact the total cost of development.

If you build an application separately for each iOS and Android platform, the price will increase primarily because you need to develop specific platforms.

Utilizing a variety of cross-platform app development frameworks like React Native or Flutter tends to reduce the overall cost as developers write a single codebase that works on various platforms.

Web-based applications are affordable but do not provide the same user experience or speed as native apps.

4. Video Hosting

Video hosting is another crucial element that can affect the development costs of a streaming video application if you decide between setting up your own server to host your videos or utilizing third-party hosting services.

Hosting from Vimeo, AWS, or other hosts offers full scalability but also has recurring costs. Developing your infrastructure requires an initial hardware, software, or maintenance investment.

5. Quality Assurance

An extensive testing process is required to ensure that the application functions efficiently. Quality assurance involves testing for bugs, enhancing the app’s performance, and ensuring compatibility across different mobile devices and platforms. The cost of quality assurance can increase, particularly when testing complex features.

6. App Complexity

The complexity of the app has a major impact on the development costs. Consider that a basic app with a few basic features requires less development time.

In the meantime, if you’d like to build a robust application that includes advanced features like AI-enabled recommendation, multiple language support, and more, you will need to invest more money.

In other words, the more intricate the application you require, the more resources and time will be required to build it, increasing the overall cost.

7. Functionality

The features you want to incorporate into your video apps will also impact the development costs. The most well-known features, like user authentication, video playback, basic analytics, and more, are more affordable to implement.

Additionally, the most modern features, such as cloud DVR, personalized suggestions, and real-time chat, could increase your budget due to their difficulty in development.

8. Usage of Tech Stack

The technology you use to create your video apps can impact the cost of development and performance. To develop a wide range of streaming applications, you require a robust technology stack, which includes frameworks and programming languages.

In addition, you will require numerous tools to use, whether for front-end, back-end, or development of databases. Let’s look at a comprehensive overview of the most popular technology used in video streaming apps:

  • Programming languages include iOS and Kotlin in Swift and JavaScript for Android application development.
  • Dynamic Adaptive Streaming protocols via HTTP (DASH) and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).
  • Cloud Services: Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.

The cost of integrating these latest technologies into your app is contingent on its complexity, licensing costs, required expertise, and other factors.

9. Development Team Location

Geographic location is another aspect that could impact the total development costs of the video streaming application. It is important to know that the cost for hiring a video streaming app development company can differ based on local economies, experience, industry standards, and more.

In particular, those residing in Europe, the USA, and Europe typically charge more than those in other areas. The charges typically range between $100 and $250 per hour.

Eastern European developers generally offer a mid-range pricing structure, ranging from $40-$80 per hour. Developers based in Asia are more affordable, and their fees vary from $20 to $50 per hour.

If you are considering hiring developers from a place that offers the lowest cost, verify their experience, knowledge, and the caliber of their work.

10. Third-Party Integration

Third-party integration is a must for high-end performance. However, it also increases the development costs of video applications. Payment integration is among the best examples of third-party integration to facilitate subscriptions and transactions.

You could consider integrating PayPal and Stripe. You must also connect to Google Analytics to get precise information about user behavior. Social media integration is essential for users to share their content easily. These integrations require developers’ time, an annual licensing fee, and impact development costs.

11. Compliant to Security Standards

Regarding security, ensuring the application runs smoothly is crucial, specifically for handling user data and transactions. It also ensures conformity with the most recent security standards, such as GDPR, data encryption, PCI-DSS, etc.

It could also increase the total development cost. Various features, such as end-to-end encryption, DRM, two-factor authentication, and many more, require experts to use them efficiently.

Tips for Reducing the Cost to Develop an App Like OSN+

streaming app

If you are thinking of developing a video streaming platform like Shahid or OSN+, there are ways to lower expenses while maintaining the user experience and functionality. Let’s take an in-depth look below:

1. Utilize Regional Collaborations

Working with regional telecom companies and content developers, as well as production studios within MENA nations like Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, can greatly reduce operational expenses. Collaboration with telecom companies on subscription plans and local content producers who create original content could draw the attention of a loyal user base and cut down on the costs of acquiring content.

2. Incremental Launches

Instead of initiating simultaneously in every MENA country, you could start with the most important markets, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Once the platform is popular and you have a good foundation, you can expand to other nations, efficiently dispersing the costs and resources.

3. Adopt an MVP Approach

The release of a minimum viable product (MVP) allows you to start deploying a basic version of your service streaming, including important features like video-on-demand or subscription plans. This approach reduces the initial development costs and provides crucial user feedback to improve future features. Creating an MVP can reduce the initial cost by up to 50%, making it feasible for startups and smaller companies.

4. Delegated Development

Hiring a mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia can cut costs while allowing access to skilled developers. This is cheaper than utilizing internal teams and gives access to experts familiar with local regulations and consumer preferences.

Steps for Developing a Video Streaming Platform Like OSN+

The step-by-step guideline will alert you to potential dangers because there are some emerging aspects you’ll never notice. Therefore, we’ve divided the entire process into seven phases. The first step is to do some research.

1. Determine Your Niche

The first step in creating an effective iOS or Android application is choosing an appropriate market niche. Various live-streaming applications are available on demand. Can you provide your viewers with access to live streams of global sports or cartoon events?

We recommend conducting a market and competitive analysis before developing live-streaming video applications. This will help you select a market without well-known products and develop a streaming application.

2. Recognize the needs of your audience

Creating a live-streaming application built on speculation is not something you’re looking to achieve. Instead, you need to determine the needs of the app’s users. Interview and organize user surveys to discover issues before they become a problem.

Early feedback will assist you in staying on the right track while developing your live app. You may also be in your very first beta users’ security.

Step 3: Select Monetization Methods

You’ll have to make money from the live-streaming app. These are the three most effective methods.

  • The paid app costs its users to install it.
  • A free application with some features only accessible to subscribers who pay is freemium.
  • Utilize the app to display advertisements and earn cash.

However, it’s rare to see a product with only one monetization strategy. Since it’s more secure and stable, it’s usually composed of three or more. Learn more about these monetization techniques and how free apps generate income in our special article.

3. Use a Reliable Platform for Hosting, Storing, and Live Streaming

It’s next to decide the best platform for streaming, hosting, and storing content. It’s never an ideal idea to choose the most affordable provider.

It’s possible to justify sacrificing quality in exchange for price initially, but as traffic and users increase, the app’s performance becomes obvious. Videos that are slow to stream and not high-quality are unacceptable to users and will fail the app.

You can use scalable and secure cloud services for storage and hosting by selecting Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure. Finding mobile app developers well-versed in the latest technologies and platforms is an option for building the best live-streaming application.

4. UI/UX Design

Your UI/UX design for your live streaming app is due. According to our blog post on designing your product, simplicity, and ease of use should be at the top of your list. Since simplicity and ease of use directly impact customer satisfaction and retention, they should be given the top spot.

When designing your stream’s live UX design, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:

  • Use a responsive, simple-to-use button that lets viewers begin and stop streaming; use an uncluttered, minimalist design that shows live content as well as interactive features such as the reaction and chat emojis that encourage interaction with viewers;
  • Ensure the screen’s navigational system for finding recorded and live material is clear.
  • You should test the designs on users to determine and remove any obstacles.

When designing the UI/IX style of a video streaming app, the level of interaction affects the user’s experience.

5. Create an App to Manage Streaming Services MVP

The most crucial part of our instructional guide on beginning an online video-streaming company is creating the live-streaming software. In this phase, it is necessary to discuss architecture, define deadlines, define specific and non-functional specifications, and more.

Since Netflix’s reputation is based on a smooth user experience, be sure to pay careful attention to the platform structure you recommend. Users can easily search for shows and movies by the name of the producer, celebrity, genre, and many other factors.

6. Gather Feedback, Launch, and Improve

Your product’s release will result from all the effort you spent on the discovery process, testing, and MVP creation. At this point, the team of experts will surely complete the essential tasks; however, a couple of important decisions must be made.

Typically, the launch begins with a test version to gather feedback from users and make any needed adjustments to your application. Platforms like Google Play beta for Android and TestFlight for iOS are commonly used.

The work doesn’t end until the app launches. After the launch, you must monitor the user’s behavior in your live-streaming application. Most of the important findings are often discovered in this phase. This is why it is essential to examine, test, and then apply the findings to the current system.

Hidden Costs of Video Streaming App Development Like OSN+

When you are developing a video streaming platform like OSN+, unanticipated costs such as maintenance for the application hosting, marketing, are not uncommon.

1. Application Hosting

Hosting reliability is crucial for continuous streaming. The cost of developing an application for video streaming service increases because expanding the cloud infrastructure is necessary. The development costs associated with an OSN+ app will be affected by the chosen methods of video distribution and storage.

2. App Maintenance

Running a streaming service like OSN+ requires frequent updates, including bug fixes and performance improvements. This ensures that the OSN+ streaming platform remains secure and competitive.

3. Promoting and Marketing Apps

Promotion is important for developing a video streaming platform like OSN+. Advertising OSN+’s OSN+ app through multiple platforms, including ads and social media, raises the costs of creating an online video streaming platform like OSN+. Furthermore, establishing a profitable OSN+ application business model requires ongoing user interaction.

These hidden expenses should be accounted for when planning video streaming platform development strategies like OSN+.

How do you Monetize Video Streaming Platforms like OSN+?

Companies can develop an OSN+ Play app for Apple TV users to earn cash in various ways. These apps can help increase profits by offering premium features, advertisements, and subscriptions.

1. Data Monetization

Content producers and advertisers can purchase data-driven insights from user browsing preferences, engagement, and metrics patterns. You must be aware of how to create your own OSN+ web application to make specific advertising recommendations enhanced with data-based techniques.

2. Premium Features

Customers who pay can be lured into the service by offering exclusive features like ad-free streaming, early access to the latest releases, and exclusive content. Furthermore, investing in OSN+ TVOS app development will allow users to gain additional benefits through a tiered pricing structure.

3. In-App Purchases

In it, customers can purchase digital products such as pay-per-view events, movie rentals, and virtual presents. Promotions with limited-time discounts entice users to spend more, which can increase sales. If you are a customer who wants specific content but doesn’t want whole subscriptions, this model provides flexibility.

4. Brand Merchandising

Streaming services can be used to offer branded products such as T-shirts, mugs, and posters. This improves brand recognition for fans and creates additional revenue. Therefore, businesses should focus on mobile development applications and use this model for affiliate merchandise sales.

5. Ad Campaigns

Businesses can earn money through third-party advertisements by integrating full-stack development services with streaming apps. Furthermore, advertisers can buy ad space effortlessly based on user demographics, viewing habits, and content engagement.

6. Subscription Services

A subscription model, either monthly or annual, allows customers unlimited access to the content they want and also generates regular revenues. The basic, standard, and premium pricing levels maximize user retention by catering to various users. To implement this model, you need to contact an Android mobile app development company in Bahrain for expert services.

The Key Takeaway

OSN+ like app

Before you begin live-streaming app development, it is important to understand your company’s fundamental requirements, goals, and target audience. This will help you plan how to design the ideal streaming application for your company. Additionally, you require complete details about the technology stack, platform, etc.

We hope that this article has made you aware of the expense of creating an app similar to the OSN+ app. A partnership with a company like Techugo is crucial when developing streaming apps. As a mobile app development company in UAE, we can offer expertise and know-how to ensure that your app meets industry standards and users’ expectations.

Turn your streaming app idea into reality with TechugoContact us today!

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