Video streaming is an innovative technology that has shaken up the industry in recent years. It helps individuals and businesses reach international audiences, boost user experience, improve brand recognition, and solve a variety of other tasks. Just think of it—in 2024, 89% of U.S. households subscribed to at least one streaming service, and this number continues to rise.
Every day, billions of people watch videos in real-time, making it one of the best instruments for earning revenues, spreading the word about brands, and educating audiences in all imaginable segments. The most successful examples of video streaming apps are Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Paramount.
In this article, we are going to discuss the definition of video streaming platforms, as well as their benefits, types, and potential challenges. We will also explain how to create a video streaming platform that people will like. Stay tuned!
Understanding video streaming
Before discussing how to build a video streaming website, let us dwell deeper on the theory behind this technology. In the section below, you will find out what video streaming is, what benefits it has to offer, and which types of live broadcasting exist.
What is a video streaming platform?
It is an online service that allows users to watch videos in real time without downloading them. Video streaming platforms deliver numerous content types: TV shows, full-length movies, podcasts, live events, and more.
Such platforms provide smooth broadcasting on various devices, offer different subscription models, and often boast advanced features like AI recommendations and social media integration. A streaming platform stores video files on a server, breaks them into smaller parts, and sends them over the Internet to the user’s device.
If you still don’t know whether building a streaming service is right for your business, let us lay out the main benefits you can get from live broadcasting:
- Cheaper compared to traditional broadcasting. Video streaming content doesn’t require middlemen or physical distribution, so there are no expenses related to satellites or cinema leasing.
- Revenue maximization. Video streaming comes with multiple monetization channels, which you can adapt to your business needs.
- Worldwide coverage. Creating a streaming service allows companies access to hundreds of markets. For example, Netflix is available in more than 190 countries.
- Next-level personalization. Streaming technology comes with lots of personalization features like AI suggestions based on history or creating custom playlists.·
- Rich functionality. Unlike traditional TVs, streaming platforms offer smart notifications, multilingual subtitles, synchronization across several devices, and other advanced features.
Types of video streaming platforms
If you want to learn how to build a video streaming app, it is important to know what types of platforms exist and which of them best suits your needs. Here are the most common types of streaming websites that have conquered the modern market:
- On-demand streaming platforms allow users to watch content at any time without scheduled broadcasts. For example, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
- Live streaming platforms broadcast content in real-time. Such video streaming websites are perfect for social interactions, gaming, and live events.
- OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms bypass cable providers and deliver content through the Internet. Some of the most popular OTT platforms are HBO Max and Apple TV.
- User-generated content apps, as you get from the title, allow users to create and share videos. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube are the brightest examples.
- Niche streaming platforms focus on a particular audience. For instance, Peloton is for fitness lovers, and MasterClass is for those who want to learn something new.
5 steps to develop a video streaming platform
Now that you understand the theory, let’s explore how to build a video streaming platform that excites the audience and brings revenue.
We will concentrate on five major steps: defining your niche, choosing the right monetization strategy, hiring a skilled software development company, deciding what features you want to implement, and launching the final product.
Step 1: Define your niche and audience
The global video streaming market is projected to soar from $674.25 billion in 2024 to $2.66 trillion by 2032, marking a remarkable 18.7% annual growth rate, meaning that there’s enough room for everyone. You just need to know who your audience is!
Thus, the first step to building a video platform is conducting market research. What type of content do you want to offer? What is your target audience? Who is your ideal viewer? You should understand what the audience needs and likes and what problems it may have. Other issues to consider are demographics, online behaviors, accessibility, and content preferences.
To create a successful video streaming application, you should also analyze competitors, detect their weak points, and find the gaps you can fill. Your niche should be a combination of expertise, market potential, and profitability. It should also remain relevant for years to come and fit into your goals.
Defining the right niche helps with building a strong content strategy, shaping your branding, and choosing the correct monetization method.
Step 2: Choose your monetization strategy
Once you decide what niche you want to enter and who your audience will be, it is the right time to determine how your streaming platform will generate money. The main monetization strategies are:
- Subscription-based model is when users pay a monthly or yearly fee to access the content. Thus, you get a predictable income stream, build loyalty, and reduce dependency on ads and product placements.
- Advertising-based model. When choosing this model, you provide free content access with advertisements running during playbacks. Thus, platforms can reach broader audiences and attract companies willing to advertise.
- Pay-per-view model allows users to pay for pieces of content they are interested in instead of subscribing to the entire platform. The most common use cases of pay-per-view models are live events, concerts, movie premieres, and exclusive conferences.
You can also create a video streaming website with a hybrid monetization model by combining different approaches, for example, subscriptions and sponsorships. It is also ok to change the monetization strategy if you see that it no longer meets your goals.
Step 3: Partner with a software development company
Unless you already have an in-house team of engineers, working with an outsourcing software company ensures high-quality and secure video streaming app development. An experienced engineering agency can help you with platform architecture, backend development, UI/UX, and integration of monetization instruments and features.
Before signing a deal, discuss your goals, budget, and deadlines. Break the development process into milestones and establish clear communication to achieve desired results.
At Eastern Peak, we can help you create a tailored, cutting-edge solution that captivates your audience and ensures success. Thinking of launching a video streaming platform?
Step 4: Decide on the key features of your video streaming platform
To build a video streaming app that attracts users and drives sales, you should decide what features your platform will offer. Here are some of the key elements that popular streaming platforms implement:
- Registration and user profile. It allows users to register through email, phone, and social media, as well as to add profile pictures and preferences or set parenting controls.
- Content library. This feature gives users an opportunity to easily find the content they need thanks to a convenient layout and navigation. Adding categorization and filtering by genre or popularity is also a great idea.
- Content discovery. Implement AI-powered suggestions and tags for easier navigation and search. Some video streaming platforms allow users to create personalized playlists.
- Video player interface. These features may include adjusting video quality, controlling playbacks, and using the Picture-in-Picture mode.
- Live streaming. Your website may support real-time events and allow viewers to pause the streams or even interact with hosts.
- Social sharing. This feature gives users an opportunity to share videos on social media, rate content, and watch it together.
- Multi-device syncing. Make sure that the content runs smoothly on all types of screens: desktops, TVs, mobile devices, and tablets.
- Localization. To reach as many viewers as possible, add multilingual support and location-based recommendations.
- Payment options. Offer viewers a free trial and several subscription models. Don’t forget to add multiple payment methods for maximum convenience.
Remember that a feature-rich video streaming app boosts user satisfaction and long-term engagement. But the more features you implement, the more time-consuming and expensive the development process and maintenance may be. Before stuffing your website with features, always consider your budget and timelines.
Step 5: Test and launch your video streaming platform
The final step of video streaming application development is testing to ensure smooth performance without errors. On this stage, the testing team checks core features like registration and payments, ensures that the platform can handle high traffic without lags, and checks whether all security measures work the way they should. Testing the app on different devices and browsers is also a great idea.
Don’t expect to build a video streaming platform without flaws. Instead, launch a beta version to fix possible problems, gather feedback, and improve performance. Announce the launch through social media and influencers to attract as many users as possible.
By following these steps, you can create a profitable and successful video streaming website that users will like!
Challenges when developing a video streaming platform
Knowing how to start a video streaming service is important, but you should also be aware of the main difficulties that may arise on the way. In the following section, we will cover such challenges as content licensing, data security, and performance.
Content licensing
Building a video streaming website is a huge deal, but it is not everything. You need to fill it with content and own the rights for it. Whether you are planning to broadcast live events, TV shows, or movies, you need to obtain licenses from content creators and studios. And they can cost you a small fortune!
To overcome this challenge, cooperate with independent creators, utilize user-generated content, or produce videos on your own. Thus, you will significantly reduce licensing fees or won’t have to pay for them at all.
Data privacy and security
Another issue you should think about in the process of video streaming mobile app development is data security. Video streaming platforms collect payment details, viewing history, and other personal information that is highly desirable by hackers. Security breaches may harm your reputation and lead to huge financial losses.
To protect sensitive data, streaming platforms should implement multi-factor authentication and SSL encryption, as well as follow GDPR policies. Make sure to use watermarks and DRM solutions to prevent content theft and unauthorized downloads.
Scalability and performance
To build a video streaming website without buffering or crashes, businesses need to know how to handle high traffic volumes and peak hours.
Poor performance may easily drive users away and you will have a really hard time gaining their trust and loyalty back. You need to have a strong backend infrastructure, cloud-based hosting, and content delivery networks to broadcast videos worldwide, prevent server overload, and remain flexible.
Video streaming platform development: overcoming challenges and scaling success
Creating a video streaming website in 2025 is a great idea. This technology can significantly boost your brand awareness and sales, reaching target markets in all corners of the world. Video streaming offers lots of broadcasting types, monetization options, and features, allowing you to tailor this technology to your specific needs and budget.
To develop your app, choose the right niche and monetization strategy, decide what features you want to implement, and test the platform before launching.
If you don’t know how to create a video streaming website, entrust the process to professionals. Drop us a message and let us help bring your idea to life!
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About the author:
Alexey Shalimov, CEO at Eastern Peak
As CEO at Eastern Peak, a professional software consulting and development company, Alexey ensures top quality and cost-effective services to clients from all over the world. Alexey is also a founder and technology evangelist at several technology companies. Previously, as a CEO of the Gett (GetTaxi) technology company, Alexey was in charge of developing the revolutionary Gett service from ground up and deploying the operation across the globe from New York to London and Tel Aviv.
