How to Create a Video Streaming Platform from Scratch: Essential Tips

We live in the era of video content. There’s no denying that video has become the most popular form of delivering information. Now, streaming platforms are gaining popularity all around the globe. In this guide, we’ll talk about the main stages of a video streaming site development and touch upon the question of its monetization.

Types of Online Video Streaming Services

Broadly speaking, media streaming means the non-stop flow of video or audio directly from a provider to users. Users don’t have to download and save anything on their PCs; instead, they can watch films/listen to music online. However, it’s important to distinguish two basic types of streaming platforms.

1.  On-demand services. In the framework of this approach, users can start, pause, and then continue watching a movie or a video clip at their wish. A good example of a platform of this type is Netflix.

2. Live streaming services. Here, video content is recorded and immediately broadcasted. Users can’t choose to watch it later. The technology of live streaming is now used by many major platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

How to Create a Video Streaming Service from Scratch: a Detailed Plan

Developing a streaming platform from scratch is quite a challenge, as there are too many things to consider. Everyone who wants to start a streaming service should begin with a roadmap. What we offer is a detailed activity plan, which includes the main steps to be made in this direction. Of course, you may expand or upgrade this plan in accordance with your needs.

Define the Target Audience

Before you start developing your project, you need to understand clearly what your typical user will look like. Try to “draw” a detailed portrait. Here are some basic aspects to consider (you may add others if you wish):

• Age/gender
• Occupation
• Income level
• Hobbies, etc.

Additionally, you may ask people around you (friends, relatives, co-workers) about what particular features they would like to see in a streaming service.

Choose the Right Development Team

A professional development team is an absolute must for the creation of a product of such complexity. To hire professionals you may choose one of the three options:

1. Hire freelancers. You’ll find dozens of offers on such platforms as Freelancer or Upwork. This option is the cheapest but the least reliable. Keep in mind that a freelance team is always a “pig in a poke”.

2. Hire an in-house team. Employed developers will work in your office and get salaries from you. On the plus side, you’ll be able to monitor the whole process and control every stage. On the minus side, this option is the most expensive one.

3. Hire an outsourcing team. If you put enough effort to find good outsourced developers, you can significantly cut off the cost to build a website with no loss in quality. For example, a popular destination for finding outsourcers is Eastern Europe with an average rate of $50 per hour, which is pretty attractive compared to $150 per hour in the US.

Make a List of MVP Features

MVP features are mandatory for the correct functioning of the website. Their list can vary from one platform to another. For a video streaming service, an approximate list of MVP features looks like the following:

• Sign up/log in. It’s crucial, especially, if you are planning to monetize the site.
• Profile management. Users must be able to add, edit, and delete personal and financial data.
• Search system. A streaming service must offer convenient filters and keyword search.
• Payment page. It’s a must-have for service, providing paid services.
• Content management. Focus on a simple and intuitive UI to let users manage content with no hassle.
• Home page. It’s your chance to make the first impression on users, so think about user-friendliness.
• Admin panel. 

Consider Adding Advanced Features

These features are not mandatory but nice to have if you want to make your website look professional. Examples of advanced features:

• The system of suggestions based on the query history
• Content downloading
• Gathering statistics
• Family profiles, etc.

Develop User-Friendly Interface

User experience is extremely important, as it is responsible for the attractiveness of the website. You’ll need highly skilled UI/UX designers to develop a user-friendly interface. 

Choose an Appropriate Tech Stack

The development process will involve several specialists: UI/UX designers, front-end and back-end developers, quality engineers, and, probably, some others. Each stage will require a particular set of developer tools (tech stack).

Monetization of a Streaming Service

It’s highly doubtful that you will ever create a video streaming site just for fun. Of course, your main purpose is getting profit. When it comes to monetization, several options are possible.

• Subscription. Within this approach, users pay a monthly/yearly fee to access the content.
• Pay per view. Users are offered to buy or rent access to selected movies at a small fee.
• Ads. This type of monetization is rather for on-demand services than for live streaming sites.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When releasing your first video streaming service, you may face various challenges. If you are aware of the common pitfalls, you’ll find a way to avoid them before it’s too late.

• Copyright issues. Using content without its owner’s permission will result in trouble.
• Bitrate. Let users choose the quality of the video.
• Age restrictions. Make sure that kids won’t access content for adults.
• Security. Encrypt video and use modern security protocols.

To Sum up

Developing a video streaming site from scratch is a complicated and time-consuming process. The keys to success are the right strategy and well-coordinated teamwork of professional developers.