Social Media Mobile Application Development Guide

Social media is becoming an integral part of everyone’s life nowadays. Once that started being in touch with family and friends soon became the platform for businesses and brands to connect with the target audience. With the rapid growth in this medium, numerous social media trends have emerged and evolved over the years. And also it became part of everyone helping to be at the top, which also helped develop new technologies like various apps. But the most common query here is how to build a social media platform for proper growth. Let’s look at the detailed knowledge of how and what things you have to focus on are the target audience. 

1. What Exactly Social Media Application Is?

Social media application refers to all the web-based technology that allows the sharing and publishing ideas, thoughts, and information like text, audio, video, and many more. It also enables users to interact socially and communicate with one another online. There are approximately 4.88 billion users available worldwide. Many popular online applications exist, including Facebook, Twitter, and others. Now the thing that excites most people around the world is how to make a social media app for oneself. Don’t worry. You are at the right place and will come to know everything about the one. So let’s begin with all the details from the initial.

2. Different Categories of Social Media Platforms that You Can Build?

Let’s first talk about the categories social media apps are classified into. This will make one understand which niche they will work on further. These are some of the traditional social media to know about:

1. Social Networking Apps

What Are Social Networking Apps? 

Social media networking app development can allow you to connect with family, friends, customers, or colleagues. They can be of social purpose, business purpose, or both. This allows the users to create a profile and add friends or followers. Can also help interact with them with various features such as messages, comments, likes, and shares. Multiple privacy settings are also available on this to restrict or protect the things you want to share with a particular audience. 

Why Do You Need These Apps? 

It allows one to keep in touch with the people who are essential to life, like family and friends. It provides the platform to connect with others and promote your business or personal brand. This can also be a source of entertainment, as they often include features such as games, quizzes, and interactive content. It helps you to find the most crucial career opportunities and connect with people across the globe. 

Example Of Social Networking Apps

Whatsapp – It is a cross-platform that allows users to do instant messaging and exchange videos, locations, and other media files for free. It is widely popular for reasons like having no particular word count limit for sending the message. It is typically used on a mobile device but also in desktop versions. Also uses end-to-end encryption that makes it compatible with many platforms, including mac, windows, iPhones, Androids, and PCs. There are approx 1.5 billion active users spanned across the world. 

2. Microblogging Apps

What Are Microblogging Apps?

It is surveyed that over 75% of people prefer reading articles under 1000 words. Writing shorter blogs can be helpful as more people will engage. Microblogging is considered the more concise form of blogging. They take the appropriate and relevant data to include in the particular topic. The word limit depends on the platform in use, but in most cases, it does not extend beyond a couple of paragraphs. The application allows you to share your message with the audience to improve engagement.   

Why Do You Need This App?

It makes it easier to communicate with the audience. As it allows the text to be concise, it helps the app connect with the consumers. The post can also include video and audio to elaborate things more clearly. It allows people to share their opinions and the word about a particular topic. It can be operated from anywhere and can also surf on mobile phones. Allows sharing updates quickly and easily without creating long-form content. That provides a good option for timely updates. 

Example of Microblogging Apps

Twitter- The service allows users to read and send short character messages, generally called “tweets .” There are two types of users on this platform: registered and unregistered. The difference is that registered users can read and post tweets, but unregistered users can only read them. The app experienced rapid growth, and around 237. 8 million active users are available in the market. 

3. Video Sharing Apps 

What Are Video-Sharing Apps?

It is the type of application that enables the sharing of videos. This refers to any program that records the videos and provides the menu option for sending the file. It also can be any supported file sharing through the local and cloud storage system. Aside from publishing pre-produced videos, there are also apps for live streaming that allow users to share video feeds in real-time. It has become a standard tool on the internet nowadays. For a more interactive online experience, the videos became necessary for the viewers.  

Why Do You Need This App?

The main benefit of the app is that it is very convenient. It allows the user to share the video regardless of the location. This makes all the things easy for the user to share the items with family, friends, and loved ones. The apps can be beneficial for the reach of the video shared across the globe, making it more effective to share the videos with a large audience. Some apps also provide the user with a platform to earn money by monetizing the content. 

Example of Video Sharing Apps 

Youtube- It is the most well-known application used by different users. It allows users to post videos in a wide range, including music, educational, and many more. Users can create their videos on the platform, and they can also watch others’ uploaded videos and subscribe to the channels they are interested in. Youtube became popular among various creators as it is partnered with other advertising that gives a chance to the users to earn money. 

4. Photo Sharing Apps

What Are Photo-Sharing Apps?

Do you remember old cameras with a roll of film to capture all the snaps? And it takes hours or sometimes days to get the pictures back. It was when you had to struggle a lot for one photograph, and with technological advancement, it became so easy that you could even take and collect thousands of pictures at times. Developers started to create a social media app for photo sharing where you can share all your memories with loved ones and people worldwide. 

Why Do You Need This App?

So most people share the pictures to show the experience and the moments they had experienced in a particular period to their loved ones, family, and friends. It is a convenient way of sharing photographs with anyone. These apps also allow users to earn a decent amount by posting relevant pictures. They can create their gallery and slideshows and add multiple views with the appropriate copyright they want to put. 

Example of Photo Sharing Apps

Pinterest- It is one of the best sites to post pictures on the platform. It includes the categories like architecture, home decor, science and travel, food, fashion, and any possible list of possibilities you can think of all are covered. Users can search for the image content and can follow pins or like that. Due to the wide variety of pictures and opportunities on the same platform, it became prevalent all around the globe. There are approximately 445 million people who use Pinterest per month. 

5. Instant Messaging Apps

What Are Instant Messaging Apps?

These applications allow the user to communicate with others in real time. This is possible with the help of audio, video messages, or through text. They can be accessed either from a computer or from a mobile phone. The apps are designed to be efficient for quick communication and user-friendly. They can have unique features that make them different from the other platforms. 

Why Do You Need This App?

There are many benefits related to instant messaging apps. Starting with text messaging is the central beneficial part of this platform. You can send or receive messages in real-time. Audio and video calls are also part of the apps you can either do one-to-one or group calls. File sharing is another valuable part of this app, so you can use it to share the document through the app whenever and from wherever you want to. Users can also create many different groups to communicate with other people at the time. 

Example Of Instant Messaging Apps

Viber- Users of the cross-platform VoIP and instant messaging service Viber can communicate via voice and video calls, stickers, group chats, and real-time voice and video messages. The number of active users in mobile messaging apps has almost reached 1.17 billion users worldwide. 

6. Live Streaming Apps

What Are Live Streaming Apps?

Applications such as live streaming services let users transmit live video over the internet. With the help of these apps, users can broadcast live video to a sizable audience, frequently as a live stream or a recorded video that can be viewed later. Apps for live streaming are popular for many uses, including music and entertainment, sports, news, politics, and more.

Why Do You Need This App?

Live streaming apps give consumers a quick and easy option to share video material with a big audience in real-time. Additionally, they enable interactive features that can make viewing more interesting for viewers and give content creators a way to make money. Apps for live streaming can democratize the way that video material is distributed by allowing a more extensive diversity of voices and viewpoints to be heard.

Example Of Live Streaming Apps

Periscope- With the help of the live video streaming app Periscope, users can view and publish live video feeds on their smartphones. Users can broadcast live videos with their followers or a larger audience via the app, created by Periscope and purchased by Twitter in 2015. Users can engage with the streamer and other viewers via a live chat feature while watching Periscope streams, which can be seen either within the app or online. Both iOS and Android smartphones can download the software.

7. Social Online Community Forum Apps

What Are Online Community Forum Apps?

These apps might have functions and resources for activities like social media. Apps for discussion forums are online platforms that let users engage in online conversations on various subjects. These apps often allow users to post new threads or topics, reply to them, and vote up or down on comments and replies. Reddit, Quora, and Disqus are some well-known Online community forum applications.

Why Do You Need This App?

Apps for discussion forums can be a helpful resource for meeting others with similar interests and participating in discussions on various subjects. Additionally, they can offer a platform where users can post queries, look for solutions, and receive comments from other users. Users can join in debates and interact with others online using discussion forum apps, which can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Example of Online Community Forum Apps

Quora- Users can ask and respond to questions on a range of subjects on Quora, a question-and-answer website. Users can contribute their knowledge and viewpoints on various topics, including science, technology, business, politics, and more, in the discussion forum that is often used. Both an iOS and Android mobile app and the Quora website are accessible. It is renowned for its high-quality material and as a reliable source of knowledge and information on various subjects.

8. Social Event Planning Apps 

What Are Social Event Planning Apps?

Social Event planning apps are used for planning, organizing, and managing events, including conferences, meetings, parties, and other get-togethers. The ability to generate and send invitations, manage RSVPs, schedule events and conferences, and keep track of guests are just a few of the functions that these applications may offer. Eventbrite, Meetup, and Calendly are some well-known online event-planning apps.

Why Do You Need This App?

For people and organizations wishing to organize and manage events more efficiently, Social event planning apps can be helpful. These apps can help users save time and resources by automating processes like invitation management and scheduling. They can also offer insights and analytics to support planning and evaluation. Any device with an internet connection may use event planning applications, a practical method for individuals and businesses to organize and manage events efficiently.

Example of Social Event Planning Apps 

Meetup- Users of Meetup can search for and join groups focused on a wide range of subjects, including hobbies, sports, networking for careers, and social concerns. Users can engage in conversations, go to live events and connect with other group members after joining a group. For iOS and Android users, Meetup also provides a mobile app that enables access to and participation in groups while on the go. Meetup’s overall goal is to facilitate in-person gatherings of people with similar interests and to aid in socializing.

9. Social Marketplace Apps

What Are Social Marketplace Apps?

Applications known as social marketplaces enable users to purchase and sell goods, services & digital assets (NFT) over the internet. These apps often give users a platform where they can search for and browse other users’ listings and market and advertise their goods and services. Due to their ease, a wide range of goods and services, price comparison capabilities, and anti-fraud security features, social marketplace apps might be helpful.

Why Do You Need This App?

Businesses and individuals wishing to efficiently market their goods or services online and reach a larger audience may find internet marketing applications handy. Features and tools for activities like social media marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and content marketing may be included in these apps. They can assist companies and people in enhancing the efficiency of their marketing initiatives, saving time and money, and remaining competitive in the digital environment.

Examples of Social Marketplace Apps

Taggbox- A platform for user-generated content called Taggbox aids marketers increase conversions, user engagement, and trust. We offer services for gathering user-generated content (UGC) from social media sites and displaying it through various marketing channels, including websites, events, digital outdoor advertising, email, social ads, and more.

10. Audio Social Apps

What Are Audio Social Apps?

The term “audio social apps“ refers to social media services that let users connect and share information using audio files like voice memos or podcasts. These apps frequently include capabilities including the ability to make and join audio rooms or channels, listen to and share audio content, and engage in audio comments or discussions with other users. Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, and anchor.fm are well-known audio and social media applications.

Why Do You Need This App?

Users of audio and social apps have an easy and entertaining way to interact with others and share information via audio material. Users who prefer audio content over other media types or find it challenging to read or view visual content may find it very helpful. Users uncomfortable creating or sharing graphic material may find audio and social apps easier to use and more accessible. 

Example Of Audio Social Apps

Clubhouse- Users of the audio and social software Clubhouse can create and join audio rooms or channels for in-person conversations on various subjects. Users of the app can initiate new discussions on any topic they choose, join existing ones already taking place, and communicate with one another through audio comments or discussions. The clubhouse has grown in popularity due to its specific format and capacity to promote fruitful and valuable conversations.

3. Why Invest in Social Media App Development – Market Size and Stats

Shedding more light on the significance of social media apps, here are some statistics that can help you understand the unprecedented scope of investment in social media app development.

• According to the current performance and demand for service, the worldwide social media market, from a valuation of $159.68 billion, reached $221.29 billion in 2022, a rise of a CAGR of 38.6%.
    
• The market is expected to grow to $777.64 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 36.9%.
  
• North America Is expected to have the largest contribution to the social media management market. 
  

4. What Are Social Media Trends to Follow in 2023?

Now that you know the types of social media apps, you can easily differentiate on which you have to start working on. Here are some social media trends you should know to be more explicit about what type of application can benefit your growth.

How to Create a Social Media App?

When making a social media app, you have to take care of the different things that are a necessary part of the development. These are the five major steps you need.

Step 1- Target Audience and Purpose

The first step is to define the app’s audience, which it has to focus on. It is necessary to analyze the process of what the app will do and who will use it, and what its intent is. This will help you to have the proper information and a clear understanding of the audience. Also, it will help build the app according to the requirement.

Step 2- Consult a Development Company

When you know the purpose and the target audience you want to focus on, the most important thing is consulting a development company for the further process. They can help you in processing the application in a better way, and also they can assist you in choosing the platforms and further required processes.  Still, if you are facing difficulty finding one, we at Emizen tech can assist you in making the perfect social media application for your business.  

Step 3 – Choose a Platform.

There are several options available to know how to build social media apps. It includes native development, which means the platforms with specific tool users like iOS, Android Studio, or Xcode. Next comes cross-platform development, which uses different tools like a flutter or Reacts Native. Or you can also focus on the combination of both. You need to take care of the target audience complexity of your app when you decide on the platform of development. 

Step 4- Build a Minimal Viable Product

This is the most basic version of your application that includes only the necessary features. These features enable you to test your app with a small group of people to take all the feedback and have a chance to resolve all the problems. It helps in a minimum investment of time and money and improves it before any major contribution. Can also come to know the extra features to be added to the application before launching in the market. 

Step 5- Launch Your Application 

Once you have completed all the processes, it is time to launch the application to the public. This will also involve submitting the app to the app store (the App Store or Google Play), promoting your app to the users, and creating marketing materials. The process takes place only after completing the whole steps to introduce in the market for the profit.  

Step 6 – Analysis

The process won’t end there after launching to the public. You have to take care of all the market trends and the development in the market that is going on. It is important to continue monitoring the activity and also take regular feedback from the users. It will help in making the updates and improvements as required. It also ensures that it continues to meet the needs of the users. 

Best Tech Stack To Make A Social Media App

While we can define the process of how to build a social app in detail, some things are not defined fully. Like the tech stack for social media app projects. 

The List of Tools and Technology Depend on The Number of Factors:

• The platform you want to release it on
• Specification of the project 
• Your budget

Here Is the Universal List with The Solution You Can Use to Build the Social Media Application. 

• Networking: Alamofire
• Push notifications: FCM
• Storage: Amazon S3
• Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Chat:  Socket.io, Twilio, PubNub
• API: Swagger
• Programming language: Node.js, Swift, Kotlin
• Geolocation: Google Maps
• Search: Elasticsearch

How To Choose A Tech Stack For Developing A Mobile App

What Are the Features of Social Media App Development?

There are several key features that are typically included in the development of a social media app:

• User Profiles: Users are able to share information about themselves, such as their interests, whereabouts, and contact details, by creating a personal profile.

• Connections: Users can follow or add other users as friends to establish connections with them. Users can now view updates from these connections in their news feed as a result.

• Posts and Activity Feed: Posts that include text, photographs, and videos can be created and shared by users. These posts are visible to other users in a feed.

• Private Messaging: The messaging function found in many social media programs enables users to have private conversations with one another.

• Notifications: Social media apps frequently have notification capabilities that let users know when there has been new action, like when someone likes their post or messages them.

• Search: The majority of social media apps have a search function that lets users look for other users or particular content.

• Hashtags and Tagging: Users can categorize and organize their content using hashtags and tagging, which makes it simpler for others to find and interact with it.

• Customization and Personalization: Users can tailor their profile and settings on several social media platforms to suit their tastes.

• Advertising: Numerous social networking apps include an advertising-based revenue model that enables companies to target users with adverts based on their interests and demographics.

• Analytics and Insights: Numerous social media apps offer analytics and insights to users so they may monitor the success of their content and learn more about their audience.

How Do Social Media Apps Make Money: Monetisation Models

You Have to Include Several Ways to Make Money. Some of The Popular Ones Are Mentioned Below:

• Advertisement- Most popular way to get revenue for social media platforms is through Ads. Many apps select this variant so that users can use the app for free. Taking an example of Instagram, it shows relevant posts and stories to users in the feed. 

• Premium Features- To access extra features, many social networking sites offer paid subscriptions. For instance, LinkedIn provides job seekers with premium alternatives. Users have access to more than 15000 learning courses to advance their skills and expertise and can see who has viewed their profile.

• In-App Purchases– Including paid content users can purchase is another approach to monetizing these apps. As an illustration, Facebook provides a sticker store where customers may purchase their preferred set of stickers and use them in the official Facebook Messenger.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Social Media App?

The cost of creating a social media app to give you a brief idea can vary from around $30,000 to $250,000, depending on which route you decide to go down in terms of building. The cost can be affected by the number of features integrated with the application. Cost can also be further decreased and increased based on the complexity of the app. It can also vary according to the expertise of the development team you are working with. It will cost according to the custom designs, additional integrations, or functionalities that are implemented. 

How Much Does It Cost To Make An App?

What Are the Benefits of Social Media Apps?

Applications for social media, often known as social media apps, let users connect and share files, including images, videos, and messages. Among the advantages of social networking apps are the following:

• Connectivity: Regardless of location, social media apps let users interact with friends, relatives, and people who share their interests. Even when they are geographically separated, this can help people retain ties and stay in touch.

• Sharing: Users of social media apps have a place to express their ideas, emotions, and experiences. People can interact with individuals who have similar interests through this and express themselves in constructive ways.

• Access to information: Since users can post articles, movies, and other content that is relevant to their interests, social media apps can also be a source of news and information. People that do this may find it easier to keep up with trends and current events.

• Networking: Social media apps can be a helpful resource for networking and career advancement. Users can connect with others in their sector or area of interest on several social media sites and share their knowledge and expertise.

• Marketing: Social networking apps may be a helpful tool for businesses to market and promote their goods and services. With the help of these apps, businesses may connect with a wide audience and interact more personally with potential clients.

How Can EmizenTech Help You in Your Social Media App Development? 

EmizenTech is the Top Mobile App Development Company in the market. We blend our expertise in Social Media App Development Services with your vision to create engaging and scalable mobile apps fulfilling all the requirements of your business purpose. 

Our competent and knowledgeable crew can help you outfit cutting-edge technology for your company and gain an advantage over rivals in the market. More than half of the 300+ employees of Emizentech are great professionals with years of expertise. We have experience working on social media app development projects and possess the knowledge to create effective solutions.

Navigating the Landscape of Social Media App Development

The market of social media applications continues to be lucrative and appealing to businesses despite the vast competition. Due to the constant emergence of new networks and trends, the market of social media apps is expanding.

Our mobile app development services bring you closer to your ideal social networking sites with intuitive features. To meet the expanding demands of its potential customers, new categories of social media apps continue to be modeled after contemporary trends.

Frequently Asked Questions on Social Media Apps