Ready to Innovate Your Business for the Future? Join Us at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 9-12 Feb 2025

Book Meeting Now!

Why is Snapchat the most popular app? What features make this app successful? How much does it cost to develop apps like Snapchat? Do you also want to build a popular app like Snapchat?

Well, well, well, all of these questions are relevant when you make up your mind to create such an app. In this blog, we will try to answer all of these questions with proper explanation, and we hope that you will completely understand and be satisfied with this and make a confirmed decision to develop apps like Snapchat. 

Generally, the Snapchat app development cost may range between $15,000 to $350,000. However, some factors play an important role, for the cost you can consult with the hire mobile app developers

So let’s understand together and start the blog with some amazing market stats of the Snapchat app. 

Marketing Stats:-

The Snapchat app is particularly popular among Gen Z (aged 18-24 years), with 38.5%. Snapchat will have 49.5 million Gen Z users in the U.S. by 2025.

According to Social Media Dashboard, Snapchat’s advertising revenue is expected to grow, with predictions that it could reach $5.87 billion by 2026.

As per research on the social media dashboard, Snapchat continues to invest heavily in augmented reality (AR) features. Over 300 million users engage with AR lenses daily, a major part of its future growth.

According to Creatosaurus and Tech Report, Its AI chatbot (My AI) has seen 20 billion messages exchanged by more than 200 million users, making it one of the most popular AI bots.

What is the Snapchat App?

Snapchat is the most popular social media application for sharing instant photos and videos with your connected friends. You can add various text comments and visual effects, apply filters, and so on. Some Snapchat users use this app as a social networking app, while others identify it as a messenger with enhanced graphic capabilities.

The Snapchat app is used to click photos and make short videos (several seconds) and store them within the app in the messenger app database. Thus, the privacy of your correspondence with your friends is entirely intact. On the other hand, if your friends suddenly want to take a screenshot of your photos, you will know about it immediately, or if they start writing a message, then you get the notification of typing.

Amazing Features to Add to Develop Apps like Snapchat

When you go to develop a similar app like Snapchat, you have to be aware of Snapchat features because whenever you decide to build an app like Snapchat, you need to discuss the preferred Snapchat features with your app development companies to integrate them into your app. Let’s get the features that are important to add at the time of Snapchat app development to make your Snapchat-like app more engaging and efficient for the users. 

Snapchat​ App Features

User Registration Feature 

The user registration and profile setup feature is essential for apps like Snapchat. This feature allows users to create accounts by using all required personal details, such as email, phone numbers, social media logins, and many more. 

Users Profile Setup

The user’s profiles should include some basic details like a display name, avatar, and personal bio. This feature helps users personalize their experience and manage profiles with their privacy settings effectively.

Instant Messaging 

Instant messaging and video chat is one of the attractive features which function uniquely. Integrate this feature for users that can send text, images, and short videos to others, and instantly, that stuff will disappear after viewing. If you want to develop this kind of application then you require an instant messaging app development company. 

Video Chat

You must add video calling features that allow users to connect with connected friends in real-time communication with all such amazing filters. This feature adds value to the app and makes the app more interactive.

Stories and Status Updates

Stories and status updates are the preferred features on the user’s end. This allows users to share their photos or videos as “Stories” with their connected people, and the story and status stuff will disappear after 24 hours. This Snapchat feature encourages users to post updates on their photos and videos frequently on the story.

AR Filters and Lenses

AR filters and lenses are one of Snapchat’s most engaging features. This advanced feature uses AR technology that allows users to apply fun and creative effects to their selfies or short videos, thus increasing engagement and interaction with the app.

Geolocation Features

The geolocation feature is the best feature of Snapchat. They are adding this feature to your Snapchat-like app to make it more engaging for users. With the help of this feature, users can discover nearby events, places, or friends’ locations. This also encourages the social aspect of the app and adds a fun, interactive element for users.

Push Notifications

The push notifications feature makes users aware of people’s snaps, messaging, stories, and other things. This feature ensures users stay engaged by alerting them and notifying them of others’ activities. These notifications can be customized to prevent spam while keeping users informed of important updates. If you develop a messaging app like Telegram, you can also consider a Snapchat-like app for push notifications. 

Snapstreaks and Trophies

Snapstreaks and trophies are some of the unique and prime features of Snapchat-like apps. This feature positively encourages users to keep connected with the app through attractive games like Snapstreaks (continuous interactions with friends by sharing real-time images and videos) and Trophies (rewards for using such app features). These gamification factors drive regular usage and loyalty.

Advanced Camera Features

Advanced camera features allow users to access unique filters with some creativity. This feature makes the app more advanced by offering support filters, editing tools, and high-quality video recording. The app’s camera should be intuitive to use, enabling users to seamlessly create and share engaging content.

Memories

With the memories feature, users can save and access their favorite snaps, videos, and stories in a private or in-app gallery. The feature adds value to the app by allowing users to store their stuff & content they might want to revisit or share later.

Discover Section

A Discover section feature is also useful for users because, with this feature, users can explore trending content, news, and entertainment sections that help keep the app fresh and exciting. This section can also be monetized through advertisements or partnerships with media outlets.

Reasons to Invest in the Snapchat App Development?

There are many reasons to invest money in Snapchat-like app development. This is a certain strategic decision because of the growing demand for this kind of application. We cover some of the essential features that are really important to keep in mind before investing to build apps like Snapchat

Growing Popularity of Visual Content with Privacy 

This is one of the main reasons for investing money in developing apps like Snapchat. Visual content, like photos and short videos, is more engaging than texting or messaging content. There is a continuous growing demand for privacy is also a reason to invest in such apps, Snapchat’s disappearing messages and content privacy are features that appeal to users concerned about data security. If you consider to develop messaging apps like WhatsApp, as per a privacy perspective then also you can consider such a type of application.

High User Engagement

These kinds of applications contain high user engagement, and that is also a reason to invest your money in developing Snapchat-like apps. Because of Snapchat’s features, such as Stories and disappearing messages, users are coming back regularly to use the app. Developing an app with similar features to Snapchat can help you achieve high engagement rates.

Monetization Opportunities

Developing apps like Snapchat will provide you with money through monetization strategies. Snapchat’s revenue models, like in-app ads, sponsored filters, and premium subscriptions, provide multiple ways to earn income. By building a Snapchat-like app, you can pick any revenue strategy to make money.

Potential for Partnerships and Collaborations

There is one more reason to invest in a Snapchat-like app. As you know, brands are continuously using social media apps to engage and connect with their audience. Investing money to develop apps like Snapchat allows you to connect with the brands and collaborate with them for sponsored content and filters or build exclusive partnerships; you will create revenue while increasing app visibility.

Targeting Younger Audiences

By investing in such applications, you can connect with a wide range of youngsters. Because these apps are used by younger audiences such as Gen Z and Millennials, and by targeting them, you can build a fantastic app like Snapchat. Investing money to develop similar apps like Snapchat will definitely help you reach and engage with this tech-savvy audience.

Core Technologies To Develop Like Snapchat Apps

When you develop apps like Snapchat, you will require these tech stacks. With the table, you can understand the technologies that are needed to develop a Snapchat-like app, focusing on both functionality and performance.

Here are the core technologies required to develop an app like Snapchat:

Core TechnologyExamples/Tools
Programming LanguagesSwift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), JavaScript
FrameworksReact Native, Flutter
Cloud StorageAWS S3, Google Cloud Storage
Real-time MessagingFirebase, WebRTC, Socket.io
Multimedia ProcessingOpenCV, FFmpeg
Augmented Reality (AR)ARKit (iOS), ARCore (Android), Lens Studio
Face Detection APIFace++ API, Google Vision API
Geolocation ServicesGoogle Maps API, Core Location (iOS)
AuthenticationOAuth, Firebase Auth, Auth0
DatabaseFirebase Realtime Database, MongoDB
Analytics ToolsGoogle Analytics, Mixpanel
In-app Purchase IntegrationStripe, PayPal SDK
Security & EncryptionSSL/TLS, AES Encryption
Social Media IntegrationFacebook SDK, Twitter API

Read More: How to Develop Multi-Purpose Messaging App Like WeChat?

How To Develop Apps Like Snapchat?

As we know, you have a question “How to create apps like Snapchat” when you decide to make this kind of application. Here is the Snapchat app development process for your consideration. 

So let’s discover the simple step-by-step process of the Snapchat like app development process:

1. Requirement Gathering

In the initial step, you need to gather all business requirements, target audience, and key features that you need to integrate into the app.

2. Planning and Design

In the second step, you have to create a plan for the app’s layout before Snapchat app development and design a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.

3. Development

After completing planning & designing, it’s time to build apps like Snapchat by using the decided technology stack and, coding the backend and frontend, and making an engaging application.

4. Testing

After the development, an app like Snapchat is tested to ensure it runs efficiently, and if any issues or bugs are found during the testing, then they can be fixed earlier.

5. Deployment

After the testing, it’s time to launch an app that is like Snapchat. The app has been launched on app stores (Google Play, App Store) for users to download.

6. Post-Launch Support

At last, after deployment, the app needs regular updates and changes, so it is important to maintain the app, update it, and add additional features based on user feedback.

Revenue Models of the Snapchat like App

Many revenue models and monetizing strategies are available in the market; you have to choose the best one. These models help make a Snapchat-like app profitable while keeping it free or affordable for users.

Revenue Models of the Snapchat​ like App

In-app Advertising

In-app advertising is the best revenue model. Ads are a major revenue source for apps like Snapchat. The ads can include video ads, banner ads, or interactive ads displayed to users when they use the app. Advertisers pay to display their ads to users based on impressions or clicks.

Sponsored Lenses & Filters

Sponsored lenses and filters are good revenue models. Relevant brands pay to create custom lenses & filters that users can apply to their photos and videos. These sponsored filters are a fun way for users to engage with brands, generating revenue for the app.

In-app Purchases

In-app purchases are the app owners’ preferred monetizing strategy. Users can buy additional features like special filters, stickers, or effects within the app. By this revenue model, app owners can offer premium content or features for a small fee, which is a common way to make money.

Snap Originals or Exclusive Content

Just like the Snapchat app’s exclusive content, creating original shows, videos, or stories can attract users and offer extraordinary opportunities for monetization through ads or sponsorships.

Premium Subscriptions

Premium subscriptions are the most wanted revenue model. Apps can offer a subscription model, giving users access to exclusive features such as an ad-free experience, advanced filters, or extended content viewing options, creating a steady income stream.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop Apps Like Snapchat?

The cost of developing an app like Snapchat can’t be decided before development; it depends on multiple factors, and each can affect the overall mobile app development cost. There are many factors, such as the complexity of features, functionality, tech stack, developers’ experience, locations, and many more. 

  • A basic app offering core functionalities, such as messaging and photo sharing, can cost between $30,000 and $120,000.
  •  advanced apps, which include additional features like multimedia processing, augmented reality (AR), and geolocation services, prices range from $60,000 to $300,000
  • Complex apps with advanced AR filters, real-time analytics, and intricate user interfaces can exceed $500,000.

For your better understanding, here we make a table based on the application standard and the country’s religion. So you can make your estimated budget accordingly. 

ComplexityUnited States (US)United Kingdom (UK)AustraliaEastern EuropeIndia
Basic App$70,000 – $120,000£50,000 – £90,000AUD 90,000 – AUD 150,000$40,000 – $60,000$15,000 – $40,000
Advanced App$120,000 – $250,000£90,000 – £180,000AUD 150,000 – AUD 300,000$60,000 – $150,000$40,000 – $100,000
Complex App$250,000 – $500,000+£180,000 – £350,000+AUD 300,000 – AUD 600,000$150,000 – $300,000+$100,000 – $200,000+

Nutshell

Well, we completed this guide, and now we are finally at the conclusion. We hope that you are satisfied with this blog and all your doubts are cleared. We consider everything about apps like Snapchat, such as how to build apps like Snapchat, estimated cost, features, a reason to invest the money as well, and market stats. With this, you can confidently make up your mind to develop apps like Snapchat. 

If you face any other challenges or have a query, then you can freely come to us and discuss it. At Octal IT Solution, we have experts who develop apps like Snapchat exactly what you want and demand for this. You just need to discuss your requirements with the best mobile app development services provider company. 

So don’t think too much about it, and connect now for your Snapchat app development project. We are always available to help you and create apps like Snapchat as per your demand. We are a top chat app development company that offers quality app development solutions. 

FAQs:

THE AUTHOR
Managing Director
WebisteFacebookInstagramLinkedinyoutube

Arun G Goyal is a tech enthusiast and experienced writer. He's known for his insightful blog posts, where he shares his expertise gained from years in the tech industry. Arun shares his knowledge and insights through engaging blog posts, making him a respected figure in the field.

Previous Post Next Post

Octal In The News

Octal IT Solution Has Been Featured By Reputed Publishers Globally

Let’s Build Something Great Together!

Connect with us and discover new possibilities.

    Gain More With Your Field Service

    We’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry. Browse our resources and learn more.

    Let's schedule a call
    Mobile App Development Mobile App Development
    error: Content is protected !!