How Much Does It Cost to Build a Freely TV App for Android​ In the UK

According to Statista, the app market total revenue in the UK is expected to show an annual growth rate of 9.59%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$30.40bn by 2029.

This indicates that the number of apps made yearly is increasing, and so is the number of Android apps developed. A Freely TV is also an Android app that allows users to watch live and on-demand content within the app for free.

We often watch our favorite shows whenever we feel bored or want to feel relaxed after a hectic day. This increases the demand for TV live streaming and on-demand content.

So, developing an app like Freely TV can be a great business idea. But before starting this venture, you need to consider one major question: How much will it cost to build a Freely TV app for Android in the UK?

This is the question that many are curious about when they want to develop an app like a Freely TV.

This blog post will explore the factors that add to the total cost of developing an app like Freely TV. We'll discuss development costs, design expenses, potential licensing fees, and ongoing maintenance and update costs.

So, let’s learn everything from the development cost of an app like Freely TV app for Android to strategies to reduce the app development costs.

What is a Freely TV App?

A Freely TV app is a digital streaming platform providing users free access to live TV channels, on-demand content, films, and other entertainment options via smartphones

The app offers high-quality streaming without the subscription fee, allowing every user to watch and enjoy their favourite shows, films, and other content at no cost.

It is compatible with various devices, such as Android smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming sticks, allowing users to choose where and how they want to watch.

The platform aims to provide a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy entertainment, and the users also don’t have to worry about paying for streaming services, like you have to pay monthly fees for Netflix.

Users can enjoy live TV channels, sports, entertainment, films, drama, family shows, and more with just a few taps. A Freely TV app for Android has gained popularity because audiences want access to a variety of content.

They cater to many viewers, from sports and movie lovers to families seeking affordable entertainment options. A Freely TV app is the go-to solution for all your entertainment needs, all while ensuring flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Key Features of a Freely TV App

A Freely TV app has various features that meet the users' needs and preferences and have made it successful in the competitive streaming market.

If you are considering building an app like Freely TV for Android, consider the following features.

User-Friendly Interface

What catches the user's attention immediately? It is your app's design and ease of use. It shows the importance of a user-friendly interface and implementing UX/UI design principles, which provides a visually appealing design.

A well-designed app allows users to navigate the app easily and stream films, TV channels, sports, etc, more conveniently. Many elements, such as a search bar, organised menus, and quick access to recently viewed content, help keep users engaged.

Diverse Content Library

A Freely TV app’s main feature is its diverse content library. Your app should also include a variety of live TV channels, from sports to entertainment.

On-demand content like films, TV series, documentaries, and family TV shows adds value for users looking for personalised entertainment content. A rich content library attracts users that helps keep them engaged and satisfied.

Multi-Device Compatibility

Today, users want flexibility in how they can watch the content. They may start watching on the smart TVs but can choose the smartphone to continue the show where they have stopped watching.

That is why multi-device compatibility allows them to access the app on Android smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and desktops without interruption, enhancing user engagement.

With the help of this feature, Freely TV app ensures that viewers can start watching a show on one device and easily continue on another device.

Personalisation Options

Most of us know that users like to watch content that matches their preferences, which makes the personalization feature essential as it helps enhance user engagement.

The app can analyze a user’s viewing history and suggest movies, TV shows, or channels that match their interests.

Personalized watchlists and favorite categories increase convenience. This feature of the Freely TV app improves user satisfaction and increases user engagement, as users are more likely to return to an app that understands their interests.

Offline Viewing

Offline viewing has become a must-have feature for any streaming app. Don’t have an internet connection? Don’t worry because this feature allows users to download and watch their favorite content without an internet connection.

It is especially beneficial for commuters, travellers, or those in areas with not-so-great connectivity.

With the help of this feature, a Freely TV app for Android can easily cater to a wide range of audiences, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment regardless of your location.

Real-Time Streaming

Live streaming is an essential feature for Freely TV apps because it allows users to watch live sports or shows. However, real-time streaming must be optimised to ensure zero buffering and high-quality video playback.

With the help of adaptive streaming technology, the app can deliver smooth content even in unstable network conditions. Ensuring the best user experience can help enhance the app’s reputation and user satisfaction.

Monetization Models

Another essential feature of a Freely TV app is its excellent monetization strategies, which ensure profitability.

You must have seen the ads that play while you are streaming your show. It is the ad-based model that shows target ads during content playback, offering a free experience to users while generating revenue for the app.

Some apps like Freely TV offer subscription-based models that offer users an ad-free experience, where they can watch their favorite shows without any ad interruptions with added perks like early access to new shows or additional features.

Parental Controls

Parents usually worry about the content their kids are watching, as they can’t always keep an eye on them to ensure they are not watching content that isn’t made for them.

Therefore, many apps, like Freely TV apps, offer parental control features. This feature allows parents to restrict access to inappropriate content.

They can do that by setting filters or blocking specific channels. Time limits for children’s screen time can also be implemented. This feature lets kids enjoy age-appropriate entertainment.

Cost of Developing a Freely TV for Android in the UK

The cost of developing a Freely TV app varies depending on the app’s features, design, and functionality.

The total cost of building such apps ranges between £30,000 to £100,000+. Let's break down the app making charges based on the specific categories to understand the cost structure clearly.

Basic Freely TV App Development

A basic app is usually developed for startups or small businesses, which costs between £30,000 and £50,000. This version includes essential features like live streaming, a simple user interface, and a diverse content library. These apps also help businesses test market viability and user engagement.

Mid-Range Freely TV App Development

Mid-range apps are more feature-rich, with advanced functionalities like offline viewing, personalized recommendations, and cross-device compatibility. Development costs for such apps range from £50,000 to £100,000.

High-End Freely TV App Development

It is a fully customized app with the best features, and the custom app development can exceed £100,000. These apps offer custom UI/UX design, strong backend systems, and multi-language support.

Key Development Phases and Associated Costs

Developing a Freely TV app for Android involves structured development phases that help create the final product.

Let’s get into details regarding these stages and understand their costs.

Planning and Research

Cost: £2,000 – £5,000

Every app development process begins with planning and research. It involves conducting market research to identify the target audience, competitors, and USPs (Unique selling proposition).

When you have a new or startup business idea, you will obviously want to attract users. This is what is done in this stage, meaning user research is conducted to understand what features and content will appeal to users in the UK.

This phase ensures the app’s development matches the market demands and your business goals.

UI/UX Design

Cost: £5,000 – £15,000

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are essential for creating a visually appealing and user-friendly app. This stage covers wireframes (basic app layout), prototypes (interactive models), and final design elements.

Designers create an effective UI/UX roadmap that focuses on intuitive navigation, accessibility, and maintaining consistent branding.

Backend Development

Cost: £15,000 – £40,000

Backend development is the most important part of developing the app, like the Freely TV app for Android.

It includes setting up servers, building databases, and developing APIs to ensure the smooth functioning of the app. This stage often accounts for a significant portion of the overall budget due to its complexity.

Frontend Development

Cost: £10,000 – £30,000

Another development stage is frontend development, which focuses on creating the interface that users interact with. App developers ensure the app's design is user-friendly, interactive, and functional.

It includes coding the interface, integrating features, and ensuring the apps work well across Android devices. For a Freely TV app, this includes implementing features like content playback, search filters, and user account settings.

Testing and QA

Cost: £5,000 – £10,000

Testing any app is essential to identify and resolve any problem immediately before its launch. Testing examines the app's functions smoothly across various devices.

Quality assurance (QA) teams perform unit tests (individual feature testing), integration tests (ensuring features work together), and compatibility checks.

This phase involves fixing bugs and optimizing the app’s performance to offer the best user experiences and prevent negative reviews post-launch.

Launch and Deployment

Cost: £2,000 – £5,000

This final stage involves preparing the Android app for launch on the Google Play Store.

During this stage, the app descriptions are created, screenshots are added, and marketing materials are checked to ensure they comply with app store guidelines. A smooth deployment process ensures a successful launch.

Additional Costs Considerations

Apart from the cost of development stages, there are additional expenses that you should know about.

These additional costs ensure the app remains competitive, functional, and scalable. Here is a closer look at these costs.

Licensing

If you want to avoid legal issues and challenges, it is essential to build licensing agreements with production houses, broadcasters, or distributors.

With the licensing, you can offer your users popular shows, films, and live channels and meet their demands. However, licensing costs depend on the content type you provide.

Maintenance and Updates

The work isn't complete once the app is live. Regularly maintaining and updating it is also essential. However, it can lead to ongoing app maintenance costs.

These costs will include identifying and fixing bugs, updating the app with new features, addressing security flaws, and user feedback, as it will ensure the apps stay aligned with the latest app development trends.

Marketing and User Acquisition

Even the best apps need strong marketing to attract users. So, the marketing strategies will also add to the development cost.

It will include launching ad campaigns on social media platforms, creating promotional content, and working with influencers.

Scalability Upgrades

As the app grows, you will have to scale it to handle increased traffic and content demands. This includes upgrading servers, improving streaming quality, and expanding storage for new content.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Developing a Freely TV App

Once you have decided you want to build a Freely TV app for Android, you also need to know that the app development cost can be affected by various factors. Here are the key factors influencing the cost of developing a Freely TV app.

Features Complexity

The complexity of features is one of the most important factors that influence the cost of developing a Freely TV app.

Additional development time and resources will be needed if you include features like live streaming, video-on-demand (VOD), real-time chat, personalised recommendations, and in-app purchases.

It can increase costs because a strong backend infrastructure and custom development will be required.

Number of Platforms

Another factor is the number of platforms the app is designed for. If the platform's numbers are higher, the cost will be high.

However, if you are developing the app for Android only, the cost will be lower compared to a cross-platform app supporting Android and iOS.

Cross-platform app development is needed when you include iOS and Android app development, as it involves single codebases for both platforms.

Design Requirements

Design plays an essential role in the user experience and requires using the latest design trends to ensure excellent user experience. However, the cost will vary depending on whether the app uses standard templates or requires custom app design work.

If you want a visually rich and interactive UI/UX design, such as custom icons, animations, and transitions, the development cost will increase due to the specialized design work involved.

Backend Infrastructure

The app’s backend, which includes programming languages, servers, databases, and APIs, is necessary to ensure the best performance and scalability of the app.

An advanced backend to manage user data, content delivery, and user interactions requires more investment in infrastructure, including hosting and server resources, leading to increased costs.

Content Licensing and Acquisition'

Licensing fees will add to the total cost if the app includes licensed content, such as movies, TV shows, or exclusive videos. Licensing can vary based on the region and content type, so acquiring content rights can be a significant expense.

Maintenance and Updates

After the app is launched, ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and updates are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the app.

The new app development trends and technologies keep emerging and changing; this will need to ensure your app also stays updated, which can influence the development costs. New features, security updates, and compliance with OS updates can add to the long-term costs.

However, regular updates are essential to keep users engaged and ensure the app remains compatible with new device models and operating systems.

Team Size and Expertise

Whether you are hiring Android app development services, freelancers, or an in-house team, the size and expertise of the development team directly influence costs.

A team with skilled developers, UI/UX designers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists will incur higher fees than a smaller or less experienced team. However, investing in expertise often results in excellent results with fewer issues.

Development Timeline

The duration of the development process also impacts the cost. If the developers are tight on deadlines, they will require hiring additional resources to work overtime, which increases the budget.

On the other hand, a flexible timeline allows the team to focus on delivering a high-quality app without worrying about financial stress.

How to Reduce the Cost of Developing a Freely TV App?

If you are tight on budget or looking to reduce the cost of developing a Freely TV app, here are some ways to help you cut costs for building the app.

Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

One of the best ways to reduce development costs is to begin with an MVP. The MVP version of the app will include the most essential features you should have, such as video streaming and basic user account management.

You can add advanced features like personalised recommendations, live chat, and more advanced search functionality once your app starts to grow and user feedback is gathered.

Must Read: Top 10 MVP Development Companies In UK

Outsource Development

Outsourcing development to offshore teams can help reduce development costs because some regions have lower rates than others.

For example, development teams in countries with lower hourly rates, such as India or Eastern Europe, can offer the same level of quality without the high costs associated with hiring local developers in the UK, such as London, Birmingham, etc.

Utilise Open-Source Technologies

Open-source tools and libraries can save development time and reduce costs. Instead of building features like video streaming from scratch, you can use pre-built options based on your app’s needs.

For example, integrating open-source video players or cloud storage services can help reduce the development time and, eventually, the development costs.

Use Cloud Services for Backend

Using cloud services for backend infrastructure can help manage costs more efficiently. With cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud, you pay only for the resources you use. This helps prevent the need for costly on-premise hardware and infrastructure management.

The cloud solutions are also scalable, which means you can start small and increase your resources when your app begins to scale and ensure the best cloud development environment.

Common Challenges in Developing a TV App

Developing a Freely TV app is a great new business opportunity, but there can be some challenges that can occur while creating the app. Some of the common challenges are as follows:

Streaming Quality and Latency

Users feel more engaged to your app when the streaming is smooth and buffer-free. However, ensuring this is one of the biggest challenges in TV app development.

It is essential as users expect top-quality streaming with fewer interruptions, which means the app must handle varying speeds and adapt video quality.

This challenge can be resolved when the developers implement adaptive streaming protocols to offer the best quality content, depending on the user’s connection.

Content Licensing and Management

Another common challenge is managing content rights and ensuring the app complies with licensing agreements.

Different regions have different licensing laws, which makes it essential to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal issues and fines. Also, efficiently organizing, distributing, and updating content using content management systems is challenging.

Device Compatibility

Android devices come in various screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware specifications. That is why ensuring the Freely TV app functions smoothly across all devices is important, but it can be challenging.

Developers must test the app on various devices and OS versions to ensure the app stays compatible across all devices and enhances performance.

Security and Data Privacy

TV apps, especially those with user accounts and payment functionalities, must comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR.

You should ensure the user data, including personal information and payment details, stays safe. Developers need to implement strong encryption and secure authentication protocols to protect user privacy.

User Acquisition and Engagement

After the app is developed, attracting and retaining users is an ongoing challenge. Excellent digital marketing strategies, app store optimisation (ASO), and user engagement techniques are required to stand out.

If you want users to return, you must ensure continuous updates and regularly add new content.

Why is Arramton an Ideal Partner for Developing an Android App like Freely TV?

Arramton is an ideal partner for developing an Android app like Freely TV because of its impressive expertise, experience, and user-first approach. Their team has excellent experience building an app like the Freely TV app for Android.

They have a lot of experience with streaming technology, which helps offer high-quality video. Moreover, they provide custom app development, as they understand that each client has unique goals and needs.

The company follows the best data privacy and security practices, ensuring the app adheres to global standards like GDPR.

Furthermore, their post-launch support and maintenance services ensure that your app remains updated with the latest OS versions and stays bug-free with regular updates.

If you prefer an app development company that provides apps on time and within budget, Arramton is your ideal partner for developing a Freely TV app.

The Bottom Line

In this blog, we have explored the fact that developing a Freely TV app for Android in the UK is a promising business opportunity due to an increased demand for live TV streaming and on-demand content.

However, creating such an app involves various stages, from planning and design to backend and front development, testing, and launch. The associated costs can vary significantly, ranging from £30,000 for a basic app to over £100,000 for a high-end, feature-rich one.

Additional considerations like licensing, maintenance, and marketing also affect the development costs. While costs can vary based on features and team expertise, investing in quality ensures enhanced user experience and higher returns.

You can contact Arramton today to get a detailed consultation and customised development plan if you want to create an app like the Freely TV app in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the cost-effective way to build a Freely TV App?

Ans: The cost-effective approach is to build a basic app with essential features and use pre-built templates where possible.

Q2 How long does it take to build a Freely TV App?

Ans: The timeline for building a Freely TV app depends on various factors, such as the complexity, platform, developer’s expertise, and location of the development team. However, developing a fully functional TV app usually takes 3-6 months.

Q3 Do I need a license to stream content on my app?

Ans: Yes, you will need a license to stream content on your app, Streaming copyrighted content legally requires obtaining permits and adhering to UK copyright laws.

Q4 What are the most important features to include in my app?

Ans: The most important features to include in your app are user-friendly design, personalisation, and multi-platform support for enhanced user satisfaction.

Q5 How can I monetise my Freely TV app effectively?

Ans: You can monetise your Freely TV app effectively by using ads, subscription plans, and partnerships. These strategies will help generate revenue while keeping the app user-friendly.