One of the fastest-growing market segments in trade is social media. While there are many notable social media app in this sector, the chance to create your niche increases with the advancement of new technologies.
Facebook set the trend in social media in 2004 by developing the first online video conference. Twitter and Instagram did similar things.
The reality that Facebook last updated its mobile application a very long time ago causes other business people to be concerned about whether they will achieve the same success as Facebook.
This blog has everything you’re looking for as an entrepreneur seeking expert tips on creating an mobile social media app like Facebook or Instagram.
This article will help you simplify all your concerns and provide the necessary information to guide you to develop a social media app and promote your social media business, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Overview of Facebook App
Let’s look at the Facebook platform before we dive into the technical aspects.
A social media platform like Facebook enables users to engage, share posts, comment and express their opinions. In 2004, Harvard students created this social network site exclusively for use by students on campus.
However, due to its attractive characteristics, Facebook quickly gained popularity throughout every college. Within a short time, Facebook users began to extend beyond the colleges and into other countries, eventually reaching a billion registered users by the year 2012. Because of this feat, Facebook is currently the largest social media site.
With the addition of new functions to the platform like the Facebook mobile application, Facebook’s growth rate is increasing dramatically. Over 2.91 billion users are active on the Facebook network each month, according to figures compiled by Statista for the second quarter of 2024.
According to the study, over 3.51 billion people use Facebook, FB Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram frequently.
According to Apptopia figures, Facebook was the third most downloaded app in 2020. 540 million people worldwide downloaded the Facebook application in 2023.
Is Building an App Like Instagram Worthwhile?
Instagram is the leader in the market.
When you decide to develop an app similar to Instagram, ensure that you offer something worthwhile. This will help you find your own target audience and avoid direct competitors.
All you require is a clear list of goals and what you will offer those distinctive users. It’s popular on Instagram; that’s real. Its popularity comes from the number of users it has.
Your application will succeed as long as you offer functions that users like. The key to founder success is figuring out how to combine vision and market requirements.
To create an app similar to Instagram, you’ll require resources: designers, developers, marketers, administrators, project managers, administrators, business analysts and quality control specialists. All of these aspects will determine the price for MVP development.
We will go over everything in detail, from the materials to the time and cost, in the following columns.
Essential Features of a Social Media App
It isn’t easy to imagine Instagram without features such as feeds, authorisation editing, content profile creation, search features and notifications. Let’s discuss the reasons behind this.
Authorisation
A user creates an account to use Facebook or Twitter online. The account is created via email, social media applications or by creating a new password and log-in.
Many social media applications try to make themselves as accessible as possible; however, there’s an exception. Chat room application Clubhouse demanded users receive an invitation from someone else. If not, the user wouldn’t gain access. The feeling of exclusivity was attractive to consumers in 2023.
Feed
It is the place where users interact with the content. It’s a continuous stream of posts that represents the user experience at its core.
To encourage users to spend longer on social media apps, it is possible to create an account based on recommendations, much like on TikTok. The account will consider the user’s actions, including views, comments, views and likes. The feed will show you the kind of content you’re likely to enjoy based on your previous activities.
If video content entices you more than pictures, learn how to create a viral app similar to TikTok.
Content Creation
Users can view other content from others and produce their own. Instagram enables users to create photos and videos inside the app or upload them to the library. To the dismay of users, this was initially not available. The creators listened and then included library uploads. Don’t duplicate their mistakes; just allow this to be done from the start.
Stories and Reels
Stories and Reels are short films lasting between 15 and 30 seconds that users can edit within the application. The concise, easy-to-read format is in line with current trends. Users like simple, fun videos that can be viewed in just a few seconds.
Instagram offers vast text and music overlays that let users create captivating content. To improve visibility and provide more options, Instagram has put these videos in a specific spot on the Explore page, making it easy for users to find content they do not follow.
Like streams, these algorithms adjust recommendations for video content to the user’s preferences. Short-lived videos have proved highly captivating, resulting in users using apps more frequently and longer sessions with users.
Editing
Editing photos and videos is essential for people who want to showcase their individuality and style. You can apply video filters with previews of the results and settings for customisation. However, the choices shouldn’t be excessively long. Otherwise, you could end up overburdening your customers with too many alternatives.
An excellent example of simple editing can be found in VSCO. It’s a similar app to Instagram, which allows users to create custom presets, apply visual effects and alter skin tone.
Profile
The profile contains all posted content and information about the user. The basics are an avatar bio, a content feed and a contact button. The user must be able to alter their profile but do not overdo it.
A profile screen can become the location for advanced features. For instance, X users can send donations by interacting with an icon in their profile.
Search
This feature is excellent for finding new friends or new users. Users can look up posts, accounts and other items associated with a specific tag, such as “food” or “Kim Kardashian.” Near the bottom of the Explore page, the search bar lets users locate the best place to enter queries easily.
Users can make mistakes, which could prevent them from obtaining the information they need. Search suggestions could solve this by ensuring an efficient user experience.
Social Features
Comment, like and share. Many photo-sharing apps feature these buttons for users to interact with the content and share it with their followers. It’s difficult to create and develop a social media-based app without this feature.
When designing the user interface, ensure that your social icons are a good fit for a thumb so that there’s no strain. The more people are inclined to touch those buttons, the more they’ll use your application.
Notifications
Encourage users to reply to friends’ comments. You can also use any other method that encourages users to download the application. This can increase user retention. It’s also beneficial to your followers, as they’d like to get their updates on social media on time.
BeReal has integrated interactions with notifications to capture and share new photos daily. Users have 2 minutes to simultaneously capture images using both cameras and then share the photos.
Additional Features
You need only know the fundamental functions of your social media application. However, some lesser-known features are available to consider. Some aren’t available on Instagram yet so that they could provide you with an edge.
All-New Formats
If you are creating a social media app, you may consider a unique format for your content. This will distinguish your app from other apps.
For a brand-new experience, you can use emotions, limits or a combination of these features. You can put new spins on the masks of photos you have seen on Snapchat and different content challenges, like those on TikTok or even chat rooms such as Clubhouse.
Direct Messages (DMs)
Users eventually noticed that there wasn’t enough interaction through the comments, particularly because the application does not allow sharing of content. In the following months, developers added DMs to the application to create new ways to communicate. You can also include voice calls and video messages.
Geolocation
In addition to the application capabilities, adding geolocation will help users locate new places.
When developing the application, it is essential to consider whether users can manually mark their geolocation in case the connection is not reliable. Continuous tracking can also be useful to provide relevant content based on location or to track friends’ movements, similar to Zenly.
Support
Sometimes, users face issues and have to call support. It is suggested that it be added as an option within the settings, where other important features are. Users can review the knowledge base and request assistance by contacting the support manager.
If you plan to launch your app internationally, think about hiring specialists who can answer users’ questions throughout the day in shifts. This will help you provide 24/7 assistance on your Facebook application.
Steps To Develop An App Like Instagram and Facebook
Once you’ve mastered all the features, you’ll need to integrate them into a social media app like Instagram. Let’s discuss how to create an app similar to Instagram.
Conduct Thorough Market Research
Start the process of creating your app by conducting thorough market research. Making the Instagram app was not a chance of luck. It was a matter of detailed research into the market and meticulous planning.
Research can help you comprehend market requirements and spot potential opportunities when developing your application. Research user preferences and dislikings, as well as their hobbies and geographical, demographic, behavioral and psychographic characteristics. You could include a variety of additional factors in your research. You can also talk to social media experts to better understand the marketplace.
Competitor Analysis
In the next step, a comprehensive competitor analysis will be conducted. Look for apps like Instagram that have been rapidly expanding their users. Know their strategies and take advantage of their strengths. Study your competition’s distinctive Selling points (USPs), the most valuable features they offer and the way they earn revenues from their apps.
Your competition is crucial to your success because they have a realistic concept of market trends and have designed their strategies to meet them. You could copy or revamp their strategy for your social media applications. This also assists you in determining the audience you wish to target. If your application doesn’t have an identified target audience, then you may not be able to survive in the long term.
Validation of App Idea
Knowing how your intended users will view your app is a challenge. Getting feedback from potential users is the best way to find out what they’re looking for. Find out what features they like using Instagram and what features they would like to see Instagram have. Create polls, post questions or directly engage your audience via live streams.
Collecting their feedback can help you develop a practical and feasible USP and business plan. Be sure your business model includes the intended users, the users’ challenges, USPs, problem solutions, your competitive advantage, operating and development costs, performance indicators (KPIs) and revenue streams.
Making App Design
Designing for apps involves user interaction (UX) and user interface (UI). UX describes the user’s experience through your app and how they navigate it. UI is a different aspect to consider when creating your social media application. It improves the functionality of your app and creates the basis for users’ satisfaction; keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field is vital.
Choose App Features
This is the first step when making an application similar to Instagram. You must consider the features you wish to incorporate into your application. The features you include can create or destroy your app. Therefore, you must choose your features carefully.
A different approach to choosing features is to concentrate on the preferences of your target audience. You can draw inspiration from Instagram. However, adaptive innovation is essential to the long-term viability of your business.
Finalise App Development
Once you’ve finished the creation and planning stage, you should begin developing the app. Determine whether you’re developing an application compatible with iOS android or both. The market research you conduct will provide important insights into the app development process.
We recommend partnering with a social media app development company to guide you through this challenging stage. The development phase typically comprises the coding process, QA testing and deployment. In the coding phase, developers build code bases and then integrate SDKs, APIs and third-party solutions. Testing and QA involve testing your application and identifying any flaws that can help improve the user experience. Once the QA team has approved the app, your app will be made available.
Prepare For Deployment, Launch and Maintenance
When your app is ready to go live, you must devise a practical and creative launch strategy to reach the intended audience. A successful launch strategy includes meticulous planning, branding building and enhancing your app store’s presence.
You could take your launch strategy to the next level by providing exclusive previews, earlier access to webinars, early access and even beta testing. But you’ll need to fund post-launch maintenance and support services to ensure that you are up to date.
Marketing and Promotion
Marketing is the basis for ensuring the long-term success of your app. Determining the best way to promote your app during the initial stages is always the best. Utilise paid advertisements, SEO, social media, content marketing, email and influencer marketing to generate buzz and promote your application.
Cost to Make an App Like Instagram and Facebook
Overall, the price to develop an app similar to Instagram is close to £50k for an MVP. But this is only an estimate, as the final price will be contingent on the features available, their complexity and the platform you develop the application for. Generally, there are three options according to the application your intended audience will use.
iOS Native App
This is the most expensive choice since Apple Market has strict requirements for app publication and the development process is complex enough on its own. In this instance, the social media app developers must use Swift or Objective-C programming language.
Android Native App
However, the challenges in Android development have been reduced. Java is by far the most natural programming language to use in this scenario.
Cross-Platform Application
How can you develop your own app similar to Instagram with the least cost-effective and minimal method? Think about creating a cross-platform app—one that operates across all platforms and has the most natural-looking look possible. Frameworks specifically designed to accomplish this exist, such as Flutter and React Native.
They are fast, affordable and modern in their UI, making them an excellent choice for creating an MVP. Additionally, using React Native allows you to change the code to an Indigenous one should you feel it necessary to develop your app this way.
How To Monetise Your Apps Like Instagram and Facebook
Instagram’s success cannot be solely attributed to its features or style. The monetisation model is an attractive factor that has inspired numerous entrepreneurs to develop apps similar to Instagram and Facebook.
The strategy for monetisation determines the app’s long-term and short-term growth and performance. To support this strategy, you can include the revenue streams below.
Advertisements
Instagram’s advertising platform allows users to earn money by using it to earn money from their Instagram accounts. Creators can advertise their services and products to a broad public through stories, ads, video ads, feed ads and carousel ads. When you create an app, such as Instagram, include a lively mixture of advertisements to keep users engaged. Making sure your app can be scaled helps generate revenue through advertising.
Freemium Model
The freemium model offers users free access to the most essential services while also allowing the premium level for more advanced features for a fee. For those who want to build an app similar to Instagram using a freemium model, this could help acquire users.
Once a user has purchased, the social media app may employ subliminal marketing strategies and reinforced messages and posts to persuade the user to switch to an active user. However, it’s important to include free features for users in a manner that does not diminish the premium features.
In-app Purchases
In-app purchases provide virtual products and services to users at a cost. They increase user engagement and include elements such as themes, filters, stickers, physical items and other digital features to improve the overall buying experience for the customer.
Subscription Models
Additionally, you can introduce advanced subscription models. These models can offer users an ad-free experience with sophisticated features. The tiered subscription model gives users different access levels to options and services. This improves user satisfaction and creates a steady income stream for your app.
In order to build an app similar to Instagram, you must consider this monetisation strategy with the utmost importance. Instagram has recently added it to its subscription streams of monetisation.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a well-known source of revenue through social media applications. It’s a method for your app to create relationships with e-commerce platforms and companies. Your app will become a sales facilitator and you will receive a specified commission from every sale.
Instagram has integrated affiliate marketing into its revenue model. It’s tightly integrated with influencer marketing, which helps market the products or services of its active users. Integrating it into your app can result in a lucrative revenue model that effectively aligns with small and big enterprises, improves user engagement and creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Merchandise Sales
Although it is more technical, it can be a fantastic method of earning income. You can sell branded merchandise on your app without the need for a third party. This is only possible with a loyal and devoted customer base. Therefore, you should introduce this revenue stream only after you have lots of users.
While these strategies can provide large revenue streams, it is important to balance the user experience. Be sure to keep your app updated and increase users’ desire to spend money on high-end options and products.
How Do You Choose the Right Tech-Stack For Your Instagram-Like App?
Making an app similar to Instagram is only feasible with understanding the correct tools to maintain an app similar to it running. The process of creating an app that is similar to Instagram typically requires the following technology stacks:
Android
- Java, also known as Kotlin, is used to develop
- XML/Compose UI is utilised for UI design
- SQL Lite for database optimisation
- ExoPlayer can be used to play video player
iOS
- Swift, also known as Swift UI, is used to aid in the development
- SnapKit, XIB or Storyboard. SnapKit is used to create UX design
- It is also used to aid in the optimisation of databases
- AVPlayer is used to serve as an online video player.
With more than 2.4 billion people using it, Instagram has been designed and built to handle millions of terabytes. If you’re developing an application similar to Instagram, it is recommended that you integrate a similar technology stack into your application. However, having an experienced developer involved is the best method to determine which technology stack is best suited to your app.
Conclusion
The development of an app like Facebook isn’t easy, but it’s not difficult. We can assist you in taking the test and enable you to create the social media application that you want without programming.
An app builder with no code is simple, quick and inexpensive, ideal for any business and industry. It lets you build your application independently and automatically populate your entire data into the app with just a few clicks. You can also ask your team to join in on your app’s projects and modify the way your app appears and functions.
Create a social network application for your group or the general public and join the rapidly growing social media market. If you have any questions, drop us a message in the comments section below and we’ll contact you. We invite you to read our other blogs for specific information about the social media app development, marketing and other topics.
