Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How much does it cost to build an app like

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like BBC iPlayer?

Scrums.com is revolutionizing the way growth companies scale their engineering teams. Our platform offers access to top-notch remote software engineering teams at an affordable subscription price.

Get started
Tick box
World-class development teams
Cube icon
Flexible subscriptions
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like BBC iPlayer?
SovTech UK software development
SovTech UK icon clock
statistics

Don't take our word for it

The stats are in our favour. Scrums.com doesn't just help you with your software development teams, we get you results that last.
95%
Sprint completion
82
Net promoter Score
1,200+
Projects delivered
13
Years of software specialistion
SovTech UK software development
SovTech-UK-Leading-Software-Development
SovTech graphic leaf
pricing

How much does it cost to build an app?

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like BBC iPlayer?

App Feature 01
App Feature 02
App Feature 03
App Feature 04
App Feature 05
App Feature 06
Get in touch
Arrow
App development

Develop Credibility and Trust

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Building a custom app can boost your brand's trust and credibility, ultimately benefiting your business in the long run. We will discuss the following topics:

1. Reputation Management
2. Customer Support and Engagement
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
4. Demonstrating Social Responsibility

A well-made custom app can dramatically improve your brand's marketability and reputation. A trustworthy app will show that you are dedicated to providing top-notch goods and services. As a result of knowing they can rely on you, your clients and business partners will have more faith in you.

A custom app also strengthens your brand identification by demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail.

Customer Support and Engagement
Blue plus sign

A custom app enables you to offer personalized customer support and engagement, helping you address the unique needs and pain points of your African target market. 

By incorporating in-app support features, such as chatbots, help centres, or direct communication channels, you can provide timely assistance to your users, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 

This level of support also encourages users to share their positive experiences with others, further boosting your brand's credibility.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Blue plus sign

You may get useful user data through custom app creation, giving you insights into user behavior and preferences. You may improve your app and broader business strategy by studying this data and making wise decisions.

Delivering a more individualized experience for your users is made possible by a data-driven strategy. This helps to increase their faith in your brand and ultimately ensures that they will stay visiting.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility
Blue plus sign

Putting money into a customized app that caters to your target market's needs demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.

You can showcase your brand's dedication to having a beneficial influence by developing an app that takes into account regional difficulties, environmental issues, or social issues that are pertinent to your audience.

This thoughtful approach to app creation not only strengthens the integrity of your brand, but it also appeals to customers who value companies with a clear sense of mission.

Custom App development

Benefits of Custom App Development

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Imagine custom app development as an expert chef crafting a personalised menu for their restaurant. Just as a meticulously planned and executed meal can leave diners with a memorable culinary experience, a custom app is specifically designed to cater to your business's distinct needs and objectives, leaving a lasting impression on your users. 

Investing in custom app development offers several advantages, including:

  1. Improved user experience
  2. Increased efficiency
  3. Competitive advantage
  4. Higher profitability
  5. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  6. Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
Improved user experience
Blue plus sign

A custom app allows you to create an interface that is tailored to your target audience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. By focusing on the preferences and expectations of your users, you can craft an app that not only meets their needs but also delights them with personalized features and intuitive navigation.The best part? If you develop an app that your users love, you ensure that they keep coming back for more and turn them into lifelong customers.

Custom apps can be designed to streamline business processes and boost productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, integrating with existing systems, and providing real-time data access, custom apps empower your team to work more efficiently and make informed decisions quickly, just like a well-tailored suit that enables effortless movement and comfort.

A unique app helps you stand out from the competition and attract more customers. In a world where off-the-shelf solutions are abundant, a custom mobile app acts as a distinctive and exclusive suit that sets you apart in the crowd, showcasing your brand's personality and commitment to providing a superior experience.

A well-designed app can generate increased revenue and improve customer retention. By offering a memorable and engaging user experience, your custom app encourages users to continue using your services and make purchases. It's akin to wearing a sharp, tailored suit that not only grabs attention but also instils trust and confidence in your brand, ultimately resulting in increased profitability.

Custom app development enables seamless integration with your existing systems and third-party applications. This ensures a smooth flow of data between various platforms, enhancing communication and collaboration within your organization. The ability to integrate effortlessly is like having a versatile tool that easily connects and works in harmony with other components in your business ecosystem.

As your business evolves, a custom app can be easily modified or expanded to accommodate changing requirements and market trends. This adaptability is like having a dynamic strategy that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to suit your business's changing needs, ensuring continued relevance and success in an ever-changing environment.The benefits don’t just stop there though. If you want to build trust and credibility with your customers, a custom app is a great way to do so.

App development

Pivoting and Iterating

Investing in custom app development can be expensive, but being open to pivoting and iterating based on market feedback is crucial to ensure long-term success. By adapting your app to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your target market, you can stay ahead of the competition, increase user satisfaction, and maximize your return on investment.

Encourage users to provide feedback and reviews, which will help you identify pain points and areas for improvement. By addressing these concerns, you demonstrate your commitment to serving the unique needs of your users, enhancing your app's credibility and increasing user satisfaction. Tools like in-app surveys, app store reviews, or social media can be used to gather feedback and gauge user sentiment.

Iterate Based on User Data
Blue plus sign

Analyze user behaviour and engagement data to understand how your app is being used and identify potential bottlenecks or areas of friction. By making data-driven decisions, you can prioritize improvements and new features that will resonate with your audience, maximizing the impact of your development budget and efforts.

As you adapt your app based on market feedback, be prepared to allocate resources for ongoing updates and improvements. While this may increase your app's overall cost, the benefits include increased user satisfaction, reduced churn, and ultimately, higher long-term profitability. Regular updates also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a high-quality app experience tailored to your users' needs.

Adopt a flexible, agile development methodology that enables prompt iteration and change in response to market feedback.

Your app will stay relevant and helpful to your target market if you are receptive to user needs and can swiftly pivot and make adjustments.

By prioritizing products and enhancements that have the greatest impact, an agile methodology can also assist you in managing development expenses more successfully.

While it's essential to iterate and adapt your app based on user feedback, it's also crucial to balance this with innovation and forward-thinking. Continuously explore new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to ensure your app stays ahead of the curve and caters to the evolving needs of your user base. By striking the right balance between adaptation and innovation, you can maintain a competitive edge and secure long-term success for your app.

App development

The Importance of UX and UI

Creating an outstanding user experience and design is crucial for a successful app. A well-designed app should be visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly.

  1. Consistency: Consistent design elements throughout the app, such as typography, colours, and button styles, create a unified look and feel. This consistency reduces the cognitive load on users, helping them navigate your app with ease and understand its functionality more quickly.
  2. Simplicity: A simple and uncluttered interface reduces distractions and makes it easier for users to focus on the tasks at hand. Strive for a minimalistic design by eliminating unnecessary elements, using whitespace effectively, and prioritizing essential features.
  3. Feedback: Providing feedback, such as visual cues and confirmation messages, helps users understand the results of their actions. This can include animations for button clicks, success messages for completed tasks, or error messages when something goes wrong. Clear feedback enhances user satisfaction and encourages continued use of your app.
  1. Understand your target audience: Research your users' demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviours to tailor your app to their expectations. Conduct surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights that help shape your app's features and design.
  2. Use clear navigation: Intuitive navigation is essential for a positive user experience. Implement well-organized menus, easily accessible search functions, and recognizable icons to help users find their way around your app effortlessly.
  3. Optimize for performance: Fast loading times and smooth performance are critical for user engagement. Optimize your app's code, reduce file sizes, and use efficient algorithms to ensure your app runs quickly and seamlessly on various devices.
The Impact of Good Design on App Adoption and Retention
Blue plus sign

Higher app adoption rates and greater client retention result from spending money on excellent design and user experience. A well-designed app has a higher likelihood of being passed along by users and being used again, which leads to better ratings, word-of-mouth advertising, and long-term success.

App development

Security Considerations for App Development

In today's interconnected digital world, app security is paramount. We take a look at some vital security considerations.

The Privacy Act of 1974 is the primary privacy regulation in America that regulates the sharing of data. The Privacy Act governs how federal agencies may gather, utilize, and disclose personal information. Individuals are given specific rights under it, including the ability to access and update their personal information, and federal agencies are required to protect such data from illegal disclosure.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for health information, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial information, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children's online data are just a few federal laws that deal with privacy and data sharing in addition to the Privacy Act. Additionally, each state has its own privacy laws that could offer additional protections.

Keep up with the latest security threats and best practices, such as incorporating multi-factor authentication, securing APIs, and using secure coding practices. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify potential weaknesses and protect your app from emerging threats.

Working with Trusted Vendors
Blue plus sign

Select a reputable development partner with a proven track record in security best practices, like Scrums. A reliable vendor will prioritize security throughout the development process and help you build a secure app that meets industry standards and best practices.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

How much does it cost to build an app?
Blue plus sign
testimonials

Don't take our word for it

Hear it from global businesses like yours
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Scale Your Development Team
Faster With Scrums.com
Get in touch and let's get started
Book a Demo
Tick
Cost-effective
Tick
Reliable
Tick
Scalable
Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like BBC iPlayer?

Explore key cost factors for building a BBC iPlayer-like app in Europe, from GDPR compliance to localization.
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like... Hero Image
Reliability

95%

Quality user stories into production rate

Happy customers

82

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Consistent delivery

1,200+

Successful projects delivered

Work with experts

13

Years of software specialisation

Creating a custom app similar to BBC iPlayer for the European market requires understanding unique local and regional considerations. Europe presents distinctive challenges, from varied language requirements and cultural preferences to rigorous regulatory standards like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). When developing an app like BBC iPlayer, calculating costs means considering these Europe-specific factors, which can notably affect design, backend structure, and compliance.

The BBC iPlayer is a globally recognized streaming app known for its vast content library, intuitive interface, and superior streaming quality. Developing an app with similar capabilities in Europe would require close attention to data privacy, localization for multiple languages, and user experience (UX) that resonates with Europe’s diverse user base. Given Europe’s tech-savvy audience and stringent privacy regulations, development costs for such a project may be considerably higher than in other regions.

By exploring the major factors driving app development costs in Europe, we can better understand the expenses involved and how Europe’s tech landscape shapes development needs.

Platform and Device Compatibility

Platform and device compatibility are essential when assessing how much it costs to build an app, particularly in a region as varied as Europe. Developing a custom app like BBC iPlayer for European audiences requires careful consideration of platform preferences, which vary significantly across the continent. A streaming app in Europe needs to cater to users on Android, iOS, and possibly additional platforms to achieve maximum reach.

Android leads the market in most Western and Eastern European countries, especially in nations such as Poland, Spain, and Italy. However, in the UK, Germany, and other regions, iOS holds a substantial market share, driven by higher purchasing power and brand loyalty toward Apple products. Understanding these differences is vital for making informed platform choices; for instance, supporting both Android and iOS versions is likely necessary to effectively engage a broad European user base.

Furthermore, optimizing the app for tablets and smart TVs is essential, as streaming services are frequently accessed on larger European screens. Many users enjoy streaming from their living rooms on smart TVs or via desktop applications, so creating a responsive web version or dedicated smart TV applications may enhance accessibility and user engagement. This multi-device approach helps to capture a wider audience and meet the expectations of European users who seek seamless viewing experiences across platforms.

Building a cross-platform or hybrid app can be cost-effective, allowing the app to function across multiple operating systems with a single codebase. However, achieving high-quality, consistent streaming performance across devices and platforms requires significant development investment. In markets with a strong iOS user base, the app may need specialized iOS optimization to cater to high performance and visual standards. At the same time, Android-focused enhancements may be necessary in regions where Android dominates. Balancing these regional differences for custom app development projects is crucial to managing costs effectively and delivering an engaging user experience across Europe.

Basic Features
Plus icon
Intermediate Features
Plus icon
Advanced Features
Plus icon
Looking for the most value for money app development?
Join over 400+ companies already growing with Scrums.com.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

Design and UX/UI are essential for engaging the European market. European users prefer clean, intuitive interfaces, particularly in Northern and Western countries where minimalist design is appreciated.

A user-centric approach to design is crucial for a BBC iPlayer-like app. This may involve careful consideration of color schemes, layout, and ease of navigation, creating an experience that aligns with local aesthetics. For example, Scandinavian countries lean toward minimalist design, while other European regions may prioritize clear, functional layouts.

Localization is vital in Europe’s multilingual market. For instance, a French user may expect a fully localized interface, from menus to subtitles. Translating the app into several languages (such as French, German, and Spanish) can improve engagement but increase development costs. Additionally, accessibility standards are high in Germany and Scandinavia, meaning app developers may need to ensure compliance with local accessibility laws.

For content apps, users need transparent data policies. Clear privacy policies accessible from within the app build trust with European users who are highly aware of data security issues.

Integrations with Third-Party Services/External Systems

Integrating a BBC iPlayer-type app with third-party services is a critical component of app functionality in Europe, where unique payment and social systems differ from other regions.

To serve European users, payment options like SEPA, Bancontact, and Klarna are popular in various European countries. Streaming services often use subscription models, making payment integration necessary. Payment systems vary widely, so choosing integrations that resonate with each country’s preferred methods can boost user adoption. Compliance with PSD2 (the EU’s Revised Payment Services Directive) is required for secure payment integrations, which impacts cost.

For social integrations, GDPR compliance requires safeguarding user data from third-party systems, adding to development costs. For instance, integrations with social media for content sharing must clearly inform users of their data usage.

The app may need to integrate with reliable Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to ensure smooth streaming and video playback across Europe. This setup can impact quality, speed, and regulatory compliance but also increases development and operational costs.

Database & Backend Infrastructure

Data handling is a core issue for any streaming app, particularly in Europe, where GDPR requirements shape how data is stored and processed. A BBC iPlayer-like app with a large user base will need robust, compliant, and scalable backend infrastructure.

Under GDPR, data storage must generally be within the EU, making EU-based data centers essential. Cloud providers like Google Cloud, AWS, or Microsoft Azure have EU data centers that ensure compliance. However, the specific requirements of each country can influence data architecture; for instance, certain jurisdictions may have additional data residency laws beyond GDPR.

The backend also must support high-quality video streaming for extensive audiences across multiple countries. This means investment in scalable database solutions that can handle peak demand without compromising performance. Backend scalability is especially critical for high-engagement apps, where international database structures may be necessary for future growth.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

European app development doesn’t end at launch. Regular updates are essential to meet GDPR standards and other compliance requirements. Apps that handle significant user data require ongoing updates as policies evolve, especially for platforms like BBC iPlayer, which rely on personal data for content recommendations and personalization.

Ongoing maintenance ensures compatibility with the latest iOS and Android updates. For industries like finance and healthcare, GDPR updates and sector-specific compliance changes also increase the frequency of updates. European companies often prioritize proactive maintenance plans to ensure their apps remain secure and legally compliant.

Team Expertise and Location

Developing an app in Europe benefits from a diverse, regionally informed team. This may include developers, UX designers, and translators familiar with the nuances of local markets. An influential European development team understands data privacy, regulatory compliance, and regional user experience expectations.

Expertise in data security is critical for a BBC iPlayer-like app. Teams with GDPR compliance expertise can streamline development by integrating necessary data handling protocols. A distributed team across Europe can also offer insights into local preferences, helping adapt the app’s design and functionality to various cultural needs.

Language localization is another key cost factor, as the app may need translation into several languages to effectively engage Europe’s multilingual audience. Teams with translators and content specialists familiar with regional dialects can help the app resonate better with local audiences.

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

QA & Testing: Quality assurance and testing are essential in the European market. For a streaming app, ensuring data security and usability is critical. Given Europe’s focus on data privacy, quality checks must confirm that all data collection processes comply with GDPR, which can increase testing costs.

App Store Fees and Guidelines: App store fees may vary across Europe, impacting the total development budget. Ensuring compliance with different app store guidelines, including country-specific certification, can also add hidden costs to development.

Legal and Compliance Costs: Legal compliance, especially regarding GDPR and other European data regulations, represents a significant cost component. Consulting legal experts on data privacy standards and implementing GDPR-compliant data storage is essential for European apps, particularly those that manage user data on a large scale.

What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development for Europe

Developing a streaming app like BBC iPlayer for Europe introduces unique challenges and opportunities. Europe’s diverse languages, strict data regulations, and varied cultural preferences make the development process more intricate than in other regions.

GDPR compliance is a central concern, as any streaming app handling personal data must prioritize user privacy. For a BBC iPlayer-like app, this means transparency in data collection and user-friendly privacy controls. Additionally, language localization is essential for maximizing user engagement across Europe’s multilingual market. An app with options for English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian has a significant advantage in reaching a broader European audience.

European app developers compete with local streaming services, such as Joyn in Germany or Salto in France. Understanding the competitive landscape and the specific user expectations in each country can help make the app relevant and appealing. Differences in payment preferences, content access, and streaming quality expectations influence development, making the European market unique.

The need for localized payment solutions like Klarna, SEPA, or Bancontact adds to the complexity, as does compliance with financial regulations like PSD2. A BBC iPlayer-like app can succeed in Europe’s highly competitive streaming industry by addressing these unique factors.

Are you looking for a custom app built to succeed in Europe? 

At Scrums.com, we specialize in developing compliant, localized software that meets the needs of a diverse European market. Whether it's GDPR readiness or multi-language interfaces, we know what it takes to make your app a success. Contact us today to get a custom-fit estimate for your European app project!