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 Pinterest?

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 Pinterest?
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 Pinterest?

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 Pinterest?

Explore key cost factors for developing a Pinterest-like app for U.S. users, from features to compliance.
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

Pinterest is a unique social discovery app that allows users to curate, save, and explore diverse content across many categories—from home décor and fashion to DIY projects and recipes. Its primary appeal lies in offering users a visually immersive experience and enabling them to organize their inspirations in an accessible way. Creating a similar app presents unique challenges, particularly around curating visual content, integrating eCommerce features, and ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

The complexities of a Pinterest-like app go beyond the standard challenges of social networking. Unlike typical social platforms, which focus on real-time interaction, Pinterest requires tools for personal content curation, content recommendation, and multi-platform support. As we delve into the factors that influence the cost of building such an app, U.S. market considerations—like the demand for fast-loading, intuitive interfaces, and robust privacy protections—will play a significant role in determining the ideal development approach and investment needed.

This guide explores each key element impacting development costs, providing a roadmap for understanding what it takes to create a Pinterest-like app that resonates with U.S. users and stands out in the market.

Platform and Device Compatibility

Choosing the right platform is a crucial factor when determining how much it costs to build an app like Pinterest. A content-heavy app like Pinterest relies on wide accessibility, so targeting iOS and Android platforms is often necessary to reach the broadest United States audience. The user demographics on iOS and Android vary across the United States, but Pinterest appeals to both, making dual-platform support an essential investment for a successful app experience.

There are two main development approaches to consider: native and cross-platform.

  • Native Development: Native development means building separate versions of the app for iOS and Android, each with its own codebase. This approach can be more costly since it requires two development paths but delivers the highest performance, customization, and user experience. For custom app development focused on top-notch performance, native development is often the preferred approach, especially if the app needs to handle a high volume of visual content smoothly.

  • Cross-Platform Development: Many developers use cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter to reduce costs. These frameworks allow a single codebase to work on both iOS and Android, saving significant development, testing, and maintenance time. For a Pinterest-like app, cross-platform development can be a cost-effective approach that still provides a consistent user experience across devices.

In addition to mobile, device compatibility across other platforms can enhance the app's reach and engagement. For example:

  • Tablet Compatibility: Many users prefer the larger screen space of tablets when browsing and organizing boards. Tablet compatibility supports tasks like home décor planning or project tracking.
  • Desktop Integration: Pinterest’s web version is popular among users who prefer the functionality of a larger screen for browsing and organizing. Desktop integration is essential for a seamless, multi-device experience.
  • Wearable Devices: While not critical, wearable device compatibility (e.g., Apple Watch) can provide timely notifications, such as updates from followed boards or new follower alerts.

Expanding to multiple platforms adds development complexity and impacts the overall cost of custom app development. However, with United States users increasingly expecting multi-platform functionality, investing in compatibility across devices can significantly improve user engagement and retention, enhancing the value of a Pinterest-like app.

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 user experience are critical in creating a successful Pinterest-style app. United States users have high expectations for fast, intuitive, and visually appealing apps, especially ones centered around browsing and organizing content.

Key considerations for UI/UX in a Pinterest-like app include:

  • Content-Centric Interface: The app must emphasize visual content, using a grid or masonry layout to showcase images effectively. Smooth scrolling, image loading, and precise categorization are essential.
  • Personalization and Customization: Allowing users to personalize their boards and feeds gives them a sense of ownership and control, which is particularly valuable in the United States market, where personalization drives engagement.
  • Ease of Navigation: A Pinterest-like app must have seamless navigation to encourage long browsing sessions. Users should be able to save, organize, and discover content without friction.

These UX/UI elements require skilled designers and careful testing to ensure compatibility with iOS and Android devices. Investing in high-quality UX/UI can increase upfront costs, but it is essential for retaining users and increasing engagement.

Integrations with Third-Party Services or External Systems

Integrations with external systems enhance functionality and provide a seamless experience. Essential integrations for a Pinterest-like app include:

  • Social Media APIs: These allow users to sign in through Google, Facebook, or Apple ID and share pins directly on other platforms.
  • Image Recognition APIs: Tools like Google Vision or Amazon Rekognition allow visual search functionality, which is core to the Pinterest experience.
  • eCommerce Integration: If the app includes shopping functionality, it must integrate with payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal. Additionally, product links or affiliate marketing tools can add monetization potential.
  • Analytics and Marketing Tools: Tools like Google Analytics, Firebase, or Mixpanel provide insights into user behavior and engagement patterns, essential for optimizing the app’s performance.

These integrations enhance the user experience but come with licensing or service fees, plus additional costs for integration and testing. Choosing reliable, United States-based tools or partners can also ensure faster support and compliance with United States regulations.

Database & Back-End Infrastructure

The backend infrastructure of a Pinterest-like app must support massive volumes of content and user activity. Essential components include:

  • Scalable Databases: As a Pinterest-style app hosts millions of images and user data, scalable databases like MongoDB or Cassandra are often preferred for efficient storage and retrieval.
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN): For fast loading of images and videos, a CDN like Cloudflare or AWS CloudFront helps deliver content efficiently across different United States regions.
  • Real-time Syncing: Users expect real-time updates, such as changes to boards or recommended content, synchronized across devices instantly.
  • Data Security: Given the amount of user data handled, the backend should prioritize data encryption, access controls, and regular security updates.

Using established cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure with United States-based data centers can ensure reliable service and faster response times for United States users. However, it can add to hosting costs.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

A Pinterest-like app will require ongoing maintenance and updates to stay competitive. Key areas include:

  • Feature and Content Updates: Regular updates introduce new features or formats that keep the app fresh and engaging.
  • Performance Optimization: With a growing user base, regular performance optimizations are needed to keep the app fast and responsive.
  • Compliance with United States Regulations: Data privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), require regular updates to privacy policies and compliance checks.

These updates keep the app functional and compliant and protect user data, contributing to a trustworthy reputation among United States users.

Team Expertise and Location

Creating a Pinterest-like app demands a skilled team with expertise in social discovery apps, UI/UX, backend architecture, and data science. A United States-based team has several advantages, including familiarity with United States market trends and user expectations. Key team members include:

  • Frontend Developers: Skilled in iOS and Android development with experience building responsive, image-centric interfaces.
  • Backend Engineers: Can create a scalable infrastructure that can handle high volumes of data and ensure fast response times.
  • Data Scientists: Responsible for developing algorithms that power recommendations, content personalization, and search.
  • UI/UX Designers: Strongly understand United States user preferences, particularly in delivering smooth, intuitive, and visually appealing experiences.

Hiring locally in the United States is often more costly than offshore options. Still, it can lead to better communication, faster turnaround times, and a product that resonates with United States users. A hybrid model with local project managers and offshore developers could be a viable option for businesses on a tighter budget.

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

QA & Testing: Extensive testing is required for a Pinterest-like app to ensure compatibility across devices and platforms, as well as security and performance testing to protect user data and maintain speed.

App Store Fees and Guidelines: Apple and Google charge a 30% commission on in-app purchases and fees for App Store and Google Play listings. Tax compliance for in-app purchases in the United States may also influence pricing models.

Legal and Compliance Costs: For U.S.-based users, compliance with privacy laws like CCPA and GDPR (if applicable) is mandatory. Crafting robust terms of service and a privacy policy can involve legal fees, while keeping the app compliant may require regular updates to data-handling practices.

What Makes Pinterest-Like Apps Unique in Terms of Development

Developing a Pinterest-like app is complex due to its blend of social discovery, content curation, and potential eCommerce functionality. Unlike real-time social networks, Pinterest-like apps rely on visual inspiration, with the main engagement drivers being ease of browsing and personal discovery.

The United States market’s high expectations for personalized, fast, and visually rich experiences mean that attention to detail is crucial. Developers must create an app that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for United States users’ preferences for intuitive, cross-device accessibility. A Pinterest-style app’s unique needs, including personalized content recommendations and a robust backend for image storage and retrieval, highlight why working with experienced developers is essential.

Ready to bring your app idea to life? 

At Scrums.com, our team of experts specializes in custom app development in the United States. Whether you envision a social discovery platform, a content-driven app, or an eCommerce tool, we’re here to build something exceptional. Connect with us today for a personalized development estimate and take the first step toward creating your vision!