We all know that social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, have changed the way we communicate and share information with one another. Now, people are looking for their next big thing to take over social media and become the next platform that everyone uses to share content and connect.
Further, some of these newer platforms already exist, while others are just in the development stage. Still, if you’re thinking about starting your own audio-based social media app like Yalla, there are some things you should know before you do so. So, let’s begin and find out what those things can help you have a successful app.
How To Start Building A Social Media Platform Like The Yalla App?
In case you haven’t heard of it, Yalla is an audio social media app that allows you to have voice group conversations with friends, colleagues, and family members in real-time. Besides, it has taken the Middle East by storm, gaining millions of users.
Founded in Dubai, Yalla App was created in 2016 and reached its peak success publicly in 2020. With an increase of 39.7% compared to the previous year’s fourth quarter (US$49 million), it reached a total of US$67.6 million with its voice chat feature in 2021’s Q4 earnings release.
Therefore, if you’re feeling empowered and want to start your own blog like Yalla, then keep reading for some helpful tips!
Things To Consider When Developing An App like Yalla
When developing any social media application, one must consider the project’s functionality, technology stack, development cost, and how it will generate revenue. Let me explain each element to help you build your own audio platform like Yalla.
What Are the Top Features of the Yalla App That You Should Include?
Well, deciding what features your app will have depends on what you want to offer. For example, is it going to be public or private? Is it going to be anonymous or not? Is there going to be an audience limit? How much do you want people to interact with each other? Is the chat one-on-one, or can multiple people chat at once? Do you want people to upload videos and photos? All of these decisions will impact how your social media platform looks in the end.
However, if we were creating our own social media platform like the Yalla app, there are some basic features that you should ask your social media app development team to include.
Sign up
This is one of the simplest but most important steps in developing any app. Ideally, you should ask for a username and password to sign up for the app. Besides, other things would be useful to include, such as how one authenticates a message through getting an email or phone number.
Or you could skip this step altogether and just let people log in with their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. It’s up to you how you want it to work.
Feed
This is your home screen where people can see what’s happening in their network or search for something specific. If you’re building a social media platform like Yalla, it would be good to include categories such as Top Posts, Photos, Videos, and Friends. These categories can then be expanded upon with more options so users can find the content they enjoy.
Online voice chat rooms
This is where all the chatting takes place. There are two types of groups in voice-based chat apps –
Public – These online voice chat rooms are open for anyone to join; it just takes one quick search to find out who’s hosting the next conversation you want to be a part of.
Private – If you’re invited (or know someone who can vouch for you), then these social media chat rooms can also serve as an exclusive means of communication between like-minded people.
Within these rooms, three roles exist Speakers (who initiate the conversations), Listeners (who respond), and Moderators (usually assigned by admins).
One-on-one text and voice chat
Yalla Audio Social Media app allows one-on-one conversations with friends via text or voice chat. This merging of features allows for more communication between friends than in other applications.
Games
One thing that makes the Yalla chat rooms app stand out is that it enables users to play games with one another – all while in a voice chat room. The convenience flawlessly answers what makes an app engaging for many people.
Virtual gift
Yalla app also provides the convenience of gifting-or giving- virtual money and goods to people you follow in the app or even your friends. This motivates speakers because it can be a reason to keep producing good content.
File uploading
Even though the use case for voice-operated social media platforms is unique, it falls under the same category as all other social media platforms. Essentially, this platform allows users to post content about their personal lives or general topics. As such, you should include a file uploader within the app to facilitate user interaction.
Basic engagement facility
Your version of the Yalla app should have the same features as any other social media application – sharing, following, commenting, and liking.
Screen sharing
Although it isn’t an MVP feature, this is worth planning for when developing the live audio social network app. Adding a screen-sharing option would make it easy for speakers to clarify points during the live stream.
Push notification
With notifications, one of the best ways to engage with users is you want them to stay with your app for longer. Moreover, you can do this by sending out notifications about upcoming events or activities on their profile – updated content keeps them engaged and will make them less likely to delete it.
Admin panel
So far, everything we’ve covered is related to the front-end interface. Furthermore, with regards to the admin side of the application, though, you will need to focus on editing or creating backend functions for the system; here are a few important points that might help guide your thinking through this process:
Now that we’ve explored one aspect of voice-based social media app development let’s move on to the next portion!
A Look At The Technology Stack That Powers Social Audio Platforms Such As Yalla
Social audio platforms such as Yalla enable people to connect in real-time using voice chat. These platforms are built on a variety of technologies, including:
1. WebRTC
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications) is a technology that enables real-time voice and video communication in web browsers and mobile apps. Yalla uses WebRTC to enable people to chat with each other in real-time.
2. Node.js
Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime environment that enables developers to build scalable network applications. Yalla’s backend is built using Node.js.
3. Mediasoup
Mediasoup is a powerful and efficient media server for real-time communication. It provides high-quality and scalable audio and video streaming for live streaming, video conferencing, and screen sharing applications.
4. MongoDB
MongoDB is an effective document-oriented database that stores data for Yalla’s users. It is an open-source database that is designed to be scalable and efficient. Yalla uses MongoDB to store data for its users.
5. Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform Yalla uses to host its platform and database.
Moreover, there are many other technologies that contribute to this platform, such as Yalla- a mobile application. If you want to know more about technology, you can contact an app development company.
What Does It Cost To Develop A Social Media Application Like Yalla?
Many factors play a role in developing a social media application like Yalla. These include the size and scope of the project, the number of features and integrations required, the platform that the app will be built for, and the level of customization needed.
Furthermore, going by the features that we’ve discussed in this article, it looks like an estimated cost of the minimum viable product would come out to roughly –
The total cost of MVP Development-$38,000.
How Do You Monetize It?
Not everyone has the business sense of Mark Zuckerberg or the programming skills of Bill Gates, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own social media platform like Yalla.
The Yalla application could use a variety of monetization models, including paid subscriptions, advertising, in-app purchases, or a combination of these.
1. The subscription monetization model charges users a recurring fee to access the content and features of the Yalla-like application. This model is typically used by applications that offer premium content or features that are not available to non-subscribers.
2. The virtual gifts monetization model allows users to send virtual gifts to other users of the Yalla-like application. These gifts can be purchased using real-world currency, and the Yalla-like application takes a cut of each transaction. This model is typically used by social networking and dating applications.
3. The brand events monetization model allows brands to host events within the Yalla-like application. These events can be open to all users or only to subscribers, and the Yalla-like application earns revenue from each event hosted. This model is typically used by applications that cater to a specific niche or interest group.
4. The advertising monetization model displays advertisements within the Yalla-like application. These advertisements can target specific users based on their interests and demographics. The Yalla-like application earns revenue from each ad impression or click. Applications with a large user base typically use this model.
5. The Yalla app could also use a freemium model, where basic features are free to use, but users must pay to access premium features. This could be done through a one-time purchase, such as an in-app purchase, or through a monthly or annual subscription.
Final Words!
The Yalla App is a great example of how to build a social media platform the right way. By focusing on user experience and providing value, they’ve created a platform that people love using. If you want to build your own social media platform, use the Yalla App as your blueprint.
Follow their lead and focus on what’s best for the user. Please provide them with valuable, easy-to-use, and fun features. Offer these features across all platforms, so users don’t have to worry about being locked into one system or another.
Listen closely to your users when they provide feedback because it will help you develop the best product possible. However, an app development company can help you create a social media platform like no other. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you create a social media platform like the Yalla App.
