In today's world, social media has seamlessly integrated itself into the lives of virtually everyone. What initially began as a means to stay connected with family and friends has since evolved into a vital platform for businesses and brands to engage with their desired audience. The rapid expansion of this medium has given rise to a plethora of social media trends that have transformed and adapted over time. This evolution has not only become an integral part of people's lives but has also driven the development of new technologies and various applications.

Recent statistics indicate that in 2023, approximately 4.89 billion individuals across the globe are active users of social media accounts, representing a notable 6.5% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this figure will continue to surge and reach an estimated six billion users by 2027.

The ever-increasing success and widespread adoption of social media platforms may inspire you to contemplate the prospect of developing your own social media application. This quick guide on developing a social media platform will acquaint you with the essential knowledge you require before embarking on the journey of creating your own social media platform. It will also assist you in assessing whether such a venture is a viable and sound business decision. 

Why go for social media app development 

As of 2023, the global average for daily social media usage stands at approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes per day. However, when it comes to social network usage, there are variations between men and women worldwide. 

The driving force behind this persistent surge in social media platform usage lies in their user-friendly interfaces and the inclusive environment they provide for people to connect with one another, regardless of their geographical location.

The social media industry is constantly growing and evolving, with new platforms and trends emerging all the time. It is important for businesses and individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest stats and trends in order to make the most of this powerful marketing tool.

Here are some trends in the social media industry to watch for in the coming years:

  • The rise of short-form video content: Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are becoming increasingly popular, as users are drawn to the fast-paced and engaging nature of short-form video.
  • The growth of social commerce: Social media platforms are making it easier for users to shop directly on their platforms. This trend is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more and more consumers turn to social media to discover and purchase products and services.
  • The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): Social media platforms are using AI and ML to improve the user experience, such as by providing personalized recommendations and filtering out harmful content.

The social media industry is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. By staying up-to-date on the latest stats and trends, businesses and individuals can position themselves to succeed in this rapidly growing market. 

How much it can cost for social media app development 

Before going for any app development, budgeting the overall cost is a  pivotal step for financial planning. To arrive at this cost, you can sum up the total backend development time and then multiply the result by your development team's hourly salary or rate. On average, the expense associated with creating a social media app typically falls within the range of $100,000 to $250,000 or even more, contingent upon the intricacy of your application.

It's important to note that the cost spectrum can fluctuate based on factors such as the geographical location and the level of expertise of your chosen service provider. Companies such as ailoitte are well known for affordable social media app development options. 

The process of making an social media app 

1. Start with an idea

The initial and most crucial step in the development of a social media app involves defining its purpose, identifying the target audience, and establishing its unique value proposition. This phase necessitates comprehensive market research, brainstorming sessions, and outlining the core functionalities that will distinguish your app from the competition. Setting key milestones and realistic goals is imperative to ensure a smooth development journey.

2. Choose your partner in the way 

Life and app development journey is same in a way that both feel empty without a partner. The next essential step is to choose a proficient and experienced social network app development company, such as Ailoitte. This strategic decision allows you to assess their capabilities, understanding of your project, and their potential role as a valuable technology partner in your social media app development venture.

3. Understand the project

The chosen app development company collaborates with you to discuss your requirements and evaluate your project. The outcome is a comprehensive business proposal that serves as an initial roadmap for the social networking app development process. This proposal outlines their understanding of your project, the projected development timeline, and the technology stack they intend to employ in crafting your social media platform.

4. Wireframing and Prototyping

To translate your vision into a tangible and comprehensible format that aligns with your app's objectives, the development company creates wireframes and prototypes. A well-structured wireframe ensures that users can swiftly navigate and grasp how the social media app addresses their needs. This phase also offers you insights into the app's functionality without necessitating actual software development.

5. Product Design

The subsequent step revolves around designing all the screens and essential features of your social media app. 

6. Development Phase

Once the contract is established, the design is passed on to the social media app developers, enabling them to initiate the actual development process. This stage unfolds through a structured timeline, divided into sprints, with each sprint spanning a two-week duration.

7. Testing and Quality Assurance

Upon completion of the product, quality assurance (QA) engineers rigorously test the social media application. These QA specialists meticulously scrutinize the app for bugs and malfunctions, documenting their findings in bug reports. These reports serve as a roadmap for developers, guiding them in addressing and rectifying identified issues to ensure optimal app performance and user experience.

8. Launch and Ongoing Maintenance

Once the social media application is polished to perfection, developers deliver the final version to you. You can then release your app to your intended audience and periodically update it to maintain its relevance and refine its features.

Social media app development is an ongoing journey, demanding continuous improvements and evolution. By following the aforementioned steps in the development process, you can create a captivating social application that resonates with users and leaves a lasting impact in the digital realm.