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How To Create A Video Streaming Website like Netflix: Founder's Guide to Starting Your Own Streaming

Updated: Aug 10, 2022


The worldwide Over-The-Top (OTT) market was worth $121.61 billion in 2019 and will reach $1.039 trillion by 2027, according to a recent study.


Video streaming has now become a part of everyone's lives, much like other household items. Personal theater was formerly a luxury but has evolved into a requirement as video streaming developed. Thanks to the innovative entrepreneurs in the video streaming industry, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and others, who are pioneers in developing new business models for creating your own streaming website.


However, numerous questions in the procedure of how to begin an internet video streaming business. In this comprehensive guide, we'll answer any questions you might have, including:


- Market Overview and Statistics

- Why it's Worth Creating A Streaming Service like Netflix

- Business Part: How to start a Streaming Service

- Development Part: How to build a Video Streaming Website

- How to Build a Video Streaming Website: Tech Stack

- How Much Does It Cost to Build Your Own Video Streaming Platform?

- Look for a Reliable Partner to Build Your Own Netflix?



Market Overview and Statistics: Video Streaming Services


Netflix, HBO, and Hulu's success are remarkable. Many firms have started considering the development of streaming services similar to Netflix as a result of their success. There is quite a lot of sense in establishing such a service now. Let's look at some statistics for the global video streaming market before we figure out how to begin a streaming service. If you have any questions regarding the creation of a comparable product, they will answer them all.



  • In 2019, the worldwide video streaming market is expected to be worth $42.6 billion. From 2020 through 2027, the market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20% each year and reach over 150 billion dollars. (Grandviewresearch, 2020)

  • The COVID-19 epidemic caused the growth of video streaming services to soar. Overall, the sector expanded by almost 10% in 2018. In March 2020, Netflix increased its first-time installation rate by 50%. Twitch's viewership increased by 31%. (Grandviewresearch, 2020)

  • By 2026, the number of video streaming users is predicted to reach 1.4 billion. (Statista, 2022)

  • By 2021, Netflix's total annual revenue is expected to be more than $30 billion. In North America, Netflix reported sales of over $11.5 billion. (Statista, 2021, Business of Apps, 2022)

  • The average revenue per user is expected to amount to $58.52

The online streaming website industry is surging ahead, and there's no doubt that it will explode in popularity soon. As a result, businesses want to know how to establish a streaming service that customers will enjoy. In this chapter, you'll discover all you need to know about the procedure.


Why it's Worth Creating A Streaming Service like Netflix


Discovering the reasons for establishing a video streaming service like Netflix is part of the procedure. Before you shoot the aim, it's critical to know where you're aiming. If you want to learn how to start an internet streaming video business, there must be a good cause. There are several reasons to create your own video streaming website.



Demand:

How to start a Netflix-like streaming service depends on market needs. If the market does not require your service, it is highly unlikely that you will be successful with it. The popularity of on-demand video streaming apps, on the other hand, is exploding at this moment. According to statistics, there are approximately 882 million consumers subscribed to an on-demand video service for entertainment. Furthermore, there are a lot of movie streaming providers that have emerged in the last few years. Some of the finest examples are:

  • Sling TV

  • Disney+

  • ESPN+

  • AppleTV+

  • HBO Max, and many more.

As a result, from the commercial standpoint. It's the ideal time to learn how to create a video streaming website.


Convenience:

Time is money. Nobody wants to watch commercials on Smart TV programs. Break-less material is what people desire. This is another incentive for you to learn how to establish a video streaming service like Netflix. People require video content at all times and in any location. This is something you must take advantage of. According to a study by Worth It More,

  • More than half of users will wait for a season to become available on the streaming site.

This is because:

  • 67% of people wanted to avoid advertisements.

  • 68% of people wanted to binge-watch the whole season.

  • People like to watch the season at any time.

  • They can pause the show whenever required.

Hence, user convenience is also a genuine reason to build a good video streaming website.




Trends:

Video streaming is also being influenced by technological progress. However, they are only on a modest scale thus far, but they are demonstrating encouraging outcomes. The following are some of the most recent trends that are paving the road for video streaming entertainment industry growth.


Until now, the video streaming market has not been significantly influenced by AR, VR, and 360-degree videos. It is a potential game-changer in terms of user experience. It will alter the way we watch a web series in the future thanks to 5G technology. Right now, 8K video is not widely used. However, the worldwide 8K industry is anticipated to reach $26.6 billion in 2024, according to forecasts. As a result, it is an excellent idea to invest some time in learning more about it. Therefore, before you start an internet video streaming company, learn how to use it.



Live video streaming experience:

AI and machine learning are also expected to have an impact on every live streaming platform. Video production and delivery may be readily automated by AI and machine learning. Furthermore, the smart live video may immediately broadcast live streaming events once it detects a particular individual's voice.


Copyright infringement detection is aided by AI and machine learning. This emphasizes the need to understand how to start a streaming service like Netflix before proceeding. Netflix employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze user preferences and recommends material. It also generates numerous images from a film or show to help you choose the perfect thumbnail. To improve the click count, Netflix compares and ranks the pictures to find the best one. It also considers other consumers' thumbs to decide which is the greatest.


Before you understand how to begin an internet video streaming company, you should consider these newest trends. Finally, we come to the most crucial question of how to establish a streaming service similar to Netflix. Now, the answer to this question includes two parts. The first part is:


Business Part: How to start a Streaming Service


There are four important factors to consider while developing a streaming video website.



1. Define Your Niche


The first step in creating a video streaming website is to choose a niche. There are many different niches for video streaming nowadays. Some examples of viable niches might be:


Education:

Online tutoring is becoming more popular. The market for online tutoring is anticipated to reach $132.21 billion in 2020-24, according to forecasts. People nowadays prefer to watch videos than learn anything rather than read about it. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 has increased the demand for online tutoring. As a result, you may consider creating an education-based video streaming website.


Fitness:

People's hectic lives have disconnected them from their health viewpoint. People generally cannot afford to visit the gym because of their overworked jobs. This has increased the demand for fitness apps and platforms. The fitness app market is anticipated to increase by 2026 to $15.96 billion. There are several examples of such platforms, including Obe, NEOU, AKT on demand, and many more. So, if you create a fitness-based video streaming website, people will pay for a subscription because they will enjoy using it.


Entertainment:

Some of the most popular entertainment video streaming websites include Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. Furthermore, right now the entertainment video streaming platform market is exploding. The market will reach $184.27 billion by 2027, according to statistics published. Around 182 million people subscribe to Netflix throughout the world. This indicates that a significant number of viewers like watching internet series and movies on their computers or phones. These figures reveal that there is a lot of room for entertainment video streaming websites in media and entertainment industry. So pick one!

Infotainment:

How about combining learning with some excitement? In the future, the scope of knowledge-based video streaming websites will continue to expand. People are more inclined to watch content without advertising than with advertising. Discovery+ is a great example of such a site.


Cybersports:

What about creating a video streaming website for gamers? Isn't it fantastic! The market for online multiplayer sports events games is already quite promising. Furthermore, the Esports industry is expected to reach $1.5 billion in revenue by 2023. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is an excellent example of a Cyber sports game. It has nearly 1,301,348 players. This shows that developing a streaming platform based on Cyber sports games could be a good niche for you to explore.



2. Conduct Customer Research


If you're offered something you don't want? You won't take it, right. Customer research is also important to understand how to develop a video streaming website.



2.1 Customer Pain Points


It's crucial to understand what problems users have with video streaming apps. This will assist you in creating a better product for them. The first step in starting an online video streaming business model is to comprehend the client's pains. Here are some of the problems that people face when using current video streaming applications:


Limited regional access

Although Netflix is available in the United States, it does not have all of the content available. Some video content is restricted in other countries, much as certain items on Netflix are restricted. This is an important disadvantage of apps.

High data consumption

The data usage element of how to start a streaming service like Netflix should not be overlooked. Although there have been improvements in the last several years. Hulu eats up 2.7 GB per hour, while Amazon Prime consumes 2 GB per hour at high definition. Netflix and Youtube, on the other hand, consume 3 GB each hour at high resolution. These huge numbers generally discourage customers from using them. As a result, they become one of their frustrations.

The number of screens

The number of devices on which you stream content is also a major consideration. This aspect has a lot to do with how to start a streaming service. The following are the figures for the number of simultaneous screens on various platforms:

  • Amazon Prime – 3

  • Hulu – On-demand: 1, Live TV: 2

  • HBO Max: 3

  • Disney+: 4

  • Netflix: Basic: 1, Standard: 2, Premium: 4

  • Apple TV: 3

Depending on the subscription fee and sort of device, the number of simultaneous displays varies. This opens up a lot of possibilities for you to provide more alternatives to your customers. As a result, you may learn how to start an internet business in video streaming and improve it over the competition.

Ownership of content

The majority of the video streaming services enable downloading of material, but not indefinitely. Apple TV, HBO Max, Disney+, and Netflix all allow downloads to be stored for only 30 days. As a result, customers have just one month to access downloaded materials. When studying how to begin an online video streaming business model, it's important to keep this disadvantage in mind.



2.2 How to Define Your USP to Build a Unique Video Streaming Website


Now, we'll go over how to create a unique selling point. We'll also discuss how to start a video streaming service like Netflix in the United States. To rise up the ranks, you must provide your consumers with something unique that they will not have to consider twice. Now comes the time for research if you want to come up with an exciting USP. You should think about the following questions:


User behavior with the content

Take the time to read through all of the available feedback and user reviews. These will assist you in determining what type of information your users want. You may also investigate user demographics to figure out their interests.


The niches that lack premium quality products

There are a lot of niches to keep an eye out for. Research the niches that don't currently have any outstanding services available on the market while creating a website for profitable video streaming. You may also combine several niche categories, including fitness and cuisine, to grow your target audience.

Location

The place where your business is located also has an impact on how to start an internet video streaming company. You must first test your video streaming website in and around your region before attempting it in other countries. Furthermore, make sure that the material you create is available all over the world, not just in your country. Geo-blocking is a feature that you should examine to allow visitors from all over the world to view content.


Content ownership

As previously said, most video streaming networks do not allow permanent ownership of the material, even after downloading. The content is retained on the platform rather than on the user's PC. As a result, you have a fantastic feature to incorporate into your USP and thus succeed in how to create a website for video streaming.

Embed fresh trends

Every aspect of our existence is being revolutionized by technologies like machine learning, AI, and 360-degree video. As a result, you may use these trends to differentiate your video streaming app from the competition.


The combination of cutting-edge features like voice unlocks and automatic copyright identification should aid in the exploitation of subscribers. Now, while learning how to start a streaming service like Netflix, don't just think about these aspects. You may also compare other services' pricing for their capabilities. This will help you develop a stronger USP. Keep an eye on the issues that users had when attempting to establish a USP.





2.3 Test Your Idea w/o Code at a Low Cost


One of the main steps in determining USP in the business model of creating an online video streaming site is POC. The procedure for proof of concept (POC) is a tool to determine whether or not your product has demand and if it is feasible to put into practice. A POC isn't the same as an MVP; it includes all of the small technical codeless implementations of the idea. You can also create a simple user interface with no security concerns. The goal is simply to experiment with the concept. This is crucial if you're learning how to start a Netflix-like video streaming service, since:

  • A POC will assist you in detecting any bugs or potential dangers early on in the process.

  • Proving your concept will help you save a significant amount of money. It's better to test your concept than to produce an unworkable product, in my opinion.

  • It will assist you in determining the potential and demand for your concept.

  • The POC will provide you with a better understanding of project creation.

  • If you're looking for some easy tips to help you attract potential investors for how to start an online video streaming business model, this is the post for you.


3. Think through the monetization model


The next step in how to create a video streaming protocol is to monetize it. What monetization model suits your online video streaming website? This is the key issue to consider when looking for how to start a video streaming service like Netflix. To get the greatest return on investment, you should focus on a variety of monetary models. This will allow you to make money from multiple sources. Here are some of the best revenue-generating strategies:



Subscription video

Subscriptions are the most common revenue model for those who want to launch an online video streaming business. In exchange for a monthly fee or subscription, provide your consumers with unrestricted video content. For your target audience to evaluate the value of your service, you should provide them with a free trial period. This is a very basic revenue source for an online video streaming platform.

Examples:

  • Netflix

  • Hulu

  • Amazon Prime

  • HBO Max

Ad-supported video content

It's also a fantastic method to make money. The process of how to start a video website like Netflix might also help you gain income from advertising. To earn money from business partners, the video content may be inserted with advertisements. One must have a large number of subscribers, however.

Examples:

  • Youtube

  • Hulu

Transactional video

The transactional video model is a rather unique way to make money. In this approach, you may provide the material as a rental or for ownership. Users must pay a one-time fee for the material to access it. After a certain period, users must renew their subscriptions if they wish to continue viewing videos.

Examples:

  • iTunes

  • Amazon’s Rent or Buy video store

Hybrid

Finally, as a hybrid revenue structure, how to start a streaming service like Netflix is an excellent fit. To improve ROI, you may combine various models.

Examples:

  • Youtube TV

  • Amazon Prime Video

Licensing self-owned content

This innovative method may also be used to help you start an internet video streaming business. You can use this futuristic approach to help you start your own movie streaming website. Creators can video upload their own content to their video library with just one click. Licensing video creators' content to others might provide you with a lot of money.

Examples:

  • Netflix

  • Amazon Prime Video


4. Content availability


Another essential component in establishing an online video streaming platform is the availability of material. Once you've selected the subject for your internet streaming site, you'll need to seek the material. It's the stuff that you'll offer users. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide access to both licensed and self-owned streaming content.

  • Licensed content: This is the category of material that may be rented from other authorized vendors with a license.



Those who own the copyright of the material may also contribute licensed content. You'll need a public performance license for both of these cases. This is important.

  • Self-created content: Self-created content is another excellent technique to create a website for video streaming protocols.

For your website, you may create in-house video material. This can also help you later when you may license it to other platforms.


Development Part: How to build a Video Streaming Website


So, we've gotten through the business side of how to start a streaming service like Netflix. Now let's go into the technical aspect of video streaming website development. The design of your product will amaze your consumers. As a result, it is critical to give attention to design throughout the process of how to begin an online video streaming company.


Features to Be Included in an MVP

The core features of a video streaming service's development phase are one of the most important aspects. Here are some of the fundamental characteristics you'll need in your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) while learning how to create an online video platform:


  • User Registration and profile

The registration of users is the most important element of a video streaming service. Registration should be simple and readily available to customers, including through social networks and emails. It's also critical to include the option of having many profiles. On the website, several people may use one account to access the content.

  • Web Push Notifications

Notifications are the next element on our list of essential elements for creating a video streaming website. In the MVP, include a capability for web push notifications to notify your users of new content.

  • Content Search

Integrate the content search feature on your website so that it may function as a better experience for users. It allows users to discover relevant information quickly. They can look for material by name, genre, actors, director, comments, and other criteria.

  • Payments

Users should be able to purchase a subscription quickly and simply. As a result, it's critical to learn how to integrate a payment gateway into your video streaming website design. There is no requirement to include it if you're using an Apple or Google operating system. They do, however, charge 30% as a service fee for processing payments through their payment gateway. If you want to use your payment gateway, you'll need to accept credit cards such as PayPal and Stripe, among others.

  • Reviews and ratings

Allow users to evaluate and rate your material. This will help you frame your content on your website as well as improve user retention.



Additional Features


Furthermore, in the procedure of launching a streaming service like Netflix, there are some extra elements that you may include to make your website distinctive.



  • Multiple language support

To make your website available in many languages and enable multilingual support. It will assist you in attracting more users and income.

  • Blocking of screenshots and screen recording

It is critical to prevent copyright infringement and safeguard copyright.

  • Content recommendation

To give similar content to people based on their preferences, add this function.

  • Download

To enable users to watch content without connectivity, integrate this function. To make it even better, include the capability of downloading the video files or media files to their computer.

  • Video Quality adjustment

Enable this component to allow users to stream video in the desired video quality.



Basics of How to Build a Website for Video Streaming


How can you get started with an internet video streaming company and make it a success? One approach to accomplish this is to make your service more powerful and distinctive than competitors. Make sure your website has the following capabilities:


  • Content Delivery Network

Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network). It makes content available to the user more quickly. Because servers in the CDN network are located near users, the load time is reduced, which aids in user retention.

  • Storage

To ensure the success of your video streaming business, you must know how to get started. Take advantage of cloud storage's capabilities; it will assist in smooth content delivery. It is also secure.

  • Security

The Internet connection is not a secure environment. As a result, you must use strong security measures to prevent unwanted intrusions.

  • Bandwidth

To deal with a big user base while establishing a streaming service like Netflix. Make sure you have adequate bandwidth. It'll go great with the CDN setup.


How to Start a Video Streaming Service: Tech Stack


The strength of your video streaming website is based on its technology stack. As a result, while developing your website, it is critical to pay close attention. These technologies are required to construct a Netflix-style streaming service from the ground up. Some of the most popular streaming services use these technologies.



1. Backend technologies


The following backend technologies are suggested to be used when launching online video streaming platforms:

  • Cloud hosting - Amazon EC2 Servers

The cloud computing platform offers a secure and adaptable computing capacity.

  • Framework - LaravelIt

It's a technology for data-intensive real-time apps that run across many devices.

  • Database - MySQL or Cassandra

These are just a few of the excellent data warehousing and logging technologies on the market.

  • Database cluster management - Dynomite

Dynomite is a dynamo layer that can be used to provide high availability and data-center cross-data center functionality on storage engines.


2. Frontend technologies


Following are frontend technologies recommended when building a video streaming website.

  • Javascript UI Library - React JS or Vue JS

The browser-based frontend library. This JavaScript library is used to build user interfaces.

  • Android - Java, Javascript, Kotlin

Other than Java, Kotlin is the greatest statically typed programming language for Android apps.

  • iOS - Swift

Swift is a great programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and other platforms.


3. DevOps


The significance of DevOps in launching your own video streaming service, such as Netflix, cannot be overstated. Here are some of the most useful technologies.

  • Code collaboration and version control - GitHub

Git is a fantastic online system for managing changes. It allows you and your teammates to collaborate on a project.

  • Server management - Apache Mesos

It is a cluster manager that enables resource isolation and sharing across apps and platforms.

  • Log management- Sumo Logic

Using big data, it provides genuine-time IT insights to you by generating machine-generated large data. It can also be used for log management and security.

  • Mobile error management-Crittercism

This technology may be used to control and track mobile performance.

  • Performance monitoring

Boundary, LogicMonitorIt is used by businesses for monitoring on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid data centers.


What Is the Cost of Creating Your Own Video Streaming Service?


What does it take to start a video streaming service like Netflix, and how much will it cost? This is determined by whom your website was created, where your website was created, and who else was involved in its creation.



  1. Freelancers: If you're thinking about outsourcing the website development to freelancers. You'll save money, but the quality of the work will not good.

  2. In-house team: If you hire in-house staff, it is one of the finest choices because they will provide excellent work. It will be costly, though.

  3. Development Agency: Hiring a video streaming app development agency for handling your website development process is the smart option for you.

  • You will get quality work.

  • Reasonable charges.

  • Less time to hit the market.

  • Timely updates.

The ideal method to go about establishing an internet video business is to first determine what sort of material you'd want to provide. It will take roughly 1,400 hours for you to develop your own website streaming service if we consider the time involved. And here are the costs associated with developing a website from different locations:


USA/Canada

Pros:

  • Good quality

  • Easy to communicate

  • Same time zone

Cons:

  • Extremely cost

  • The lack of developers

Price per hour: $250

Final Cost: $350,000


India

Pros:

  • Very cheap

  • Many developers

Cons:

  • Poor quality

  • Lack of expertise

  • Hard to communicate

  • Specific time zone

Price per hour: $50

Final Cost: $70,000


Ankuv Global Delivery Center

Pros:

  • Same quality as in the US

  • Easy to communicate

  • Deep expertise

  • The wide pool of talents

Price per hour: $100

Final Cost: $140,000




Are you looking for a trustworthy development agency to help you create your own Netflix?


If you're creating your own streaming service, it's important to find the best development company. We at Ankuv take pleasure in our product development approach. We save both time and money with cutting-edge, market-driven solutions. Furthermore, our staff of specialists involved in your project includes:

  • Frontend developers

  • Backed developers

  • DevOps

  • Project managers

  • UI/UX designers




We created a video streaming platform for the security sector with the aid of our in-house expert staff. Learn more about our creative work by going to the link. We understand that starting a Netflix-style video streaming service may be difficult. However, we use an agile development method to guarantee great results for our clients.

Chat live with our support team

Our customer care support team can help you with your questions.

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