What is a video conferencing app?
A video conferencing application is a web or mobile application that enables users to conduct live video conferences with each other. Video conferencing apps usually offer users the ability to create a custom profile, browse and join online sessions, view past sessions, and communicate with other users via an inbox. They also typically include features for managing multiple calls or participants (e.g., muting one participant during a call), starting/stopping audio and video feeds, and recording videos of sessions for later viewing.
Video conferencing apps are similar to other real-time communication apps like chat and messaging apps. Popular video conferencing applications include Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Slack.
Examples of video conferencing apps built with Crowdbotics:
- A very basic two way video app would allow doctors to message each other about patients. Would ultimately want to implement medical software they’re using into this app.
What is the typical cost to build a video conferencing app?
A video conferencing app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. A video conferencing app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
For example, here are some previous video conferencing app price quotes from Crowdbotics:
How long does it take to build a video conferencing app?
A video conferencing app usually takes 133 hours to build. However, a video conferencing app can be built in as few as 133 hours, or in as many as 133 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms.
For example, some previous video conferencing apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:
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Crowdbotics has quoted and built hundreds of applications for teams of all sizes. Browse our historical estimates by industry and app type to understand possible costs and considerations.
How to successfully grow your video conferencing application
A video conferencing app can grow quickly when providing a significant value add to users, such as by helping them feel less alone. Video conferencing apps do this by allowing people who are far away from each other to feel like they’re in the same room. The key to growing a video conferencing app is to focus on user experience and usability. In order to achieve viral growth, video conferencing apps should provide an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to invite new contacts into a conversation without having to leave the application.
Risks and challenges of building a video conferencing application
A video conferencing app faces legal risks associated with the sharing of sensitive information, the violation of privacy laws, and the unauthorized recording of conversations. It is recommended that you select a third-party video chat provider for encryption and authentication services. You should also limit the amount of sensitive data that can be recorded by users during a conference call.