How to Make a Video Conferencing App Like Zoom

According to Techcrunch, video conferencing apps for both commercial and personal usage were downloaded over 62 million times in only one week in March 2020. It also demonstrates the desire for and the sparks that the video chat application market has.

• Zoom generated $2.6 billion in revenue in 2020, a 317 per cent increase year-on-year
• Zoom was one of the fastest growing apps of the pandemic, with meeting participants increasing by 2900 per cent.
• It has 470,000 business customers as of December 2020
• Zoom’s valuation exceeded $100 billion during the pandemic, a 383 per cent increase from its value in January 2020

Zoom App Revenue Till 2023

Zoom annual revenue

Zoom programming language with backend technology

1. backend technology:
   • Zoom likely uses backend technology like Java, Python, or Go to build the behind-the-scenes functionalities that handle things like user authentication and data processing.
2. Web Development:
   • For the parts you see and interact with on the Zoom website, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are probably in play. They might also use frameworks like React or Angular for the user interface.
3. Mobile App Development:
   • If you’re using Zoom on your phone, they probably used Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin/Java (for Android) to build the mobile app.
4. Real-Time Communication:
   • The real-time audio and video magic, like video conferencing, is likely powered by WebRTC. This technology is implemented using JavaScript, especially in web browsers.
5. Networking and Protocol Stuff:
   • For the nitty-gritty details of how devices talk to each other, languages like C or C++ might be involved. These languages give a lot of control over low-level system interactions.
6. Security Components:
   • Parts that keep your Zoom meetings secure might involve languages like C or Rust. These languages are good for tasks where you need precise control over how your code uses memory and interacts with the system.

Why make a video conferencing app like Zoom in 2024

There Is Sufficient Scope to Develop and Flourish in This Market. Not only do businesses use video chat apps. A study shows that only the education industry holds over 10% of video conferencing market shares. Zoom, as previously said, caters to businesses of all sizes. All things are examined and measured on the basis that the application’s foundation can scale to match any client size and budget plan effortlessly. In any case, the most exciting aspect of our video conferencing app development firm is ensuring the scalability of video conferencing apps like Zoom and the impact they can have on small businesses.

Right Platform to Make & Launch a Video Conferencing App Like Zoom

You must first decide on the type of target platform you will use before you begin developing your application. This is critical since it aids in defining the budget and tools needed for the development process.

This is a crucial question to ask oneself. Do you want your app to run on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers? You can host your app on any one of these platforms or perhaps all of them.

Alternatively, you can use WebRTC, which does not limit you to a single platform and can be used on all of them. However, you should choose a strategy that is most suited to the needs of your app, the resources at your disposal, and the budgetary constraints.

In the current situation, you have the choice of going native or web-based.

Make A Native App For Zoom Like Zoom

If you pursue the native path, you’ll need to decide which platform you’ll use to distribute the program. Officially, Java and Swift/Objective-C are the programming languages that support Android and iOS, respectively.

As a result, you’ll need to design distinct apps for the iOS and Android platforms.

You can, on the other hand, use frameworks like React Native to create native apps that operate on both Android and iOS devices.

Develop a Web Version of Your Zoom Like App

Most developers envision a web-based application first. Because all major browsers have WebRTC APIs, the app can be used on any device that has one of these browsers installed.

Furthermore, adopting web-based applications is useful because it eliminates the requirement for a third-party tool. The application may be built with simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Alternatively, use ReactJS, Angular, or Vue to make your project more powerful.

Developing your video conferencing app is easier with a web-based application because many desktop platforms include it as a standard feature.

It’s believed to be great for apps that want to be used on both desktop computers and laptop PCs. However, it is supposed to perform well on mobile devices as well.

The native way makes more sense if you want to offer your program additional power as a separate entity for several platforms. Additionally, if you want to support legacy devices, native is the way to go because WebRTC APIs don’t support it.

Make A Zoom With Progressive Web App Technology

PWA (Progressive Web App) is a concept that has recently gained traction. This mixes the best of web and native, and it’s something you should think about if you’re making an app like Zoom.

Defining Features Of Video Conference App Like Zoom

After you’ve determined your target platform, you’ll need to create a list of features and functionalities that will be highlighted in video conferencing apps like Zoom.

The requirements of your application and the financial allocations will determine a lot.

Here’s a list of top features that should be included in your video-conferencing app like Zoom.

1. Pre-call Video Preview

Allow users to verify the camera before joining a video call in your app. Allow them to turn off the video if they want to.

2. Have a conversation

While the video is required for online meeting apps like Zoom, you should also provide a chat function as an additional communication channel that users may use throughout a session.

3. File-sharing is number three.

Having a feature that allows users to share files during an online meeting is useful when designing a Zoom clone application. However, you must guarantee that the app provides a safe environment for storing and transporting these files.

4. Multi-Party Meeting

Users will only utilize an online meeting app if it permits more than two people to participate in the call. The creation of a multi-party conference feature is a difficult endeavour, but it is the lifeblood of any video-conferencing platform.

To ensure that the program runs effectively, allowing more than 10 users to join the call will necessitate enough backend support and reinforcements.

5: Remote Desktop Sharing

Integrating a desktop sharing capability is a crucial feature that comes in useful when users join from remote work locations and want to share the information of their displays during an online meeting.

This is especially handy when technical assistance is required, and an expert can assist users in completing a specific activity.

6. Sound recording

For a variety of reasons, recording an online meeting can be beneficial. However, if you do decide to offer this service, make sure that you also provide storage for the recordings.

You may also provide the user the option of saving the recording to the cloud or locally on their device. You should also consider security measures to prevent unauthorized people from gaining access.

7. Icons or Filters

If your Zoom clone software is intended to be used casually, a feature that allows users to add hilarious filters and icons during a call can assist in attracting a bigger user base.

Even if your target market is predominantly a business audience, this will promote more private calls to be initiated.

8. Whiteboard

Suppose your app is being used for educational purposes. In that case, a Whiteboard feature will assist the initiator, in this case, the teacher, in imparting a lesson using a tool that adds images to an idea.

9: Live Broadcasting

Live streaming has grown highly popular as a result of social media. It enables a single user to broadcast voice, video, or both to a specific group in real time.

In a corporate setting, it can aid the government in gaining access to disaster zones or rescue missions by live-streaming conferences and meetings to a big audience.

10 Hand-Raising (Virtual)

Having a virtual hand-raising feature during an online meeting, especially when there is a large number of participants, allows a user to express their desire to speak or voice concerns by signalling to the host.

This is commonly done by using a virtual emoji that looks like a raised hand. This feature prohibits numerous people from speaking at the same time, ensuring that the meeting runs well.

11. Polls

As the online meeting progresses, the host can generate a poll that the attendees can vote on. This Poll feature allows the host to collect responses from participants on a specific issue or topic.

12. Mute Participants

The ‘Mute Participants’ option can be used by the meeting host to guarantee that users do not talk out of turn during the meeting. According to the host’s wishes, this mutes the mic of one or more of the online meeting participants.

How to Build a Video Conferencing App like Zoom

1. Define Requirements and Features

Identify the features you want in your video conferencing app, such as video calls, audio calls, screen sharing, chat functionality, and user authentication.

2. Choose Technology Stack

Decide on the programming languages, frameworks, and libraries for both frontend and backend development. For example:

• Backend: Python (Django or Flask), Node.js, Ruby on Rails.
• Frontend: React, Angular, or Vue.js.
• Real-Time Communication: WebRTC.
• Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.

3. Set Up Development Environment

Install the necessary tools and set up your development environment. Use version control (e.g., Git) for better collaboration.

4. Design the Database

Create a database schema to store user data, chat messages, and other relevant information.

5. User Authentication

Implement a secure user authentication system to protect user accounts and data.

6. Real-Time Communication (WebRTC)

Integrate WebRTC for real-time audio and video communication. This involves setting up signalling servers for session initiation and managing the flow of data between users.

7. Build the Frontend

Create a user-friendly interface using your chosen frontend framework. Include features like video calls, audio calls, screen sharing, and chat.

8. Implement Chat Functionality

Integrate a chat system for text communication during video calls. You can use existing libraries or build a custom solution.

9. Screen Sharing

Implement screen-sharing functionality using WebRTC or a screen-sharing library.

10. Implement Security Measures

Ensure end-to-end encryption to protect user data and privacy. Implement secure coding practices and conduct regular security audits.

11. Mobile App Development

If you want to provide a mobile experience, develop iOS and Android applications. Consider using frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development.

12. Testing

Perform thorough testing of your application, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing.

13. Deployment

Deploy your application to a cloud service provider like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Configure your servers, set up domain names, and manage server resources.

14. Continuous Improvement

Gather user feedback and make regular updates to improve the app’s performance, fix bugs, and add new features.

15. Compliance and Legal Considerations

Ensure that your application complies with data protection and privacy regulations. Address legal considerations, especially if handling sensitive information.

Building a video conferencing app requires a multidisciplinary approach, and it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies and security practices in the field. Additionally, consider seeking professional advice for specific legal and regulatory aspects.

Cost Estimation to build a video conferencing app like Zoom

App features, complexity, location of app development, the size of the app development team, the number of hours required to make an app like Zoom, and the development platform are just a few of the factors that influence the cost of a video chat app creation.

Based on these two ranges, here is a rough cost estimate to build a video conferencing app like Zoom.

The cost to make an app like zoom app is determined by the type of tailored solution you desire. Depending on the services and features you choose, a video conferencing software like Zoom, where the development team works on everything from the start, might cost you around $50000 or more.

Look for an app development company with a development team that has experience creating highly scalable and already has developed a fantastic app for clients.

Know the Technology Stack to Develop An App Like Zoom

With a well-defined platform and a list of features out of the way, you need to know how to actually create an app like Zoom.

Here is the recommended technology stack to build a video conferencing app like zoom

Native Apps

• Android:
  • Programming Languages – Java, Kotlin
  • Toolkits – Android Studio
  • SDK – Android SDK
  • Video Chat – WebRTC
• iOS:
  • Programming Languages – Swift
  • Toolkits – Apple Code
  • SDK – iOS SDK
  • Video Chat – WebRTC

SDK and API

• WebRTC uses 3 APIs
  • MediaStream
  • RTC PeerConnection
  • RTC DataChannel
• Third-party APIs
  • ContusFly
  • PubNub
  • CometChat
  • Willie

How to Make an App Like Zoom in Android Studio

This article will show you how to use the Android Studio development environment to make a zoom-like app in Android Studio. As Android smartphones become more prevalent, the need for new apps will only grow. Android Studio is a user-friendly (and free) development environment.
You’ll be well on your way to a fun new hobby or even a promising career in mobile programming after following this tutorial to construct your first Android app.

1. Open Android Studio.
2. Under the “Quick Start” menu, select “Start a new Android Studio project.
3. On the “Create New Project” window that opens, name your project “How to Make App Like Zoom in Android Studio”.
4. If you choose to, set the company name as desired.
5. Note where the project file location is and change it if desired.
6. Click “Next.”
7. Make sure that “Phone and Tablet” is the only box that is checked.
8. If you are planning to test the app on your phone, make sure the minimum SDK is below your phone’s operating system level.
9. Click “Next.”
10. Select “Blank Activity.”
11. Click “Next.”
12. Leave all of the Activity name fields as they are.
13. Click “Finish.”

Ways to Monetize A Video Conferencing App Like Zoom

Now that you know what you can learn from a successful Zoom app creation experience, there’s one more incentive to motivate you to create one: monetization.

Because it’s your chance to benefit from the entire project, monetization is just as crucial as app development.

So, here are a few pointers on how to make money with your video chat software. You may make use of

Pay-Per-Download (PPD)
It allows you to earn money based on the number of times your software is downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. Furthermore, as the number of app downloads improves, so does the value, giving you an additional potential to make more.

Subscription
Offer a free curtailed app version and a subscription for full capability, or charge for select features, such as customization, stickers, or certain services.

Services that must be paid for
Set time limits for free product usage and charge for calls that last longer than a particular amount of time or have more than a certain number of participants.

White Labeling is a term used to describe the process of
Create a video conferencing program that other people or businesses can rebrand with configurable features to match the needs of their target audience and clients.

Merchandising of Content
Allow users to create brand-specific themes, wallpapers, stickers, emoticons, and other features. If your brand wishes to increase its user popularity, you can always take advantage of this revenue-generating potential.

Advertisement
Take advantage of this and provide various brands with the opportunity to market their goods or services in your application with advertising streaming on the status bar or something similar to Tales.

Blue Tick Account Like Twitter
If your solution becomes popular among celebrities and brands, you can provide them the opportunity to create official accounts for fan engagement and interaction. The incorporation of some specialized features may even boost the credibility of individual pages and your app as a whole.

Payments Made in-Chat
Consider allowing users to make transactions without leaving the chat interface if you integrate payment options for their convenience. You can earn money by charging a fee for money transfers, whether the customer wants to send or receive money, make an immediate purchase, or pay a bill. Keep in mind that in this instance, your security should be much more multi-layered and risk-free.

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