Short-form video apps are taking over the social media scene. TikTok alone had over 1.5 billion active users in 2023 and generated $14 billion in revenue. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that you are looking to create your own version of TikTok. 

But before you start planning, you need to answer the biggest question: 

How much does it cost to build an app like TikTok?

Building a TikTok-like app costs between $35,000 and $300,000+. This cost varies depending on the features, platform, security, and development team location. 

If you’re going for a basic version, you’ll need to spend approximately $50K. But, if you want to develop an AI-powered, fully loaded version, the costs could exceed $250K.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

  • Key features you need to include.
  • Development costs based on app complexity.
  • Hidden expenses most founders overlook.
  • Smart strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

Let’s dive in. 

What Features Should you Include in Your TikTok-like App

Your app’s development cost is directly tied to the features you choose. The more complex and interactive your app, the higher the price tag. Here are the must-have functionalities that define a short-form video platform like TikTok.

User Profiles

Every user needs a profile to personalize their experience. Your app should include account creation, profile customization, and settings management. The app should also allow social logins (Google, Facebook, Apple ID) to speed up the signup process. 

A good profile system can improve engagement and retention by creating a community of users. This is done by allowing users to follow others, track their content, and manage privacy settings.

Video Uploading & Editing

TikTok’s success lies in its easy-to-use video editor. If users can’t quickly create, edit, and upload engaging videos, they’ll leave. And your users will want the same if you create a TikTok like app. 

That is why you should include these tools in your app: 

 ✅ Trimming & Merging – Cut and combine clips seamlessly.
 ✅ Music & Sound Effects – A built-in music library boosts creativity.
 ✅ Filters & AR Effects – Fun effects increase engagement.
 ✅ Speed Adjustment – Slow-motion and fast-forward add creativity.

Content Feed (AI-Powered Algorithm)

If you’ve used TikTok, you must know that it’s “For You” page is one of the best features.  It’s addictive because it’s powered by machine learning to analyze and deliver personalised recommendations. 

Similarly, your app should analyze user behavior (likes, shares, watch time) to deliver personalized video recommendations. A well-trained AI can help make your app more engaging —which increases retention and session time.

But, remember that features like these will increase the development cost as well. 

Engagement Features

An app like TikTok needs to be engaging to keep users hooked. The more users interact with content, the longer they stay.  

Your app must include:

  • Comments & Replies – These features help users interact with others and build a community.
  • Likes & Shares – Likes and shares don’t make the app engaging, they also offer a source of encouragement for users to interact with the app. 
  • Duets & Video Stitching – Duet & Video stitching also encourage collaboration between creators.

Notifications

How do you bring back users to your app? By sending out personalized notifications. You should customize notifications based on user activity, engagement, or to keep them updated to the trends. 

You can also send out custom notifications to interact with users that have been offline for too long. 

Live Streaming

Another popular feature of TikTok is live streaming. This feature allows users to interact with their followers in real time. Live videos boost engagement and monetization through virtual gifts and shoutouts.

You can also include real-time chat and gift features to incentivize users.

Factors Influencing Development Costs

You’ve seen the must-have features by now. And you must have also created a list of what features you are going to include in your own TikTok like app. 

However, before you finalize that, you should remember that the more features you include, the higher the development costs will be. 

But don’t worry, we have created a list of all the factors that are going to decide your budget. 

App Complexity

TikTok has manny features. If you are planning to build an app like it, your plan must be to add features like that as well. But that can add a dent in your budget. 

The cost of a basic TikTok like app will range from $20,000 to $50,000. At the same time, the cost of developing an advanced app can reach $100,000 or more. 

You should identify your requirements and then decide if you want to start with a basic app or an advanced version. 

Platform Choice

This is a big dilemma for people planning to develop apps —Where do you want your app to run? 

Your choice affects development time and costs. You might want to reach a wider audience with an app that works across both iOS or Android devices. But the costs will differ based on each.

  • iOS Only – Easier to build, but limits reach.
  • Android Only – Similar cost to iOS, but Android has a larger global user base.
  • Both (Native Apps) – 30-40% more expensive but reach both audiences.
  • Cross-Platform (React Native, Flutter) – Cheaper, but may lack native performance.

UI/UX Design

You can create an app but the users are only going to interact with it, if it is visually appealing. For instance, TikTok’s minimalist yet engaging design is what keeps people hooked. 

That is why you need an app that looks great and has an easy-to-navigate interface. Investing in a professional UI/UX team can cost $10,000 – $50,000, but it’s worth it for better retention.

Development Team Location

You might be thinking how location can affect the cost to build an app like TikTok. But you can actually save 40-70% on your development costs if you outsource the project to any offshore agency. 

Here’s a breakdown of the cost based on different locations.

Location Hourly Rate Estimated Total Cost
USA $100 – $250/hr $100,000 – $300,000+
Eastern Europe $50 – $100/hr $50,000 – $120,000
India $25 – $50/hr $35,000 – $80,000

 

Technology Stack

Your app will need different tech stacks for the different aspects. How much you spend will depend on the tech stack you choose. Here are common tech stacks you can choose from:

  • Frontend → Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), React Native (cross-platform)
  • Backend → Node.js, Python, or Ruby on Rails
  • Database → PostgreSQL, Firebase
  • Cloud & Storage → AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
  • AI & Machine Learning → TensorFlow, OpenAI APIs

Estimated Cost to Build an App like TikTok

App Type Estimated Cost Timeline Features
Basic $35,000 – $80,000 3-6 months Basic video uploads, likes, comments, simple UI
Moderate $80,000 – $150,000 6-9 months AI-based recommendations, advanced video editing, filters
Advanced $150,000 – $300,000+ 9-15 months AI-driven content feed, AR filters, live streaming, monetization

 

Post-Launch Costs & Hidden Expenses

You’ve planned everything that comes under development. However the expenditure doesn’t end here. You still need to keep a budget for the following:

  • App Maintenance → If you want users to stay hooked with your app, it will need regular maintenance and updates. Expect to spend 15-20% of the initial cost annually.
  • Servers & Storage → An app like TikTok is going to host and store high-definition videos. This will require powerful cloud hosting which can cost around $5,000+ per month.
  • Marketing & User Acquisition → TikTok grew through aggressive marketing. But short videos were not popular back then. As of now, the competition is pretty high. Therefore, you might need to spend approximately $10,000+ per month for growth.
  • Legal & Compliance → GDPR, COPPA (for child safety), and DMCA for copyright protection.

Smart Ways to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

  • Build an MVP First → Taking small steps is always better. Start with core features, then scale.
  • Use Pre-Built Solutions → White-label video apps can save 40% of development costs.
  • Offshore development → Rather than hiring developers in-house, you can outsource the project to freelance developers or offshore app development companies. 
  • Monetization from Day 1 → In-app purchases, ads, and subscriptions can help fund development.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

Since TikTok, people have been crazy about short form videos. People are not just using TikTok-like apps for entertainment, but also for marketing purposes. This proves the huge market demand for engaging, AI-driven video platforms.

If you build it right, a TikTok-like app can be incredibly profitable—but only if you focus on:
 ✔ A unique value proposition (don’t just copy TikTok).
 ✔ Scalability and monetization strategies.
 ✔ A smooth user experience with strong engagement tools.

FAQ Section

How long does it take to build a TikTok-like app?
3 months for a basic version, 9-15 months for an advanced version.

What are the biggest cost factors?
AI algorithms, cloud hosting, and video processing require huge investment.

Can I build a TikTok alternative for under $50,000?
Only if you start with a very basic MVP and outsource development.

How can I monetize my app?
Ads, in-app purchases, paid filters, live gifts, and premium subscriptions.

What’s the biggest challenge in launching a video app?
Scaling and retaining users. You need strong content recommendations & engagement strategies.