Facebook has revolutionized the way we connect with people, share content, and interact online. But before you dive in and get excited, you’re probably wondering: 

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

The cost to build an app like Facebook ranges from $30,000 to $1,00,000. But, the answer isn’t exactly straightforward, and in this blog, we’re going to break down the cost based on a variety of factors. 

From features, design, development teams, to the platform choices, we’ll guide you through the entire process and provide real-life statistics and examples to give you an idea of what to expect.

Let’s jump into it!

What Are the Key Features of an App Like Facebook?

The major element that affects the cost of an app is its features. That is why it is important to understand what features an app like Facebook includes. These features are critical because they’ll directly impact the cost.

Key Features Facebook Offers:

Here’s a list of some key features that you would need to build an app like Facebook:

  • User Registration and Profiles: Users need to create an account and customize their profile (think photos, bio, etc.).
  • News Feed: A constant stream of posts, images, and videos from friends, groups, or pages you follow.
  • Likes, Comments, Shares: Interactions that users can engage in with posts (like, comment, or share).
  • Messaging System: Direct messaging between users (Facebook Messenger is a great example).
  • Friends or Followers System: A connection system for adding friends or following people and pages.
  • Notifications: Real-time updates about likes, comments, or new friend requests.
  • Search Functionality: To search for users, groups, pages, posts, and more.
  • Multimedia Sharing: The ability to upload and share photos, videos, status updates, etc.
  • Privacy Settings: Users can control who can see their posts, profiles, and other personal information.
  • Admin Panel: To manage user activity, handle content moderation, and oversee the community.

As you can see, Facebook is not just a simple app. It’s a massive, complex platform with a ton of features, which means the cost of development can vary quite a bit depending on the complexity of each feature.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Facebook?

Now that we know the features, let’s break down the cost based on different factors like design, development, platform choice, and team size.

1. App Design (UI/UX)

Design plays a significant role in the user experience (UX) of any social media platform, and Facebook is no exception. When you build an app like Facebook, you’ll need to invest in UI/UX design that makes the app user-friendly, responsive, and engaging.

  • Simple Design: If you’re aiming for a basic design with standard features, the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Advanced Design: If you want a highly intuitive and polished design, it can go as high as $20,000 to $50,000.

For example, Instagram (which is owned by Facebook) has a more minimalist design compared to Facebook itself. However, both platforms ensure that the design is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

2. Development Cost: Features, Tech Stack, and Platforms

When it comes to building the core of your app, the development cost varies greatly based on features and the tech stack you choose.

Tech Stack

To build an app like Facebook, you’ll need to decide whether to go for a native or cross-platform app.

  • Native Development: Building separate apps for iOS and Android will cost more because you’re developing two codebases. For example, iOS apps are typically built using Swift or Objective-C, while Android apps are built with Java or Kotlin. 
  • Cross-Platform Development: If you choose a framework like Flutter or React Native, you can use a single codebase for both platforms, saving time and costs. But note, this might come with some trade-offs in terms of performance and device-specific features. 

Development Cost Breakdown by Feature

Let’s break down the cost for some of the core features:

Feature Estimated Cost
User Registration $5,000 – $10,000
News Feed $15,000 – $40,000
Messaging System $20,000 – $60,000
Search Functionality $10,000 – $25,000
Privacy Settings $5,000 – $15,000
Multimedia Sharing $15,000 – $40,000
Admin Panel $10,000 – $20,000

The total cost for developing a fully-featured app like Facebook would range from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the complexity of the features and how much customization you need.

Backend Development

Building the backend infrastructure to support a platform like Facebook is no easy task. You’ll need to store and manage massive amounts of data, including posts, images, videos, user profiles, etc. Backend development can cost:

  • Simple Backend: $15,000 – $40,000
  • Complex Backend: $50,000 – $150,000

The complexity of the backend depends on factors like real-time updates, scalability, and data security.

Platform and Development Team Location

The cost of development will also depend on whether you choose iOS, Android, or both. Developing for both platforms will naturally be more expensive, as mentioned earlier.

Also, the location of your development team can drastically affect the price:

Location Hourly Rate
U.S. / Western Europe $100 – $250 per hour
Eastern Europe $40 – $80 per hour
India / Southeast Asia $20 – $50 per hour

For example, if you hire developers from the U.S., the total cost to build an app like Facebook could easily exceed $300,000. However, outsourcing to regions like India or Eastern Europe can help cut the cost by more than 50%.

App Maintenance and Updates

Once the app is launched, maintenance is ongoing. This includes bug fixes, new feature releases, and updating the app to stay compatible with new versions of iOS and Android. Typically, app maintenance costs account for 15% to 20% of the initial development cost annually.

  • If your initial development cost is $200,000, you’ll likely spend $30,000 to $40,000 per year on updates and maintenance.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

When building an app like Facebook, there are other costs you need to account for, such as:

1. Server Costs

If you expect high user traffic, you’ll need robust servers to handle the load. Hosting and server maintenance can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the scale of your app.

2. Marketing and User Acquisition

Building an app is only half the battle. The real challenge is getting users onboard. For a massive social media platform like Facebook, marketing costs can range from $10,000 to $200,000 in the early stages.

  • Paid Ads (Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads): $5,000–$50,000+
  • Influencer Marketing: $10,000–$100,000+
  • Content Marketing & SEO: $2,000–$20,000

3. Legal and Compliance Costs

Building a social media app involves a ton of legal considerations—from user data privacy laws (like GDPR) to terms and conditions. Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Streamline Your App Development with Supersourcing

Building a complex app like Facebook requires expertise, the right technology stack, and a well-structured development process. Instead of navigating the challenges alone, partnering with an experienced app development agency can save you time, money, and effort.

Supersourcing is an app development company with extensive experience in developing social networking app like Facebook. 

Our team ensure: 

✅ Access to Top Talent – Work with experienced developers skilled in AI, cloud computing, and real-time databases.

✅ Faster Time-to-Market – Launch your app quicker with an agile, well-planned development process.

✅ End-to-End Support – From ideation to post-launch maintenance, we provide full-cycle development solutions.

✅ Cost-Effective Development – Get the best value for your budget without compromising quality.

 

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?

Building an app like Facebook is no small feat. The costs can easily reach $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on the complexity of features, development team, and platform choices. However, with the right team and clear planning, it can lead to a highly profitable business in the long run.

If you’re a startup or established brand ready to jump into the social media game, don’t be afraid of the cost. Start small with an MVP, then scale your app as you gather user feedback and gain traction.

If you’re ready to bring your app idea to life, consider reaching out to an experienced development partner like Supersourcing. We can help you build your social platform efficiently and within budget!

FAQs:

How long does it take to build an app like Facebook?

The time it takes to develop an app like Facebook depends on the complexity of the features and the size of your development team. On average, it could take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to develop a fully functional app like Facebook. This includes phases for planning, designing, developing, and testing the app. The more advanced the features, the longer it will take.

What are the most expensive features when building an app like Facebook?

Some of the most expensive features to build in an app like Facebook include:

  • Real-time messaging: This requires a robust backend and real-time data sync.
  • Video and multimedia sharing: Storing and streaming videos, as well as managing large file sizes, can be costly.
  • AI-driven content recommendations: Building intelligent algorithms to recommend posts, friends, or groups adds significant costs.
  • Privacy and security features: End-to-end encryption, secure data storage, and robust privacy controls can raise development costs.

Can I start building an app like Facebook with a limited budget?

Yes, you can! Starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a great way to test your app’s concept without breaking the bank. Focus on developing the core features (like user profiles, basic social interactions, and a news feed), and once you get feedback from users, you can scale and add advanced features over time. This approach can reduce initial costs and help you manage risk.

How much does it cost to maintain an app like Facebook?

Maintenance costs for an app like Facebook can vary, but on average, you should budget around 15% to 20% of the initial development cost annually. This includes updates, bug fixes, new feature rollouts, server costs, and compliance with new operating system versions (iOS/Android).

For example, if your app’s initial development cost was $200,000, expect to spend between $30,000 to $40,000 per year on maintenance.

Can Supersourcing help build an app like Facebook?

Yes! Supersourcing has a team of expert developers that have previously worked on creating many social media apps. Whether you’re looking for an MVP or a full-scale social media platform, Supersourcing ensures quality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for your project.