How to Develop a Video Streaming App Like OSN+ (OSN Plus)?

Have you ever wondered how companies like Netflix, Hulu, and OSN+ are able to engage millions of customers every hour, every day, consistently? At the same time that the demand for streaming content is at an all-time high, video platforms are one of the most lucrative types of digital businesses of our time.

According to Statista, the video streaming industry in the United States alone will exceed $115 billion by 2029, indicating the transition from cable TV to on-demand is not going to be a trend to fade away anytime soon.

For new businesses and entrepreneurs, this can be an opportunity to build an app like OSN+ and capture this growing industry. But before you jump in, you may be asking, what is OSN+, what are the exact workings involved, and most importantly, what is the cost to build a video streaming app like OSN+?

In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the app, its features and functions, the steps needed to build it, a rough estimate of cost, and why partnering with experienced professionals such as The NineHertz will help create a viable platform to accommodate future growth while keeping your target customers engaged!

If you are a startup looking to disrupt the marketplace or if you are an enterprise looking to grow your digital offerings, this article will provide an overview of how to create a streaming app like OSN+ from conception through final development. If you are looking for a custom mobile app development company, The NineHertz is the leading live streaming app development services provider.

Pro Tip: Having a successful streaming app does not just mean you have content to stream; successfully defined and delivered content to users through a seamless, personalized, and engaged experience.

What is An OSN+ App?

OSN+ (previously OSN Streaming) is a premium video-on-demand (VOD) service in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It is a subscription-based streaming service that allows users to consume movies, TV shows, original series, and other exclusive international content directly on their devices. OSN+ supplies licensed, high-quality entertainment that does not have ads, and appeals to a variety of audience preferences (free streaming services cannot compete with that).

By offering Hollywood blockbusters, as well as Arabic originals, kids’ shows, and HBO exclusives, the OSN+ app markets itself as the “Netflix of the Middle East.” In other words, OSN+ has created a streaming app and digital entertainment hub that is also competing on a global scale.

Some features that contribute to OSN+’s popularity include:

• Various Content Library: From Disney+ to Paramount+ and HBO, OSN+ provides a large variety of content and has all of this in one app, which makes it pretty convenient.
• High Quality Streaming: The app allows users to stream content in HD and 4K.
• Cross-Compatible: Users can watch videos on smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, and desktops.
• Personal Recommendations: The feature provides suggestions based on watching history through AI technology to improve the user experience.
• Multiple Language Option: Subtitles and dubbing are available since the app is appealing to multilingual users.

Industry reports show that the global OTT (over-the-top) streaming market can expect to reach $242 billion by 2028 through app stores as a result of other apps similar to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and OSN+. Clearly, this shows a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs wanting to build apps like OSN+ to tap into niche markets globally.

OSN+ is an app with unique value. It dominates the MENA marketplace and has millions of subscribers in an industry that continues to grow rapidly. OSN+ focuses on culturally relevant content while also providing global titles in a hybrid content strategy to support the entertainment needs of both a local and international audience.

For businesses to sustain, it is important to understand the app before deciding to build a streaming app like OSN+. It is more than just streaming video; it is about a premium experience that is usable and accessible from multiple screens.

Pro tip: If you are designing a video streaming app like OSN+, it’s important to document its content strategy. Having exclusive or original content can help differentiate your app in a crowded OTT market.

Industry reports show that the global OTT (over-the-top) streaming market can expect to reach $242 billion by 2028 through app stores as a result of other apps similar to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and OSN+. Clearly, this shows a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs wanting to build apps like OSN+ to tap into niche markets globally.

OSN+ is an app with unique value. It dominates the MENA marketplace and has millions of subscribers in an industry that continues to grow rapidly. OSN+ focuses on culturally relevant content while also providing global titles in a hybrid content strategy to support the entertainment needs of both a local and international audience.

For businesses to sustain, it is important to understand the app before deciding to build a streaming app like OSN+. It is more than just streaming video; it is about a premium experience that is usable and accessible from multiple screens.

Pro tip: If you are designing a video streaming app like OSN+, it’s important to document its content strategy. Having exclusive or original content can help differentiate your app in a crowded OTT market.

How Does The OSN+ App Work?

The OSN+ app is primarily an Over-the-Top (OTT) service, meaning it streams video content over the internet without using a cable or satellite provider. All a user needs to get started streaming their favorite shows and movies is a subscription, a data connection, and an eligible device.

OSN+ essentially comprises three layers:

1. User Flow:

The front-end user experience of OSN+ has been designed to be streamlined and easy:

• Set Up & Subscribe: Users sign up using an email or social account, and then select a subscription plan.
• Dashboard: Upon sign-in, they are introduced to a curated feed of trending titles, genres, and additional recommendations based on AI.
• Streaming Content: With one click of a button, users can play high-definition or 4K-based content on their device of choice.
• Cross-Device Streaming: Watch progress is synced on all the devices of the user, so they can continue to watch the video from where they left off.
• Parental Controls – Families can create profiles for their kids with limited access.

2. Backend Technology

In the background, OSN+ uses many robust technologies to deliver continuous service to each of its subscribers:

• Cloud-based servers host and deliver video content to eliminate latency.
• Content delivery networks (CDNs) serve video files from multiple locations worldwide to ensure that content is delivered correctly and to mitigate loss of service during playback.
• Adaptive bitrate streaming adjusts the quality of the video throughout the playback according to the available internet speed.
• Digital rights management (DRM) technology protects owners of licensed content from piracy.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) allows OSN+ to recommend what to watch next, as well as personalize the viewing experience.

When connected, OSN+ can adequately accommodate millions of active users while streaming smoothly.

3. Monetization Model

OSN+ uses the subscription video on demand (SVOD) model, where the user pays a recurring fee for unlimited access to content. On another note, in app-dependent hybrid monetization options could be added for premium content, such as;

• Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD): Pay-per-view;
• Advertisement-based video on demand (AVOD): free access but with advertisements, good for a larger audience; or
• Partnerships & licensing: OSN+ partners with studios like Disney+ and HBO to provide access to content on the app.

By having a rich experience, a robust technology stack, and the flexibility to monetize revenue streams, OSN+ has the benefit of establishing customer satisfaction and long-term profitability.

It is important for startups and enterprises that are looking to create a streaming app like OSN+ to understand this workflow. You are not just building a video player; you are creating a scalable ecosystem that finds the right balance between user convenience, security, and viability to businesses.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget the role of CDNs when you’re looking to create an app like OSN+. CDNs are the backbone of any streaming app and will guarantee content loads instantly, anywhere in the world.

Benefits of Developing an App Like OSN+

The entertainment industry on a global scale has undergone heavy evolution in the past ten years. What were once traditional TV and cable subscriptions are now video-on-demand services that offer flexibility, personalization of content and an endless library of content. Building a video streaming app like OSN+ has many advantages for businesses, investors, and content creators as well.

1. Increase in Market Demand

The video streaming industry is a rapidly growing market all around the world. The global video streaming market was valued at $544 billion in 2022, according to Grand View Research, and the market’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is estimated at 21.5% from 2023-2030. With this rapid growth, making an app like OSN+ is not only a trend, but it is a long-term business opportunity.

By focusing on specific regions or niche populations, entrepreneurs can tap into a multi-billion-dollar industry that will only continue to grow.

2. Broader Audience Reach

Unlike traditional media, streaming apps help break down geographical barriers. OSN+ is a prime example because it not only services the MENA region but also provides international content from Hollywood, HBO, & Disney+. Companies that produce an app like OSN+ will have the opportunity to reach audiences from all around the world, and this will help diversify their revenue streams.

3. Range of Monetization Options

Once your company is developing a streaming application, more monetization options are becoming available:

• SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): recurring subscription either monthly or yearly at a rate.
• TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand): flat fee payment for premium.
• AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand): free delivery funded by ads.
• Hybrid Models: subscriptions with ad-supported.

The advantages of developing a streaming app are that the company can maximize different revenue models depending on what the audience prefers.

4. Increased Levels of User Engagement

Video content has more engagement than any other form of digital expression. With personalized recommendations, watch lists, push notifications, and offline downloads, users spend more time on the app, which increases retention. The Deloitte survey revealed that 80% of U.S. consumers subscribe to at least one paid streaming service, which presents a compelling picture of demand.

5. Strengthening Brand Positioning

Developing a video streaming app like OSN+ helps to legitimise a brand’s authority in the digital entertainment marketplace. Once the businesses have done the hard work of developing exclusive content, local production, or even joint ventures with a worldwide studio, they will have customers for the long haul.

6. Data-Driven Insights

Building an app like OSN+ also means you have access to precious user data. Companies are able to track viewing behaviours, what genres and subscription levels people gravitate to, and user engagement. This all can be helpful information for sharpening your content strategy, ad targeting and user experience.

7. Scalability for Future Growth

Streaming apps provide high scalability. As your business grows, you can easily increase your server power, provide premium content on tiered subscriptions, and create live events and VR features.

For businesses looking to create a streaming service like OSN+, this is an important list of reasons to start the discussion, and the time is now!

Streaming services offer huge pent-up demand for digital consumption, all with flexible digital monetization models and limitless global audience potential. You will not only grow revenues substantially but also build a sustainable business.

Pro Tip: If you want your app to achieve a level of success comparable to OSN+, you must have a unique selling proposition (USP); exclusive regional content that is a differential to others in the competitive OTT market is just one avenue for better targeting market share, or very advanced personalized features for users.

How to Build an App Like OSN+? – 6 Easy Steps

Creating a video streaming app may seem complicated; however, using a few steps simplifies the procedure since it breaks it down into types and areas of consideration. Having a plan for development helps streamline the process and make it manageable. And if you’re ready to create an app similar to OSN+, there are a few steps to go through that can help with execution, flexibility, and quality of work. Here are six simple steps:

Step 1: Explore the Market and Nail Down Your Niche

The first thing you need to do before building a video streaming app is to understand your audience. Based on the OSN+ example, are you looking for some type of regional content for a particular region, like OSN+ did in the MENA region, or do you want to build a global platform?

Some considerations include:

• Market research to discover what streaming is trending.
• Competitive analysis (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, OSN+)
• Determine and market your unique selling points (USP)
• How much committed original content do you need, or do you license content?

Pro tip: One suggestion to figure your content strategy out would be to survey or interview the users and find out what types of content they would be prepared to pay for, and would determine your content strategy early in the process.

Step 2: Picking the Right Business Model

Your app’s success relies heavily on which monetization model you choose. Consider:

• SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) – Monthly or yearly plans sold like OSN+
• TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) – Pay-per-view or rental of specific shows or movies.
• AVOD (Ad-Based Video on Demand) – Free content supported by advertising.
• Hybrid – Combination of subscription with ad-based content – Netflix!

The model you choose determines your pricing structure, access to content, and growth pathway.

Step 3: Determine Features and User Experience

Develop a feature road map at this stage. A video streaming service like OSN+ includes:

• User sign-up and profile management
• Subscription and payment checkout process and integration.
• Search and filtering.
• Video playback in high quality via adaptive streaming.
• Watch lists, recommended content.
• Offline viewing and delivery to multiple devices.
• Parental controls to moderate usage by families.

Take a moment to develop wireframes and UX prototypes to ensure the design is intuitive and user-friendly.

Step 4: Determine Technology Stack and Backend Architecture

While no two successful apps are identical, every successful app comes with an impressive tech stack. To create an app like OSN+, you will need information for the following categories, at a minimum:

• Front-end Development: React Native, Flutter, or Swift/Java for mobile.
• Back-end Development: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails.
• Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.
• Video Hosting and Streaming: AWS Media Services, Wowza, or Vimeo OTT.
• Content Delivery Networks (CDN): Akamai, Cloudflare, or Amazon CloudFront.
• Security / DRM Standards: Widevine, PlayReady, or FairPlay as options to secure your content.

You might be interested to read a detailed guide on OTT app security risks & solutions.

Pro tip: Make a financial investment in CDNs and cloud servers from the start to guarantee smooth playback during high traffic periods.

Read Also:

How to Build An App Like Hulu?
Role of AI in OTT

Step 5: Build, Test, and Launch the App

The development phase of your app includes:

• MVP Build: Build a Minimum Viable Product that tests features.
• Agile: Use the Agile Process approach of build-sprint to enable flexibility.
• Testing: You will also need to conduct quality testing, including performance testing, usability testing, and security testing.
• Uploading: You will need to upload the App to the App Store, potentially including iOS, Android, and smart TV support.

You should also do extensive testing, as users will have little patience for buffering, crashes, or bad/jerky playback. You want users to have confidence and credibility in your platform from day one with a flawless launch.

Step 6: Providing Post-Launch Support & Scalability

Launching the app does not mean your work ends there. You will need to provide ongoing updates, bug support, and performance improvements. If you want to scale your application, you should consider potential options like:

• New features: You can add features to support live streaming, AR and VR experiences, multi-language support, and localized content etc.
• New Content Partners: You can partner with new content providers to air exclusive programming and shows.
  Loyalty Programs/Premium Levels: You might allow your users to earn tiered loyalty incentives or reward good users with a premium experience and features.
• Using analytics or signal tools (Mixpanel, Heap, Qlik Hul, etc) to monitor user-usage behaviour to improve and personalize the user experience.

Successful apps/platforms like OSN+ find a balance with continual growth, innovation, and evolution to meet user expectations or rapidly shift from a market perspective.

By following the steps above, you should be able to develop an app similar to OSN+ that can be competitive, interesting, and future-ready.

Pro Tip: Do not underestimate licensing agreements for your content. The licensing agreements can be the difference between success and failure for your streaming app. You need to get the content deals done quickly so that you have enough premium content to deliver on day one.

Cost to Create a Video Streaming App Like OSN+

One question we get a lot from businesses is – How much does it cost to develop an app like OSN+? Unfortunately, that’s a tricky question and there really is no easy answer to it. Your cost will depend on a lot of factors, like the complexity of the app, features, platform (iOS, Android, Smart TVs), design, and the development team’s location.

Industry estimates say that developing a video streaming app like OSN+ can take anywhere from $40,000 to more than $250,000, depending on the scope of work. Let us break this down.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Key Factors Affecting Cost to Develop an App Like OSN Plus

1. App Features and Complexity

• Simple features like user registration, search, and video playback are going to be cheaper.
• As features in the app become more advanced, like AI-driven recommendations, offline downloads, and multi-device syncing, the cost will increase significantly.

2. Design and User Experience

• Designed for minimalism, usability, and appearance can add cost.
• Premium design can include animations, plenty of custom-designed graphics, and lots of personalization, which adds to the budget.

3. Platform Choice

• Developing for one platform, like iOS or Android, is cheaper.
• Developing for both + Smart TVs + Web apps would add to the cost.

4. Backend Infrastructure

• Source cloud storage, servers, CDN, and DRM licensing are critical to streaming.
• The backend also incurs costs to maintain an adequate level of service.

5. Location of the Development Team

• Developers in the USA/Europe usually get paid $100–$200/hour.
• Developers in India/Eastern Europe usually get paid $30–$60/hour, which is a huge reduction in overall cost!

Average Costs per Application Type

• Basic Streaming App (MVP): $40,000 – $70,000
• Mid-range App (e.g. OSN+ like, additional features): $80,000 – $150,000
• Enterprise Level App (Global scale, 4K, AI, sync across devices): $200,000 – $250,000+

Additional Costs

• Licensing content: $10,000–$100,000+ (based on agreements with studios).
• Marketing & promotions (launch campaigns): $5,000–$50,000
• Monthly cloud and CDN subscription (monthly fees continue based on consumption).

Thus, the cost of developing an app like OSN+ varies based on the features, technology stack, and intended audience size.

Startups may opt to begin with a basic MVP and scale up or down depending on market share and custom options available. Enterprises with a full intent on global dominance will have considerably higher budgets than the critical costs required to provide consumers an OSN+ like premium experience.

Pro tip: To reduce costs, consider outsourcing development to experienced companies like The NineHertz, which provide high-quality solutions at competitive rates without compromising performance.

Features to Develop an App Like OSN+

When you create a streaming app like OSN+, the features you include contribute to user engagement, performance, and success. A complete video streaming app achieves the right balance between must-have features that users expect and innovative features that differentiate your app, while optimizing for performance.

1. Must-Have Features

These are the basic features that a video streaming app cannot do without in order to deliver an optimized and user-friendly experience.

• User Registration with Profiles: Users can register for the app with an email address, phone number, or social login. Allow users to create profiles.
• Subscription with Payment Gateway: A secure payment gateway with integration options for a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and/or Google Pay, etc.
• Content Search with Filters: The user can easily navigate through content categorically by genre, language, release year, trending, shows, etc.
• Video Playback: HD/4K video playback with controls for play/ pause/ resume/ forward and backwards.
• Multiple Devices: Allow users to share the app across mobile, smart TV, desktop, and tablet.
• Watchlist/Favourites: The user can save movies or shows for later.
• Parental Controls: The user can restrict what content is accessible to children – secured with a pin-based entry/ exit.
• Push Notifications: Notify users about new releases, periodical subscription renewals, and/or personalized recommendations to the user.
• Multi-Language Subtitles: If you add all of this, subtitled and dubbed options, you have expanded your audience.

2. Advanced Features (For Competitive Advantage)

OSN+ differentiates itself as it offers some core features with premium features that help overall personalization and engagement.

• AI-Driven Recommendations: Recommend content based on the viewers’ watch history and their content preferences.
• Offline viewing: Download shows and movies for watching during internet-less periods.
• Adaptive bitrate streaming: Video quality automatically gets evaluated based on internet speed.
• User Analytics Report: For administrators to be able to view user behavior, retention, and content performance.
• Live Streaming Capability: Enables you to promote and support sporting events, concerts, or live shows, etc., to gain a higher level of engagement with users.
• Social Sharing: Capability to share favourite shows or favourite playlists directly to social media.
• In-app ad placement editor: Capability for the in-app ad manager to place an ad for your AVOD or hybrid monetization .
• Voice Search Capability: Users are able to use voice-assistants for searching content that they are interested in watching.
• Multiple profiles on the same account: Following Netflix and OSN+, aim to provide support for family or shared accounts.

3. Feature Comparison Table

4. Admin Panel Features

For your business, an admin panel (backend) is as valuable as a user-facing app. It helps manage accounts, users, operations, and content.

• Content Management System (CMS): Upload, schedule, and categorize shows/movies.
• User Management: Watch over accounts, profiles, and subscriptions.
• Revenue & Subscription Tracking: Monitor revenue and subscriptions with real-time tracking.
• Content Licensing & Distribution: Manage exclusive licensed content and licensed material to protect rights.
• Analytics Reports: Review key performance indicators like watch-time, churn rates, and highly viewed titles.

5. Future-Ready Add-Ons

• Businesses have the option to add future components to their OTT platform and product feature set.
• VR Experiences for immersive streaming.
• Interactive Content (choose-your-own-story formats).
• Use Blockchain Payments & DRM to secure your product.
• Smart Recommendations with Generative AI to create hyper-personalized feeds.

To summarize, to build an app like OSN+ requires a business to highlight core usability features while innovating with emerging advanced features to separate its streaming platform in a cluttered OTT and streaming marketplace.

Pro Tip: Do not include all advanced features right away. Remember to begin with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with core features and development path, and take the platform forward based on user feedback and market research, and movements.

Why NineHertz is a Leading Streaming App Development Company for Building Apps Like OSN+?

When developing a streaming app like OSN+, choosing the right OTT app development company is essential. From crafting an impeccable user experience to developing a backend that will enable you to scale to millions of viewers, you need to find a team of professionals with demonstrable experience in video-streaming solutions. The NineHertz can help here.

1. Proven Experience Building OTT & Streaming Apps

The NineHertz has years of experience building custom OTT platforms, video-on-demand applications, and live-streaming solutions for clients all over the globe. We have experience with every component of the project, from UI/UX design, video player, media player to DRM security and cloud infrastructure. The NineHertz uses modern technologies to ensure the applications are not only feature-rich but are future-proofed.

2. Customized Solutions for Every Business Model

Not every client has the same vision. Some businesses want to build a subscription-based platform like OSN+, while others want to build an advertising-supported platform or hybrid models. The NineHertz tailors a solution based on:

• Business Model (SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, Hybrid)
• Target Audience & Regional Distribution
• Content Strategy (licensed content, original content, or mixed content)
• Budget & Scale Requirements
• Taking a personalized approach ensures the business is set up with an app that fits their vision and future growth plans.

3. Use of Advanced Technologies

Developing an app like OSN+ requires world-class Technology. The NineHertz uses:

• AI/ML algorithms for recommended content.
• Cloud + CDN services for seamless and buffer-free streaming.
• Blockchain + DRM for secure licensing of content.
• Cross-platform frameworks to deliver products for iOS, Android, Smart TV and web applications.

With this technology-first mindset, we are able to develop streaming platforms that compete with the best in the world for performance and scalability.

4. Complete or Full-Cycle Development

As opposed to managing a freelance developer or small agency, The NineHertz is a complete, full-cycle developer. Our full-cycle offering includes:

• Market research & consulting.
• Wireframing & UI/UX.
• App development (frontend + backend).
• Third-party API and payment gateway integrations.
• Testing + QA to ensure a streamable, bug-free experience.
• Post-launch maintenance & feature updates.

With our full-cycle service offerings, clients need not interact with multiple vendors; the entire process is handled seamlessly under one roof.

5. Global Credentials and Evidence of Success

One of The NineHertz’s many strengths is collecting credentials and evidence of success in one of the most technologically advanced markets in the world. We have developed and launched over 375+ mobile applications in entertainment, fitness, e-learning, and healthcare verticals. Startups and enterprises alike trust their streaming solutions designed by us. The revenue and engagement their solutions provide successfully contribute back to their unique and differentiating position in each diverse market.

6. Solutions at Scale for Cost Awareness

With a development centre in India and global locations, outsourcing your application project to The NineHertz strikes the balance between affordability and quality of service. We have a history of going above and beyond delivering to a world-class standard, and continue to do so for great value.

If you are a business wanting to create an app like OSN+, The NineHertz has the technical experience, innovation, and affordability to turn your idea into a potent streaming platform that engages users and provides revenue potential.

Pro tip: Working with an experienced business like The NineHertz will guide you clear of common mistakes associated with OTT app development, saving you time and money in the end.

Conclusion

As the emergence of video-on-demand (VOD) platforms has shown, streaming is the future of digital entertainment. With a video streaming app like OSN+, businesses have the opportunity to enter a billion-dollar industry with unlimited growth potential. You can begin with basic features such as secure logins, playback options, and parental controls, and advance to more complex integrations, such as external subscription management with Netflix or Disney+, AI recommendations and offline viewing options, to name a few.

While the cost to develop an app like OSN+ depends primarily on the complexity and scale of your app, the benefits to businesses of going global, higher engagement, reliable user data and potential monetization models are worth it. If you partner with The NineHertz, you can develop a video streaming app that can grow into a global site like Netflix or YouTube, and do so with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your app has been developed securely by experts.

If you are ready to turn your dream into the next best on-demand streaming app, the time to start is now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us discuss some of the commonly asked questions regarding OSN+ app development:

Q1. How much does it cost to develop an app like OSN+?

The overall budget for creating an app like OSN+ can vary widely between $35,000 – $120,000, depending on a variety of factors like features, complexity of design, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and even the location of the app development.

Q2. How long does it take to build a streaming app like OSN+?

On average, it takes about 4-9 months to create an app similar to OSN+, but take into consideration the features and integrations that may or may not be required, as well as any testing requirements for the app.

Q3. What features are must-haves in a video streaming app like OSN+?

The core features of an app like OSN+ include user profiles, content library, HD / 4K streaming, AI-based recommendations, support for multi-device, parental controls, and a secure payment gateway.

Q4. Why choose The NineHertz to develop a streaming app like OSN+?

The NineHertz has grown a specialization in custom video streaming app development and has experience with the advanced technologies of AI, cloud integration, and data protection. Their professional record proves to be of benefit for businesses to develop scalable, secure, and high-performing applications.