Explained Simply16th April 2025
There is an increase in the demand for digital entertainment, and hence, there is an increase in the usage of OTT platforms as well. Some of the well-known OTT apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Zee5, etc., have made a tremendous impact in the entertainment industry. Among these OTT apps, Disney Hotstar has uniquely revolutionized entertainment. Hence, startups or businesses are looking to develop an app like Disney Hotstar. For these video streaming apps, millions of users connected worldwide are looking for different types of content on the platform.
Entrepreneurs or businesses looking to develop an app like Disney Hotstar need to analyze the video streaming app development. It requires an intricate process to the OTT app like Disney Hotstar transforming the way of consuming media content. From understanding in depth about developing an app like Hotstar and how it is revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
What is Disney+Hoststar?
Among the different video streaming apps, Disney+Hotstar is the best video streaming app that is known for its diverse content and also the different types of content. It doesn’t matter the taste of the user or what they are looking for. If the user is a sports fan, then they can catch up with football and cricket matches and can also stream endless entertainment with the different types of content available.
Market Statistics of Video Streaming Platform
Before moving forward to develop an app like Disney Hotstar, let us have a look at the market statistics of the video streaming platforms. The market statistics shows that the video streaming market in 2023 was valued at $104 billion and is expected to grow to about $100 billion to $190 billion by 2032. There will be an increase in the growth of CAGR up to 7% during 2025-2032.
The market of OTT platforms is growing, so it is a great opportunity for an OTT app development company to develop an OTT app. There is a consistent growth seen in the OTT market that has changed the way of entertainment. Users with the video streaming app can view different types of videos, including real-time videos, without any involvement of CDs, DVDs, etc. Mobility, high-speed internet, and compatibility with smartphones, PC, and TVs are some of the growth factors for video streaming apps like Disney Hotstar. Along with these, there are also some challenges, including authorized content and piracy, that need to be considered before moving forward with OTT app development services.
Key Features of a Disney Hotstar-Like App
The following are some of the key features that are to be considered to make an app like Disney Hotstar.
1. Content Library
The content library of the video streaming app offers a diverse range of content that includes movies, TV shows, live events, etc. Make sure that the content is categorized properly so that the users can navigate easily.
2. Multi-Language Support
As OTT apps cater to global audiences, make sure that the content supports multiple languages. This helps to enhance user engagement on the video streaming platform.
3. Personalized Suggestions
Integrate with the algorithms that offer personalized recommendations to the users by analyzing their behavior and search terms.
4. Profile & Users Watchlist
Users can manage their profile at ease, their watch, and resume playing on the device.
5. Live Streaming
One can incorporate the live streaming feature into their video streaming app. This can help users to watch live events, matches, or any concert. For this, it must deliver high-quality playback with minimum latency.
6. Video Streaming Quality
It is also important in providing a seamless streaming experience with good video quality, adjusting to the user’s internet connection.
7. Social Sharing
One can increase community engagement by integrating social media sharing features. Users can share live chat during events with the social media sharing
8. Advanced Search & Filters
Integrate with advanced search and filter functionality. The user can filter by genre, language, top rated, etc.
9. Secure Payment System
Integrating a secure transaction payment system that offers multiple payment options for in-app purchases, pay-per-view, subscriptions, etc.
10. Parental Controls
The parental controls in the video streaming app allow parents to restrict specific content based on age, rating, etc.
Also Read : Why You Should Invest in OTT App Development?
Technology Stack to Develop An App like Disney Hotstar
While delving into the OTT app development or video streaming platform development, it is important to choose the right technology stack.
- Frontend Development: To develop with cross-platform compatibility, use React Native or Flutter as front end.
- Backend Development: Server-side operations using Node.js, Python (Django), or Java (Spring Boot)
- Database: Managing the database using MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or MySQL
- Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
- Content Delivery Network (CDN): Akamai, Cloudflare, or AWS CloudFront
- Streaming Protocols: HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) or MPEG-DASH
- Digital Rights Management (DRM): Widevine, PlayReady, or FairPlay
- Analytics: Track the users’ behavior using Google Analytics, Mixpanel
Also Read: How to Choose the Right OTT App Development Company for Your Project
Process to Develop an App like Disney Hotstar
Here are the step-by-step process to be followed –
1. Research & Planning
In-depth research by analyzing the competitors, knowing the target audience, and defining the USP.
2. Designing
Design the video streaming app in an intuitive way that helps in increasing the user engagement and also increases with the retention rate.
3. MVP Development
It is important to test the market response to users’ behavior by developing a minimum viable product with the main features.
4. Backend and Frontend Development
Ensure seamless user performance with server-side infrastructure & client-side interface.
5. Testing
Identify & fix issues by implementing different types of testing like unit testing, functional testing, user acceptance testing, etc.
6. Deployment
Launch the platform and it should be compatible with iOS, Android, and web,by providing smooth performance.
7. Maintenance & Updates
Make sure that the app is updated, integrating with new features, improving the performance of the app based on user experience & feedback.
Monetization Strategies for an App like Disney Hotstar
- Subscription Model: Offer monthly or yearly plans offering access to specific things.
- Freemium Model: Free for basic content, charging for the premium one.
- Advertisement: Display ads on the video streaming platform, which helps to generate revenue with impressions and clicks.
- Pay-Per-View: Paying for viewing specific content, for example, it can be a movie or a specific TV show.
Launch Your Own OTT Platform
Conclusion
The demand for video streaming applications has now increased in the entertainment industry. Hence, developing an app like Disney Hotstar is a rewarding venture for an entrepreneur or a startup. As an entrepreneur, before delving into the OTT app development services, one must analyze in depth strategic thinking, technology stack, and user expectations. Hence, to do so, an OTT app development company can guide completely for developing a video streaming or OTT app. Analyze the market trends, choose the right technology stack, and reach your target audience globally with the best marketing strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to build an ott app like Disney + Hotstar depends on the type of features to be integrated. The cost may range from $250,000 to over $1 million, depending on the complexity, the development team required, and the time spent on testing before launching into the market.
To develop an app like Disney + Hotstar, it takes 6-12 months which includes planning, designing, developing, testing, and launching the app. To integrate with more advanced features, it may take a longer time.
During the development, it is important to ensure that the video content is secured in the streaming platform. It must be protected from piracy and illegal downloads. Making use of different tools like Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay, or Microsoft PlayReady. Making use of secured servers, monitoring user activity to avoid misuse.
The high video traffic can be handled easily using cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud. Making use of a CDN like Cloudflare or Akamai for loading the videos faster from servers to users.
