How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Yik Yak or Secret?

Visual programming platforms like Bubble have radically changed the landscape of app development. No longer is it necessary to possess extensive programming knowledge to create a web or mobile application. Anyone with a basic understanding of the essentials can start creating custom web and mobile applications within a few days, thanks to the availability of video tutorials and active forums for support.

Overview of Yik Yak

Yik Yak is a social media platform that operates more like a local bulletin board, displaying updates from Yik Yak users in your vicinity. It offers a unique and spot-on approach to social interaction within a community setting. While it might not be a fully mainstream social media app, it has its own niche and appeal.

Cost Estimations for Social Media App Development

Professional and experienced companies typically allocate a budget of $8k to $30k to develop a fully functional social media app. The cost can vary significantly based on the complexity of the portal. For instance, if you are looking for a highly esteemed and experienced social media app development company, I recommend you to reach out to Enuke Software Pvt. Ltd. With over a decade of experience in social media app development, Enuke Software has the expertise to deliver top-notch solutions. For more information, visit: Social Media App Development.

Personal Experience: Building a Similar App

My company developed an app similar to Yik Yak called Lokol, employing the same geolocation concept but in a non-anonymous manner. The development process was a substantial investment, both in terms of time and financial resources. We spent approximately $80,000 and a duration of 12 weeks to successfully make the app live on the iOS App Store. This experience underscores the importance of understanding the specific features and functionalities that set your app apart from the competition.

Estimations for Development Costs

While the exact cost depends heavily on the project scope and complexity, some general estimations can provide valuable insight. For a professionally supported solution, assuming you act as the project manager and product owner, with a full list of requirements and mockups in hand, you might be able to create an MVP and have it ready for QA testing in about 5 weeks. With an agile framework, the entire development process could be completed within 6 months, with an MVP costing around $20,000. A capable developer at a reduced rate could lower this cost, but remember this is only for the app.

Backend Services and Additional Costs

The truly distinctive elements of apps like Yik Yak or Secret are the backend services and APIs. If you do not already have a service built, you will need to develop one. This additional phase will likely increase your costs by at least 2x, as you may need to allocate another developer to work on this aspect. Given the efficiency gained from specialization and seamless collaboration, the total professionally built and tested solution could cost around $192,000. However, these figures are highly generalized and subject to adjustment based on various variables such as developer rates and project timelines.

It is crucial to consider ongoing maintenance and hosting expenses. Successful communication apps can generate significant revenue, with each user potentially contributing monetarily. Therefore, the app's success and ongoing support will be pivotal in long-term profitability.

Developing software is an intricate and dynamic process. While timeframes can be estimated, they are not set in stone. Seamless collaboration, efficient project management, and the ability to adapt and streamline processes can significantly impact the overall outcome and costs.

Key Takeaways: Visual programming platforms can simplify app creation. Professional development companies can provide estimates between $8k to $30k for basic app development. For more complex apps, costs can range from $80,000 to $192,000, and ongoing maintenance and hosting will be additional expenses.

Keywords: app development cost, mobile app development, social media app