The world of music has been playing catchup when it comes to technology and streaming, but in recent years it seems to be meeting current market demands. The leading players are streaming services, which provide users with convenient access to their favorite music — accessible through their mobile device.
While there are specific brands that have become leaders in the industry, there is always room for innovation when it comes to mobile app development.
To create your own app in this industry, some specific resources and insights must be utilized to build something that will stand alongside your competitors.
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the things you need to be mindful of before you begin the development process.
Finding the Perfect Streaming Option
If you’re thinking of branching out and making your mark on the music streaming market, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is the type of app you’re looking to create. Choosing a specific app is key — without this piece of information, you risk developing a complex algorithm that won’t be able to stand on its own against your competitors.
There are three types of music-based apps currently dominating the market. Identifying which model suits your goals will help you create a clear development plan.
The first is an app with a music library. By building a server-based library, you can offer your users access to the music you’ve paid to licence — either with a paid prescription or through free access. Your second option is a cloud-based app, where users can store their songs and stream them at any time. Lastly, an app with radio stations would allow users to stream the music to their computers, home audio, or mobile devices.
Licensing is Key
Without adequate licensing, your music-based mobile app will likely have a small catalogue. To compete with the industry leaders, you need to ensure you or a business partner have taken steps to acquire licensing for popular songs. Depending on how worldwide your app will be in terms of availability, you may need to inquire with multiple licensing boards.
Data Storage Must Be Available
Ensuring you have appropriate data storage is crucial to developing an app for the music industry. As you create your development plans, you must look for a back-end server that has the capacity to support streaming. In some cases, primary platforms will have SDKs and APIs provided that you can utilize — however, your access may be limited.
Selecting Your Ideal Platform
Before you begin your development process, you should know for certain which mobile platform you’re going to use as your foundation. Android and iOS are the leading platforms dominating the market and will heavily influence the analytics of your process.
In reality, to stay competitive, it’s essential to structure your app to perform on both platforms. Since music is a broad industry, mobile users look to both platforms for their streaming services.