How To Build An App Like Bigo Live In 2026: Features, Cost & Full Guide

The digital world has evolved dramatically, and live streaming is now at the forefront of online content consumption. One of the most talked-about platforms in this space is Bigo Live. Known for its vibrant user base, interactive features, and real-time engagement, Bigo Live is a popular video broadcasting app that allows users to share live content, chat, and build communities.

 

From social influencers and gamers to fitness coaches and educators, everyone is leveraging live streaming apps like Bigo Live to build personal brands, generate income, and entertain massive audiences. This shift presents a golden opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to capitalize on the trend by building similar platforms.

 

But launching a live video streaming app development project is no small task. You’ll need to consider several aspects cost, design, tech stack, user features, and real-time video capabilities.

 

This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of what it takes to build an app like Bigo Live, including:

 

• A realistic cost estimation
   

• Features required for engagement and monetization
   

• Development steps to ensure scalability
   

• The role of AI in content moderation
   

• And the importance of user retention in the competitive streaming landscape

 

Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, this guide will walk you through how to create an app like Bigo Live and why investing in live streaming app development is a smart move in 2026.

 

 

What is Bigo Live & Why Should You Invest in a Similar App?

 

 

Bigo Live is a real-time video broadcasting app that enables users to go live, interact with fans, and monetize their content through in-app gifting. Launched in 2016, the app has grown rapidly, attracting over 400 million users across 150+ countries. It allows creators to host live sessions, video call friends, join multi-guest rooms, and perform for audiences globally.

 

Why Create an App Like Bigo Live?

 

1. Rise of the Creator Economy
With platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts popularizing short-form content, creators are now demanding live video streaming app development options that offer more interaction and monetization. A Bigo Live clone app empowers creators with real-time engagement tools.

 

2. Market Boom in Live Streaming
The global live streaming market is projected to reach $250+ billion by 2027, driven by consumer demand for real-time content, online entertainment, and digital social experiences.

 

3. High User Engagement Rates
Live content drives 2x higher engagement than on-demand videos. The user engagement features in streaming apps like chat, live polls, and gamified leaderboards increase session duration and retention.

 

4. Diverse Monetization Avenues
Through in-app gifting, subscriptions, and brand partnerships, users and content creators can generate sustainable revenue, making your platform more attractive.

 

5. Applicability Beyond Entertainment
Apps like Bigo Live aren’t limited to just singing or chatting. They're now widely used in education, gaming, fitness, shopping (live commerce), and even corporate events.

 

Use Case Examples

 

• Live Q&A with influencers
   

• Online workshops by educators
   

• Virtual concerts and fan interactions
   

• Real-time auctions and product demos

 

If you're looking to enter the digital entertainment or OTT space, investing in Bigo Live app development or launching a Bigo Live clone script is a future-ready decision.

 

 

 

 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Bigo Live?

Developing an app like Bigo Live involves a wide range of cost factors including design complexity, feature set, tech stack, platform (iOS/Android), real-time streaming architecture, and more. If you're wondering about the cost to build a live streaming app, it can vary significantly based on your requirements and target audience. Let’s explore a tiered cost estimation to help you plan better.

 

1. Basic App (MVP Version)

Estimated Cost: $25,000 – $40,000
Development Timeline: 2–3 months

 

Features Included:

 

• User Registration & Login
   

• Basic Live Video Broadcasting
   

• One-to-Many Streaming
   

• Real-time Commenting
   

• Basic Profile Management
   

• Simple Admin Dashboard
   

• Basic In-App Notifications

 

Best For: Startups looking to validate the concept or enter the market quickly with a minimal set of features.

 

Tech Stack Example:

 

• Frontend: Flutter/React Native
   

• Backend: Node.js + Express
   

• Database: MongoDB or Firebase
   

• Streaming Protocol: WebRTC or RTMP
   

• Cloud Services: AWS EC2, Amazon S3
   

 

2. Mid-Level App (Feature-Rich)

Estimated Cost: $45,000 – $70,000
Development Timeline: 4–6 months

 

Features Included:

 

• All MVP Features
   

• In-App Gifting System
   

• Multi-Host Streaming
   

• Live Chat with Emojis
   

• Content Reporting & Moderation
   

• Wallet Integration
   

• Push Notifications
   

• Analytics Dashboard

 

Best For: Businesses wanting to compete with other top live streaming apps in 2026 with a strong core product.

 

Tech Stack Example:

 

• Frontend: React Native + Redux
   

• Backend: Node.js with GraphQL
   

• Streaming: Agora/Wowza Media Server
   

• Database: PostgreSQL + Redis
   

• Authentication: Firebase Auth / OAuth 2.0
   

 

3. Advanced App (Enterprise-Grade / Bigo-Level)

Estimated Cost: $80,000 – $150,000+
Development Timeline: 6–10 months

 

Features Included:

 

• All Mid-Level Features
   

• AI-Powered Content Moderation
   

• Gamification Features
   

• AR Filters & Beauty Modes
   

• Advanced Monetization Tools (Ads + Subscriptions)
   

• Creator Dashboard
   

• HD Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
   

• Blockchain-Based Digital Gifting (Optional)
   

• OTT Integration & CDN Scaling
   

• Real-time Language Translation (Optional)

 

Best For: Enterprises or funded startups building a scalable, AI-powered live video streaming app development platform.

 

Tech Stack Example:

 

• Frontend: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or Flutter
   

• Backend: Microservices with Kubernetes + Node.js
   

• Media Server: Wowza Streaming Engine or Ant Media Server
   

• CDN: Cloudflare or Akamai
   

• AI/ML: TensorFlow or OpenAI API for moderation
   

• Payments: Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal SDKs
   

• Security: End-to-end encryption, SSL pinning, token-based auth

 

 

Key Factors That Influence the Development Cost

 

1. Platform Choice

Developing for Android, iOS, or both affects your budget. Native apps are faster but costlier. Cross-platform options like Flutter or React Native can cut costs while maintaining performance.

 

2. UI/UX Design

Engaging interfaces directly influence user engagement in streaming apps. Complex animations, dark/light themes, and accessibility add to the design effort and budget.

 

3. Backend Infrastructure

Live streaming apps require a robust backend to handle traffic spikes, real-time data processing, and video storage. Cloud solutions (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) offer scalability but increase hosting costs.

 

4. Real-time Video Integration

Live video delivery is powered by technologies like WebRTC, RTMP, or third-party services (Agora, Wowza, Amazon IVS). Licensing and setup add to development costs.

 

5. In-App Features

Each additional feature (e.g., broadcasting app with chat, voice filters, gamification, or in-app gifting) adds development time and cost.

 

6. Content Moderation

Using AI in live streaming apps for moderation reduces manual effort. AI tools can filter nudity, offensive language, or spam, but implementation comes with additional cost.

 

7. Location of Development Team

Hiring a mobile app development company in North America or Europe can double your costs compared to an experienced team in India.

 

8. Monetization Modules

From ads and subscriptions to e-commerce and tipping systems, monetization options add both frontend and backend complexity.

 

9. Live Content Recording

Some users want to record and replay live videos. This requires cloud storage, editing tools, and additional integration, increasing infrastructure cost.

 

10. Post-Launch Maintenance

After deployment, you’ll need support for bug fixes, security patches, feature updates, and customer feedback loops.

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Develop an App Like Bigo Live

 

 

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Analyze your competitors, define your niche, and study what makes the top live streaming apps in 2026 successful. Validate your business idea with user personas and goals.

 

Step 2: Choose the Right Development Partner

Select a reliable OTT app development company with expertise in building real-time video apps and scalable cloud infrastructure.

 

Step 3: Finalize App Features & Monetization Model

Decide on your feature set: Will you have in-app gifts, subscriptions, multi-user rooms, or AI moderation? Define your monetization in live streaming apps clearly from the start.

 

Step 4: Design Wireframes and UI/UX

Work on user flows, wireframes, and UI designs. Aim for an intuitive layout that maximizes user engagement features in streaming apps.

 

Step 5: Build the Frontend & Backend

Frontend involves React Native or Flutter for mobile apps. Backend includes servers, APIs, admin dashboards, and integration with video broadcasting tools.

 

Step 6: Implement Real-Time Video and Chat

Integrate video protocols and third-party SDKs to enable live video streaming, real-time chat, and voice calling features.

 

Step 7: Test & Optimize

Conduct functional, UI, performance, and security testing. Simulate high-traffic scenarios to ensure your app performs under pressure.

 

Step 8: Launch and Scale

Launch on Play Store and App Store. Gather feedback, roll out updates, and scale based on user behavior analytics.

 

 

Core Features of a Bigo Live-Like Streaming App

 

Real-Time Live Streaming

Stream HD/4K videos with low-latency delivery using WebRTC or RTMP. This is the heart of any video broadcasting app.

 

Live Chat with Emojis

Interactive chat lets viewers send text messages, stickers, and emojis in real time. It boosts user engagement in streaming apps.

 

In-App Gifting & Virtual Items

Monetization via diamonds, gifts, or badges. Viewers purchase gifts to support creators, forming the core of your revenue model.

 

User Profiles & Badges

Users can create profiles, gain fan badges, level up with activity, and join community groups.

 

Multi-Guest Video Rooms

Streamers can invite 2–4 guests in one room, ideal for interviews, duets, or competitions.

 

AI Content Moderation

Use AI to detect nudity, hate speech, or spam. Keep your app safe, especially for minors.

 

Wallet Integration

Secure payment gateways for purchasing coins and tipping. Users manage transactions via an in-app wallet.

 

Leaderboards and Gamification

Rank users and streamers weekly to boost competition. Introduce XP points, badges, and challenges.

 

Notifications & Alerts

Notify users when their favorite streamer goes live or when special events are happening.

 

Reporting & Blocking Tools

Let users report inappropriate behavior. This is crucial for trust and community management.

 

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Conclusion: Your Blueprint to Launching a Bigo Live-Like App

 

The world is moving toward real-time digital experiences, and apps like Bigo Live are leading the charge. From empowering creators and entertainers to providing businesses a platform for direct audience engagement, live video streaming apps are reshaping the future of online interaction.

 

By investing in a live streaming app like Bigo Live, you're not just building an app, you're creating a dynamic digital ecosystem that connects people, encourages community-building, and opens up multiple streams of revenue.

 

Whether you're targeting the entertainment industry, education, gaming, or even live commerce, the opportunity is massive, if you execute it right.

 

Key takeaways:

 

• Validate your niche and target audience
   

• Prioritize features that boost user engagement and retention
   

• Integrate smart monetization like in-app gifting
   

• Leverage AI for scalability and content safety
   

• Partner with the right development team

 

Building a real-time video app may seem complex, but with the right guidance and execution, it can be your next big digital success story.

 

Ready to bring your live streaming app idea to life?

 

IMG Global Infotech offers end-to-end expertise in live streaming app development, from strategy and design to scalable backend development and deployment. Let’s build a high-performance, feature-rich app that stands out in the competitive market.