- Step 1. Research the market.
- Step 2. Define the competitors of your instant messaging app.
- Step 3. Select relevant features to make a chat app.
- Step 4. Pick the first platform(s) to create a chat app for.
- Step 5. Think through the monetization strategy for your instant messaging app.
- Step 6. Write your thoughts down.
- Step 7. Decide on features for the app's MVP.
- Step 8. Find and hire a reliable developer or software development company.
- Step 9. Share your vision with them.
- Step 10. Work on your messaging app together to achieve better results.
- Step 11. Draw up a marketing strategy and launch it before the app's release.
- Step 12. Publish the app.
- Step 13. Maintain it and continue gradually adding new features.
How much does it cost to build a messaging app?
| Price in $ (min) | Price in $ (max) | |
| iOS | $28,900 (578 hrs) | $42,600 (852 hrs) |
| Android | $28,900 (578 hrs) | $42,600 (852 hrs) |
| Back-end | $26,200 (524 hrs) | $38,400 (768 hrs) |
| UI/UX design (one platform) | $3,000 (60 hrs) | $4,000 (80 hrs) |
| Total sum | $90,000 (1800 hrs) | $131,600 (2632 hrs) |
