How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like BBC News?

Nayan Sharma
AVP - Technology Presales
March 13, 2025
cost to build an app like bbc news
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Gone are the days when millions would wait for the morning paper to catch up on what’s happening worldwide. In this fast-paced digital era, news comes to your users in real-time, available right at their fingertips. As smartphones increasingly become a part of everyone’s daily lives, news apps have become crucial for staying updated on the go.

Leading the pack, particularly in European markets, is the BBC News app. It stands out for its wide-ranging coverage and easy-to-use interface, setting the benchmark for what a top-notch digital news service looks like.

It’s essential to grasp how people consume news on their mobile devices for businesses looking to make their mark in the digital news world. The BBC News app, with its wide reach and solid reputation, serves as a great example of what success looks like in this arena.

For any company considering building a similar platform, one of the key things to consider is the investment needed to match the quality and scale of the BBC News app.

Creating a top-tier news app requires a hefty financial outlay. The cost to build an app like BBC News can range from $40,000 to $400,000, depending on various factors. These include which platforms you are designing for (like iOS, Android, or both), the app’s complexity, the design’s uniqueness, and the inclusion of advanced features such as push notifications, live streaming, and user analytics.

This blog aims to dissect the intricacies of crafting a news app that can compete with giants like BBC News. We will delve into the essential features contributing to a successful news app, address the technical hurdles, and offer a detailed breakdown of the development costs.

Whether you are just starting or you run an established business, understanding these elements is crucial for launching an app that doesn’t just draw in users but keeps them engaged in this digital era. But before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s start with the basics—why has BBC News become such a powerhouse in the news app world?

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Let our expert team provide a detailed breakdown and guide you through the investment process, ensuring you maximize value and impact for your budget.

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A Brief Glimpse Into the BBC News App: A Benchmark in Digital News Delivery

The BBC News app is a prime example of digital news delivery done right. It offers users comprehensive news coverage of local, national, and international events. What makes it particularly appealing is its user-friendly design, which ensures that navigating through the app is intuitive and hassle-free, making information accessible with just a few taps. Its real-time updates and in-depth analysis keep users informed with the latest news as it happens, which is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

BBC News app for the users

The app integrates unique features such as customizable news feeds, live streaming of major events, and the option for users to save articles for offline reading, setting it apart from competitors.

Moreover, the BBC News app maintains a high standard of journalistic integrity and balanced reporting, which has helped it build trust and credibility with a global audience. This trust, combined with continuous technological enhancements, positions the BBC News app as a leader in digital news delivery.

In a recent comparison among UK news apps, BBC News has edged out Apple News as the most popular choice. According to the data, as of October 2024, BBC News boasted a UK app audience aged 15 and up of 14.2 million people, marking a 12% growth over the year.

This, combined with the fact that the digital news landscape in the UK continues to expand with the market projection of $1.56 billion in 2025, now is the time for businesses to cut through the noise.

By adopting advanced features that drive user engagement and satisfaction, such as personalized content feeds, interactive multimedia, and real-time notifications, businesses can create a news app that competes and stands out in the crowded digital news marketplace.

How Much Does it Cost to Build an App Like BBC News – Detailed Insights

As revealed above, the cost to develop an app like BBC News can vary widely, ranging from $40,000 to $400,000. This variation is primarily due to different project scales and technical specifications. Factors such as the app’s intended scale, target platforms, and the complexity of the features required dictate the final price. Additionally, the choice of technology stack and the need for ongoing maintenance and updates significantly influence the overall BBC News-like app development costs.

Among these, complexity is the most significant driver of cost to build an app like BBC News. The more features and functionality an app includes, the more resources and time are needed to develop it.

In order to get clear estimates on the BBC News-like app development costs, let us offer you a quick formula.

formula to determine the cost of developing an app like BBC News

Here the development hours mean the total time developers will take to build your app. The hourly rate refers to how much your chosen development team charges per hour, depending on their skills.

When trying to determine the cost of developing a news app, it’s essential to consider all the different stages involved. Each stage, from design, development, testing, to deployment, requires different amounts of time and resources, and these can vary widely depending on what exactly you want your app to do.

StageTime EstimateCost Estimate
Research2-4 weeks$2,000 to $10,000
Design1-2 months$5,000 to $20,000
Development3-6 months$10,000 to $200,000
Testing1-2 months$10,000 to $50,000
Deployment1 month$5,000 to $20,000
MaintenanceOngoing$1,000 to $10,000/month

Let’s dive deeper and move forward to look into the factors that can swing the cost to create an app similar to BBC news one way or the other.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a New App Like BBC News

When planning to create an amazing news app, it’s crucial to consider the variety of factors that can influence the final cost. Each element plays a significant role in shaping the budget, timeline, and scope of your project. Here’s a closer look at the main factors that affect BBC News-like app development cost.

Key Factors Affecting the Development Cost of a News App

Platform Choice

Whether you choose iOS, Android, or both can significantly impact the app like BBC News’ development cost due to varying development requirements and audience reach. iOS apps are typically quicker to develop but may involve higher costs for purchasing necessary devices and software for testing.

App Complexity

The number of features and the complexity of those features like live streaming, real-time updates, user personalization, etc., will directly affect development time and cost to build an app like BBC News. More complex features require more sophisticated coding and extended testing.

Design and User Experience

High-quality design and a seamless user experience are crucial for user engagement but require skilled designers and UX experts, which can increase project costs.

Content Management System

Implementing a backend CMS to manage articles, videos, and user profiles adds to the complexity and the overall cost to create an app similar to BBC news but is essential for content updates and management.

Third-party Integrations

Incorporating third-party services like weather updates, social media sharing, or analytics tools can increase costs due to the need for developing additional APIs and adopting data management solutions.

Maintenance and Updates

Post-launch, an app needs regular updates for new content, bug fixes, and compliance with the latest operating system updates, all of which entail ongoing BBC News-like app development cost.

Security Measures

Ensuring data privacy and securing user information is paramount, especially for apps dealing with user subscriptions and personal data. Advanced security measures can significantly raise development costs.

Localization

Adapting the app for different regions, including language translation and adjusting content to local markets, adds to the complexity and cost of development.

Marketing and Launch

Promoting the app and ensuring a successful launch are crucial and require budget allocation for marketing campaigns, app store optimization, and potential launch events.

How Can Businesses Optimize the Costs to Develop an App Like BBC News?

The process of developing an app like BBC News can be a costly endeavor, but with the right strategies, businesses can optimize these costs and make the overall process more efficient. By carefully planning and applying cost-effective measures, companies can manage expenses without compromising on quality. Here are several strategies for optimizing the cost to build an app like BBC News.

Strategies for Cost Optimization During News App Development

Choose the Right Development Approach

Opt for a hybrid development model that can run on both iOS and Android platforms from a single code base, reducing the need for separate development teams and cutting down costs.

[Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Hybrid App Developer?]

Prioritize Core Features

Start by developing and launching a minimal viable product (MVP) that includes only core features. This approach allows you to test the app’s viability in the market and add additional features based on user feedback and financial returns.

Utilize Open Source Tools

Make use of open-source platforms and tools which can significantly reduce the BBC News-like app development cost when it comes to availing licenses and subscriptions. This also includes utilizing pre-built modules and frameworks.

Streamline Design Costs

Adopt a lean approach to design by using pre-designed templates and UI kits that can be customized to suit your needs rather than building everything from scratch.

Implement Efficient Project Management

Use agile methodologies to manage the news mobile app development process, which can help in reducing wasted hours and resources by focusing on iterative updates and constant feedback.

Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

Build a robust app maintenance plan that includes periodic updates and bug fixes to ensure longevity and performance of the app, which can reduce long-term cost to build an app like BBC News.

Monitor and Optimize Performance

Continuously monitor the app’s performance and user interaction data to identify and fix issues promptly, optimize processes, and prevent costly downtimes or large-scale failures.

After looking into the various strategies to optimize the app like BBC News’ development cost, let’s move ahead and look into the features to be integrated during news app development.

Basic Features to Develop an App Like BBC News

Developing an app like BBC News requires integrating a variety of features that enhance user engagement and ensure comprehensive news coverage. Here’s a breakdown of features to add in an app like BBC News.

Essential Features for a Competitive News App

Real-Time News Updates

Allow users to receive the latest news as it happens. This feature is vital for keeping the content fresh and ensuring users return frequently for updates.

breaking news notifications in the bbc news app

Push Notifications

Send timely push notifications to users about breaking news or topics of interest. This keeps users informed and engaged, even when they’re not actively using the app.

User Personalization

Offer customization options that allow users to tailor the news feed according to their preferences, such as topics, locations, or specific news sources.

Offline Access

Enable users to save news articles and videos for offline viewing. This is particularly useful for users with limited internet access or those on the go.

videos in BBC news app

Live Streaming

Incorporate live streaming capabilities to cover live events such as press conferences or sports events, adding to the app’s appeal.

live streaming in BBC news app

Commenting and Interaction

Allow users to comment on articles and interact with other readers, fostering a community atmosphere and increasing user engagement.

Multi-Language Support

Offer the app in multiple languages to reach a global audience, making the news accessible to a broader demographic.

User Registration and Profiles

Enable user registration to create personalized profiles, which can be used to track reading habits and further personalize content suggestions.

Analytics and Reporting

Implement analytics to track user behavior and preferences, which can inform future content creation and app enhancements. Businesses must remember that integrating features that offer detailed analytics and reporting can also increase the cost to build an app like BBC News.

Innovative Features to Distinguish Your News App in a Competitive Market

In the crowded market of news apps, standing out from the competition is crucial for success. By incorporating innovative and advanced features, your app can offer a unique value proposition that not only attracts users but also encourages long-term engagement. Let’s look into the features that can set your news app apart from competitors, including BBC News:

FeatureDescription
AI-Powered RecommendationsUtilize artificial intelligence to analyze user behavior and offer personalized news recommendations. This ensures users see stories most relevant to their interests, increasing engagement.

[Also Read: AI Regulation and Compliance in EU: Charting the Legal Landscape for Software Development]

Augmented Reality ContentIntegrate augmented reality (AR) to provide immersive visualizations of news stories, such as interactive maps or 3D models of events, adding a new dimension to news consumption.
Voice-Activated ControlsAllow users to interact with the app through voice commands, making it more accessible, especially while driving or multitasking.
Blockchain for TransparencyImplement blockchain technology to record the origins of stories and updates made over time, providing unparalleled transparency, security and trust in news content.
In-Depth Analytics DashboardOffer users an analytics dashboard where they can see which types of news they read most and manage their preferences more granularly.
Customizable News BotsProvide customizable bots that can deliver news directly through messaging platforms based on user-defined rules, such as specific topics or times.
Interactive Polls and SurveysEngage users by allowing them to participate in polls and surveys directly related to the news stories, giving them a voice and making the experience interactive.
Advanced Offline CapabilitiesEnhance offline functionality to not only save articles but also entire sections of the app for later reading, providing full functionality without internet access.
Virtual Reality NewsroomsCreate a virtual reality (VR) experience that puts users inside a virtual newsroom where they can interact with news elements, making them part of the storytelling process.
Smart SummariesImplement AI to generate concise summaries of long articles, making it easier for users to quickly get the gist of complex stories.

It is vital for businesses to understand that these advanced features can ultimately affect the overall cost to build an app like BBC News, but they also significantly enhance user engagement and satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and potential revenue streams.

How to Build an App Like BBC News?

The news app development process involves a series of strategic steps that ensure both functionality and user engagement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to developing a comprehensive news app.

Steps to Build a News App That Stands Out

Market Research

Begin by conducting thorough market research to understand your target audience, their preferences, and the competitive landscape. This will help you identify gaps in the current market and opportunities for differentiation.

Define Features and Functionality

Based on your research, define the key features your app will offer. Consider including real-time updates, multimedia content, and personalization options to enhance user experience.

Choose the Right Technology Stack

Select the appropriate technology stack that aligns with your app’s requirements. This includes choosing between native, hybrid, or web app development platforms depending on your target audience’s device preferences.

Design a User-Friendly Interface

Design is crucial for the success of a news app. The interface should be intuitive and engaging to ensure a seamless user experience. Focus on creating a layout that makes navigation easy.

Develop the App

With your design in place, move on to the development phase. Ensure your news and media app developers follow best practices for coding and implement the features as planned. Regular testing during this phase is crucial to catch and fix any issues early.

Integrate Third-Party Services

Incorporate necessary third-party services such as analytics tools, advertising platforms, and social media to enhance functionality and monetize your app.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Conduct comprehensive testing, including user acceptance testing, performance testing, and security testing, to ensure the app is reliable, efficient, and secure.

Launch and Marketing

Once testing is complete, launch your app on the appropriate app stores. Implement a strong marketing strategy to boost visibility and downloads.

Continuous Improvement and Updates

After launch, continually monitor the app’s performance and gather user feedback. Use this data to make necessary improvements and update the app regularly with new features and enhanced functionalities to keep the user base engaged and growing.

Aiming to develop a news app that not only competes but clearly stands out from the crowd?

From AI-driven personalized content to immersive AR experiences, we ensure your app is equipped to captivate and engage.

partner with us to develop an app like BBC news

How Appinventiv Built Engaging News Experiences with a Robust Mobile App for ABP News

Our experts recently collaborated with ABP News to design and develop the ABP Live app, a robust mobile platform tailored for easy navigation and enhanced user interaction. We focused on optimizing the app’s architecture for live content streaming and integrating features like quick news clips and podcasts, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The development process involved streamlining the user interface and functionality to accommodate the extensive news content seamlessly. Our team worked diligently to enhance the overall usability of the app, prioritizing smooth performance and quick access to news updates.

The results of our collaboration were excellent, with the ABP Live app achieving over 200,000 downloads and a 28% increase in session time.

ABP Live News App Screens

How Do News Apps Like BBC News Make Money?

News apps like BBC News employ several revenue-generating strategies to capitalize on user engagement in the fast-changing digital landscape. For businesses planning to launch a news app and have understood the app like BBC News cost breakdown, it’s also essential to understand the various monetization models to ensure profitability.

Revenue Strategies for News Apps Like BBC NewsAdvertising

This involves displaying various types of ads within the app, such as banner ads, interstitials, or native ads, generating revenue based on user interactions with these ads.

Subscriptions

Users pay a regular fee to access premium content that is either ad-free or includes exclusive features like special articles or enhanced customization.

Sponsored Content

This includes content paid for by advertisers but designed to look like regular editorial content, offering a less intrusive advertising experience.

Paywalls

Some content is locked behind a paywall, requiring users to pay to access specific premium articles or special content sections.

Affiliate Marketing

The app earns commissions by embedding affiliate links within articles, directing users to purchase products or services.

In-App Purchases

Users can buy additional content or services within the app, such as detailed reports or digital magazines.

Data Monetization

Some apps analyze user data and sell these insights to third parties for targeted advertising or market research.

After looking into the monetization models for news and media apps, it’s now time to understand why we are the right development partner for realizing your news app vision into reality.

Why Appinventiv is the Right Partner for Developing a News App

We hope this blog has helped you understand the cost to build an app like BBC News that not only competes with but surpasses its competitors. To achieve this, partnering with a dedicated news app development company is essential. Appinventiv stands out as your ideal partner for several unique reasons:

Innovative Approach to User Engagement: We focus on pioneering methods to increase user interaction, such as integrating interactive storytelling and augmented reality elements that bring news stories to life.

Advanced Security Measures: Recognizing the sensitivity of news content, our news and media app developers implement state-of-the-art security protocols to protect both your data and your users’ privacy, ensuring a trustworthy environment.

AI-driven Personalization: Leveraging artificial intelligence, we can help you deliver highly personalized content feeds to users, enhancing their engagement and satisfaction with content that resonates with their individual preferences.

Sustainable Development Practices: As a dedicated mobile app development company in the UK, we commit to sustainability, using green coding practices and promoting eco-friendly app usage to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.

Global Compliance Expertise: Understanding the diverse legal landscapes, we ensure that your app complies with international news distribution and digital publication laws, keeping you clear of legal hurdles.

Get in touch with us to set the foundation for a leading news platform that is innovative, secure, and user-focused.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to develop an app like BBC News?

A. The cost to build an app like BBC News typically ranges from $40,000 to $400,000. This broad range depends on various factors such as platform choice, app complexity, design intricacy, and the inclusion of advanced features such as AI integration, live streaming, and user analytics.

Q. How long does it take to develop an app like BBC News?

A. Creating a custom broadcasting app like BBC News generally takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The time frame can vary based on the scope of the project, the number of features you plan to include, the complexity of those features, and the process efficiencies of the development team.

Q. What are some of the news and media app development benefits for businesses?

A. Developing a news and media app offers several strategic advantages for businesses looking to expand their digital footprint:

  • Increased Audience Reach: Mobile apps allow news outlets to reach a wider audience, breaking geographical barriers.
  • Enhanced User Engagement: Apps can deliver personalized content, notifications, and interactive features that engage users more deeply than traditional media channels.
  • New Revenue Streams: Through subscriptions, ads, and in-app purchases, news apps open up new avenues for monetization.
  • Real-time Content Delivery: Apps provide the capability to update content in real time, which is essential for news coverage.

Q. What are some of the challenges of developing a news app?

A. While developing a news app can be highly beneficial, it also comes with a set of challenges that need to be skillfully managed:

  • Handling High Traffic Volumes: News apps must be capable of handling sudden spikes in traffic during major news events.
  • Content Management: Developing a robust backend to manage, update, and archive vast amounts of content efficiently can be challenging.
  • Maintaining User Privacy and Data Security: Ensuring the security of user data and maintaining privacy standards are critical, especially with the stringent laws regulating digital spaces.
  • Keeping Up with Technological Advances: Continuously updating the app to incorporate new technologies and features to meet user expectations can be demanding.
THE AUTHOR
Nayan Sharma
AVP - Technology Presales
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