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Clubhouse, an audio and social networking application, sparked and incited a trend in the app industry for voice chat platforms. What began as an audio-only iOS app that could only be accessed by invite exploded to over 10 million weekly active users in mid-2021. This data suggests that people cannot get enough of real-time, voice-only communication.
If you have plans to create a similar platform, now is an excellent time to see what opportunities may exist for voice chat mobile app development. In this article, we will outline the initial features, the development process, and the actual costs involved to get an app like Clubhouse off the ground.
The Rise of Audio-Based Social Apps
Users want a more profound connection that is real and live, achieved through audio instead of just text or images, which have dominated the social media market. There are many audio and social apps gaining traction in an incredibly crowded social media space (the global voice-based is projected to be valued at approximately $81 billion by 2032, according to Statista).
These audio and social apps are more participatory than traditional platforms; they foster unscripted, real-time conversations. This presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and enterprises looking to invest in Clubhouse clone app development.
Creating a voice chat app is more than just designing a UI that resembles Clubhouse. You are going to need to add robust features, reliable audio streaming quality, and real engagement tools.
Must-Have Features in a Clubhouse-Like App
In order to be competitive in the growing space of social audio media, your app will need to provide a combination of functionality, user autonomy, and quality audio. Here is a summary of the key features that support user engagement for social audio applications like Clubhouse.
User Registration & Profiles
- Registered using email, phone number, or social accounts
- Customized personal profile to provide profile bio, profile image, and linked interests suggested by the app
- User onboarding, where appropriate, to customize what rooms are suggested
Audio Chat Rooms
- Public, private, or social buttons for participants – only some people can join the room
- Roles of speaker and listener
- Moderation tools
- Event rooms that can be scheduled
Club Creation
- Users can create “clubs” based on topics
- Hosts can create discussions of members, schedule discussions, and form a community
Invitation & Referral System
- Access can be limited to create the best experience and exclusivity
- Ability to track referrals and rewards for referring early users
Real-Time Audio Streaming
- Low latency should help communication with high-quality audio
- Support two or more speakers simultaneously – allow for audio to be used on more than one speaker without lag
Notifications & Scheduling
- Remind users about live and scheduled upcoming sessions
- Sync with the user’s calendar
- Push notifications and reminders;
Analytics & Admin Dashboard
- Monitor user engagement, room activity, and session durations
- Admin controls to moderate flagged content
Monetization Features
- In-app purchases
- Tipping or donations to speakers
- Premium rooms or subscriptions
Step-by-Step Voice Chat App Development Process
Building an audio-based social app involves building a complex backend architecture, a seamless audio API, and an intuitive design. A good mobile app development company will help you plan a strategic roadmap to develop your idea successfully.
Market Research & Analysis
Start with understanding your competitors, e.g., Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, and Spotify Greenroom. Identify areas of functionality that they fall short on, or target new audiences, i.e., gamers, educators, communities, niche audiences.
UI/UX Design
Smooth and intuitive design is key to retaining customers. Design the wireframes for the app, room layouts, speaker cards, and the transitions between rooms..
Technology Stack Selection
| Function | Recommended Technology |
|---|---|
| Frontend (iOS/Android) | React Native or Flutter |
| Backend Framework | Node.js, Express.js |
| Real-time Audio | WebRTC, Agora, Twilio |
| Database | MongoDB, PostgreSQL |
| Hosting & Scalability | AWS, Firebase, DigitalOcean |
| Push Notifications | Firebase Cloud Messaging |
Core Development
- Frontend development: All visual aspects and making them responsive
- Backend development: Real-time sync, user management, audio flow control
- API integration & Development: For real-time audio (Agora, Twilio) and push notifications
Testing & QA
Test for compatible devices, resilient networks, and real-time audio clarity. Perform unit tests, performance tests, and security checks.
Deployment & Launch
Deploy the app to the Play Store and Apple Store. Consider the marketing strategy, app store optimization strategy, and collecting initial customer feedback.
Clubhouse App Development Cost Breakdown
When considering the cost of building an app like Clubhouse, understanding the cost structure helps manage expectations and stay on budget. The development cost can vary based on features, platform and complexity.
Estimated Development Costs:
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| UI/UX Design | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Frontend & Backend Development | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Real-time Audio Integration | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Testing & QA | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Deployment & Support | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Total Estimate | $42,000 – $69,000 |
According to Clutch.co, the average hourly rate for mobile application development varies from $25 to $49/hour, depending on location and the level of expertise of the development team.
This rate may be higher if you select a cross-platform solution, sophisticated moderation tools or custom monetization strategies.
Why Voice Chat App Development Is a Smart Investment?
It was predicted that the number of smartphone users worldwide would rise steadily by 1.8 billion people (+42.62 per cent) between 2024 and 2029, and with the low data use, convenience, and interactivity of audio, social platforms are expected to gain even more traction in the market.
This is why marketers and entrepreneurs are investing in developing audio-based social applications:
- Tangible user retention: Audio creates genuine engagement
- Expandable monetization: Subscription billing, in-app purchases, sponsored room(s)
- Kicking and ready to Zoom: Equipped to integrate AI recommendations, NLP moderation tools, voice-activated search, etc.
The education, business networking, and wellness industries are creating custom voice chat platforms as well and building niche communities.
Final Thoughts
Voice chat applications are changing the way individuals connect with each other online. Whether you are trying to target creators with their “community”, professionals with their “network”, or simply hobbyists with their “shared interests”, there is huge potential in owned Clubhouse clone app development (if you do it right).
To develop your idea, you will need to work with an app development team that understands the technical complexity and user experience (UX).
Shiv Technolabs is a full-service mobile application development company and leader in voice chat app development. Their mobile app development team can help you with robust, scalable, and high-performing mobile app development services across the complete life cycle from idea generation and development to launch and scaling.
Through custom mobile application development, they will partner with you to ensure your Clubhouse-type app follows our guidelines of making sure the app is market-ready at launch. It will capture the attention of your target audience from day 1.
Are you ready to build your audio-based social app? Let Shiv Technolabs be your innovation partner.
