Social App Developers (2023)

Updated: June 7, 2023

This guide will cover the best social app development services, how much they cost, top app development features, and how you benefit from using social app development companies.

Social apps allow users to interact and communicate with each other in a variety of different forms. These apps are popular, and usage is only increasing—nurtured further by Covid-19—making these necessary communication tools to stay in contact.

Like any industry, building and developing social apps requires several must-have features. They need to allow users to post updates, comment and like posts, share their profiles, and other social media integration is key.

Notifications, news feeds, and customizable profiles are popular, as is the ability to chat with others in the network. It’s about allowing users to create content to interact with each other.

Need help knowing where to start? We’ll cover everything you need to know about social app development.

What is a social app?

Mobile social media apps are apps which can be downloaded and stored on your phone or tablet.

Social media apps typically feature messaging, photo-sharing, and other interactive content. There are many categories that social media apps can fall into overall.

Having your own social media app allows you to customize it to use push notifications so that your audience can receive alerts straight to their phone without having to open up their browser first.

There are a plethora of social apps available on both the Android and Apple app marketplaces today, so your app will need to shine.

Types of social apps

Examples of social apps include the following:

  • Social network apps, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
  • Media-sharing network apps, including Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube
  • Discussion forum apps, including Reddit, Quora, and Digg
  • Bookmarking and content curation networks, including Pinterest
  • Consumer review network apps, including Yelp, Zomato, and TripAdvisor

Social app developer example

Source: FreshWorks Studio

You’ll be familiar with social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, as these platforms help us connect with friends, family, and–of course–brands.

A social networking mobile app allows users to share thoughts, curate content, upload photos, form groups based on interests, and participate in stimulating discussions.

All social apps are built around the user and everything that’s important to them. Think carefully about your business and the type of social app that would work best for you.

Why should I develop a social app?

When you design the platform you interact with your community on, there are no outside rules–that’s what creating your own social app gives you.

When you create a social app, you’re in charge and have the freedom to interact with your community on your own terms.

You also have the power to access data about the users who are most interested in who you are, which is great for well-meaning marketing purposes.

For creatives, connecting with fans and subscribers can be restricted by traditional social media platforms.

The contrary is true when you have the means to design and operate a social app yourself–you don’t compromise your vision.

When you create a social app, you’re in control. In your own dedicated community space, you’ll have more control over the design and look too.

Social app developer example

Source: Wasko

Not to mention that selling things to your community isn’t possible in many cases on existing social media platforms.

Using your own social app, digital marketplace options can be built right into the platform and features like one-click and express purchasing become possible.

Effectively then, it’s you and your audience, and you can reach all of them every time you post–it can be one of the most powerful marketing tools around.

What is the social app development process?

You need to develop the best social app possible. One that loads quickly, focuses on the user and runs efficiently.

Building a social app is about following a specific process that ensures nothing gets missed during the app’s development.

The social app development process can be found below–let’s dive into the key steps.

1. The target audience

You need to decide what your social media app will be about, as well as gain a good understanding of the market and the competition.

Creating a social media app is tricky, so it’s important to understand what features your potential users would like and what the competition lacks.

Keep in mind the following:

  • If you plan to make money from your app, you’ll need to think carefully about the different monetization options

Once you have a good indication of what your social app will be about, it’s time to start putting together your ideas. You’ll want to consider your options for user retention, as well as what strategies you’ll use to grow and keep your community engaged.

2. Functions and features

When you first start planning your social app, it’s easy to get lost in the many different functions and features.

Be sure to understand your limitations, budget, and app development skills to ensure that all the features are necessary and think about the type of content you’d want to upload to the app.

Keep in mind the following:

  • What security measures will you take to ensure your app is as safe as possible for all users?
  • Do you want to enable comments to boost user engagement?
  • Will you use push notifications to keep people engaged?

Top Social App Developers

  • Clear Summit - Build better software faster
  • Light IT Global - Reliable technical partner for more than 500 companies since 2006
  • Groovy Web - ⭐World-Class Digital Solutions ✅ On-Time ✅ In-Budget ⭐
  • Intuz - Consulting Beyond Technology
  • ELEKS - Your Technology Partner for Software Innovation and Market-leading Solutions
  • A3logics - Smart Development Solutions to Generate Incremental Value
  • Emizen Tech - Mobile app Development Company
  • Intellectsoft - Engineering Your Vision
  • NMG Technologies - Award Winning Mobile, Web & Software App Development
  • Quy Technology - Mobile Apps for Startups and Enterprises
  • Fortnight Studio - Award-Winning App Design & Development Studio
  • Simform - Your Extended Team of Tech Experts
  • TopDevs - 🔥We have been developing iOS and Android apps since 2009 🔥
  • Wolfpack Digital - Powerful web and mobile apps. Start-to-End
  • Owebest Technologies - Work Speaks For Itself
  • GeekyAnts - We are a product studio transforming ideas into reality
  • SEM Nexus - Startup App Experts
  • JetRuby - Streamlining Mobile and Web App Development Process Since 2010
  • Mutual Mobile - End-to-end development, strategy and design
  • Altoros - Top-notch application development services and custom software solutions for innovators. Enable digital transformation now!
  • Moburst - Growth Done Right
  • The Distance - Leading UK Mobile App Development Company
  • App Maisters - Trusted Digital Transformation Partner for Startups, Growing and Enterprise Companies
  • Konstant Infosolutions - Top Mobile App Development Company
  • Vrinsoft - Top Android & IOS App Development Company in India
  • Tech Exactly - We translate your ideas into futuristic apps and immersive mobile experiences.
  • Uinno - Trusted Extended Team that Solves Technology-Related Challenges. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. The design and development phase

Now it’s time to start designing and developing your social app.

You’ll need to decide early on what route you intend to take and whether you want your app available for Android users, Apple users, or both of them. Android and Apple both use different technological stacks.

Keep in mind the following:

  • If you’re using a SaaS solution, you don’t need to worry
  • The development process can be expensive and time-consuming, so think carefully about your strategy

Ensure your outlines and designs are as clear as possible for an app developer to put them together and start by wireframing your app, as this will help your team visualise how the app works and what pages link.

Prototyping is the next step and involves creating a working model of the app–it helps everyone understand the app better.

4. Grow the community

Once you’ve developed your social app, it’s time to get your users on there and build up the community, bit by bit.

Keep in mind the following:

  • Think about your initial marketing needs
  • Decide how you will get users to download your app

It’s worth using tactics such as app incentives that will ensure users have a good time using your social app.

Social app developer example

Source: Chelsea Apps

5. Analysis

There is a wide range of analytics tools that can help you assess the success of your app.

Keep in mind the following:

  • Keeping track of engagement can help you make actionable changes in the future
  • You’ll be able to spot what’s working and what isn’t inside your app

For example, you might look at how long people spend on your app or how many times per week they use it.

User engagement is measured by the amount of engagement you’re seeing in your app and can be measured by the number of actions a user takes and how long people are spending in the app.

Social app development best practices and features

Here are some of the main aspects to consider when developing a social app, including best practices as well as essential and advanced features.

Think about the app platform

The platform of the mobile social app affects, above all else, the cost. Even though there’s a negligible difference between developing iOS and Android apps generally speaking, starting with a single platform is a good way to keep things in check.

From there, developing a cross-platform mobile app that targets both main platforms with a shared codebase is the next natural step.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the UI

The UI design of the app is a key factor that affects a user’s enjoyment and the overall cost of the app. A social app with a basic design will cost less, and it’s worth thinking carefully about which features are essential.

A huge part of engaging your user comes down to having straightforward navigation with a UI that’s intuitive from the start.

Social app developer example

Source: Mutual Mobile

Ensure the app is secure

Social app users are likely to share a range of information, whether publicly or privately, and, as a result, their information must be kept secure.

A key feature of social apps is the ability to create a user account with personal login details and identification methods that allow users to provide everything from their name to their contact information.

Essential features

Your social app will need to offer a lineup of essential features that the app can’t function without.

The MVP is the minimum standard to showcase your product to your target audience, and the features must meet the most critical functions of social apps.

These are some of the essential features your mobile app needs to have:

1. Open forum

2. Push notifications

3. Secure login

4. Post feed

5. Location-based services

6. Accessible image menu

7. File uploading

8. Networking element

9. Messaging system

10. Offline app usage

Focus on app features that provide the greatest value to your customers. Collect feedback, let users tell you what features make sense to them, and then implement the changes when possible.

Social app developer example

Source: Code Brew Labs

Advanced features

Advanced features are (mostly) optional, but they allow your app to offer value to users. Advanced social app features include the following:

1. Recurring posts

2. Approval flow

3. Voice input

4. RSS feed automation

5. Follower labelling

6. Virtual reality

7. AI support

8. Chatbots

9. Smart data

10. IoT integration

Of course, the more advanced features you add, the higher the cost of the mobile app’s developmentWhen deciding your final budget, be sure to keep track of your overall costs.

How much does it cost to develop a social mobile app?

Development costs of social apps vary. Below are the average estimates, as well as a few other things to keep in mind:

  • Basic social app complexity level — $30,000 to $80,000 — 3 to 6 months
  • Medium social app complexity level — $80,000 to $150,000 — 6 to 9 months
  • High social app complexity level — $150,000 to $250,000 — over 9 months

Depending on your business, you’ll need to have access to a few different teams that can assist you during the social app development process. Developing a cross-platform mobile app that targets both main platforms with a shared codebase is economical and highly recommended.

The good news is that it’s a flexible model where you can adjust the budget according to your need. That said, it’s best to contact a social app development company for an estimate before doing anything else.

How can I benefit from social app development services?

Partnering with social app development companies allows you to create apps that enable customers to stay up-to-date with your business wherever they are in the world.

These expert developers let you take advantage of the significant opportunity available while keeping things as stress-free as possible.

Social app developers build highly-scalable apps, whether they’re your first app or tenth. These development companies create beautiful apps that use the latest tech and trends while meeting expectations.

Social app developer example

Source: Wolfpack Digital

Some of the critical benefits of social app development companies include the following:

  • Affordable development costs — Apps typically get designed using different frameworks, which allow app developers to reuse the code for multiple different social apps.
  • Smarter functionality App development companies provide excellent functionality and usability with top-notch features.
  • Bespoke plans — Custom social app development plans that are designed to fit all needs and typically come with leading scalability.
  • Better security — Apps get built with increased security for your customers and business using the latest mobile app encryption technology.
  • Careful data management — Data management solutions that protect both customer and company data.
  • Reliable communication — Communication at every key stage of your social app development journey.

If you’re planning to design a social app, getting a free quote from mobile app development professionals is usually a smart move–this is especially true if you’re a beginner.

Get started with the best social app developers

To recap, the most critical reasons for having a social app are the following:

  • You can stay in touch with your customers 24/7 and provide them with updates on new services and products
  • You can extend your business reach by bringing in new customers from across the globe
  • Users can use personal profiles with photos of their favourite products and services
  • You can stay connected with users through the use of push notifications
  • They allow you to build long-term relationships with customers
  • You’ll be able to impress potential customers and receive user feedback
  • You can feature clickable product tags so that users can explore products themselves

There are a number of app development companies that take on social app development projects and have app developers with experience specifically catering to these apps. Here we’ve put together for you a list of the best.

List of social mobile app development companies

Vrinsoft

Top Android & IOS App Development Company in India

(0) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
2010101-200$10m+49,000+
• Our development work for social media app has been praised by Hollywood celebrities.

Vrinsoft is is a serving as international mobile app development company with TOP 1% talented app developers in india. Having clientele of Fortune 500 companies to startups in all industries. Developed 800+ apps and worked with 600+ clients in last 12 years from different part of the country like USA, UK, Australia, NewZealand, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait and many.

Learn more about Vrinsoft
FoundedEmployees
201410-50

Our partners are product owners & managers at growth-stage or mature companies, often under pressure to meet demanding deliverables. They value our ability to integrate seamlessly into their teams, bringing immediate impact and expertise.

Learn more about Clear Summit
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201351-100$17m+3k+20,000

Product Consulting - Our product consultants use a methodical approach, sharpened over time with 200+ products. We separate your product into its components, analyze each element, make recommendations, prioritize, and then optimize each aspect.

Learn more about Moburst

Wolfpack Digital

Powerful web and mobile apps. Start-to-End

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201550-100

Winner of the European Technology Awards  for the App Development category! We believe in high-quality integrated systems that delight users through stunning visuals and a smooth experience . We aim to find the optimal balance between speed & quality and commit to building products that reach your business goals and can scale by covering all the stages.

Learn more about Wolfpack Digital

Linkup Studio

Web and mobile apps for startups, small & medium businesses.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201351-100

Altoros

Top-notch application development services and custom software solutions for innovators. Enable digital transformation now!

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2001201-500

Altoros is a global outsourcing software development provider with a focus on using advanced technologies to deliver top-notch and high-quality software solutions tailored to our customers’ unique requirements.

Learn more about Altoros

EvaCodes

Top Mobile app development

(0) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
201951-100$5+ million10,000
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2013101-200$1m-$2m6k4k

Owebest is a CMMI Level 3 Appraised IT company with development centers across India and sales offices in the USA, UAE, New Zealand, Canada and Italy, and Dubai. We have been delivering integrated solutions to our clients across the world for over several years and talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about our achievements and exhaustive experience.

Learn more about Owebest Technologies

PixelPlex

Client-focused. Result-driven.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2007101-200
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201610-50$1m50005000

Based in Manchester UK, Foresight Mobile is an end to end bespoke mobile app development agency that specialises in Flutter. Established in 2017, we create attractive, performant digital experiences using Flutter, React Native, Android and iOS for a wide range of clients, from individual startups and entrepreneurs to household names such as Electronic Arts, Arm Microprocessor and Levi Strauss.

Learn more about Foresight Mobile
FoundedEmployees
201151-100
...that manages real-time energy readings of a solar plant installed on homes Flipsnap, an AI-powered social media video application that allows content creators to be more innovative and fun Tailored....

Innowise

✅ Mobile app development service since 2007

10
(2 votes)
(2) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2007500+$25m500050000

TRIARE

Your technical partner for Mobile App

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201551-100

Andersen

Product Development Services, Outsourced IT services, Application Maintenance and Support Services

10
(2 votes)
(2) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
2007500+$93m415,000

A3logics

Smart Development Solutions to Generate Incremental Value

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2003500+$4m100008000

A3logics is known as the trusted technology partner for various organizations since 2003. Over the years, we have gained a reputation for providing quality services by delivering time-critical solutions and continuously evolving through innovative delivery methods.

Learn more about A3logics
FoundedEmployees
201651-100
Our team is experienced in developing marketplaces, services platforms, on-demand service apps and social apps among others.

Indiespring

Driving business transformation through innovative mobile-first software

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
Employees
10-50

Indiespring is a leading provider of innovative, mobile-first, custom software solutions that drive business transformation and accelerate our customers’ growth. We pride ourselves on building true, long-lasting partnerships with our customers and treat each project as if it\'s our own.

Learn more about Indiespring

Groovy Web

⭐World-Class Digital Solutions ✅ On-Time ✅ In-Budget ⭐

10
(11 votes)
(11) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201551-100$1m5611500

Groovy Web is a home to young and energetic people with modern skills and knowledge who stood out in a very competitive market with a fresh outlook to serve industries and organizations from every domain with great quality and cost-effective services like: React Native App Development Android App Development iOS App Development Cross Platform App Development Progressive Web Application For more than 6 years, we have been giving our best efforts right from analyzing the clients\' requirements to developing and deploying cutting-edge and complex solutions.

Learn more about Groovy Web
FoundedEmployees
208810-50

HestaBit

Building Ideas, Launching Products.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2012101-200

Vrinsoft

Top Android & IOS App Development Company in India

(0) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
2010101-200$10m+49,000+
• Our development work for social media app has been praised by Hollywood celebrities.

Vrinsoft is is a serving as international mobile app development company with TOP 1% talented app developers in india. Having clientele of Fortune 500 companies to startups in all industries. Developed 800+ apps and worked with 600+ clients in last 12 years from different part of the country like USA, UK, Australia, NewZealand, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait and many.

Learn more about Vrinsoft
FoundedEmployees
201410-50

Our partners are product owners & managers at growth-stage or mature companies, often under pressure to meet demanding deliverables. They value our ability to integrate seamlessly into their teams, bringing immediate impact and expertise.

Learn more about Clear Summit
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201351-100$17m+3k+20,000

Product Consulting - Our product consultants use a methodical approach, sharpened over time with 200+ products. We separate your product into its components, analyze each element, make recommendations, prioritize, and then optimize each aspect.

Learn more about Moburst

Wolfpack Digital

Powerful web and mobile apps. Start-to-End

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201550-100

Winner of the European Technology Awards  for the App Development category! We believe in high-quality integrated systems that delight users through stunning visuals and a smooth experience . We aim to find the optimal balance between speed & quality and commit to building products that reach your business goals and can scale by covering all the stages.

Learn more about Wolfpack Digital

Linkup Studio

Web and mobile apps for startups, small & medium businesses.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201351-100

Altoros

Top-notch application development services and custom software solutions for innovators. Enable digital transformation now!

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2001201-500

Altoros is a global outsourcing software development provider with a focus on using advanced technologies to deliver top-notch and high-quality software solutions tailored to our customers’ unique requirements.

Learn more about Altoros

EvaCodes

Top Mobile app development

(0) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
201951-100$5+ million10,000
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2013101-200$1m-$2m6k4k

Owebest is a CMMI Level 3 Appraised IT company with development centers across India and sales offices in the USA, UAE, New Zealand, Canada and Italy, and Dubai. We have been delivering integrated solutions to our clients across the world for over several years and talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about our achievements and exhaustive experience.

Learn more about Owebest Technologies

PixelPlex

Client-focused. Result-driven.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2007101-200
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201610-50$1m50005000

Based in Manchester UK, Foresight Mobile is an end to end bespoke mobile app development agency that specialises in Flutter. Established in 2017, we create attractive, performant digital experiences using Flutter, React Native, Android and iOS for a wide range of clients, from individual startups and entrepreneurs to household names such as Electronic Arts, Arm Microprocessor and Levi Strauss.

Learn more about Foresight Mobile
FoundedEmployees
201151-100
...that manages real-time energy readings of a solar plant installed on homes Flipsnap, an AI-powered social media video application that allows content creators to be more innovative and fun Tailored....

Innowise

✅ Mobile app development service since 2007

10
(2 votes)
(2) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2007500+$25m500050000

TRIARE

Your technical partner for Mobile App

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
201551-100

Andersen

Product Development Services, Outsourced IT services, Application Maintenance and Support Services

10
(2 votes)
(2) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesTraffic
2007500+$93m415,000

A3logics

Smart Development Solutions to Generate Incremental Value

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
2003500+$4m100008000

A3logics is known as the trusted technology partner for various organizations since 2003. Over the years, we have gained a reputation for providing quality services by delivering time-critical solutions and continuously evolving through innovative delivery methods.

Learn more about A3logics
FoundedEmployees
201651-100
Our team is experienced in developing marketplaces, services platforms, on-demand service apps and social apps among others.

Indiespring

Driving business transformation through innovative mobile-first software

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
Employees
10-50

Indiespring is a leading provider of innovative, mobile-first, custom software solutions that drive business transformation and accelerate our customers’ growth. We pride ourselves on building true, long-lasting partnerships with our customers and treat each project as if it\'s our own.

Learn more about Indiespring

Groovy Web

⭐World-Class Digital Solutions ✅ On-Time ✅ In-Budget ⭐

10
(11 votes)
(11) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployeesRevenuesSocialTraffic
201551-100$1m5611500

Groovy Web is a home to young and energetic people with modern skills and knowledge who stood out in a very competitive market with a fresh outlook to serve industries and organizations from every domain with great quality and cost-effective services like: React Native App Development Android App Development iOS App Development Cross Platform App Development Progressive Web Application For more than 6 years, we have been giving our best efforts right from analyzing the clients\' requirements to developing and deploying cutting-edge and complex solutions.

Learn more about Groovy Web
FoundedEmployees
208810-50

HestaBit

Building Ideas, Launching Products.

10
(1 vote)
(1) REVIEWS
FoundedEmployees
2012101-200
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How it works

Do you need a mobile app for your business?

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