How to Develop a Video Streaming App Like HBOmax?

Quick Summary: This blog is a comprehensive guide on how to build a video streaming app like HBO Max. Before explaining the step-by-step process of video streaming app development, we have provided detailed information on the benefits, market statistics, reasons behind their popularity, features to add, and much more. 

Video streamlining apps like HBO Max have become immensely popular over the past few years. In 2024, it had over 48.6 million active and paid subscribers and approximately 12.4 million HBO Max app downloads worldwide. 

These numbers give us all a clear picture of the potential of video streaming apps and OTT platforms and the growing interest of users towards them. Since platforms like HBO Max (now, Max) have a strong market reputation and humongous user base, many might hesitate to invest in a video streaming app development. 

However, if you follow a structured and well-defined process to develop a video streaming platform like HBO Max, your platform may give the existing on-demand streaming apps or platforms a run for their money. 

This comprehensive guide to building a video streaming platform similar to HBO Max can help you with that. Let’s quickly begin. 

What is HBO Max

Now known as Max, HBO Max is an online streaming platform that enables users to watch movies, TV shows, and other entertainment content from the device of their choice. It is a large library of entertainment with TV shows from HBO, movies from Warner Bros, and other video content from Discovery. 

Having HBO Max on your phone means direct access to all the popular and legendary TV shows like Friends, The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and many others. 

Market Statistics to Know Before You Develop a Video Streaming Platform Like HBO Max

We have already provided you with two most interesting stats related to the on-demand video streaming app HBO Max. Now, let’s explore some more:

• HBO Max generated approximately $60 million in July 2024.

• Max, HBO, HBO Max, and Discovery+ together had over 103 million subscribers in Q2, 2024.

• The worldwide revenue of SVOD (Subscription Video On-Demand) is projected to reach 137.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

• The worldwide revenue of AVOD (Ad-supported Video On-Demand) is anticipated to reach 63.5 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

What does a Video Streaming App like HBO Max do

Before you build a video streaming platform like HBO Max or Max, let’s understand the working of such a platform. Basically, Max offers users on-demand access to a vast library of video content. Here is what it does:

• It provides users with access to explore and access different types of content, including movies, TV shows, web series, documentaries, and other original productions. 

• Max offers content from HBO, Warner Bros, DC, and Discovery.

• Users can access apps like HBO Max on different devices and platforms, like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computer systems.

• Apps like HBO Max have a wide range of audiences from different age groups. Therefore, it offers diverse content, fulfilling the needs of different users.

• HBO Max follows a subscription model that allows users to access premium content by subscribing to different plans. 

HBO Max-Like Video Streaming App Development: Step-by-Step Process

For the successful development of your HBO Max-like app, follow these steps:

Step #1: Market Research and Planning 

The first step is to analyze the competition, i.e., thoroughly understand what HBO Max, Netflix, and other streaming applications offer. Figure out where they lack and what their USPs are. 

Now, decide your target audience considering factors such as demographics, viewing habits, and more. Select a specific genre or region you want to focus on. Make a structured plan for content licensing and acquisitions. 

Besides, prepare a list of the core and advanced features that will make your app stand out from the competition. You can choose features like video playback, content library, personalized user profiles, multiple payment gateways, search and filters, and others. 

Based on your research, prepare a development roadmap that will determine your custom video streaming app development time and budget. This step also includes deciding on the right technology stack for your app. Choose the right technology stack, i.e., front-end and back-end frameworks, databases, video streaming networks and services, and payment gateways integration. 

Step #2: App Design

The next crucial step is to design UI/UX for your video streaming app like HBO Max. Create a user-friendly design that focuses on innovativeness, visual appeal, and seamless navigation for content discovery. Develop wireframes to get an idea of the app’s structure and functionality. You can also build prototypes to verify the user flow and potential design-related issues at an early stage. 

Step #3: HBO Max-Like App Development 

Follow an agile methodology to develop a video streaming app like HBO Max. Build robust APIs to establish seamless communication between the front-end and back-end. Choose the right tech stack to begin the development process. An HBO Max-like video streaming app development needs to be successfully and flawlessly run on multiple platforms and devices; therefore, don’t forget to ensure the same. 

Step #4: Testing 

Run performance, functional, usability, and security testing to ensure your app is bug-free. Also, run user acceptance tests (UAT) by allowing real users to test the app and give their feedback. Make amendments based on the feedback. Focus on the app’s security to prevent data-related issues and content piracy. 

Step #5: Launch 

Launch the app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by adhering to each platform’s submission guidelines. Also, deploy your back-end infrastructure to a cloud platform for seamless content accessibility to all users. 

Step #6:  Monitoring and Maintenance 

Once you successfully submit or deploy your video streaming application, the next step is to continuously monitor its performance, keep it updated with the latest features and content, and identify and troubleshoot bugs right when they occur and before they impact user experience.  

Similar Read: OTT Platform Development: A Comprehensive Guide in 2025

For the continuous success and enhanced user experience of your on-demand video streaming app like HBO Max, don’t forget to offer round-the-clock customer support services. This would help users resolve their queries and submit feedback. 

Why Build an On-Demand Video Streaming App Like HBO Max

On-demand video streaming apps offer businesses a gateway to become a part of the rapidly growing media and entertainment industry. Here are some compelling reasons to invest in building an on-demand streaming app like HBO Max. 

#1 The Demand for Streaming Content is Exploding

With the shift in consumer preferences, from traditional satellite television to online streaming, the demand for OTT content is skyrocketing. Such platforms ot only provide convenience but also offer users the flexibility to watch any content at any time. By developing an online streaming app like HBO Max, you can grab this opportunity and reach out to global audiences. 

#2 To Generate High Revenue 

An app like HBO Max offers the flexibility to implement different subscription models and generate high and recurring revenue. You can choose from subscription models, AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand, TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand), Merchandising, and Partnerships. 

#3 To Ensure Content Ownership 

With an HBO Max-like video streaming app development, you can ensure complete content ownership, establish a positive brand identity, and ensure data-driven personalization and content curation to enhance user engagement.   

#4 To Get a Competitive Edge 

On-demand video streaming apps are trending, their user base is growing multifold every year. This gives you an opportunity to create a large market share and generate revenue or profitability. You can plan to invest in original and high-quality content to stand out among your competitors. 

#5 To Establish a Direct-to-Consumer Relationship

When you develop a video streaming application like HBO Max, you can eliminate middlemen. Content creators and distributors can directly connect with consumers, get their valuable feedback, and establish a sense of community, which is important for any business’s success. 

You may like: How to Develop an AI-Based Entertainment App

Benefits of Developing a Video Streaming App Similar to HBO Max

Now that you know all the compelling reasons why to invest in a video streaming app similar to HBO Max, let’s check out the benefits you will get with it:

#1 Revenue Generation with Multiple Monetization Models

The ultimate goal of any application, including a video streaming app like HBO Max, is to generate high revenue. An app like HBO Max enables you to implement different monetization models, like subscription models, where you can charge for premium content and services. 

Other ways you can choose to generate money out of your live streaming app are by embedding in-app advertisements, offering premium content like new movie releases or live events for individual purchase or rental, and through in-app purchases. 

#2 Brand Building and Recognition 

A properly designed and feature-rich video streaming app helps you establish a strong foothold in the market by delivering high-quality entertainment. With it, you can reach global audiences and enhance brand recognition. 

#3 Data and User Insights

When you build an online video streaming app like HBO Max using artificial intelligence and related technologies, you can get crucial insights on user preferences, viewing habits, and demographics. This data can be further used to personalize content recommendations, optimize marketing strategies, and ensure exceptional customer experiences. 

You can even optimize content by identifying popular content trends. This would help you increase content views and your app’s popularity. 

#4 Global Reach

By creating an HBO Max-like video streaming app, you can expand your reach and content distribution to attract international subscribers. Moreover, if your app is cross-platform, you can provide users with the flexibility and convenience to access content from smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers, which will increase their experience. 

#5 Enhanced User Engagement 

Developing a video streaming app like HBO Max using AI and other technologies offers numerous ways to enhance user engagement. You can deliver personalized content recommendations, add interactive features like social sharing, watch parties, and offline viewing, to improve user engagement and retention. 

Technology Stack for an HBO Max-Like Video Streaming App Development

Choosing the right technology stack depends on your specific app requirements. However, here is the list of the technologies you can choose from:

Features to Add While Developing a Video Streaming App Similar to HBO Max

With the market inundated with many video streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and more), it is quite challenging to build a new one that immediately gains users’ attention and maximizes revenue. 

To build a successful video streaming platform akin to HBO Max, include core features like user registration, profile management, content library, search, filters, HD video playback, multi-device compatibility, and offline viewing. On the other hand, if you want to make your app stand out from the competition, it is recommended to add additional features using AI, ML, Blockchain, Generative AI, and other such technologies. Use modern technologies to add the following features to your app:

• Offline Downloads
• 4K/HDR Support
• Multiple User Profiles
• Parental Controls
• Live Streaming
• Social Viewing/Watch Party
• Content Discovery and Curation
• Generative AI-powered Search
• AI-Powered Content Recommendations

You may like to read: Generative AI in the OTT Industry: How It Will Impact the OTT Revolution

Monetization Models for an HBO-like Mobile Application

Investing in an app like HBO Max app development? Here is how you can make money from it.  

#1 Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)

With this model, you can generate revenue from a recurring fee. Users can subscribe to your app with a monthly or annual subscription to access unlimited content from the library. They can even access premium features of your app. 

#2 Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD)

The second monetization model that you can choose is AVOD. In this, you can offer free content to users while generating revenue through advertisements. The best example of this model is YouTube. It shows videos for free while displaying ads in between to earn money. 

#3 Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) 

With this monetization model, users can pay for individual content by renting or purchasing new releases before they are available to other users. This would provide them access to new content, while you can generate huge revenue. 

#4 Hybrid Models 

For your video streaming mobile app like HBO, you can choose to implement a hybrid monetization model, where you can offer a basic ad-supported tier and a premium ad-free subscription to choose from.

While we have provided you with the most common models, it is crucial to consider factors like target audience, content library, market competition, and user experience to pick the right model that doesn’t impact user experience and generates high revenue for your business. 

Also Read: Top Android App Monetization Strategies: Freemium vs. Paid Apps

Build a Successful Online Video Streaming App with Quytech

Quytech is your reliable technology partner and a trusted video streaming app development company that global startups and businesses trust to build future-ready OTT platforms and video streaming apps like HBO Max. The company has prior experience in transforming the media and entertainment industry by developing customized, scalable, and secure video streaming apps using technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, generative AI, and other emerging technologies. 

Final Thoughts 

These days, video streaming apps and platforms like HBO Max are the most common and popular source of entertainment that users choose to access content. These platforms have shifted the majority of audiences from traditional TVs to OTT platforms. 

If you want to build one, this blog is exclusively for you. It covers everything, including a stepwise process to OTT platform development or HBO Max-like app development, benefits, key features to include, monetization models, and technology stack you can use. On the other hand, if you don’t want to build such an app on your own, connect with a reliable OTT platform development company like Quytech. Share your exact requirements to get exactly what you want.  

Frequently Asked Questions