How To Make A Social Media App: 7 Core Steps to Build & Deploy in 2025

Social media apps have revolutionized how people connect, share content, and engage with communities for over a decade. With 5.22 billion active users worldwide, building a social media platform presents a massive business opportunity. This is the golden time for publishers and investors to join in the race.

But how to make a social media app from scratch, what features do you need? How much will it cost?

In our blog, we will walk you through the key steps to create a social media site, from choosing the right type of platform to integrating must-have features. Let’s dive into the details of social media platform development and explore the future trends shaping this industry in 2025.

What Is a Social Media App?

A social media app is a digital platform that allows users to create profiles, share content, and interact with others. These apps enable communication, networking, and content sharing through features like posts, messaging, live streaming, and media uploads.

Social media platforms connect people based on personal relationships, interests, or professional networks. Users can engage with content through likes, comments, and shares, then, making these apps highly interactive. 

Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, each designed for different user needs and interactions.

With billions of active users worldwide, social media apps play a crucial role in communication, entertainment, business marketing, and even e-commerce. Whether for personal use or professional growth, these apps have transformed how people connect and consume information.

Key Market Statistics of Social Media Apps

The social media app market has experienced significant growth in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2022, the global social networking app market was valued at approximately $49.09 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.2% from 2023 to 2030. 

As of 2024, Facebook leads with over 3 billion monthly active users, followed by YouTube with 2.5 billion, and Instagram and WhatsApp each boasting 2 billion users (source). 

The increasing adoption of 5G technology is also contributing to the market's expansion, enhancing user experiences with faster and more reliable connections. 

These statistics underscore the vast potential and opportunities within the social media app industry, making it a compelling area for investment and innovation in 2025 and beyond.

Here are the leading social media platforms by the number of monthly active users (MAUs):

Why Is Social Media App Worth Your Investment in 2025?

The demand for social media platform development continues to grow, offering high revenue potential, user engagement opportunities, and evolving technology trends. Whether you're planning to create a social media site for a niche community or a large-scale social networking app, the market is full of possibilities.

If you’re wondering if social media app development is worth your investment in 2025 or not, the answer is yes. And here’s the reason a heads-up:

Expanding Market with Billions of Users

Social media platforms have become a core part of digital interactions, with over 5.2 billion users globally in 2025. This vast audience presents a significant opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to build your own social network for free or through strategic investment.

Successful apps like BeReal and Threads have shown that how to build a social media platform isn’t about competing with giants like Facebook, but about introducing unique and engaging experiences. If you're exploring how to start a social network app, focusing on a niche audience or a unique social interaction method can be a key differentiator.

High Revenue Potential and Monetization Opportunities

Developing a social app is a profitable investment. Businesses generate billions through advertising, in-app purchases, premium subscriptions, and e-commerce integrations.

According to Statista, the cost of mobile application development is justified by the fact that the global social media ad spend is projected to hit $207 billion in 2025. 

For companies considering mobile app development outsourcing, working with an experienced development team ensures cost efficiency, scalability, and access to top-tier expertise in creating a successful app.

Influencer Marketing Is Booming

One of the fastest-growing digital trends is influencer marketing, which is projected to reach $24 billion in 2024. This means that how to make social networking sites now heavily involves influencer-driven engagement.

By integrating influencer-friendly features such as brand collaborations, exclusive content, and affiliate marketing tools, new social platforms can attract both users and advertisers, increasing overall engagement and monetization potential.

If you're researching how to start a social network app, 2025 presents the ideal opportunity. With the cost of mobile application development becoming more flexible due to mobile app development outsourcing, businesses can develop competitive apps without excessive overhead.

9 Types of Social Media Apps

Social media applications offer diverse platforms tailored to various user interests and needs. Understanding the best social media app is crucial for anyone want to know how to make a social media app:  

1. Social Networking Apps

Social networking apps are among the most popular, allowing users to connect, interact, and share updates. Facebook, for instance, boasts over 3 billion monthly active users, making it the largest social networking site globally.

2. Media Sharing Networks

Media-sharing networks focus on visual content, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These apps allow users to upload and view photos and videos. 

Instagram and TikTok are prime examples, with Instagram reaching 2 billion users and TikTok surpassing 1.5 billion users.

3. Discussion Forums

Platforms like Reddit and Quora provide spaces where users can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge on a wide range of topics. Reddit has a vast user base, with numerous active communities.

4. Content Curation Networks

These networks enable users to discover, save, and share content. Pinterest, for example, allows users to create boards to organize images and ideas, attracting millions of users seeking inspiration.

5. Consumer Review Networks

Platforms such as Yelp and TripAdvisor allow users to review and rate businesses, services, and destinations, influencing consumer decisions and helping businesses improve their offerings. 

Other notable consumer review networks include Google Reviews, Zomato, Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Glassdoor. These platforms are commonly used across tourism, hospitality, retail, healthcare, real estate, and education,... 

6. Blogging and Publishing Networks

Medium and similar platforms offer users a space to write, share, and read articles on various subjects. Other well-known blogging and publishing networks include WordPress, Blogger, Substack, Ghost, Tumblr, LinkedIn Articles, Dev.to, and Wattpad. They  provide a modern approach to blogging without the need to manage a personal website. 

7. Relationship Networks

Commonly known as dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. These apps help users find and connect with potential romantic partners based on shared interests and preferences.

8. Interest-Based Networks

LinkedIn is a prime example, focusing on professional networking. It allows users to connect based on industry and professional interests, boasting over 930 million members.

9. Anonymous Social Networks

Platforms like Whisper and Ask.fm enable users to share thoughts and ask questions anonymously, fostering open communication without revealing personal identities.

Understanding these categories can guide the development of a social media app by identifying gaps in the market and tailoring features to meet specific user needs.

7 Core Features That Make A Winning Social Media App (Must-read)

Building a successful social media app requires more than just a sleek design. It must provide an engaging user experience, facilitate social connections, and ensure data security and other factors. Let’s explore the key elements your social media app must include to attract and retain users.

1. User Profiles

A strong social media experience starts with user profiles. Users should be able to personalize their accounts with avatars, bios, and status updates. Additional customization options, such as themes and profile privacy settings, enhance user engagement and give individuals more control over their online presence.

2. Content and Media Posting

Content sharing is the backbone of social media platforms. Users should be able to post text, images, videos, and live streams effortlessly. 

Enhance the content experience with photo/video editing tools, tagging options, captions, and location check-ins to make posts more interactive. The more expressive the platform, the more engaging the user experience.

3. User Interactions

Encouraging social engagement is key to user retention. Implement interactive features like likes, comments, shares, and reactions to drive discussions and user-generated content. Tagging and mention functionalities allow users to stay connected and amplify content visibility.

4. Direct Messaging (DMs)

Private communication is essential in a social media app. A direct messaging system allows users to chat one-on-one or in groups, share multimedia, and use voice or video calls. Implementing end-to-end encryption ensures security and builds user trust.

5. Notifications

A real-time notification system keeps users updated on new messages, friend requests, post interactions, and trending content. Customizable notification settings allow users to choose what updates they receive, enhancing user satisfaction and app retention.

6. Privacy and Security Settings

In today's digital landscape, privacy and data security are top concerns. Give users control over their data by allowing them to adjust privacy settings, limit profile visibility, and manage who can send messages or view posts. 

Features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted messaging add extra layers of protection.

7. Advanced Search and Discovery

A powerful search feature helps users discover relevant content, communities, and accounts. Integrate filters, hashtags, and AI-driven recommendations to enhance discoverability. Trending topics and curated suggestions can boost engagement and keep users actively browsing.

These core features define the success of a social media app. Whether you’re launching a new platform or upgrading an existing one, implementing these elements will help drive user engagement and long-term retention. 

Next, let’s explore how to choose the right technology stack for seamless social media app development.

How To Make A Social Media App in 7 Steps

Building a social media app may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can turn your vision into reality. Whether you want to create a social media site from scratch or enhance an existing platform, following these seven key steps will help you develop the best social media app that resonates with users.

Step 1: Identify the Right Product-Market Fit

Before diving into how to make a social media app, it's crucial to validate your idea. Many successful social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter started with different concepts before finding their product-market fit.

To do this, begin by identifying a niche audience and solving a specific problem for them. For example, WhatsApp started as a simple status-sharing tool but pivoted into a messaging app after recognizing market demand.

A great way to refine your product-market fit is to test the app with a small group before scaling. This approach minimizes risks and helps validate your concept early on.

Step 2: Gain Competitive Advantage With Market Research

Success in social media platform development is about standing out in a competitive market. Before you start a social network app, research the strengths and weaknesses of existing platforms, and your competitors as well

Analyze their monetization models, features, and user engagement strategies. Look for gaps in the market and focus on what differentiates your app are key ways to create your own USPs. Whether it’s better privacy controls, exclusive content, or a new way of social networking, your app must provide unique value to attract users.

Step 3: Get a Better Perspective With Target Audience Research

A successful social media site is built around user preferences and behaviors. Conducting user interviews and surveys will help you understand what features your audience values the most.

A customer journey map can also help visualize how users interact with your app. This data-driven approach ensures that your social media app is designed to meet actual user needs rather than assumptions.

Step 4: Choose a Profitable Business Model

Even the best social media app needs a sustainable business model. Here are three popular strategies:

• Freemium model:  Users access basic features for free but pay for premium features (e.g., LinkedIn Premium).
• Advertising model : Apps like Facebook and Instagram monetize through targeted ads.
• Subscription model: Platforms like Spotify offer paid subscriptions with exclusive content.

Choosing the right monetization strategy from the start ensures long-term growth while keeping the cost of mobile application development in check.

Step 5: Engage Users With an Intuitive Design

User experience (UX) plays a critical role in retention. Your app should be:

• Visually appealing: A cluttered design drives users away.
• Easy to navigate: Simple menus, smooth interactions, and clear call-to-actions.
• Optimized for mobile: Since most social networking happens on mobile, the app should provide a seamless mobile-first experience.

Companies like Tinder improved engagement by matching users based on activity level, ensuring better interactions. A great UI/UX design will keep users coming back.

However, building a high-quality social media app requires expertise in user experience, scalability, and advanced features. Hiring a software outsourcing company ensures access to skilled developers, cost-effective solutions, and faster time-to-market.

Step 6: Build an MVP to Quickly Test Ideas

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a stripped-down version of your app with only essential features. It allows you to test the social app in real-world conditions without excessive development costs.

Use the prioritization matrix to decide which features are necessary for launch. Tools like Twilio (for messaging), Firebase (for authentication), and Google Maps (for geolocation) can accelerate MVP development.

Here’s a basic tech stack for your MVP:

• Programming Language: Swift, Kotlin, Node.js
• Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Networking: Alamofire
• Chat & Messaging: Twilio, PubNub, Socket.io
• Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
• Storage: Amazon S3

With the right tech stack, your MVP can be built efficiently, tested quickly, and refined based on user feedback.

Step 7: Gather Feedback and Improve the App

Launching your social media app is just the beginning. The real work starts with analyzing user feedback and optimizing the platform.

Use analytics tools to track user behavior and engagement. Pay close attention to:

• Feature requests – What do users want?
• Pain points – What’s causing drop-offs?
• Engagement metrics – What’s keeping users active?

Continuous iteration and refinement ensure that your app adapts to user needs and stays relevant in the fast-changing social media landscape.

Future Trends of Creating Social Media Apps

If you're planning to build a social media platform, integrating emerging technologies can help you stay competitive and attract more users. Here are the key trends shaping the future of social media app development in 2025 and beyond: 

AI integration

From AI-powered filters and avatars to content generation and moderation, AI is enhancing engagement across platforms. AI in social media is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.7% from 2022 to 2031.

AI-driven image generators, writing assistants, and chatbots are becoming standard features in new social media apps. AI-powered content moderation tools help detect harmful or inappropriate content, ensuring safer online communities.

For instance, Snapchat uses AI-based lenses and filters, while TikTok’s algorithm analyzes user behavior to provide personalized video recommendations. If you're creating a social media app, AI should be at the core of your innovation strategy.

Video content

Video content is now the most engaging format across social media. Short-form videos, inspired by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, have become the preferred way for users to consume content. 96% of consumers prefer short videos when researching products or services.

The rise of user-generated video content has fueled growth in social commerce, influencer marketing, and brand engagement.

Personalization

Personalized feeds are no longer optional. Users now demand curated content tailored to their interests. AI-powered personalization engines track user behavior, engagement, and interactions to deliver highly relevant content. For new social media platform development, focusing on customized user experiences will significantly boost user engagement and content discoverability.

E-commerce features

Social commerce is growing rapidly, fueled by influencer marketing, live shopping, and integrated checkout experiences. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have built-in shopping features that allow users to buy products without leaving the app.

Product tags, shoppable posts, and live-stream shopping have made it easier for businesses to convert engagement into sales.

The concept of the metaverse is making its way into social media, offering virtual environments where users can interact in new ways. Facebook's transition to Meta is a clear indicator that social networking is shifting toward immersive experiences.

AR and VR

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are shaping the next generation of social apps. NFT-based social networks and digital avatars are gaining traction, offering new forms of online identity and interaction.

For startups looking to build the best social media app, incorporating metaverse elements like virtual events, 3D spaces, and digital avatars could be a game-changer.

What Will You Need to Make a Successful Social Media App?

Figuring out how to make a social media app is more than just coding. It requires a strategic approach, a well-planned budget, and the right development team. Whether you want to create a social media site for niche communities or launch the next best social media app, you need to consider key factors like feature prioritization, cost management, and outsourcing options.

Best practices to build a social media app

Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Before diving into full-scale social media platform development, start with an MVP - a basic version of your app that includes core features like profiles, messaging, and content sharing. This helps test your idea with real users while keeping costs low.

Consider Mobile App Development Outsourcing

Hiring in-house developers in the U.S. or Western Europe can be expensive. Many startups opt for mobile app development outsourcing to access global talent at a lower cost.

Outsourcing is ideal whether you're building a social media networking site for professionals or a wearable device app development project with social features.

Does it cost a fortune to make a social media app?

The cost of mobile application development depends on features, complexity, and development location. A basic MVP requires 1,000+ development hours, with costs ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.

For example:

• A U.S. development team would charge $150,000+.
• Eastern European teams can build it for $60,000–$80,000.
• Indian developers can complete the project for $20,000–$40,000.

Golden Owl Solutions - Best Social Media App Development Provider

At Golden Owl Solutions (GOS), we specialize in developing cutting-edge social media applications tailored to unique business needs. With expertise in scalable architecture, user experiences, and advanced engagement features, we help businesses create platforms that foster connection, engagement, and growth.

Golden Owl Solutions has a proven track record of delivering high-performance social media applications that captivate users and drive engagement. We successfully developed CheerMe (Australia), a social platform that fosters positivity and connection through real-time chat and bonding challenges. We also built FaithCircle (UK), a faith-based social networking app with features like live streaming and prayer request boards, achieving high engagement rates.

Find out more of our portfolio and contact us right away if in need, we’ll give you the best package!

Last Thoughts

Building a social media app requires expert planning, a user-focused approach, and cutting-edge technology. At Golden Owl Solutions, we deliver feature-rich and scalable applications designed for success. Whether you’re creating a niche community, a networking platform, or an interactive content-sharing app, our expert team ensures your vision comes to life.

Want to know how to make a social media app the next big social media platform? Contact Golden Owl Solutions today to discuss your project!

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to develop a social media app?

The development timeline varies based on complexity, features, and platform choice. On average, a fully functional social media app takes 3-9 months to develop.

Q2. How much does it cost to build a social media app?

Costs depend on the app's features, design, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and backend infrastructure. A basic social media app may start at $20,000, while more advanced platforms with AI integration can cost $50,000 or more.

Q3. How do you ensure data security in social media apps?

We implement end-to-end encryption, secure authentication methods (OAuth, biometrics), and compliance with data protection laws like GDPR to safeguard user data.