Social Media App Development: Types, Cost, Features & more

Bring Your Social Media App Ideas to Life!

By 2025, social media will be the main source of digital interaction. Connecting people, allowing creativity, assisting in online stores, and offering entertainment are all expanding roles of social media app development. For startups trying to shake up the online world or for companies expanding in the digital world, learning to create a social media app is crucial.

As reported by Statista, the number of users on social media globally is expected to rise well above 5.17 billion by 2025. TikTok, Instagram, and even new niche networks are transforming the way people experience the internet, their behaviors, and the latest trends.

Additionally, Generative AI is driving the use of personalized streams, voice commands, and augmented reality on platforms, which is altering the user experience.

If you’re ready to build social media app, you have come to the right place. Here in this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need about trends, types, features, costs, and development from this in-depth guide using reliable industry reports.

Now, let’s get started with the most common types of social media apps in 2025.

What are the Top Common Types of Social Media Apps?

Knowing the types of social media applications helps design the best product strategy and the needed features. In this section, you will find the four most common categories for websites, arranged by how users interact and the content display. Additionally, this will also help you in building your own social media application development in 2025.

1. Media sharing apps

Media sharing apps help people exchange images, videos, or audio, and the main idea behind them is visual engagement. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow users to develop, change, and present multimedia content. 

You can usually find what’s popular on these platforms by using hashtags, feeds created by AI, and trending challenges meant to motivate users to post and engage others. Media sharing applications play a vital role in influencer marketing and entertainment in 2025.

2. Discussion forums

Licensed apps such as Reddit or Quora help users to discuss topics, form communities, and share what they think on different subjects. These platforms rely on users sharing their wisdom, deep discussions, and a way to rank good content. 

On forums, niche groups gather, share ideas, and support or knowledge, making them perfect for leadership, branding, and education in social media app development plans.

3. Messaging apps

Messaging apps are designed primarily so users can send messages, engage in calls, and manage group discussions. Today, these apps have services such as temporary messages, complete data protection, automated chat assistants, and options for managing groups. 

By the end of 2025, messaging apps will let you pay, broadcast media, and use bots made by developers, stretching past traditional communication tools.

4. Content curation apps

Pinterest is a classic example where users collect, categorize, and organize content around shared interests, making it simple to return to, share, or organize that content later. Apps like these are used a lot in lifestyle, fashion, design, and e-commerce. 

In the world of modern social network apps, content curation platforms help users experience products, discover what’s trending, and find new inspiration.

So, these are the most common types of social media applications in 2025; by inspiring any of them, you can also make a social media app. 

Now it’s time to discuss the “WHY” one must have a social media application, especially for startups, and why this could be the best idea. 

Why You Should Choose Social Media App Development in 2025?

Now is a more strategic time than ever to focus on developing social media apps. Because digital change is rapid and online communities keep growing, there are now more people on social media and more chances to make money with it. There are some good reasons why 2025 is a good time for businesses to invest in social networking app development.

Current Market of Social Media App Development

• According to eMarketer, the world’s spending on social media advertising is set to go past $220 billion by 2025 and will make up more than 33% of all digital advertising. Increased use of targeting, influencer marketing, and video ads is the cause of this surge.

• By the end of 2025, 5.17 billion people are expected to use social media, which means two-thirds of people globally will be active online. A huge and ever-expanding number of people are now able to try new apps and features.

• Business Integration & Commerce: Platforms on social media are no longer only for talking to each other, as they are becoming more about buying and selling. Shopping through posts, using built-in digital wallets, and watching live-stream events have made these platforms into important retail spaces. 

• People from Gen Z and Alpha generation are having a big impact on how people share their content, express themselves online, and join communities. Apps that use AR, gamification, and instant collaboration are being used by young people faster than others.

• Because of Generative AI, AR, and blockchain communities, social media apps have more chances to evolve. Because these tools add personalization, engagement, and better data control, today’s platforms cannot do without them.

• DataReportal’s latest report shows that the typical person spends over two hours per day on social media platforms. Basically, a third of the time you spend being awake is spent on interacting with people, getting entertained, and enjoying content all together in one app.

These statistics seamlessly show that social network app development is the new kind of business introduced in the market, and all thanks to digitalization. Now, let’s look at the features that you must include in your social media applications to make them jaw-dropping. 

Also Read: Cost to Develop an App like Threads

10 Indispensable Features to Build a Social Media App

User expectations in social media app development have never been so high as they are in 2025. Because the market is so tight, to make sure your platform shines, you must include important features that will grow with your business. 

Whether you are developing a new social app or just fixing up one that’s already working, these are the key aspects everyone looks for in social media.

Feature	Description
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)	Start by including the basic attributes needed in the service or product. As a result, you can quickly introduce the product and learn whether your idea is viable.
UX/UI Design	Build your website so it shows well on mobile first, with easy-to-follow navigation. An application for social media success depends greatly on the user experience it provides.
User Profiles	Let people make personal profiles using their own avatars, write about themselves in their bios, and include updates and feature highlights of their activity.
Feed	Use advanced technology to display content in a feed that changes depending on a user’s likes and clicks. The importance of this feature is clear from how much time users spend within the app.
Connections	Include the capacity for people to follow others, make friend requests, and share mutual contacts. This will improve user interaction and expand the user base.
Sign Up/Login	Let users create their account by email, using a phone, with a social sign-in, or with a fingerprint, for a fast and safe registration experience.
Chat	Set up real-time chat so that users can share emojis, media, leave voice notes, and receive push notifications. Every modern social media platform now includes private and group chats.
Search Bar	Allow users to search for friends, hashtags, the latest trends, and popular topics. Search helps ensure that sites are easy to find and easy to use.
Media Sharing	Make it possible for people to post photos, videos, GIFs, and audio clips on your site. Sharing well should be a major focus in social media apps built around content.
Push Notifications	Ensure users receive real-time updates about likes, comments, messages, or content suggestions. These keep users engaged and help drive repeat usage in your social networking app development efforts.

This table briefs you about what kind of features you can include in your Social Media App Development in 2025. There are multiple Social Media Management Software Development services available in the market that provide social media app-building services. 

Some Advanced Features of Social Media Applications in 2025 

The rapid evolution of digital tools means competition in creating social media apps is growing. These days, a successful app in 2025 is built not only around important functions but also by adding innovative features that improve personalization, engagement, and scalability.

When you build a social media app, incorporating cutting-edge technologies isn’t optional—it’s essential. Below are some of the most impactful advanced features that are shaping the future of social media application development.

1. Location-based content 

With GPS technology available on most smartphones, giving users location-specific content has become a main part of advanced social networking app development. Now, apps use your location to show you posts, events, and nearby people that are hot or popular. 

Users can either find nearby events or help local shops reach their communities, all through a feature that tailors the experience just for them.

For example, Instagram’s local business discovery tools and Snapchat’s Snap Map are great use cases. Integrating this in your platform adds a real-world layer to digital interaction.

2. AR Filters 

Using Augmented Reality (AR) has become very important when making social media apps. Thanks to AR, users can change how they or their surroundings appear right before their eyes with filters on Snapchat and Instagram. It’s not only for entertainment—it helps to keep users engaged for longer periods.

With Generative AI in Media & Entertainment, it can now make special AR experiences that are attractive to consumers and businesses. Mixing AI and AR in your app can set it apart from the rest in the market.

3. Editing 

Users’ expectations now include the ability to build excellent content without needing help from other applications. So, it has become necessary to include advanced in-app editing tools in serious social network app development. It’s not just about cropping these days—people now need options for:

• AI-based background removal
• Preset filters and color grading
• Video trimming, caption overlays, and stickers
• Voiceovers and audio mixing

By including these editing options right within the app, you help creators and influencers create content more swiftly, which increases the platform’s growth.

4. Admin panel 

No social media app development is complete without a robust admin panel. Thanks to this backend application, platform administrators can properly manage users, moderate what appears online, and review real-time statistics. Among the main admin features are:

• Following the actions of users
• A system where posts are flagged and then moderated
• Analytics that include likes, shares, and how long users are on the app
• How is reporting done for ads
• Access is given according to user roles

For companies that want to use Entertainment Software Development Services, the backend makes sure everything runs smoothly and remains compliant.

These were the special advanced hidden features that you must keep in mind while social media app development in 2025. This will make your application even more user-friendly. 

Now you must be asking about the trends in social media app development. Well, there are some trending features as well. If you include these features in your application, then the chances of downloading your application will be higher than your competitors. 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s look at those amazing features. 

Learn more: Top Mobile App Development Trends

Top 10 Trending Features to Add to Your Social Media App

These trending features are shaping the future of social media app development and transforming how users interact, create, and engage on platforms. Here’s a quick look at each:

1. Augmented Reality Integration

Augmented Reality is transforming social media app development by making it easier to share content and involve users more fully. Developers in Media & Entertainment are using Generative AI to add AR filters, avatars, and effects that help users be more interactive on social networks.

2. Artificial Intelligence for Personalization

Thanks to AI, the suggestions you see and the content you are served get smarter. Social networking app development now results in hyper-personalized services, leading to more engagement, increased retention, and extra time spent on the app. A strong social media strategy is needed for today’s applications.

3. Advanced Privacy & Security Features

Worries about security mean social media apps should now include biometric login, full encryption, and dashboard controls for privacy. Leading software development company in India help keep their users secure.

4. Video Content and Live Streaming

Being able to live stream, post reels, and make short videos is now a main focus in social media development. Doing this helps content go viral and draws more user involvement, key for copying TikTok or YouTube.

5. Social Commerce

Your app includes e-commerce, so users can purchase items they see in live video or on the videos of influencers. As a result, social media apps now help businesses make money through both entertaining users and encouraging sales through entertainment software development services.

6. Community Building Tools

These sites support meaningful engagement because of their groups, forums, and special interest communities. If user bonding comes before viral content in your app, especially on niche or start-up platforms, these tools become extremely important.

7. Mental Health and Well-being Features

Include functions like digital detox alternatives, screen time reminders, and mood tracking. In the current digital era, these enhancements help firms gain the trust of socially conscious users and demonstrate the evolution of social media app development. 

8. Voice Interaction and Assistance

Features such as voice search, audio group systems, and smart help support are growing important in social networking app development. Voice-first design allows everyone to interact with apps with ease, so top mobile app development services are great for making inclusive apps.

9. Virtual Reality Integration

In recent months, virtual reality has become popular in social spaces, planted in gaming and lifestyle fields. Having expert teams on your team for Entertainment Software Development brings engaging virtual features into your planned app development.

10. Gamification Elements

Including daily objectives, leaderboards, medals, and awards encourages users to return. In addition to increasing retention, gamification encourages action, which is essential if you want to create social media app that maintains steady user growth over time.

Here, your wait is over, as now we are going to discuss the steps to build the social media application in 2025. 

6 Steps To Build a Social Media App

Creating a successful application involves a strategic approach to every phase. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a robust and scalable platform through efficient social media app development in 2025:

Step 1- Discovery phase

It helps to establish the purpose, primary aims, and the type of users for your application early on. During this research, you ensure your social media app fulfills a real gap in social networking and responds to what people expect from competitors.

Step 2- Define app functionality

The main and advanced features for your app should be listed, and they should be according to both user demand and the latest fashions in creating social networking apps.

Step 3- Prototyping and UI/UX design

Design rough wireframes, test with UX/UI prototypes, and present the user’s sequence of actions. An intuitive and visually pleasing design keeps users interested, which is very important when creating social media projects to keep users engaged.

Step 4- Social media app development

Frontend and backend development happen at this technical phase. By joining with leading mobile app or software firms in India, your coded projects are likely to be effective, intelligently networked, and highly scalable.

Step 5- Testing and deployment

Use your app on different devices, over various networks, and in different situations to find any errors or problems. App developers achieve a smooth and safe product for users with a stable and effective QA process.

Step 6- Post-release support

Following the launch, watch how the app runs, get input from users, and update the app accordingly. Using Social Media Management Software Development services from proven experts ensures your app continuously gets important new features and updates.

Now, after this, you must look at the cost of developing a social media application in 2025. 

Bonus visit: Cost to Develop an App

Cost of Social Media App Development in 2025 

The cost of social media application development depends on various factors:

Factor	Estimated Cost Range
Basic MVP	$25,000 – $50,000
Mid-range App	$50,000 – $100,000
Full-featured App	$100,000 – $300,000+

Additional components like blockchain, AI, or AR may increase the price.  To strike a balance between cost and quality, many companies decide to hire app developers in India.

If you are impressed with the idea of developing a social media application in 2025 and you have also learned how to develop a social media app, then the next step can be really helpful for you. In the next section, we are going to discuss the top 3 social media application ideas for small businesses. 

Must Visit: Top Mobile App Ideas

Top 5 Monetization Strategies for Social Media Apps in 2025

Working on a social media app requires ensuring it can attract users and also generate revenue in the long run. As user habits and online trends continue to evolve, developers should utilize modern and diverse methods to generate revenue. 

Below are the most effective methods for monetizing social media apps in 2025:

1. In-App Advertising

In-app advertising is still a major source of income, but AI has made it smarter and more tailored. Typical ad formats include:

• Native ads that blend with user content
• Rewarded video ads that offer perks for viewing
• Programmatic ads for automated, targeted delivery

Tip: Make sure the ads aren’t annoying to the viewers, mainly because Gen Z and Alpha users value a smooth online experience.

2. Freemium Model

This strategy locks expensive features behind a paywall while providing basic features for free.

• Advanced filters, editing tools
• Exclusive content or communities
• Analytics dashboards for creators

Tip: It’s especially popular in influencer-based and creator-economy apps.

3. Subscription Plans

A reliable source of income is recurring subscriptions, especially for:

• Ad-free experiences
• Premium networking opportunities (e.g., LinkedIn Premium)
• VIP content access

Tip: Providing annual, quarterly, or monthly programs promotes retention and provides flexibility.

4. In-App Purchases (IAP)

Used in platforms that focus on personalization and entertainment (e.g., avatars, stickers, virtual gifts).

• Virtual currencies or tokens
• Unlocking special badges or profile themes
• Sending gifts to content creators

5. Creator Monetization Tools

Give content creators ways to earn directly within the app:

• Tipping systems
• Paid live streams
• Subscription-based fan pages

So, these are the top 5 monetization strategies that will help you in making money out of your social media application in 2205. 

Top 3 Social Media App Ideas for Small Startups

App developers hoping to enter the crowded world of social media should always make the community their key priority. Three noteworthy concepts are featured ahead that fit with current user behavior, impact real life, and would be great for those who are new to the industry.

1. Sustainable Living Community App

Because being environmentally friendly is becoming popular, a social network centered on sustainability could attract devoted users. Users could benefit from sharing recycling ideas, sustainable product opinions, instructions for making new things, and tools for tracking their impact on the environment. 

Another option is to offer ways to find local recycling or organic market centers through GPS. If you design a social media app for ecology, you need to include features that motivate users to learn together and take real steps for the environment. 

Teams that work in social media software development can help you apply these socially responsible solutions across your business.

2. Health and Wellness Community App

Looking after your wellness is now more than a fad—it’s how you live. Some important features in a health and wellness community app are mood journals, meditation rooms, fitness challenges, and groups that help with mental health. 

A lot of Gen Z and Millennials use these platforms because they help them achieve overall health by interacting online. This idea is suitable for startups hoping to bring together personal health and community support on their social media app. Using health insights powered by AI and gamification in health can improve your app’s development for social media.

3. Educational Social Network App

Think of a network where members connect to both meet people and share knowledge. With an educational social media app, users can discuss topics, get instant answers to queries, and learn from small online communities. 

Using live tutoring, checking certificates, and working together on project boards can bring fun and team spirit into education. If your goal is to create a scaling social networking app, this idea makes sure there’s a balance between knowledge and engagement. 

Teaming up with skilled Software Development companies in India allows you to develop ways for content to be shared flexibly, as well as design lessons that adjust to each student’s level.

Now, it’s time to wrap up the blog. 

Conclusion

People looking to build a successful social media app development in 2025 should use well-thought-out plans, create new solutions, and interact with users constantly. Now that millions care about improving their experience, it’s a great opportunity to modernize your platform.

No matter if you’re beginning with a blank slate or adding to a project, this guide has everything you need to turn your concept into an exciting and usable social app.

For those aiming to use Entertainment Software Development Services or planning to join forces with a Software Development company in India, choose a partner that meets your technical needs and vision.

Get in touch with us now!

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