How to Build a Video Calling App

As per a MarketsandMarkets report, the global video conferencing industry is on track to expand significantly, rising from $10.6 billion in 2022 to an estimated $19.1 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by the rising demand for remote work tools, virtual education, and telehealth services. From online doctor visits to virtual classrooms and team meetings, video calls are now part of everyday life. Big changes in how we work, learn, and connect are driving this demand.

Whether it's a quick call with your doctor, a team catch-up from home, or staying in touch with loved ones, people want easy and clear video chats that work across devices. This blog is your simple, step-by-step guide on how to build a video calling app of your own. We'll show you what features to include, which tools to use, how much it might cost, and how to keep it safe and fast.

Why Build a Video Calling App in 2025?

Building a video calling app in 2025 is a strategic move that taps into an expanding and evolving market. Here are some reasons why developing a video chat app makes sense now:

• Integration with Emerging Technologies: 2025 will see increased use of AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) within video apps. Integrating AI for real-time translation or AR for virtual backgrounds can enhance the user experience and set your app apart from competitors.
• Improved Internet Connectivity: With the ongoing roll-out of 5G technology, mobile networks will become faster and more reliable, allowing for higher-quality video calls with less lag. Developing a video calling app today entails setting up your system to fully utilize this infrastructure.
• Global Reach with Remote Work Trends: Remote work is here to stay. Many companies are adopting hybrid work models, where employees work both in-office and remotely. Video calling apps will continue to be a core tool for keeping teams connected, making it a valuable product for businesses worldwide.
• Security and Privacy Concerns: As privacy becomes a top priority for consumers, building a secure and compliant video calling app will differentiate you from competitors. Offering strong encryption, data privacy, and compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA can build trust and attract users.
• Rising Demand for Personalization: Users are looking for apps that cater to their specific needs, such as personal health consultations, virtual events, or peer-to-peer video calls. Customizing the app to suit individual preferences or specific industries can meet these demands and increase engagement.

Features to Include While Building Your Video Calling App

If you're building a video calling app, these features are not optional; they're expected by users. Below is a checklist of what your app should include to compete with the big names.

• User Registration & Authentication: Let users sign up quickly and safely. Offer options like email, phone, or social login. Keep their data secure and give them a smooth way to log back in every time.
• Contact Management or Team Creation: Users should be able to add friends or coworkers and create teams. This makes it easy to start one-on-one chats or group meetings without digging through contacts.
• Real-Time Audio/Video Chat: This is the heart of the app. The video and audio must work smoothly without delay. Users should feel like they're talking face-to-face, even miles apart.
• Screen Sharing: Let users show their screen during calls. It's a must for work meetings, school lessons, or helping someone solve a tech issue in real time.
• Text Chat During Calls: Add a chat box in every call. Users can share quick links, write notes, or type what they can't say out loud without interrupting the conversation.
• Push Notifications: Send alerts for missed calls, new messages, or upcoming meetings. It helps users stay in the loop, even when the app isn't open.
• Call Recording: Let users record calls for later. This is great for work reviews, class replays, or personal records. Always give them control to start, stop, or delete.
• End-to-End Encryption: Keep all calls private and safe. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the people in the conversation can see or hear what's shared, even the app provider can't access it.

Read Also: How To Create An App Like Twitter

What Top Video Calling Apps Can Teach You About Building Your Own?

Understanding who's already winning in the video calling space helps you build smarter. Let's explore four major apps and what drives their success:

• Zoom: Known for its reliability, Zoom is a go-to choice for team meetings and webinars. It's easy to use, works on all devices, and is known for stable performance, even with large groups on a single call.
• Google Meet: Built for both professionals and everyday users, Google Meet works seamlessly with Gmail and Google Calendar. This makes it simple to schedule or join calls right from your inbox.
• WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a mobile-first video calling tool. It's ideal for casual users, especially in regions where mobile internet is more common than desktop or broadband-based services.
• Microsoft Teams: Teams works well for remote collaboration. It mixes video calls with file sharing, chat, and calendar tools that are best for businesses that already use Microsoft 365.

Identify Your Niche

Choosing a niche helps you focus on the right features and audience. Not every video chat app needs to offer every function just the ones your target users truly need.

• One-on-one calling: This is perfect for private chats, online therapy, or customer support where the focus is on personal, direct communication.
• Group calling: Great for families, remote teams, or classrooms. It supports collaboration, social connection, and group discussions in real time.
• Enterprise-grade platform: Best for large companies that need team management tools, data security, admin control, and support for hundreds of users at once.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Video Calling App

If you're still wondering how to build a video calling app, here's a simple step-by-step guide that breaks it all down. These steps are easy to follow and ideal for both startups and growing tech teams.

Set Up Your Project Environment:

Start by selecting the best framework to build your video calling app. By using this approach, you can develop a cross-platform solution that saves time and effort:

• React Native: With React Native, you can build mobile apps for both iOS and Android from a single, unified codebase.
• Flutter: An alternative to React Native, Flutter offers high performance and a rich set of widgets, making it a good choice for building high-quality mobile apps.

Once you've chosen the framework, the next task is to integrate the real-time communication capabilities:

• WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication): WebRTC is an open-source protocol that supports peer-to-peer video and audio calling. It's reliable and widely used for building video calling apps.
• SDKs: If you want a faster, pre-built solution, consider SDKs like Agora, Twilio, or Daily.co. These services offer APIs that simplify the process of adding video calling functionality. They also provide advanced features like cloud recording and real-time messaging.

Add User Authentication:

Security is a critical aspect of any app, and video calling apps are no exception. To ensure a secure and personalized experience, you'll need to integrate user authentication:

• Firebase Authentication: Firebase Authentication offers a simple and secure way to verify users using email, phone numbers, or third-party logins like Google and Facebook. It helps speed up development while keeping user data protected.
• OAuth: For additional security and flexibility, you can implement OAuth, which allows users to log in using their existing social media accounts.

Along with authentication, users should be able to create and manage their profiles.Users can set their preferences, update profile photos, and manage their contact lists from one place. Personalized profiles help users feel connected to the app and make the overall experience more enjoyable.

Build Real-Time Video and Audio Calling:

Now comes the core functionality of your video calling app-real-time video and audio calling. For smooth and high-quality video calls, you should include the following key components:

• WebRTC: WebRTC is a leading option for facilitating real-time video and audio communication in both web and mobile applications. You'll need to configure the WebRTC API to manage signaling, video streams, and network connectivity.
• STUN and TURN Servers: To ensure that calls are successful even in complex network environments (like behind firewalls or NATs), you'll need to integrate STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) and TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT) servers. STUN servers help with finding public IPs, while TURN servers relay traffic when direct peer-to-peer connections aren't possible.

These elements create the backbone of your app's calling features, allowing users to make high-quality calls regardless of their location or network conditions.

Add Chat and Screen Sharing:

To enhance user engagement, integrate additional features like real-time messaging and screen sharing:

• Chat Functionality: Use technologies like WebSockets or Firebase to allow real-time messaging. This ensures that users can send and receive messages instantly during or outside of video calls.
• Screen Sharing: With WebRTC, you can easily integrate screen-sharing functionality, enabling users to share their screen during a call. This is essential for collaboration, online teaching, and presentations.

Both chat and screen sharing enhance the overall experience by giving users more ways to communicate and collaborate within the app.

Design Call Management Tools:

An intuitive user interface (UI) is critical for ensuring a smooth user experience. Here are the key components to include:

• Call Management Buttons: Implement buttons for accepting or rejecting incoming calls, as well as for muting and unmuting the microphone and camera. These features ensure that users have control over their calls at all times.
• End Call Button: The clearest and most accessible button to end calls ensures that users can easily disconnect when needed.
• Call Timer: Display a call timer to let users know the duration of their conversation. This is useful for both personal and business calls, where time management may be important.

The UI should be clean and simple, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their calls without unnecessary distractions.

Test the App on All Devices:

Thorough testing is essential to ensure that your app works seamlessly across different devices and platforms:

• Cross-Device Compatibility: Test the app on multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, desktops) and across various screen sizes to ensure it's responsive and functional. This is particularly important for maintaining a consistent experience for users, no matter the device.
• Testing Tools:
  • BrowserStack: A cloud-based tool to test your app across a variety of browsers and devices, ensuring compatibility.
  • Postman: Use this tool to test your APIs and ensure they're performing correctly.
  • JMeter: A performance testing tool to simulate high traffic and test the app's scalability under load.

Read More: How To Create An App Like WhatsApp

Essential UI/UX Tips to Build a Video Calling App

A simple, easy-to-use design makes a big difference in how people use your app. If you're building a video calling app, here are a few design tips to help users feel more at ease.

• Use a minimalist interface: Stick with a clean layout and limit screen clutter. Keep only the essentials like "Join," "Mute," or "End Call." This helps users focus and take action without confusion.
• Add bold and clear CTA buttons: Your action buttons should be easy to spot and tap. Make them large enough for phones and use colors that stand out from the background.
• Design for all devices: Make sure your layout adjusts for different screen sizes-smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This ensures a seamless experience for users across all types of devices.
• Lower distractions during a call: Use soft colors, simple fonts, and helpful status icons. Keep it calm. This way, users stay focused on the conversation, not on figuring out the app.
• Offer light and dark mode: Let users pick the mode they prefer. Dark mode reduces eye strain in low light, while light mode is better suited for bright environments. It's a small touch that users notice.

Smart Ways to Make Money From Your Video Calling App

Offer a Subscription Plan: Start with a free version that gives limited features. Offer paid monthly or yearly plans with more tools like group calls, screen sharing, or call recording. This model works for both individuals and businesses.

Pay-Per-Minute Consulting: Let users pay based on call time, ideal for services like telehealth, therapy, or coaching. This setup is great for professionals who offer real-time advice and want to get paid per session.

Sell In-App Extras: Offer small, fun purchases like video filters, stickers, or virtual gifts during calls. These extras keep users engaged and can bring in steady income, especially in social or entertainment-focused apps.

Show Ads for Free Users: Display simple banner or video ads in the free version of your app. Keep the experience smooth. This works well if your app targets casual users who prefer not to pay upfront.

What's the Right Tech Stack to Create a Video Calling App?

Choosing the right tools to build your video calling app can make or break your project. You want tech that's fast, secure, and easy to scale. Let's break it down, step by step.

Frontend Technologies:

• React Native: React Native lets you develop apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase, saving time and effort.
• Flutter: Flutter is known for smooth user interfaces. It's backed by Google and lets you build for multiple platforms using one codebase.
• Swift: Swift is Apple's native language. If you want a top-quality iOS app, Swift is fast, safe, and supported by all the latest Apple updates.
• Kotlin: Kotlin is used for Android development. It's simple to use, reliable, and officially supported by Google for all Android apps.

Backend Technologies:

• Node.js: Node.js uses JavaScript and is great for managing real-time events efficiently and at scale
• Python: Python is flexible and readable. It's good for building strong backends and works well with AI or analytics features.
• Firebase: Firebase is Google's backend-as-a-service. It's great for small teams, offers quick setup, and handles things like login, storage, and hosting.

Real-Time Communication Protocols:

• WebRTC: WebRTC is free and open-source. It powers most real-time video and voice apps by sending data directly between users with low delay.
• Agora.io: Agora offers ready-to-use tools for voice, video, and messaging. It's a good pick if you want to skip a complex setup.
• Twilio Video: Twilio gives you APIs for video calls, chat, and more. It's known for solid support and easy integration with other tools.

Security Standards:

• End-to-End Encryption: This keeps your calls safe. Only the people in the call can see or hear the content and programs; no one else can.
• GDPR Compliance: If you plan to serve users in Europe, GDPR rules are a must. They help protect personal data and build user trust.

Database Options:

• MongoDB: MongoDB is good for flexible data. It's great when your application needs to scale fast or store different types of information.
• PostgreSQL PostgreSQL is a powerful, secure database. It's perfect when your app needs strong reporting or handles large amounts of data.

Cloud & DevOps Tools:

• AWS: Amazon Web Services offers everything you need to host, store, and scale. It's great for apps with growing users.
• Azure: Azure works well if you want cloud tools that sync with Microsoft products. It's stable and offers great global support.
• Docker: Docker packages your app into containers. This makes it easier to move, test, and run on any machine.
• Kubernetes: Kubernetes helps you manage lots of containers. It's useful if you want to scale your application without downtime.

How much does it cost to build a Video Calling App?

The cost to build an app depends on several factors, like the number of features, team size, and where your developers are located. On average, a basic MVP (minimum viable product) costs $35,000 to $60,000.

If you're planning something with more advanced features, like

• Screen sharing
• End-to-end encryption
• AI-powered transcription

The total cost can range from $70,000 to $150,000 or more.

Estimated Cost Breakdown by Development Stages (in USD):

• UI/UX Design: • Cost: $5,000-$30,000 • Includes wireframe creation, designing user journeys, crafting the interface, and focusing on overall usability.
• Frontend Development:• Cost: $10,000-$100,000• Involves coding the user interface, integrating video SDKs, and ensuring responsiveness across devices.
• Backend Development:• Cost: $10,000-$150,000• Includes building servers, APIs, database integration, user authentication, and video streaming logic.
• App Testing and QA:• Cost: $2,000-$10,000• Ensures the app works smoothly across platforms with performance, security, and usability testing.
• Deployment and Launch:• Cost: $3,000-$8,000• Involves preparing the app for release on app stores, hosting setup, and launch support.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Updates• Cost: $5,000-$20,000/year • Includes regular updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and server monitoring.

Development Options: What's Best for You?

• In-house Team: Building an in-house team offers complete control over the project. It allows for personalized development, but it's the most expensive option and requires more time and resources to manage.
• Outsourced Agency: Outsourcing your development to an agency can save you money and time. Agencies provide expertise and quick delivery, but there might be communication challenges, especially if they are in different time zones.
• White-label App: These solutions are budget-friendly and quick to launch, making them a smart choice for faster time-to-market. You purchase a pre-built app and customize it to your brand, but customization options are limited, making it ideal for businesses with simple needs.

Security & Compliance Best Practices for Video Calling Apps

When you build a video calling app, protecting user data is a must. Security and compliance should be part of your plan from day one. Here are the key practices to follow:

Data Encryption Protocols (AES, TLS): Use strong encryption like AES for stored data and TLS for data in transit. This keeps messages, calls, and personal details safe from hackers or leaks.

Role-Based Access Control: Only give users access to what they need. This setup prevents unauthorized users from viewing or changing data. It also helps stop internal misuse.

GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2 Readiness: If your app handles medical or personal data, follow laws like GDPR (EU), HIPAA (U.S. healthcare), or SOC 2 (data safety standards). Being compliant builds trust and keeps you out of legal trouble.

Secure Backend and Data at Rest: Protect your servers and storage with firewalls, access logs, and encryption. Data at rest, like recordings or chat logs, should never be stored in plain text.

Conclusion

Building a video calling app takes more than just coding the call feature. It's about creating a product that people trust, enjoy using, and return to often. From user-friendly design and real-time chat to secure data handling and smart scaling, every part of the app matters. Good UX keeps users engaged. Solid back-end architecture ensures it performs well across devices and traffic levels. And strong security builds user confidence, especially when handling personal or business communication.

As technology continues to grow, features like AI transcription and noise suppression will become standard, not extras. That's why planning for updates and improvements should start from day one. Whether you're a startup looking to launch fast or an enterprise aiming to scale, having the right development partner can make all the difference.

Let's discuss your idea and build something that works today and grows with you tomorrow.

Consult CISIN's team to plan your next video calling app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I monetize a video chat app without showing ads?

Yes, you can monetize your video chatting app through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or premium features. These offer a better user experience than ads and help you build steady, recurring revenue.

Do I need coding skills to create a video calling app?

Not necessarily. You can use no-code or low-code platforms like Bubble or Glide. But for more control and custom features, it's best to work with developers or hire a team.

How long does it take to build a video calling app?

A basic version takes around 8-12 weeks. More advanced features like AI or filters can stretch development to 4-6 months. Time depends on your team, tech stack, and app complexity.

Is it possible to add a video calling feature to my current app?

Yes, you can integrate video calling using APIs like Twilio, Daily.co, or Jitsi. This saves time and works well if you already have an app and want to add video functionality.

What is the difference between peer-to-peer and server-based video calls?

Peer-to-peer connects users directly, which saves on server costs but may be less stable. Server-based routes video through media servers, offering better quality and control, ideal for group calls.

Build Your Own Secure Video Calling App with CISIN

Want to Create a Powerful, Scalable Video Calling App? At CISIN, our expert developers craft secure, real-time communication platforms built for performance and reliability. Whether you need one-on-one calls, group chats, or HIPAA/GDPR compliance, we bring your vision to life with cutting-edge tech and intuitive UI/UX.

Let's build a seamless video experience together!