How to Build a Virtual Events Platform Like Hopin

Did you know that Hopin raised $400 million at a $5.65 billion valuation in 2021?

The virtual events platform experienced meteoric growth from a $40 million Series A funding in summer 2020. It became the fastest-growing European-based startup with 100,000 customers and approximately $100 million in annual recurring revenue. These numbers highlight what's possible when you build an app like Hopin.

The market timing couldn't be better. Remote work and online communication have surged in popularity, and virtual events platforms have seen exponential growth. Building an app like Hopin opens doors to massive market opportunities.

This piece guides developers through the steps to create an app like Hopin from scratch. You'll discover everything from market research and feature planning to the right technology stack and monetization strategies. The guide covers key components that make platforms like Hopin successful and shows you how to implement them in your project.

Want to turn your virtual events platform idea into reality? Let's take a closer look!

Start with Market Research and User Needs

The global virtual events market presents a massive opportunity. Current estimates put it at USD 98.07 billion in 2024, with projections showing growth to USD 297.16 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 20.0%. These numbers make it the perfect time to build an app like Hopin.

Identify your target audience

Your platform's success depends on knowing who will use it. Here's what you need to analyze:

• Age and location: North America leads the virtual events market with a 39% share. The Asia Pacific region shows the fastest growth potential
• Industry focus: You need to think over whether to target enterprises (they had the largest revenue share in 2024), educational institutions, or healthcare organizations
• Organization size: Medium enterprises dominated the market in 2025. Small enterprises are expected to grow faster than others

"Understanding your target audience enables you to design content and activities that strike a chord with their interests and needs," explains event planning experts. Surveys and interviews help find what users want from your platform. They might seek professional growth, networking chances, or both.

Your research should shape detailed user personas. To cite an instance, see how an "Aspiring Digital Marketer" might want networking features, while a "Corporate Training Manager" would value analytics and engagement tools. These personas will set your development priorities.

Analyze competitors like Hopin and Zoom

A look at established players reveals what works and where opportunities lie. Hopin and Zoom take different approaches to virtual events.

Hopin brands itself as an "online events platform where you can create engaging virtual events that connect people around the globe". The platform shines with its multiple interactive areas (reception, stages, sessions, networking) and can host events from 50-person meetings to 50,000-person conferences.

Zoom takes a different path, focusing on video conferencing that supports up to 1,000 participants and 49 videos per screen. While it's not specifically built for event management, it provides solid features like screen sharing, co-annotation, and end-to-end encryption.

The main difference? Hopin offers a detailed event platform with registration, ticketing, analytics, and networking tools. Zoom needs other platforms to meet various requirements.

On top of that, it helps to look at newer players like EventsAir, BlueJeans Events, and Goldcast. Each brings something unique to the table.

Define your unique value proposition

Your platform needs to stand out after you understand the market and competition. A powerful value proposition taps into basic human needs:

1. Acquisition: Users should gain clear value
2. Bonding: The platform should aid meaningful connections
3. Learning: Users need to gain knowledge or skills
4. Defense: Your platform should protect what matters to users

Your platform might excel at creating spontaneous networking opportunities or providing speakers with advanced analytics.

"The most important thing you can do when starting this process is to create a persona: a very clear articulation of who you are talking to," advise value proposition experts.

Note that your value proposition should clearly show why someone would pick your platform over others. Focus on solving real problems for your specific audience.

Plan the Core Features of Your Platform

You've analyzed the market and identified user needs. Now it's time to map out the core features for your virtual events platform. Building an app like Hopin needs a clear picture of must-have features and ones you can add later.

Essential features for event hosts and attendees

A virtual events platform needs features that work well for both hosts and participants. Here are the key components you should focus on:

Event creation and management: Hosts need tools to create events, manage registrations, and coordinate attendees. This setup needs customizable registration forms, event scheduling, and agenda management.

Multi-space virtual environment: Your platform should give users different virtual spaces:

• Main stage for keynote presentations and broadcasts
• Session rooms for breakout discussions and workshops
• Networking areas for attendee connections
• Expo halls for sponsors and exhibitors

Live streaming capabilities: Quality video streaming is the backbone of virtual events. You should add adaptive bitrate streaming that adjusts video quality based on user bandwidth. This helps cut down buffering issues. The platform should support both live and pre-recorded content for better flexibility.

Registration and ticketing: Users love a smooth registration process. Make it a one-time task where attendees can register right on your platform without switching between different systems.

Optional features for engagement and monetization

After you nail the basics, these features can boost engagement and create revenue streams:

Interactive tools: Add polls, surveys, Q&A sessions, and live chat to keep attendees involved rather than just watching. These tools turn one-way talks into two-way conversations.

Networking opportunities: People need ways to connect. Virtual lobbies, breakout rooms, and one-on-one video meetings help create those spontaneous connections that happen at in-person events.

Analytics and reporting: Hosts love detailed metrics about attendance, engagement rates, and user behavior. These numbers help show ROI and make future events better.

Monetization options: You can make money through:

• Tiered ticketing with different access levels
• Sponsor integration with customizable virtual booths
• Exclusive content behind paywalls
• Affiliate and referral programs

Gamification: Add points systems, leaderboards, and virtual scavenger hunts to make things fun and drive specific behaviors. You could give points for early platform login to reduce last-minute technical questions.

Integration capabilities: Link your platform with CRM systems, email platforms, calendar apps, and social media. These connections add functionality without rebuilding existing systems.

Prioritizing features for MVP

You can't build everything at once. Here's how to pick features for your Minimum Viable Product (MVP):

1. Start with essential functionality: Build core features first - event creation, basic streaming, and simple registration.
2. Pick your standout feature: Your market research should tell you what makes you different from competitors. Maybe it's better video quality, networking tools, or navigation.
3. Look at technical complexity: Some features need more development time than others. Balance user wants with quick, reliable delivery.
4. Use an agile approach: Release your platform in phases and get user feedback between updates. This helps you adjust based on real behavior instead of guesses.
   
   

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Designing the User Experience

The design of your user experience determines if people stay or leave your virtual events platform. Building an app like Hopin requires an easy-to-use interface that keeps users active throughout their time on the platform.

Wireframes and user flows

Wireframes act as blueprints for your virtual events platform and show the layout without getting caught up in visual details. Virtual event platforms differ from traditional websites because they have dynamic content that changes based on user interactions.

Complex platforms like Hopin work best with wireflows, a mix of wireframes and flowcharts. These show both screen layouts and user movement between them. You can visualize:

• How attendees enter a virtual lobby
• The transition between main stage and breakout rooms
• Navigation paths for networking opportunities

"Wireflows are a fusion of flowcharts and wireframes that give greater context as to how a product will function, what it will look like, and how users move within it," notes UX specialists. Visual planning helps avoid expensive changes during development.

Mobile-first vs desktop-first design

Your virtual event platform's success depends on choosing between mobile-first and desktop-first design. Each option has its benefits:

Mobile-first design starts with small screens and adds features for larger displays. This method makes you:

• Focus on essential content
• Build cleaner interfaces
• Improve speed and performance
• Add features gradually

"Starting with mobile puts user experience first for most of your audience". This matters since Google now ranks mobile-friendly sites higher in search results.

Desktop-first might work better for some virtual events. Many business users access virtual events from computers during work hours. Desktop interfaces also support more advanced features that power users need.

The best solution? Use responsive design that fits any screen size and gives users the best viewing experience on all devices. Users can then attend virtual events on their preferred device.

Accessibility and simplicity in UI

Your virtual event platform should work for everyone, including people with disabilities. Making your design accessible improves the platform for all users, not just those with special needs.

Simple navigation enhances user experience. Users can focus on content instead of wrestling with complex design. A clean interface helps people find what they need quickly.

Basic accessibility features include:

• Simple navigation with clear menus
• Easy-to-read fonts and strong color contrast
• Video captions and transcripts
• Screen reader compatibility
• Keyboard navigation options
• Multiple connection options (video, audio-only, dial-in)

"Accessibility is a significant part of UX. Virtual event platforms must be designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that everyone can participate fully, whatever their physical ability or tech skills," digital accessibility experts emphasize.

Simple design drives engagement. One UX principle states: "Keep your interface clean and straightforward. Avoid clutter and unnecessary elements that can distract users". A clean design lets attendees focus on making connections and consuming content.

Building an app like Hopin that appeals to users requires seeing things from their perspective. Think about how they'll register, join sessions, and network with others. Answering these questions through careful UX design creates a platform that feels natural and brings users back for more events.

Select the Right Technology Stack

Your virtual events platform's success depends on the right technology stack. The tools you choose will shape how your application grows and handles pressure. Here's what you need to build an app like Hopin.

Frontend and backend frameworks

A successful platform needs client-side and server-side frameworks that work together smoothly. The frontend (what users see and interact with) has several strong options:

React: Facebook's JavaScript library builds complex user interfaces with reusable components. It updates specific page sections without full refreshes, making it ideal for dynamic event platforms.

Angular: Google's TypeScript-based framework follows the MVC architectural pattern. It delivers detailed solutions for large-scale apps that need complex data management.

Vue.js: This light JavaScript framework brings flexibility and simplicity to projects. Developers can add it step by step thanks to its progressive nature.

The backend (server-side logic and infrastructure) has these worthy options:

Node.js: Running on Google's V8 JavaScript engine, Node.js lets developers use the same language for frontend and backend. This speeds up development of virtual event platforms that need immediate features.

Django: This Python framework helps create apps quickly with minimal code. It includes a built-in admin interface and ORM system that makes database operations easier.

Express.js: A nimble Node.js framework that makes API development and HTTP request handling efficient.

Related technologies often work best together. React paired with Node.js creates a JavaScript environment that speeds up development.

Real-time video and chat tools

Video streaming is central to virtual event platforms. Your technical setup should support:

• High-definition video quality
• Screen sharing capabilities
• One-touch meeting starts
• Wireless content sharing

Modern platforms need features beyond simple streaming:

Adaptive bitrate: This tech adjusts video quality based on available bandwidth, reducing buffering for users with different internet speeds.

Interactive elements: Polls, Q&A sessions, and emoji reactions enhance the experience. Participants can communicate without disrupting speakers.

Multi-participant views: Support for many video feeds at once (Zoom shows up to 49 videos per screen).

AI capabilities: Features like automatic transcription, noise cancelation, and call summaries improve the user experience.

Database and cloud hosting options

Your database choice affects how the platform manages user data, event information, and analytics. Event platforms create lots of data that needs proper storage and quick access.

Cloud hosting brings major benefits to virtual event platforms:

Scalability: Cloud services adjust resources automatically as needed. This helps during large events when thousands of users join at once.

Geographic distribution: Multiple hosting regions cut latency for global audiences.

Security compliance: Top cloud providers maintain HIPAA, HITECH, SOC 1 and 2, and other industry certifications.

Automated backups: Cloud services include geo-replication and scheduled backups to protect your data.

Google Cloud Platform and other major providers offer specialized event streaming tools that handle high-volume data efficiently.

Your technology choices should match your feature priorities. Pick technologies that support your unique value while staying flexible enough for growth. Working with partners who understand virtual event platform challenges can help tremendously.

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Build and Test Your MVP

Your virtual events platform comes to life after you pick your tech stack. This stage turns ideas into working software through careful development and testing.

Agile development approach

Agile methodology makes a huge difference in building a virtual events platform. This step-by-step method breaks big projects into smaller pieces called sprints that last 1-4 weeks. Your team works on specific features during each sprint and shows their progress in demo sessions.

Building a virtual events platform with sprints lets you:

• Make quick changes when needed
• Roll out updates that add value
• Review progress often
• Keep quality high with user-focused results

One team needed 24 sprints to build their virtual event platform. They put their client's needs first instead of sticking to rigid plans. Each sprint ended with a demo for the client, which created helpful feedback loops that shaped how the platform grew.

Testing for performance and bugs

Virtual event platforms face unique challenges. They need to handle thousands of users at once while running smoothly. Good testing helps avoid common problems like:

• Systems crashing under heavy traffic
• Data sources not working together
• Pages loading too slowly, causing users to leave

Teams use several types of performance tests:

1. Load testing - Checks if your platform can handle expected crowds, like during peak times. Some teams test with 6,000 users at once for an hour to make sure everything stays stable.
2. Stress testing - Pushes the system until it breaks to find weak spots and see how well it recovers.
3. Endurance testing - Watches how the system uses resources over time, often running with 3,000 users for 12 hours.
4. Browser testing - Makes sure everything works the same on different devices and systems.

"Bug bashes" bring teams together to hunt for hidden problems before major releases. These group testing sessions help find issues that regular testing might miss because everyone brings a different point of view.

Good bug tracking makes a big difference. Teams should use clear bug reports with a title, description, steps to reproduce, how serious it is, and screenshots. This helps fix the most important problems first.

Gathering feedback from early users

User feedback helps perfect your MVP. Without it, you're just guessing what works. Good user input helps you:

• Confirm your platform solves real problems
• Make better features and easier-to-use designs
• Avoid wasting time on features nobody wants

You can collect feedback in several ways:

• User testing: Create specific tasks that show your MVP's main value. Ask users to share their thoughts as they work through key tasks.
• Analytics: Watch numbers that matter for your MVP's success. Track how people use core features to spot patterns.
• Support interactions: Help your support team group feedback by MVP features. Use tags to connect support tickets with specific features for better analysis.

Make use of in-app feedback tools like forms or buttons so users can report issues right away. This shows you care about their input and makes it easy for them to help.

User feedback does more than just collect data. It creates a cycle of constant improvement. Regular reviews help spot common themes and decide what to fix next. CISIN's developers have found that the best virtual event platforms grow through steady user input and updates.

Integrate with Third-Party Tools

Virtual event platforms become more powerful when they connect with other digital tools. Adding third-party services transforms your app from a standalone product into a flexible platform that works naturally with what users already use.

Calendar and email integrations

Events need proper scheduling to succeed. Users can save event dates with just one click when you add calendar features. This dramatically increases attendance rates. Your platform should link to popular services like Google Calendar and Microsoft 365 to make planning easier.

Calendar invites in confirmation emails help attendees handle their schedules efficiently. The system creates automatic reminders as the event date gets closer. This gives participants enough time to prepare and leads to better participation.

Email integration plays a key role in how attendees communicate. Users can manage their entire event experience from one place when you connect with Gmail or Microsoft accounts. Some useful features include:

• Saving events from emails with one click
• Event reminders that run automatically
• Booking pages that cut down on schedule coordination

Payment gateways and CRMs

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration creates the foundation for data-smart virtual events. Your platform can share practical information with marketing and sales systems through CRM connections.

CRM integration brings several benefits:

• Immediate data collection on how attendees behave
• Profile updates that happen automatically based on participation
• Personal follow-ups based on which sessions people attend

You can track survey answers, questions, and viewing time for each person - all connected to their profiles. Event hosts can use this information to group attendees and send targeted content after events end.

Payment processing lets you make money through different channels. You might want to add booking pages that work with Stripe. This lets you collect payments right in your platform without needing other payment tools.

Social media and marketing tools

Social media has become essential for virtual events to succeed. These connections let planners build excitement before, during, and after events.

Live streaming on social platforms helps your event reach more people by showing different views to wider audiences. Organizers can plan and handle content across many channels using apps like Hootsuite and Buffer. This makes promotions more effective.

Social media tools do more than promote - they measure success and reach while making events last longer with more participation. This analytical approach helps organizers show real results from virtual gatherings.

Developers who want to build an app like Hopin should use an API-first approach for these integrations. Open APIs let you create custom connections beyond standard options. This gives your platform room to grow as technology changes.

Monetization and Growth Strategy

A profitable business model is a crucial step as you start a journey with your virtual events platform. Let's take a closer look at proven ways to make money once your app launches.

Subscription models and freemium plans

Subscription-based content models turn virtual events from one-time experiences into ongoing revenue generators. Unlike traditional one-off ticket sales, subscriptions create predictable, recurring income streams that last beyond the event date.

Here are some pricing approaches for your platform:

• Freemium tier: You can offer simple features at no cost and reserve premium capabilities for paying customers. This works well for community events or nonprofits that test your platform.
• Flat monthly rates: Platforms like Remo have transparent pricing with straightforward monthly fees that make them cost-effective for organizations hosting multiple events.
• Per-attendee pricing: You can scale costs based on attendance numbers, which is ideal for events with fluctuating participation.

Sponsorships and ad placements

Virtual sponsorships have grown way beyond the reach and influence of simple logo displays. Your platform should provide a variety of promotional opportunities that connect sponsors with attendees meaningfully.

Digital real estate for sponsors has:

• Event registration pages and marketing materials
• Branded virtual breakout rooms for targeted discussions
• Banner ads and pop-ups on the platform interface
• Pre-roll or mid-roll video ads before or during sessions

Sponsors join events to capture leads and build brand recognition. Your platform should help generate leads through downloadable content, attendee directory access, and virtual booths where sponsors can interact directly with prospects.

Affiliate and referral programs

Affiliate marketing creates a win-win scenario, partners promote your platform and earn commission on successful referrals. ClickMeeting's affiliate program pays up to 33% commission for each paid account created through referral links.

A solid affiliate program should offer:

• High commission rates (15-33% per conversion)
• Extended cookie periods (up to 120 days to complete purchases)
• Transparent tracking through dedicated portals

To maximize results, give your partners marketing materials to promote your platform. This can include banner ads, email templates, or social media content.

Note that monetization strategies work best when they line up with your platform's core strengths. As your virtual events application grows, keep reviewing which revenue models bring the greatest value to both your business and users.

Work with a Trusted Development Partner like CISIN

Building a virtual events platform needs technical skills that most in-house teams don't have. Your project's success depends on working with experienced developers.

Why choose a mobile app development company

Professional software development companies bring specialized knowledge to virtual events platform projects. They know the technical challenges of creating a Hopin-like experience better than general-purpose development teams.

These companies create software that captures audience attention by combining creativity, code, and culture. Their work with companies of all sizes helps them solve complex challenges practically.

Professional developers use time-tested methods for architectural design, testing, and execution to blend software components. This well-laid-out approach prevents the chaos that often happens when working with different freelance teams.

Benefits of outsourcing to experts

Technical complexities become easier to handle when you outsource development. Simple-looking solutions need complex technical decisions that are way beyond the reach and influence of most businesses.

Dedicated development teams provide:

• Quick market launch through efficient processes and existing expertise
• End-to-end capabilities from design to deployment and support
• State-of-the-art approaches using leading technologies

How CISIN supports end-to-end development

CISIN uses a clear, three-step process that improves creativity. The team starts with a free discovery call to understand your goals. They then match you with experts who understand your vision. The final step involves continuous assessment to deliver results that appeal to your audience.

The team watches system performance and fixes issues quickly after launch. This ongoing support helps avoid abandoned platforms after development ends.

Need entertainment software expertise? CISIN creates solutions that grow with your audience by mixing eye-catching design with powerful code.

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Conclusion

Today's digital-first world offers an amazing chance to build a virtual events platform like Hopin. We've outlined the key steps you'll take to turn your idea into a working platform. The market shows massive potential, with projections reaching $297.16 billion by 2030. Developers who are ready to meet this just need will find abundant opportunities.

Your success depends on understanding your target audience's specific needs. A platform that solves real problems while offering unique features will set you apart from competitors. This core understanding will shape your technical and design decisions.

Careful feature selection matters greatly. Start with must-have components: event creation, streaming capabilities, and accessible user interfaces. You can add networking tools and interactive features as your platform grows. This step-by-step approach helps avoid the common trap of overbuilding too early.

Technical aspects become manageable when you pick the right tools. Your technology stack creates the foundation of your platform - frontend frameworks like React, backend solutions like Node.js, and video streaming capabilities. Third-party integrations with calendars, payment systems, and social media expand functionality without duplicating existing solutions.

Testing plays a vital role in your platform's success. Your system must handle thousands of concurrent users smoothly. Implement comprehensive testing protocols before launch and collect continuous feedback from early users to improve your product.

Smart monetization planning should begin on day one. Multiple revenue streams support sustainable growth through subscription models, sponsorship opportunities, and affiliate programs. Successful platforms often combine several approaches to maximize their earning potential.

Partnering with experienced developers boosts your success chances significantly. Mobile app development company CISIN creates custom solutions for complex platforms like virtual event systems. Their expertise helps guide you through technical challenges while speeding up your market entry.

User feedback and market trends should drive continuous platform refinement. Virtual events keep evolving, and your platform must adapt. Focus on solving real user problems and improving your offering to build something valuable in this fast-growing space.

Creating the next Hopin takes dedication, but this knowledge prepares you well for the trip ahead. Think big, start small, and keep building!