Over 4.7 billion people will use social media worldwide in 2025, increasing demand for innovative app experiences such as Snapchat clones across regions and industries.
Highlights
Co-Founder
Vandana Abrol 
5 min read
An enthusiastic developer and skilled business management expert with over a decade of experience in the field
Snapchat has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into a comprehensive social media platform that includes filters, stories, real-time chats, voice and video calls, and even augmented reality (AR) experiences. By 2025, creating an app like Snapchat requires careful planning, the right development team, suitable technology choices, and a solid budget.
This article outlines the main components of building a Snapchat-like app in 2025, focusing on cost, required features, development steps, and the factors that influence pricing. We will also discuss how companies can efficiently manage social media app development.
Building an anonymous chat app? Explore the must‑have features for a successful anonymous social chat platform.
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app that lets users send pictures and videos that disappear after viewing. Over time, it has added new features like Stories (24-hour status updates), Bitmojis, group chats, Snap Map, the Discover section for branded content, and Spotlight (short-form videos).
Its unique format and quick user engagement have made it a model many businesses aim to copy. Creating a Snapchat clone app involves adding similar features while also leaving space for uniqueness.
To build an app like Snapchat, developers must mimic a wide variety of features. Here are the main ones:
Several factors influence how much it will cost to create a Snapchat clone app. These include:
Whether you develop for Android, iOS, or both impacts the price. Developing for both platforms typically adds 30–40% to the budget.
Snapchat is known for its visually rich and animated interface. Creating a similar interface requires more design effort, which leads to higher costs.
The selection of programming languages, frameworks, and third-party tools can influence both the timeframe and expense of development. Common tech stacks include:
AR filters, real-time messaging, and video editing tools are not just simple plug-and-play features. They require custom development, testing, and ongoing maintenance.
Hiring developers in North America or Western Europe costs more than hiring developers in Asia or Eastern Europe. Here's a rough comparison of hourly rates:
This greatly affects the total budget of mobile app development.
Post-launch costs encompass server maintenance, bug fixes, security updates, and feature improvements based on user feedback. Maintenance expenses can reach up to 10–15% of the initial development cost annually.
Let’s break down the cost by major development stages (USD + INR equivalents):
Wireframes, mockups, and design iterations
Estimated Cost: USD 6,000 to USD 12,000 (INR 517,822.59 – INR 1,035,645.18)
Real-time features, AR filters, chat systems
Estimated Cost: USD 35,000 to USD 85,000 (INR 3,022,628.45 – INR 7,339,177.95)
User management, reporting tools, analytics dashboard
Estimated Cost: USD 4,000 to USD 10,000 (INR 345,215.06 – INR 863,037.65)
Manual and automated testing for bugs and glitches
Estimated Cost: USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 (INR 517,822.59 – INR 863,037.65)
Play Store & App Store submission, cloud deployment
Estimated Cost: USD 1,500 to USD 4,000 (INR 129,455.65 – INR 345,215.06)
Monthly updates, server upkeep
Monthly Cost: USD 1,500 to USD 6,000 (INR 129,455.65 – INR 517,822.59)
Total Estimated Cost Range: USD 50,000 to USD 127,000 (INR 4,315,188.27 – INR 10,961,579.07)
This is an approximate range. Final costs depend on feature count, complexity, region, and timeline.
Choosing the right development model is crucial. Businesses can either develop the app internally or outsource it to a mobile app development firm. Internal teams offer better control but require a larger budget and more time. Outsourcing is more affordable, especially for startups or small businesses.
An experienced company offering on-demand app development services can deliver a working product more quickly thanks to pre-built modules and seasoned teams.
Creating an app like Snapchat isn’t only about copying features. There are challenges to consider:
These challenges affect timelines and budget, making expert social media app development a necessity.
Here is a time estimation for different phases:
Total: Around 6–8 months
However, this timeline can shift based on scope, feedback loops, and development model.
Many businesses today opt for on-demand app development services. These companies can start work quickly, offer flexible pricing models, and deliver faster results. They also bring experience from multiple projects in social app development and can help avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you want a full Snapchat clone app or a lightweight version with selected features, on-demand developers can scale the solution according to your needs and budget.
Thinking of launching a social platform? Explore how to build a social media app in 2025 with essential features like AI-driven feeds, real‑time messaging, live video, e‑commerce integration, AR/VR filters, and secure user‑authenticatioн.
Creating an app similar to Snapchat in 2025 requires a significant commitment of time, money, and resources. Depending on your goals, features, team, and technology choices, the total cost can vary from USD 50,000 to USD 127,000 (INR 4.3M – 11M) or more.
A well-thought-out approach to social media app development can cut costs and avoid future problems. Collaborating with the right mobile app development company can make sure your idea becomes a polished product with the right features, performance, and user satisfaction.
For startups and entrepreneurs aiming to build an app like Snapchat, success depends on choosing the right team, clearly defining the scope, and understanding the future roadmap. With thoughtful planning and effective resource use, a feature-rich, user-friendly Snapchat clone app can be achieved in 2025.
Looking to develop an app like Snapchat but unsure where to start or what it will cost in 2025? At Digittrix, we specialise in social app development that turns your creative ideas into reality.
With over 14 years of experience in mobile app development, we’ve assisted businesses in creating high-performing social platforms that include modern features like real-time messaging, AR filters, interactive stories, and location-based discovery.
Our team knows how to manage complex projects effectively, whether you're building a full-featured Snapchat clone app or a lighter version customised for your audience. We create secure, scalable, and beautifully designed apps that perform effortlessly on both iOS and Android.
Want to know the development timeline or get a detailed cost estimate based on your features? Let’s chat. Call us at +91 8727000867 or email us at digittrix@gmail.com — your journey to powerful social media app development starts here with Digittrix.
Do you need help in Social Networking App?
Join over 1500+ businesses we've already helped!
Core features include user login, media sharing, real-time messaging, AR filters, stories, video calls, and geolocation services.
It usually takes around 6 to 8 months to create a Snapchat clone, including design, development, testing, and deployment.
Yes, by prioritising essential features and opting for outsourcing or on-demand app development services, you can cut costs effectively.
Outsourcing saves costs and gives you access to experienced developers who can deliver a high-quality app within a set timeline.
Enhance efficiency with creative business solutions that drive productivity and revenue. Contact us for tailored solutions designed specifically for your business
Make the right business move.
Your email ID is Confidential.
©2025Digittrix Infotech Private Limited , All rights reserved.
+91-8727000867
+64 22 003 5555
0172-4655268
Request Instant Call
Hire Remotely