Cost to Develop an App Like Peacock TV: A Complete Guide

The cost to develop an app like Peacock TV in 2025 is a major focus area among startups and media businesses looking to tap into the booming OTT industry. 

With the global OTT market expected to hit $247 billion by 2027, choosing to develop a video streaming app like Peacock TV is no longer just a trend, it’s a smart investment. 

But how much does it really cost? It depends on features, tech stack, platforms, and your development approach. 

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from pricing factors to tips to reduce the overall cost, so you can plan your budget wisely and turn your OTT app idea into reality.

Key Takeaways

• Development costs of Peacock-like apps range from $20,000 to $50,000+, depending on features, platforms, and tech stack. MVPs cost less; full-scale OTT apps demand more investment.

• Core cost influencers include: features, UI/UX complexity, platform choice, backend infrastructure, content licensing, third-party integrations, team location, AI/ML features, and post-launch support.

• Launching with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) helps you reduce upfront expenses, validate your idea faster, and scale wisely based on user feedback.

• Top revenue models include subscriptions (SVOD), freemium, ad-supported (AVOD), pay-per-view (TVOD), and in-app purchases. Choose one based on your content strategy and audience.

• An expert development team like JPLoft can handle all major cost factors with precision and efficiency.

What Is a Peacock TV App? A Quick Overview

Peacock TV is a popular on-demand video streaming service launched by NBCUniversal. It offers a mix of live TV, movies, original series, news, and sports, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of audiences. 

With both free and premium subscription plans, Peacock TV uses a freemium model to attract users and monetize content efficiently. Its success story has inspired many entrepreneurs to start an online video streaming business with similar models. 

From intuitive UI to cross-device streaming and rich content libraries, Peacock TV showcases what a well-designed OTT platform can achieve. If you're planning to enter the streaming space, studying platforms like Peacock TV is a smart first step.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Peacock TV?

The cost to develop an app like Peacock TV typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on various factors such as feature complexity, platform choice, development team, and tech stack. 

If you're wondering how much does it cost to create an app like Peacock TV, the answer lies in your project’s scope and scale. From simple MVPs to fully-featured platforms, each level impacts your overall spend.

Whether you’re planning a low-cost launch or aiming for an advanced OTT experience, this section outlines what your investment might look like. Before diving in, it's crucial to know where your business fits and what features your audience expects.

This comparison table helps break down the cost to create a streaming app like Peacock TV based on different development levels:

Looking to go deeper? Don’t miss our detailed guide on the cost to build a video streaming app and how to optimize your budget without compromising on quality. No matter your scale, understanding the real cost to create a streaming app like Peacock TV is the first step to launching successfully.

Factors That Influence the Cost to Develop an App Like Peacock TV

If you’re asking, how much does it cost to create an app like Peacock TV, the answer depends on multiple cost-driving components. From core features and design complexity to platform selection and integrations, every decision directly impacts the overall OTT app development cost.

Whether you're planning to create an app like Hulu or Peacock TV, try to build an MVP, or scale a full-featured product, this section will guide you through the cost factors of a video streaming app like Peacock TV so you can estimate wisely.

Let’s break it down:

1. App Features & Functionalities

Your app's feature set is the first factor of your cost. Basic video streaming app features like login, video playback, search, and categories fall into a lower cost range. 

Advanced features such as offline downloads, AI-based recommendations, live streaming, multi-language support, and watch party modes increase complexity and cost.

The more your app mirrors top platforms, the higher your budget needs to be and that includes the cost to develop an app like Netflix or Peacock TV. So, always balance user expectations with your business goals.

Curious how feature choices compare? Check our detailed blog on the cost to build a video streaming app like Shahid.

2. UI/UX Design Complexity

Good design is at the heart of any successful OTT platform. If you're aiming to design a video streaming app with sleek visuals, smooth navigation, animations, dark/light modes, and multilingual layouts, expect to spend more time and budget here.

Simple UI is quicker and cheaper to implement, but custom, visually engaging interfaces provide a better user experience and increase user retention.

3. Platform Choice (Mobile, Web, Smart TVs)

Choosing your launch platform is another major factor influencing the cost to create a streaming app like Peacock TV. A single platform like Android is budget-friendly, while multi-platform (iOS, Web, Smart TVs) requires more design adaptation and testing.

Going multi-platform is ideal for businesses wanting to replicate the best video streaming apps experience and scale fast.

4. Backend Development & Tech Stack

The backend powers everything behind your app, video delivery, user authentication, subscription management, and analytics. 

To ensure seamless performance, it's essential to choose a reliable video streaming app tech stack such as Node.js, AWS, and MongoDB, along with a robust video content delivery network (CDN).

The right tech choices not only improve efficiency and scalability but also affect your user experience and operational stability. This phase has a direct impact on Peacock TV-like app development cost, especially when you're planning to build for large audiences and long-term growth.

5. Content Licensing & Cloud Storage

A critical yet often overlooked cost driver is content licensing and cloud storage. If you're planning to offer original or third-party content, licensing fees can form a huge chunk of your on-demand video streaming app cost like Peacock TV.

Cloud storage for HD and 4K content also incurs recurring costs, which grow as your content library expands.

6. Third-Party Integrations

Want to integrate payment gateways, live chat, subtitle tools, analytics, or DRM (Digital Rights Management)? These integrations enhance performance and user experience. 

But also increase the overall cost to create a video streaming app like Peacock TV. Don’t forget the importance of video streaming app security when integrating payment and data features.

7. Development Team Location

The location of your development team plays a huge role in the cost to build an app like Peacock TV. While developers in the US or Australia charge premium rates, outsourcing to countries like India can significantly reduce costs while still delivering high-quality results.

If you’re looking for local expertise, partnering with a mobile app development company in Denver can offer the right balance between professional project management, real-time collaboration, and tech excellence.

It’s not just about cost savings, but about finding a team that understands your vision, communicates clearly, and delivers results on time.

8. AI, ML & NLP Integration

Adding AI-driven features like smart recommendations, voice-enabled search, or subtitle generation can dramatically improve user engagement. 

However, it also increases the cost to develop a video streaming app like Peacock TV.

Still, in today’s competitive landscape, users expect personalization powered by machine learning, making AI app development services essential for modern OTT platforms aiming to stand out.

9. Maintenance & Post-Launch Support

Once your app is live, continuous support is essential. 

From fixing bugs to upgrading features, routine app maintenance service affects the cost to make an app like Peacock TV long-term.

Most teams charge 10–20% annually of the total development cost for regular updates, security patches, and performance optimization.

By understanding these core cost influencers, you'll gain a realistic view of the cost to create an app like Peacock TV and plan your investment more effectively.

In the next section, we’ll show you how to reduce your Peacock TV-like app development cost without compromising on quality, especially useful if you're balancing features with budget. Let’s dive into it. 

Tips to Reduce the Overall Development Cost Like Peacock TV

Thinking about launching your own streaming app but worried about the budget? Don’t stress, building a feature-rich platform doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. 

In fact, with a little planning, you can significantly cut down the cost to create a video streaming app like Peacock TV.

Here are some smart ways to reduce the video streaming app development cost without compromising on quality.

► Start Small with MVP

Begin with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes core features like user login, video playback, and search. It’s a great way to control the cost to build a video streaming app like Peacock TV while testing your idea and gathering real feedback before scaling.

► Choose the Right Tech Stack

Selecting the right tech stack can save both time and money in the long run.  A scalable backend like Node.js, combined with AWS or Firebase, ensures smooth performance without inflating your budget. Choosing the right tech also directly impacts the cost to make a Peacock TV clone app.

► Outsource Smartly

Hiring a local team can be costly. Instead, consider outsourcing to countries with top talent and affordable rates. For example, instead of hiring locally in the US, working with the best mobile app development company can help reduce costs significantly.

► Use Ready-Made Solutions Where Possible

Instead of building everything from scratch, explore pre-built modules or APIs for user authentication, payment gateways, and video streaming. This approach is especially useful if you’re trying to keep the cost to develop an app like YouTube within a tight range.

► Avoid Feature Overload at First

Yes, AI, live streaming, and voice search are exciting, but they’re also expensive. Don’t try to pack everything into your first release. Even Peacock TV didn’t launch with every advanced feature on day one. Prioritizing core features will help control the OTT app development cost like Peacock TV.

► Plan for Future Scaling

Build your app with scaling in mind, so you won’t have to rebuild major parts later. This is one of the overlooked challenges of video streaming apps, poor planning often leads to higher costs down the line.

► Hire the Right Experts

Make sure your team or partner has experience with AI and understands how to balance features with your budget. It’s always a smart move to hire dedicated developers who specialize in video streaming solutions, they bring focused expertise and can help you avoid costly mistakes from the start.

By applying these tips, you can keep your costs in check while still offering an engaging user experience. Remember, smart planning and the right partners can make a big difference in the cost to develop an app like Peacock TV.

Monetization Models for Peacock TV-Like Apps

So, you’ve built a great streaming platform or are planning one like Peacock TV, but how do you turn those streams into revenue? 

Choosing the right monetization model is just as important as app design or features. Let’s walk through some popular ways to monetize a video streaming app, especially if you're trying to make it sustainable in the long run.

Here are the most effective monetization strategies to consider:

A] Subscription Model (SVOD)

This is one of the most widely used methods, think Netflix, Disney+, or even Peacock's premium tier. Users pay a fixed monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to your content.

It's predictable, scalable, and great for building loyal audiences who come back regularly. If your content library is rich and constantly updated, this is a top pick.

B] Freemium Model (Hybrid)

Want to grow your user base fast? Offer basic content for free, but lock premium shows or early access behind a paywall. The freemium model helps you attract casual viewers while encouraging serious users to upgrade. 

It's a great way to balance reach and revenue, and it’s a strategy often used during app development.

C] Ad-Supported Model (AVOD)

Platforms like YouTube thrive on this. Users can watch content for free, but they'll have to view ads in between. If your goal is to scale quickly and keep the barrier to entry low, this is ideal. 

Plus, with programmatic ads and targeting, you can increase your earnings as your user base grows.

D] Pay-Per-View (TVOD)

This model is ideal for special events, movie premieres, or live content, users pay only for what they want to watch. 

It works especially well if you're considering top live streaming business ideas or planning to host exclusive sports, concerts, or webinars. It creates urgency and value around individual content pieces.

E] In-App Purchases & Merchandise

Don’t stop at streaming, give your users more to explore. Offer in-app purchases like behind-the-scenes footage, bonus episodes, or branded merchandise. Fans love owning a piece of what they enjoy. It’s also a fun way to increase engagement and earnings simultaneously.

Before finalizing your strategy, consider the monetization strategies that should match your app’s scale, features, and target audience. Your streaming app won’t just attract users, it will also bring in consistent revenue.

Why JPLoft is the Right Partner for Your Streaming App Development Journey?

Looking to build a feature-rich streaming app like Peacock TV? JPLoft is a trusted video streaming app development company that specializes in creating scalable, secure, and user-friendly streaming platforms tailored to your business goals. 

With years of industry expertise, our team helps you bring your concept to life, whether it’s live streaming, on-demand video, smart monetization models, or personalized user experiences. 

From intuitive UI/UX design to robust backend development, we ensure your app performs flawlessly across all devices. We also assist with feature planning, tech stack selection, and post-launch support to make sure your platform stays ahead in the competitive streaming market.

Ready to launch the next big thing in digital entertainment? Let JPLoft be your technology partner on this journey, because the future of streaming starts with a strong foundation.

Final Wrap-Up

Creating a platform like Peacock TV isn’t just about launching an app, it’s about building a complete entertainment experience. From choosing the right tech stack and features to selecting the best monetization model, each step plays a key role in success. 

Whether you're aiming for ad-supported content, subscriptions, or a hybrid model, knowing the cost to develop an app like Peacock TV helps you plan smartly. And with the right development partner by your side, it becomes even easier. 

So, if you’re ready to enter the booming world of digital entertainment, now’s the time to make your move. The future of video streaming is bright and full of opportunities.