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Creating a streaming app for android smartphones
Creating a streaming app for android smartphones

Creating an Android streaming app puts your content right in front of your audience!

S
Written by Selva Mani
Updated over a week ago

This article guides you through the process of creating a streaming app for Android smartphones using the Ventuno platform. It explains how to set up your app, manage content, customize the design, and get it ready for publishing on the Google Play Store. If you are looking to launch your own streaming service, this article will guide you on how to develop a streaming app for Android smartphones using Ventuno platform. This guide covers theme selection, content integration, navigation, and more

Why You Need a Streaming App for Android and How to Build One?

Viewers today expect the flexibility to watch videos anytime, anywhere, on the device most convenient for them—whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or another connected device. As mobile consumption continues to grow, having a dedicated mobile app for your OTT service is no longer optional but essential. A well-designed mobile app ensures that your audience can seamlessly access your content on the go, enhancing engagement and expanding your reach beyond traditional TV screens.

Steps for Creating an Android Streaming App

Step 1: Theme Selection:

  • From the Apps section of the left menu, select Mobile Apps Android.

This will takes you to a theme selection page for your Android app. Select the "Browse Theme" option available at the bottom of the page.

What are the available themes, and how can I create a custom one?

In the Theme Library section, you’ll find three pre-built themes tailored to different content types:

  • Freestar - SVOD/TVOD Theme:
    Choose this theme if you plan to monetize your content through subscriptions or purchases.

  • Darkshine - TV Channel Theme:
    Ideal for live and fast-streaming channels, this theme works best for TV channel content.

  • Movflix - AVOD Theme:
    If you prefer monetizing your content with ads, this is the theme to choose.

Browse through the themes and click the "Preview" button to see how each one looks.

If none of the pre-built themes fit your needs, you can create a custom theme by clicking the "+" button under the "Build Your Own Theme" option, as shown in the screenshot below.

Selecting themes for your Androroid Mobile App

Can I change my theme once it's selected?

Once a theme is selected, it will be applied across all your apps, and switching between themes is not possible. A prompt mentioning the same will be shown while choosing the theme. However, you can still customize the selected theme.

Confirming theme selection

Once the theme is selected, it will be applied to your Android app.

Customizing selected theme for Android app

What basic information is required to build my Android app?

  • Using the customize option of the Android app(as shown in the above screenshot), you can access the "Basic Info" section for Android app.

Filling in Android App information for building

You need to fill our the below details in this section.

  • Android App Details: Fill in naming information of your app

    • App name: Type in a display name for your app.

    • App Package Name: Type in a unique identifier name for your app in the android play store

  • Color Customization: Customize the colors of the selected theme here

  • Asset: Assets are images that are used on your app, such as logos, icons, etc.

    Having the below assets handy will help you style your app better

Asset

Recommended Size

Recommended Format

App Header Logo

Logo placement in Android app Header

The logo that appears on the header section of your app

Allowed: any width x 192 px

Recommended 680 x 192

.jpg, .png, .svg

Square Logo

Logo placement in auth callout pages in Android app


Typically used in authentication pages

Allowed: any width x 384px

Recommended 384x 384

.jpg, .png, .svg

Notification App Icon

Notification images in Android Mobile App


The icon that appears when a notification is sent from your app to viewers

any size

.png

Launcher App Icon

App icon - how it appears on your users Android mobile?

The icon that represents your app on user's home screen

Allowed 192x192 px

.jpg, .png, .svg

Splash Image


Splash screen of your android mobile app

The image that displays when your app loads

Required size: 1080 x 1920px

Required Ratio: 9:16)

.jpg, .png, .svg

What is the content tab, and why is it important?

In this tab, you need to select the content, such as shows and playlists, that you want to include in your app. By choosing the right content, you can ensure that your app offers engaging and relevant media to users. This section allows you to curate your app’s offerings, whether it’s a collection of TV shows, movies, podcasts, or music playlists. Additionally, selecting and managing content through this tab is essential for maintaining an up-to-date and appealing app.

Adding Shows

Content Approval for your Android App

Adding Playlists

Adding Playlist to your Android apps

You will notice that all the shows have moved to the right (selected) pane.

  • To unselect or remove a show/playlist, click on the single arrow on the right pane

  • Clicking on the double arrow on the right pane will remove (unselect) all the shows.

Allow all content to Android App

Add all shows/playlists

Allow selected content to Android app

Add selected (highlighted) show/playlist

Disallow selected content to Android App

Remove selected show/playlist

Disallow all content to Android App

Remove all shows/playlists

What are pages in my Android app, and how can I customize them?

The next step of creating your app is designing individual pages of the app. This will have the following:

  1. Home page-

  2. Default pages- Following are the default pages listed for reference-

    1. Show details

    2. Video details

    3. Movie details

    4. Live page

    5. Events page

  3. Custom page-

Pro-Tip:

  • If you select a theme, the default settings, home page, and additional custom page customizations will be automatically defined based on the chosen theme. If no theme is selected, you will need to manually create the additional pages according to the requirements of your Android app.

Creating pages of your android app is similar to designing the pages of your website. You can also customize any page of your Android app to suit your needs and add widgets and listings to each one.

How to customize the Android app Navigation section:

Customizing the header, footer, and top menu of your Android app can greatly enhance user experience by providing a more intuitive and visually appealing interface.

  • Header Customization: The header is often the first thing users see when they open the app. By customizing it, users can quickly identify the app and feel more engaged. A well-designed header makes it easier to access essential features/pages.

  • Footer Customization: The footer typically contains important links like privacy policies, terms of service, and contact information. Customizing the footer ensures that users can easily find these resources without cluttering the main content area. It also helps in creating a cleaner and more organized layout. You can also add your social media links to your footer.

  • Top Menu Customization: The top menu serves as a key navigation tool. By customizing it with clear categories and options, you make it easier for users to find specific sections of the app, improving accessibility and overall usability.

Settings

This tab is all about enhancing the user experience. You can select the appearance of your widgets and fine-tune your UI. You can also work on Integrations here.

Can I create an Android app build on my own for internal testing and submission to the Google Play Store?

Finally, you have designed the app. Now let's build your Android app. Simply click on the Build app button and your app is built.

Build the app to generate apk


Once your app is built, you can test it, make required changes and once everything is good, the approved app needs to be submitted to Play Store for review. Here is how to submit your app to Play Store.

  • Internal Testing: You can use Google Play’s internal testing track to upload your app for testing within a limited group of users (such as your team or selected testers). This allows you to gather feedback before a wider release.

  • Submission to Google Play Store: After testing, you can submit your app to the Google Play Store for a wider audience. Our Support team can guide you through this process.

  • App Visibility: Once you’re ready, you can publish the app to the public or limit its availability to certain countries or regions, depending on your needs.

Want to launch your Android app?

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