How to Make a Social Network App: Steps, Features, and Cost

Social Media for General Public

Mainstream apps like Instagram and TikTok dominate the general user base, but there’s still room for new players offering focused content, innovative user experiences, or greater privacy controls.

Niche Social Apps

In 2025, the gold is in the niches. Apps that serve specific communities — like professionals, creators, or educators — are seeing stronger user retention and monetization opportunities.

• Business Networks: Tailored to help professionals collaborate, share resources, and grow their careers.
• Learning Platforms: Combine education with community features to boost knowledge sharing.
• Creator Communities: Enable influencers and content producers to monetize directly via their fanbase.

To create a social app that’s engaging and scalable, these features are essential:

User Profiles

Let users define themselves with bios, avatars, and customizable fields. Add privacy settings and follower/following mechanics to build network dynamics.

Chat & Messaging

Real-time messaging both private and group — is critical for any social app. Consider adding voice notes, media sharing, and even disappearing messages.

Content Feed

Support mixed media (videos, posts, links, polls) in an interactive feed with likes, comments, shares, and algorithmic sorting.

Push Notifications

Engage users with alerts about new messages, followers, or trending content. Timely notifications drive repeat visits.

Monetization Tools

Integrate subscription models, tipping, or token-based economies to reward creators and sustain engagement.

Admin Panel

For moderation, user management, analytics, and content oversight. A good admin interface is crucial for platform health.

Choosing the right tools directly impacts speed, scalability, and maintainability.

• Cross-platform: Flutter, React Native
• Backend: Node.js, Python
• Cloud: AWS, Azure
• Database: PostgreSQL, Firebase

These tools support modern app architecture with excellent community support and cloud-native capabilities.

Basic Estimate

• MVP (basic features): $40,000–$80,000
• Full-featured version: $120,000–$200,000+

Factors That Affect the Price

• Complexity of design and UX
• Volume and type of content handling
• Realtime features (chat, notifications)
• Platform support (iOS, Android, Web)
• Backend infrastructure needs
• Team size and geographic location

Budget Planning Checklist

• Prioritize must-have vs. nice-to-have features
• Plan for scale (cloud, database)
• Reserve budget for QA and DevOps
• Include marketing and user acquisition costs

Here are three successful social networking platforms we’ve helped bring to life:

Sessions4Business – Corporate Learning & Social Platform

About the Project
Sessions4Business empowers staff in medium and large companies to connect through learning and social experiences. It reduces training costs, enhances collaboration, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Main Features

• Personalized learning tracks
• Group discussions and social walls
• Webinars and expert sessions
• Peer-to-peer recognition and messaging

Tech Stack

• Frontend: Flutter, React
• Backend: .NET

Result
The platform makes it easier for employees to interact across departments, helping companies invest in internal talent while nurturing a connected workforce.

TOKInet – Content Monetization Platform

About the Project
Tokinet is a customizable community social network designed for content creators. It enables users to share media-rich content and earn through token-based rewards, all while giving administrators the power to tailor the platform to their community's needs.

Key Challenges

• Boosting engagement and interaction
• Providing extensive customizability for non-tech admins
• Implementing a secure and seamless token economy

Main Features

• Content creation (videos, articles, polls)
• Reactions, comments, and sharing
• Token-based tipping and rewards
• Admin configurability without coding

Tech Stack

• Frontend: React, Angular
• Backend: Vue.js

Result
Successfully launched with high early engagement. Users praised its ease of use, customizability, and seamless reward system. The platform is now poised for rapid community-driven growth.

BizLink – Professional Network for Business Leaders

About the Project
BizLink was developed as a dedicated social network for professionals looking to grow their businesses, collaborate, and access valuable resources. The goal was to support meaningful networking in a secure and scalable environment.

Key Challenges

• Ensuring high engagement among busy professionals
• Protecting sensitive data
• Supporting future scalability

Main Features

• Business-centric user profiles
• Industry-specific content feed
• Messaging and collaboration tools
• Event announcements and RSVP features

Tech Stack

• Frontend: React, Angular
• Backend: Node.js

Result
Praised for its intuitive UX, security measures, and business-relevant features. BizLink has become a reliable platform for professionals to network and grow their careers.

If you’ve been considering how to create a social networking app, 2025 offers a landscape of untapped opportunities. Users are actively seeking alternatives that respect their time, data, and specific interests. With the right idea and partner, your app can make a real impact.

At Codebridge, we’ve helped clients make a social network app that not only launches successfully but scales with purpose. Whether you’re targeting creators, professionals, or learners — we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us to discuss your project!