---
title: Which OTT app-building solution is right for your business?
description: Finding the best streaming app-building solution for your business can be complicated—there are many options to choose from, and the “right” one depends on having a clear understanding of needs and resources.
---

[Resource Center ](https://www.applicaster.com/resources)

# [Which OTT app-building solution is right for your business?](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison)

 Written by [Megan McNeill](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/author/megan-mcneill) | November 2, 2022

Finding the best streaming app-building solution for your business can be complicated—there are many options to choose from, and the “right” one depends on having a clear understanding of needs and resources. Are you just starting out or getting ready to scale? What level of customization do you need? Do you have a clear idea of your budget?

We address these questions with different types of businesses every day at Applicaster, and find that each company’s streaming needs are different and evolve as businesses grow. To offer clarity to both potential customers and the larger OTT industry, we’ve identified four distinct app-building solutions to compare against your goals. Learn about each option below and pick the best approach for your business.

# The 4 OTT App-Building Approaches:

1. [The Templated Approach](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison?hs_amp=true#the-templated-approach)
2. [The App Management Platform](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison?hs_amp=true#The-App-Management-Platform)
3. [The Semi-Custom Approach](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison?hs_amp=true#The-Semi-Custom-Approach)
4. [The Fully Custom Approach](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison?hs_amp=true#The-Fully-Custom-Approach)

****

**Solution 1: The Templated **Approach**  
****The Basics:** A templated solution for building quick, simple no-code apps with limited customization and scaling needs. 

**Example: **Vimeo, Maz, Zype

**Cost: **$ (The Templated Approach is the least expensive app-building solution.)

**Benefits: **Lower cost, easy onboarding, quick launch

**Challenges: **Limited customization, lower-level video platform can lead to poor UI/UX, fixed functionality

**Makes Sense for:** Smaller and/or new streamers with limited budgets.

RELATED  
[**OTT App-Building Solutions Comparison: Get a downloadable PDF with additional comparisons.**](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison?hs_amp=true#Download-now)

**Solution 2: The App Management Platform  
**

**The Basics:** A customizable product approach to building no-/low-code apps that utilizes a design studio and experienced team.

**Cost: **$$ (The App Management Platform charges a predictable annual fee with no surprises or surcharges.)

**Example: **Applicaster

**Benefits: **Full UI/UX customization without developer dependencies, open architecture, built for agility and scalability, quick launch, streamlined distribution

**Challenges: **May not work for businesses that are just starting out with a smaller budget

**Makes Sense for: **A range of app businesses that need full agility and control over UI/UX changes.

**Solution 3: The Semi-Custom Approach**

**The Basics:** A combination approach with a no-code base and custom coding capabilities.

**Cost: **$$$ (The Semi-Custom Approach charges annually in addition to integration fees.)

**Example: **Accedo, Float Left

**Benefits: **Lower cost than an in-house platform, allows for customization and integrations

**Challenges: **Expenses and fees can quickly pile up, design changes require custom development and lengthy timelines

**Makes Sense for: **Larger companies requiring customization beyond streaming for event & product promotion.

**Solution 4: The Fully Custom Approach**

**The Basics:** An entirely custom-coded approach managed by a development team.

**Cost: **$$$$ (The Fully Custom Approach is the costliest option.)

**Example: **Netflix, Disney+

**Benefits: **Created to fully meet one company’s specific needs 

**Challenges: **Very costly, relies on development teams, slow to make changes and launch across devices

**Makes Sense for: **Larger companies with dedicated development teams.

For many companies, Applicaster’s App Management Platform will offer them the control, agility, and data insights they need to create a successful app business and drive performance. That said, the right solution for you could change based on your company’s current needs and future growth.

**So which solution is best for your business? We’ve also created a downloadable one-sheet guide with additional comparisons for easy reference. Get it by filling out the one-field form below.  
**

** **

 

********

**Our sales team is always happy to talk through these approaches and help you understand if Applicaster is right for you, so don’t hesitate to** [reach out](https://www.applicaster.com/request-demo)**!**

[View full post](https://www.applicaster.com/resources/app-building-solutions-comparison)

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