Podcasting is not just a hobby anymore. It is a booming industry worth over $131.13 billion by 2030, with over 500 million listeners globally.
Podcast apps like Pocket Casts have turned simple listening into a smooth, personalized experience that keeps users coming back every day.
For businesses, that’s a huge opportunity. It’s not just a trend, but to develop something truly engaging for podcast listeners. So, if you have a similar idea and want to develop an app like Pocket Casts, you are already on the right path.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know, from core features and development steps to costs and monetization models, so you can create a customized app like Pocket Casts that stands out.
What is the Pocket Casts App?
Pocket Casts is a podcast app that allows users to listen to podcasts, which are like shows or radio programs they can hear anytime.
With this app, users can find podcasts about anything they like. For example, news, sports, stories, etc. Users can subscribe to their favorite podcasts so new episodes come automatically.
Podcast Casts allow users to download episodes, so they can listen without the internet. Users can skip paths they do not want, rewind, or fast forward.
App
Downloads
Rating
Pocket Casts
iOS & Android
1M +
4.5/5
Why Invest in Pocket Casts App Development?
Podcasts are everywhere, and people can’t get enough. When you develop an app like Pocket Casts, it allows you to reach tons of listeners, make listening easy, and create a profitable platform.
► Big Market Opportunities
Globally, the podcast market is exponentially growing. By 2025, the number of podcast listeners is forecast at roughly 584 million. One report projects the global podcasting market size to reach $131 billion by 2030.
There is a huge number of consumers hungry for on-demand audio content, and many markets are still comparatively underserved. An app like Pocket Casts customized to those unmet needs could enter into a growing wave.
► Faster Time-To-Market With Customizations
You don’t necessarily need to create an app like the Pocket Casts app from scratch; you can leverage existing platforms, white‑label frameworks, and integrations.
You can focus your energy on user-experience design for your target audience, localising language, content, and features, and building a strong community of creators and listeners.
With these, you can reduce development time, control costs, launch sooner, and iterate based on user feedback. That means you can enter the market faster and refine your offering while momentum is building.
► High Demand For Convenient, On‑the‐Go Listening
Listeners increasingly want flexible options to consume audio while commuting, exercising, doing chores, or just relaxing. Podcasts provide a highly accessible format.
Since mobile device usage and internet access are increasing rapidly, more people can listen anytime, anywhere. This improves the expectation that a dedicated podcast app development can simplify access, improve discovery, and offer value-added features.
Besides, advertisers and brands are paying attention to ad spend in the podcast space. That means the business model behind a podcast app like Pocket Casts can support monetization through ads, subscriptions, and premium features.
► Proven And Scalable Business Model
Much like how mobile-money platforms have a business model, podcast apps like Pocket Casts have proven app monetization pathways. For example, advertisements, subscriptions, or paid content, branded content, and additional services.
Since the model already exists, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You can customise and optimize it for your market. That means predictable revenue streams and the ability to scale as you grow the user base.
How to Develop an App Like Pocket Casts?
So, now that you have thoroughly understood the reason to invest in Pocket Casts app development, let’s look at the essential steps to develop an app like Pocket Casts.
♦ Figure Out What Makes a Good Podcast App
Firstly, start by listing what a podcast listener really needs. You can check out what works well in Pocket Casts like smooth playback, quick search, and easy downloads. Then think about what is missing. Maybe you want cleaner navigation or a smarter recommendation system.
Now write down your core features and sketch how the podcast app should look. This step is known as mobile app market research, which is about direction, not design perfection. If you have a clear idea to develop an app like Pocket Casts, it will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute confusion.
♦ Create a Visually Appealing App Design
A podcast and music app design should be intuitive and visually appealing. Your app should feel calm and not crowded. Design the layout so users can find and play episodes without guessing where to click. Just keep in mind to use soft colors, readable texts, and smooth transitions.
Additionally, keep buttons like play, queue, and download in easy reach. Also, try to give each screen a clear purpose instead of stuffing everything together. The best design often looks empty at first, and that’s a good sign.
♦ Build the Foundation and Main Features
Once your podcast app design is fully ready, you can start developing the app’s foundation. First, choose the right programming language and best frameworks so that it works amazingly on both Android and iOS. You can check out the tech stack table below for a better idea.
Now, decide what features you want in your podcast app. Do you want similar features like the Pocket Casts app has, or want unique features? If you find difficulty in deciding, it is best to go with the core features first. It will help you test your dream podcast idea with real users.
♦ Start With an MVP Version
Don’t rush into developing a fully-furnished app like Pocket Casts. You should always start with an MVP version. You can add must-have features like searching for podcasts, playing episodes, and so on. That we are going to discuss in the next section.
Now you can share it with a small circle, like friends, early users, or podcast lovers, and ask what they think. What did they like? What confused them? Their essential feedback will guide your next move.
The MVP is like a test drive because it helps you learn what works before you develop an app like Pocket Casts with full features.
♦ Test and Launch the App
Rigorous testing is important to make sure your Pocket Casts-like app is reliable and functional. So, perform different types of testing like user testing, unit testing, speed and performance testing, and so on.
Once your podcast app is fully tested, you can deploy it on the respective platforms. However, it is vital to follow the thorough guidelines of both app stores before publishing on them.
Must-Have Features to Add in an App Like Pocket Casts
Now that you have a clear roadmap to develop an app like Pocket Casts, if you want your podcast app to compete in the market, below are the essential podcast and music app features you should definitely integrate into your app.
➤ Intuitive Podcast Search
Users can easily search for podcasts through categories, trending lists, and curated recommendations. A smart discovery system ensures that new shows are easily found to listen.
➤ Cross-Platform Syncing
Users can start listening on one device and pick up on another. All subscriptions, playbacks, and playlists stay synced automatically.
➤ Episode Playback Control
Users love flexibility. You can provide variable playback speeds, a trim silence option, and a skip forward or back button for easy navigation.
➤ Automatic Downloads and Offline Listening
You should provide an offline listening feature so that users can listen to their favorite podcast without the internet. It is convenient for commuting, flights, or areas with poor connectivity.
➤ Personalized Recommendations
Your app should learn what users like and offer suggested episodes and shows customized to their listening habits. This AI integration in a podcast app keeps users engaged and coming back for more.
➤ Playlists and Queue Management
Users can create their own custom playlists, queue episodes, and reorder them. This provides a personal, curated listening experience.
➤ Advanced Search and Filtering
With this feature, users can search for podcasts, episodes, or creators and filter results by date, duration, or popularity. This makes discovery precise and fast.
➤ Push Notification
Pocket Casts, like the app, sends smart push notifications for new episodes or shows from subscribed podcasts. This keeps users informed without being intrusive.
➤ Episode Sharing
Users can share episodes with friends or on social media platforms. This encourages community interaction and app promotion.
➤ Audio Enhancements
You should integrate an audio enhancement feature so that users can adjust volume boost for low-volume recordings, equalizer settings for better sound quality, and trim silence to improve the listening experience.
Tech Stack Required For Developing an App Like Pocket Casts
Making an app like Pocket Casts means using the right tech stack to make sure your app runs without any errors for the best user experience. With the right music streaming app tech stack, you can even add features for music alongside podcasts and give users more ways to enjoy audio content.
Below is the required tech stack you should take into consideration :
Category
Technology and Tools
Frontend (Mobile)
Swift, SwiftUI (iOS), Kotlin, Flutter, React Native
Frontend (Web)
React.js, Vue.js
Backend
Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails
API
RESTful or GraphQL
Database
PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB
Caching
Redis
Cloud Storage
AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob Storage
Audio Streaming
ExoPlayer, AVFoundation, and Just Audio
Analytics
Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, Sentry, Amplitude
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Pocket Casts?
The cost to develop an app like Pocket Casts really depends on multiple factors, like app complexity, feature integration, technologies used, and so on. Basically, it depends on the requirements of your project.
The ballpark estimate for your Pocket Casts app development ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 for the basic version. However, if you plan to expand your app to include music streaming alongside podcasts, the cost naturally increases.
So, developing a combined podcast and music streaming app involves more complex audio streaming technology, licensing and API integration for music, advanced search and recommendation features. In this case, the music streaming app development cost can range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more.
Below, we are providing the estimated cost to develop an app like Pocket Casts :
Application Complexity
Estimated Costs
Basic or MVP version
$20,000 – $50,000
Intermediate version
$50,000 – $100,000
Highly Advanced version
$100,000 – $150,000 +
Monetization Opportunities For An App Like Pocket Casts
The main goal in developing an app like Pocket Casts is to make money from it. But how do podcasts and music apps make money?
Let’s take a look at some ways they do it :
► Premium Subscription
You can provide a free version of your Pocket Casts-like app with basic features, and a paid version with extra perks. Besides, paid users could get offline listening, cloud syncing on different devices, and advanced playlists. Subscriptions can be monthly or yearly, which provide you with a steady recurring income from the app.
► Ads For Free Users
You can show ads to users who do not pay, like banners, audio ads, or video ads. Music and podcast creators can also run sponsored content on the app. Ads help you earn from users who use the free version.
► In-App Purchases
You can allow users to buy extra features or content inside the podcast app, like Pocket Casts—for example, bonus episodes, exclusive playlists, special music tracks, or custom themes. Your users only pay for the features or content they want.
► Services For Creators
You can allow podcasters or musicians to upload their content and charge for extra services. For example, storage, analytics, promotional tools, or featured placement. The creators pay to grow their audience, which gives you another revenue stream.
Why Choose Nimble AppGenie to Develop an App Like Pocket Casts?
We at Nimble AppGenie are the right choice to develop an app like Pocket Casts since we turn ideas into cutting-edge podcast apps. Our team focuses on creating smooth designs, so users enjoy every moment in your app.
We make sure the app works perfectly on all devices, providing a seamless experience for everyone. By using the latest technologies and following top security standards, we build custom apps that are modern, fast, and safe.
Even after your podcast app is live, we will continue to support you, fixing issues and adding updates whenever needed. With Nimble AppGenie, your podcast app will be professional, reliable, and enjoyable for all users.
Conclusion
A report from IMARC Group predicts that the global podcast industry could reach nearly $167.7 billion by 2033. It’s clear that podcasting is booming and still has plenty of space for fresh mobile app ideas. That’s why so many startups are jumping in.
This market has huge potential. If you’re a CEO planning to develop an app like Pocket Casts, you’re definitely moving in the right direction.
You can speed up your app project by using the right tools, frameworks, and development platforms. But remember, creating a good podcast app still takes serious coding. So, it is better to consult with a music streaming app development company to make sure everything runs smoothly.
FAQs
The cost to make an app like Pocket Casts can range from $20,000 to $100,000 and more. The cost can fluctuate depending on your project requirements.
Yes, a single app can handle both podcasts and music. Many podcast apps allow you to listen to your favorite songs and podcasts in one place. This makes it easy and convenient.
The estimated time to make an app like Pocket Casts can generally be between 2 – 6 months or more. It is totally dependent on the complexity of your app.
You can use services like Firebase, AWS, or a custom server to store user data and podcast information in the app.
Your podcast app should have search, downloads, playlists, playback speed control, and personalized recommendations.
Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.
