Music recognition apps have transformed how we discover and connect with music. While the music app market is estimated at USD 46.66 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 108.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.9%, the reality is that most music recognition apps struggle to compete with established players like Shazam.
Understanding the cost to create an app like Shazam becomes crucial when you consider that Shazam reached 1 billion total downloads and processes over 20 million song identifications daily. Apple’s $400 million acquisition of Shazam in 2018 demonstrates both the value and complexity of building competitive music recognition technology.
However, when entrepreneurs think about developing a Shazam clone app, the first question that strikes is: how much does it cost to create an app like Shazam? It is crucial for entrepreneurs to understand the investment involved in music recognition app development.
So, in this blog, we have provided the estimated cost to develop an app like Shazam along with the factors that influence the costs. Also, we have provided a development process and monetization strategies for your music recognition app.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to confidently begin building your own Shazam-like music recognition app in 2025.
Latest Market Statistics for Music Recognition Apps and Shazam
- The global music streaming market was valued at $46.66 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $108.39 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.9%.
- Shazam is the most popular music recognition app globally, with over 1 billion total downloads since its launch.
- Users identify approximately 20 million songs per day on Shazam worldwide.
- The music recognition technology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030.
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like Shazam?
Shazam is a feature-rich music recognition mobile application with advanced audio processing capabilities. To create an app like Shazam, the development costs may vary.
| Type of App | Estimated Development Costs |
|---|---|
| Simple | $20,000 to $40,000+ |
| Advanced | $40,000 to $60,000+ |
| Complex | $60,000 to over $80,000+ |
Please note that the development costs given above are only estimations. Actual costs may differ based on specific requirements, technology choices, and infrastructure needs.
Top Factors That Drive the Cost to Develop an App like Shazam
The following are the top factors that affect the development costs for an app similar to Shazam.
1. App's Features and Functionalities
The major factors that influence the Shazam clone app development costs are the number and type of features and functionalities you integrate. When you develop an app with basic music recognition capabilities, it will cost you less.
Similarly, adding advanced features like real-time lyrics, social sharing, music discovery, and offline recognition significantly increases the cost of development. The cost increases further when you build a complex app like Shazam with AI-powered recommendations and multi-platform integration.
2. Audio Processing and Recognition Technology
In music recognition apps like Shazam, accurate and fast audio identification requires sophisticated audio processing algorithms and recognition technology.
Hence, when you develop a similar app, you need to implement audio fingerprinting, machine learning models, and real-time processing capabilities.
These audio processing and recognition technology components significantly influence the Shazam-like music recognition app development costs.
3. UI/UX Design
The UI/UX design of an app similar to Shazam also affects the development costs. Therefore, developing a music recognition app like Shazam with custom animations, intuitive recognition interfaces, and responsive layouts increases both design time and final development costs.
4. Technology Stack
The final cost to develop an app like Shazam music recognition mobile application also depend on the technology stack you are using to build it.
If you build an app with Flutter or React Native (cross-platform), it will cost less as you need to develop a single codebase, compatible across all platforms.
In contrast, if you develop using Android or iOS SDKs, it will cost you more, as you need to build separate codebases for the respective platforms.
5. Development Team Size and Location
Your development team also influences the Shazam clone app development costs. If your team is small, it will cost less. The more members in the team, the higher the development costs.
Similarly, if you hire developers from the USA, they will charge approximately $40 to $60 per hour, and if you hire developers in India, they will charge $15 to $30 per hour, significantly lowering your development costs.
6. Platform Compatibility
It will cost you more if you develop an app like Shazam that supports multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, Web, and Smart devices. You can lower the overall development cost to develop an app like Shazam.
However, note that you will require separate native apps for each platform to offer optimal performance and user experience.
7. Third-Party Services and API Integrations
Shazam-like apps require integration with various third-party services like music streaming APIs, social media platforms, analytics tools, cloud storage, and music database services.
These services and APIs often involve setup fees or recurring charges, thus they add to your overall development costs.
8. Audio Database and Licensing
Lastly, audio database and music licensing also add to the development costs for building an app like Shazam. These factors do not fall directly into development costs; however, building or accessing comprehensive music databases requires significant investment.
Licensing fees for music recognition services, streaming platform APIs, and metadata access can be substantial, and cloud storage for audio fingerprints is another recurring cost that may influence your final Shazam-like app development costs.
How to Create an App Like Shazam?
By following the steps given below, you can develop a music recognition app like Shazam.
Define Project Requirements
First of all, you need to define the goals, like your target audience for which you will develop the app, similar to Shazam. Also, you need to determine the type of app you want to build, like native or cross-platform app development.
Moreover, decide what monetization strategies, apart from advertisements, you will leverage to generate revenue from your Shazam-like app.
Set Up Development Team
For the development team, you can hire experienced mobile app developers who have expertise in building music recognition and audio processing applications similar to Shazam.
Another cost-effective option is outsourcing the project to a top music app development company with high ratings and positive client testimonials.
The benefit of this option is that they will take care of the development part completely, freeing you to focus on your business.
Design UI/UX
At this step, design the user interfaces for your app like Shazam. Study other music recognition apps in the market to take ideas and inspiration, and create your design.
Follow best practices to create an intuitive and clean interface that makes music recognition effortless. For this, you can use designing software like Adobe Photoshop or Figma.
Develop the App
After designing the UI/UX, start developing the frontend and backend infrastructures for your app, like Shazam. Integrate third-party services and APIs to enhance your app’s functionalities and align it with user expectations.
You can also add cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing to enhance your app’s recognition accuracy, enhance user experience, and make your app stand out in the market.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Rigorously test your app like Shazam to identify if there are any bugs or glitches. If found, fix them and also check your app’s performance and compatibility on different devices and platforms.
You can also release its Beta version, gather feedback, and make relevant changes to the app, based on that feedback, before the release.
Deploy and Upgrade
Once testing is done, release your Shazam-like app on the Google Play Store and App Store. Follow their respective guidelines to approve your app at the earliest attempt.
Also, keep upgrading your application with new versions, features, functionalities, and user interfaces, to keep your app relevant for longer.
Monetization Strategies For an App Similar to Shazam
One of the biggest advantages of building a Shazam-like app is the ability to generate consistent revenue through multiple channels. The following are some proven monetization strategies that you can implement for your Shazam clone app.
● Premium Subscription Model
Implement a freemium model where basic music recognition is free, but advanced features like offline recognition, unlimited identifications, and ad-free experience require a premium subscription.
You can charge $2.99-$9.99 monthly for premium features, targeting users who frequently use music recognition services and value enhanced functionality.
● Music Streaming Platform Partnerships
Partner with music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music to earn commission fees when users stream or purchase identified songs.
This creates a seamless user experience while generating revenue through affiliate partnerships and streaming service integrations.
● In-App Advertising
Display targeted audio and visual advertisements between music recognition sessions. You can implement banner ads, interstitial ads, or sponsored content based on user listening preferences.
Programmatic advertising platforms can help optimize ad targeting and maximize revenue per impression through real-time bidding.
● Artist and Label Partnerships
Collaborate with musicians, record labels, and music promoters to feature sponsored content, exclusive releases, or concert ticket sales within your app.
These partnerships can include promoted song discoveries, artist spotlight features, and exclusive content access that generates revenue while enhancing user engagement.
Technology Stack for Music Recognition App Development
Here is a comprehensive technology stack for creating an app like Shazam:
| Component | Technology Stack |
|---|---|
| Mobile Frontend | React Native, Flutter, Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android) |
| Audio Processing | FFmpeg, Web Audio API, Core Audio (iOS), AudioRecord (Android) |
| Machine Learning | TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Librosa |
| Recognition APIs | ShazamKit, ACRCloud, Gracenote, AudD |
| Backend Development | Node.js, Python Django, Ruby on Rails |
| Cloud Infrastructure | AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure |
| Real-time Processing | Apache Kafka, Redis Pub/Sub, WebSocket |
| Audio Fingerprinting | Chromaprint, Echoprint, Custom algorithms |
| Analytics | Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude |
| Music APIs | Spotify Web API, Apple Music API, Deezer API |
| Payment Integration | Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Push Notifications | Firebase Cloud Messaging, OneSignal |
This technology stack is optimized for music recognition app development. Technology selection may vary based on specific requirements, budget constraints, and performance objectives.
Conclusion
Shazam is one of the most popular music recognition applications globally. With the growing demand for music discovery and instant identification in 2025, entrepreneurs have a golden opportunity to build similar apps and tap into this thriving market.
To develop a Shazam-like app, the development costs start from $20,000 for a simple app with basic features, and go up to $80,000+ for a complex app with high-end technologies, design, and functionalities.
If you want to create an app like Shazam, then partner with Developer Bazaar Technologies, an experienced mobile app development company that has developed top music and audio processing apps similar to Shazam, SoundHound, and other recognition platforms.
FAQs
Q1. What is a music recognition app like Shazam?
A music recognition app like Shazam uses audio fingerprinting and machine learning technology to identify songs, artists, and albums from audio samples. These apps analyze audio patterns to match songs against vast music databases within seconds.
Q2. Which is better - cross-platform or native - to create an app like Shazam?
The better option depends on your requirements and budget. Cross-platform development is cost-effective and faster for reaching multiple platforms. Native development offers better performance and audio processing capabilities, making it ideal for sophisticated music recognition apps.
Q3. Can Shazam-like apps be launched globally?
Yes, you can develop and launch Shazam-like apps worldwide. However, you’ll need to address music licensing agreements, regional compliance, and local music database requirements to reach global audiences effectively.
Q4. Is it legal to build an app like Shazam without owning music rights?
Yes, music recognition apps identify songs but don’t store or distribute copyrighted music. However, you need proper licensing for music metadata, streaming integrations, and database access to ensure legal compliance.
Q5. How long does it take to build an app like Shazam?
It takes around 4-8 months to build an app like Shazam, depending on complexity and features. However, the timeline may vary based on different development-related factors like team size, technology choices, and testing requirements.
Q6. Which is the best development partner to build an app similar to Shazam?
Developer Bazaar Technologies is an experienced development partner to create your app like Shazam. We have proven experience in music and audio app development, a strong portfolio, and expertise in AI-powered recognition technology and scalable architecture.
Q7. How to get started with Shazam clone app development?
You can start by defining your goals, features, and budget. Then, reach out to our team to discuss your requirements, get a project plan, and begin the development process.
RM Mishra
Co-Founder
Developer Bazaar technologies
