For years, Facebook has been the top choice for social media users. It helps people keep in touch, share their experiences, and find the latest news. But as time goes on, privacy has become a bigger concern. Many users now worry about how their data is used or shared without their clear permission. This has made apps like MeWe app, which focus on privacy, more appealing to those who want a safer and more private online experience.

MeWe is designed with privacy at its core. According to its CEO, Mark Weinstein, the app has no ads, no tracking, and no news feed tricks. This makes the platform simple and honest. Users can enjoy connecting with others without worrying about unwanted content or data misuse. As social media platforms also help businesses reach new customers, the demand for privacy focused apps is growing fast. In this blog, we will discuss why such apps are needed and how much it costs to build one.

What Is MeWe App?

MeWe app is a social media app made for people who care about privacy. It does not show ads, track your data, or control what you see. You can post photos, videos, messages, and join groups, just like other social media apps. MeWe was started in 2016 by Mark Weinstein to give users more control. It now has over 20 million users and thousands of groups for different interests. MeWe is also moving to a new system where users own their data. It’s a great choice for people who want a simple, private way to connect with others online.

Understanding the Demand for MeWe App Development

Facebook has always been one of the most popular and active social media platforms. From job posts to managing communities, it offers many features that keep users engaged. However, after Facebook changed its privacy policies, many people became worried about how their personal data was being handled.

Recently, Facebook introduced algorithms that track user behavior and show content based on past activities. While this may seem helpful, it actually pushes targeted content and ads to users. This raised privacy concerns among users, especially after the WhatsApp and Facebook data breach incidents.

People began searching for social media platforms that offered better safety and privacy. This is where MeWe, a US based app, gained attention. It quickly rose to the top of the Play Store’s download charts. Today, MeWe has more than 17 million users and is still growing. With MeWe app development, businesses can offer platforms that protect user privacy, avoid ads, and remove political bias. The rising popularity of MeWe clearly shows how much people now value privacy.

Market Stats For Social Media

Social media is growing fast around the world. In early 2024, more than 5 billion people were using social media that’s over 62% of the world’s population. In just one year (2023), about 266 million new users joined. Experts say this number will keep going up every year, and by 2028, millions more will be online, especially in countries where smartphones and internet access are still growing. This shows that social media will become even more important in the coming years.

People also spend a lot of time on social apps. On average, users spend around 2 hours and 23 minutes every day on social media. Apps like TikTok are leading in screen time, with users spending more than 34 hours per month on the app. Teenagers and young adults are the most active users. As social media continues to grow, users will look for new and better platforms that give them more fun, safety, and control over what they see and share.

In the United States and many other countries, more people are starting to care about their online privacy. They don’t want apps to track everything they do or show too many ads. That’s why apps like MeWe, which focus on privacy and have no ads, are becoming more popular. Over the next few years, privacy focused social apps will continue to grow as people search for safer online spaces. This makes it a great time to build an app like MeWe with features that respect user data and give people more control.

Must Have Features in MeWe App Development

When you look at social media apps like MeWe, you will notice they all share some common features. If you want to know how much it costs to develop a MeWe like app, you must first understand these key features. Adding extra features will increase the development cost, but the essentials are very important. Let’s explore the must have features for a MeWe style app.

User Profiles

User profiles are the core of any social media platform. They allow users to express themselves and connect with others. The app should enable users to create profiles by adding details such as their name, profile picture, email, birth date, and links. It is equally important to give users the option to hide certain information to maintain their privacy. Customizable profiles make users feel more in control and connected.

Secure Login and Authorization

A secure login system is essential for protecting user data. Allow users to sign up with email addresses or phone numbers. Ensure that there is a password recovery option available in case they forget their login details. For additional security, two factor authentication can be included. This ensures that only authorized users can access their accounts.

Instant Messaging

Messaging is a vital part of social networking. Users should be able to send text messages easily. Additionally, the option to share images, videos, voice notes, and stickers makes conversations more engaging. Group chats are also important, as they allow users to communicate with friends or communities in one place.

Smart Search

An effective search function makes the app easy to use. Users should be able to search for friends, groups, posts, and trending topics without difficulty. Adding filters can make searching even more efficient. A good search system ensures that users can quickly find what they are looking for.

Attractive User Interface

The user interface (UI) greatly impacts how users experience the app. The design should be clean, simple, and easy to navigate. Proper placement of menus, buttons, and other elements will help users use the app without confusion. Choosing the right colors and fonts will also make the app visually pleasing.

Personal Social Cloud

Providing a personal cloud storage option allows users to save important content. This includes photos, videos, posts, and documents. Users should be able to access their stored data anytime they wish. Secure cloud storage ensures that their content is safe and well organized.

Privacy Controls and Permissions

Privacy is one of the main reasons why users prefer apps like MeWe. Give users complete control over their data. They should be able to decide who can view their profile and posts. Options like invisible mode or hiding from search should also be available to give users more control over their privacy.

Tagging System

A tagging system helps users organize their content better. Allow users to tag posts under various categories. This makes it easier to find posts later. It also improves the overall user experience by keeping content well organized.

Journals

Allowing users to save and manage stories in journals can be a valuable feature. Unlike regular posts that disappear, journals help users preserve special moments. Premium users can sort, tag, and share these journals with selected friends or family members, creating a collection of memorable content.

News Feed and Notifications

A news feed keeps users informed about the latest activities of their connections. Users should be able to see updates from friends, groups, and communities. Push notifications are also important, as they alert users about new messages, posts, and events even when they are not using the app.

Voice and Video Calling

Adding voice and video calling enhances communication. Users should be able to make calls easily, and premium users can enjoy advanced features like dual camera video calls. Group calling and live streaming options can also be added to make the app more interactive.

Groups and Communities

Groups help users connect with people who share similar interests. The app should allow users to create and join groups where they can discuss topics and share content. Group moderation options will help keep conversations respectful and safe.

How MeWe Is Different from Facebook and Other Social Apps

Unlike many other social media apps, MeWe follows a different approach. It does not try to copy every other platform. In fact, the creator of MeWe has clearly shared in interviews that the goal is to offer a true alternative to Facebook. This explains why MeWe’s interface looks quite similar to Facebook, yet focuses strongly on privacy and simplicity.

On MeWe, users can interact with posts by giving thumbs up, hearts, and smiley reactions. They can also share posts to their feeds, create personal profiles, and manage pages. Additionally, MeWe offers group features, allowing users to join communities based on shared interests and topics. Most user reviews about MeWe reflect positive experiences, showing that people appreciate its privacy first model.

MeWe runs on a “users pay, not advertisers” approach. Unlike other social platforms, it does not allow ads. Instead, it offers a subscription based model. Users can join for free, but to enjoy premium features, a subscription is required.

For instance, creating a business page costs $1.99. Advanced options like cloud storage, voice and video calling, and custom emojis are available for $4.99 per month.

Additionally, MeWe has partnered with Google and Microsoft. Through this partnership, users can integrate Microsoft Office 365 and seamlessly share documents across teams.

Top MeWe Competitors You Should Know About

MeWe has built a solid reputation as a privacy first social media app. However, it is not alone. There are several other best apps in the market that offer unique experiences while focusing on privacy, free speech, or alternative social connections. Below is a list of popular MeWe competitors and what makes them special.

Mastodon

Mastodon is a decentralized microblogging platform. Unlike centralized platforms like Facebook, Mastodon is made up of independent servers called instances. Users can join any server but still interact with others across the network. The platform is ad free, and timelines are controlled by the users, making it a great choice for those seeking privacy and freedom of speech.

Ello

Started as an ad free alternative to Facebook and quickly became a favorite among creatives.It focuses on communities related to art, photography, design, and writing. Ello does not track user data and offers a clean, clutter free space for artists and creators to showcase their work.

Reddit

Reddit is a community based social platform where users share content and join discussions.
Although Reddit does show ads, it is still a competitor because of its strong community driven model. Users can create or join “subreddits” related to their interests and engage in topic based conversations.

Diaspora

Diaspora is an open source, decentralized social network. Users join independently run servers called “pods,” which allows them to retain full ownership of their data. Diaspora is built with privacy in mind and does not show ads or sell user data.

Gab

Gab is a platform that promotes free speech and minimal content restrictions. It does not rely on advertisers and instead is funded through user subscriptions and donations. Gab is popular among users who want a platform with fewer content controls and a focus on personal freedom.

Snapchat

Snapchat is known for its short lived content and privacy first messaging. Unlike many platforms, messages and stories on Snapchat disappear after a short time, giving users more control over their content. Although it serves a different user base, its focus on privacy makes it a competitor in its own way.

Friendica

Friendica is another decentralized social network designed to connect people across different platforms. It supports integration with various other social media networks, allowing users to keep in touch from one place. It is open source and offers privacy controls for users who do not want their data tracked or shared.

Instagram

Instagram, owned by Meta (Facebook), is one of the most popular photo and video sharing platforms. While it heavily uses ads and algorithms, it competes with MeWe in terms of offering social connection, communities, and visual storytelling.

Twitter (Now X)

Twitter, recently rebranded as X, allows users to share short posts, join discussions, and follow trending topics. While it is not privacy first like MeWe, its open communication model makes it a major competitor in the social media space.

Facebook

Facebook is still the largest and most popular social media network globally. It offers a wide range of features such as groups, pages, events, messaging, and more. However, privacy concerns and ad driven content make some users prefer alternatives like MeWe.

Choosing the Right Tech Stack for MeWe App Development

The technology stack you choose for your app plays a major role in development time, performance, and cost. It also depends on the platform whether you are building for Android, iOS, or a hybrid app that works on both. Each platform requires different tools and frameworks to deliver the best user experience.

Below are the important details of the tech stack required for developing an app like MeWe:

Tech Stack Overview

Key Highlights

Android Development:

• Frontend: Angular offers fast and dynamic UI building for mobile apps.
• Backend: Django provides a scalable and secure backend framework.
• Languages: Java and Kotlin are widely used for Android native apps.
• Database: MySQL is a reliable option for storing structured data.

iOS Development:

• Frontend: Express.js and Laravel ensure smooth server side operations.
• Languages: Objective-C and Swift are the main languages for iOS app development.
• Database: PostgreSQL offers advanced data management features.

Hybrid App Development:

• Frontend: JavaScript and HTML5 combined with frameworks like React and Ionic are ideal for cross platform apps.
• Backend: Options include CodeIgniter, ASP.NET, Phalcon, CakePHP, and Ruby on Rails based on project needs.
• Languages: PHP remains popular for backend development in hybrid apps.
• Database: SQLite, NoSQL, and MongoDB are flexible and scalable database choices.

Why the Tech Stack Matters

Choosing the right tech stack impacts:

• Development Cost: Some technologies are open source, while others require licensing.
• Performance: The combination of frameworks and databases affects app speed and user experience.
• Scalability: As the app grows, the tech stack should support adding new features and handling more users.
• Maintenance: Popular and well supported technologies make it easier to maintain and update the app in the future.

Estimating the Cost of App Development

When it comes to creating a social media app like MeWe, understanding the development cost is essential. The total cost of app development depends on several key factors such as app complexity, platform choice, design, features, and the development team you hire. Planning your budget properly will help you avoid surprises during the project. Let’s break down the major cost factors to give you a clear idea.

1. Platform Choice (Android, iOS, or Both)

The first thing to consider is the platform. Building for Android, iOS, or both affects the total cost.

• A single platform (Android or iOS) will cost less because the app is developed only once.
• Cross-platform or hybrid apps require more work but offer wider reach, which may increase the cost.

2. App Features and Functionalities

The number and type of features greatly impact development costs. Basic features cost less, while advanced features raise the budget.

Basic features:

• User profiles
• News feed
• Groups and communities
• Messaging
• Notifications

Advanced features:

• Voice and video calling
• Custom emojis and reactions
• Cloud storage
• End to end encryption
• Integration with external services like MS Office 365

The more advanced features you include, the higher the cost.

3. Design and User Experience

A simple and clean design costs less. But if you want an app with advanced UI/UX, custom graphics, smooth animations, and theme customization, the price will go up.

Good design is important as it affects how users feel about your app and how much time they spend on it.

4. Development Team and Location

The cost of hiring developers varies based on their location and experience.

• US/UK developers: $100 – $200 per hour
• Eastern Europe developers: $40 – $100 per hour
• India/Asia developers: $20 – $50 per hour

Hiring a remote team from countries with lower hourly rates can reduce overall costs without compromising quality.

5. Backend Infrastructure and Cloud Services

Social apps need strong backend support and cloud storage for media sharing and messaging.

• Cloud storage (Amazon S3, Google Cloud) costs depend on storage space and usage.
• Real time chat services (like Firebase or PubNub) also add to monthly costs.

Ongoing server and maintenance costs are part of the total app budget.

6. Testing and Launch

Testing the app on multiple devices to ensure it works smoothly will add to the budget.
Costs include manual testing, automated testing, bug fixing, and final deployment on app stores.

7. Post Launch Support and Updates

Even after the app is launched, regular updates and bug fixes will be needed.
Ongoing support generally costs 15% to 20% of the total development cost annually.

Estimated Cost Range

Here is a general idea based on the app’s complexity:

Timeline for Developing a MeWe Like App

Creating a social media app like MeWe requires careful planning and smooth execution. Here’s a simple view of how long each stage may take:

1. Planning and Analysis (1 to 2 Weeks): Define goals, finalize features, and create wireframes for the app.
2. Design (2 to 3 Weeks): Work on the app’s look and user interface to make it simple and easy to use.
3. Development (6 to 8 Weeks): Develop the frontend and backend, and integrate key features like profiles, chats, and groups.
4. Testing (2 to 3 Weeks): Find and fix bugs, test performance, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
5. Launch (1 Week): Publish the app on the App Store and Google Play, and make it available to users.
6. Support (Ongoing): After launch, continue with regular updates, bug fixes, and adding new features.

Here’s the information converted into a table format:

Total Estimated Time: 2 to 4 Months

Team Tweaks: Your Go To Partner for Social Media App Development

Building a social media app like MeWe requires the right mix of strategy, design, and technology. This is where Team Tweaks comes in. As a trusted mobile app development company in chennai, India. We specialize in creating powerful, user friendly, and secure social platforms tailored to your unique goals.

Our team of expert developers, designers, and project managers work together to turn your vision into a fully functional app. Whether you need a simple social network or a feature rich platform with real time messaging, voice/video calls, and advanced privacy settings we have you covered.

Here’s why businesses choose Team Tweaks:

• Full Service App Development: From concept to deployment, we handle it all.
• Custom Solutions: Every app is built to match your brand and audience.
• Experienced Team: Skilled in the latest technologies like React Native, Node.js, Firebase, and more.
• Focus on Privacy and Security: We build apps that keep user data safe and meet global standards.
• Ongoing Support: Even after launch, we offer continuous maintenance and upgrades.

What We Offer

Our full range of services ensures you have the right solution for every business need.

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With years of experience in mobile app development and a strong portfolio of social media apps, Team Tweaks is the right partner to bring your idea to life. Let’s work together to build the next big thing in social networking.

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Final Thoughts

As more users look for safer and ad free social platforms, apps like MeWe are becoming very popular. Building such an app requires careful planning, the right technology, and user friendly features. From privacy settings and real time messaging to smooth design, every detail matters to create a platform people can trust and enjoy.

At Team Tweaks, we are ready to help you at every step. Our services cover everything from On Demand App Development, Website Designing, and Digital Marketing to custom solutions like Uber like Apps, Grocery Apps, Logistics app development, and more. With our expert team, creating your own successful social app is just one step away.