---
title: "How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like YouTube? | UniqueSide"
description: "MVP of an app like YouTube costs $45,000-$90,000 in ~16 weeks. Features, tech stack, and timeline breakdown."
url: "https://www.uniqueside.io/cost-to-build/youtube-clone"
canonical: "https://www.uniqueside.io/cost-to-build/youtube-clone"
type: "cost-to-build"
date: "2026-04-28"
lastmod: "2026-06-10"
---

# How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like YouTube?

Building an app like YouTube costs between $45,000 and $90,000 for a production-ready MVP, and takes roughly 16 weeks. Upload watch and monetize videos.

## Core Features of a YouTube Clone

- Video upload
- Streaming
- Subscriptions
- Comments
- Recommendations
- Channels

## Cost & Timeline

- Frontend only (Figma to Frontend): from $3,000, 1-2 weeks
- Core MVP: $45,000, focused feature set
- Full YouTube MVP: $45,000-$90,000, ~16 weeks
- Complexity: High

## Recommended Tech Stack

- React
- Node.js
- PostgreSQL
- AWS

## Monetization

Typical model: Ads + premium tier.

## Build It Lean with UniqueSide

UniqueSide ships production-ready MVPs in 15 days, fixed price from $8,000, with direct engineer access and 100% code & IP ownership. 40+ products shipped.

[MVP development service](https://www.uniqueside.io/services/mvp-development) · [Cost guide](https://www.uniqueside.io/cost/mvp-development) · [Pricing](https://www.uniqueside.io/pricing) · [Start a project](https://tally.so/r/wdaQ1N)