How to build an OTT App for iOS, Android, Web, and TV with a single codebase

In today’s streaming era, OTT apps transform how we consume content. But launching an app across iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, and Android TV can feel overwhelming—multiple codebases often mean doubled costs and timelines. What if you could build it all with a single codebase?

This blog will show you how to create a seamless, multi-platform OTT app using React Native with Expo. Whether you’re a startup, developer, or business owner, you’ll learn how to save time, cut costs, and deliver a consistent user experience across every screen. Let’s dive in.

Why single codebase for OTT apps matters

Building an OTT app for multiple platforms traditionally requires separate iOS, Android, Web, and TV teams. This approach leads to:

• Higher costs: Paying for platform-specific developers and tools.
• Longer timelines: Coordinating updates across codebases slows progress.
• Inconsistent UX: Variations in design can confuse users, disrupting their engagement.

A single codebase solves these challenges by letting you build once and deploy everywhere. You can streamline development without sacrificing performance or quality with the right tech stack.

Tech stacks for cross-platform OTT apps 

Choosing the right tools is critical for an OTT app that performs flawlessly across devices.

• React native with expo: Builds mobile and TV apps (iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV) with reusable components, slashing coding time. Expo simplifies deployment with over-the-air updates, trusted by brands like Amazon and Tesla.
• Expo router: Handles navigation across platforms, ensuring smooth transitions for users browsing content or menus.
• Atomic design methodology: This method structures UI into reusable atoms, molecules, and organisms, making your app scalable and consistent.
• Tailwind CSS: Speeds up styling with pre-built classes, delivering a polished, uniform look on every screen.
• Expo Player and AVPlayer for video streaming: Leverages Expo Player and AVPlayer for smooth, high-performance video playback on iOS and Android. Supports adaptive streaming and integrates seamlessly with React Native, ensuring a reliable, Netflix-like viewing experience.

Flutter and native development are strong options, but React Native’s robust ecosystem and Expo’s rapid prototyping make it ideal for OTT apps requiring flexibility and speed. This stack supports OTT-specific needs like low-latency video streaming, DRM (Digital Rights Management), and responsive layouts, making it ideal for cross-platform apps.

Proof of Concept: a multi-platform OTT app in action

This isn’t just a concept—it’s a proven solution! Our team built a Proof of Concept (POC) demonstration of an OTT app running seamlessly on iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, and Android TV using a single codebase. The result? A 40% reduction in development time compared to traditional multi-codebase approaches.

The POC showcases key features like offline downloads for mobile, a unified UI that feels native on every platform etc.

Want to see it in action? Contact us for a demo and explore how this approach can work for your OTT app.

Web: fast and searchable

• Built as a Single Page Application (SPA) with React for lightning-fast load times.
• Server-side rendering ensures SEO optimization, helping search engines index your content.
• Matches the performance of traditional web apps built with Next.js or Gatsby.

Mobile: native feel on iOS and Android

• Delivers the speed and responsiveness of native apps like Netflix or Spotify.
• Supports push notifications, in-app purchases, and offline playback.
• Built with Expo for reduced build times, automated end-to-end deployment, and seamless cross-platform compatibility.

TV: optimized for big screens

• Tailored for Apple TV and Android TV with controller-friendly navigation.
• Smooth playback for high-resolution content, even on older devices.
• Consistent UX with mobile and web versions.

Benefits of single codebase for OTT apps

Using single codebase for OTT apps offers game-changing advantages:

• Save time: Build once and deploy to all platforms, cutting development timelines by up to 40%.
• Reduce costs: Eliminate the need for separate iOS, Android, and TV teams, saving up to 50% on budgets.
• Simplify maintenance: Fix bugs and roll out updates across all devices simultaneously.
• Unify UX: Deliver a consistent look and feel, whether users are on a phone, laptop, or TV.
• Developer-friendly: React Native’s familiar ecosystem lets your team hit the ground running.

Ready to build your OTT app?

A single codebase isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a more innovative way to launch your OTT app across iOS, Android, Web, and TV. With React Native and Expo, you can create a high-performance app that delights users and scales effortlessly.

Reach out to our team for a free consultation. Try Expo’s CLI to start prototyping your app today. Let’s bring your OTT vision to life.