Video Streaming Android App with rest API –  Step by Step guide

Watching videos online has revolutionized how we consume information and entertainment in the current day. The popularity of video streaming apps has skyrocketed to the point that almost everyone has at least one loaded on their mobile device. This guide will teach you the ropes of creating a video-streaming Android app using RESTful APIs.

The importance of video streaming apps cannot be overstated. They have altered people’s information intake practices by allowing viewers to choose when and how they consume media. These programs have also provided producers and business owners fresh approaches to reaching a worldwide clientele without investing much in traditional broadcast channels.

Why Build a Live Video Streaming App for Android?

Developing your video streaming app for Android makes sense from a financial and technological perspective.

●     Possibility of Gaining Understanding

One of the best ways to learn Android development is to create a video streaming app. You will get the opportunity to put your knowledge of networking, media playback, user interface/experience design, and data management to use in a real-world setting.

●     Entrepreneurship

Opportunities for business expansion may be found in the rapidly expanding field of online video streaming. You may target a specific demographic or kind of content consumer with your app, then use paid subscriptions or advertising to monetize it.

●     Customization

When you create an app from scratch, you get to decide on every aspect of its functionality, appearance, and content. It’s flexible enough to be adapted to every group’s requirements and preferences.

●     Portfolio

Building a video streaming app development  shows that you have excellent skills. It’s a great selling point when applying for jobs or freelancing since it demonstrates your ability to build complicated, practical apps.

Step-by-step Android video streaming app using rest API

●     Step 1: Prerequisites

Make sure you have the necessary resources and understanding before beginning app development:

• Get Android Studio from Google’s official website and set it up on your computer.
• The ability to program in Java or Kotlin is required.
• An application programming interface (API) that uses RESTful endpoints to distribute video data.
• Familiarity with the fundamentals of creating Android apps.

●     Step 2: Organize the Project

Start a brand-new Android Studio project by doing the following:

• Cast Android Studio open.
• To begin a blank Android Studio project, choose the button.
• Pick a starting point for your project .
• Set up your project’s preferences.
• Just hit “Finish,” and your project will be created.

Step 3: Create the user interface

Plan the look and feel of your video streaming app’s user interface (UI). The primary activity, the video player, and any other screens required by your program should have corresponding XML layout files created.

• Select “layout” from the “res” folder.
• Make XML template files for the many activities and pieces that make up your program.
• The XML components TextViews, ImageViews, and VideoViews may be used to create a user interface.

Step 4: Obtain Video Information through a REST API

Video data must be retrieved from your REST API before it can be shown in your app. Make API calls using the Retrofit library:

• In the build. gradle file, include Retrofit as one of your app’s dependencies.
• Launch Retrofit and set its base URL to the address of your API.
• Annotations in Retrofit may be used to define API endpoints.
• Send API queries in the background to get video information.

Step 5: Playback of Video Teasers

RecyclerView and GridView are both suitable for displaying video previews.

• Add a RecyclerView or GridView to the user interface of your project.
• Build a unique adapter to link video information with the user interface.
• Use a library like Picasso or Glide to load and show video previews from URLs.

Step 6: Include video playback

Add the ability to play videos to your app:

• Implement a media player library, such as ExoPlayer or MediaPlayer, into your program.
• You need to create a video player activity or fragment to play videos.
• Provide the video player with a list of video URLs to play.
• Take care of video player controls (play/pause/seek/etc.).

Step 7: Set up live video streaming

Integrate a video streaming protocol, such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), to allow for streaming video:

• Use an application like FFmpeg to convert your video files to the HLS format.
• Put the HLS videos in a URL-accessible location on a server.
• Make changes to your app’s video player to play HLS URLs.

Step 8: Search and filtering implementation

Video material should be searchable, and viewers should be able to filter results using tags and categories.

• Include a search field and/or filters in the app’s user interface.
• Retrofit may be used to query the API and provide search features.
• Build client-side filtering logic that is informed by API answers.

Step 9: Users are authenticated

Ensure users can log in using their credentials if your app needs them.

• Set up a method for users to log in (like Firebase Authentication).
• Build sign-up and user-login forms.
• For specific API endpoints (like video-like), authentication may be required.

Step 10: Error Handling and User Input

Handling issues and providing feedback will go a long way toward making your software user-friendly.

• Create a system to deal with network failures, API errors, and everything else that may go wrong.
• Explanatory error messages should be shown to the user.
• When retrieving data, it is helpful to provide loading or progress indications.

Step 11: Putting It Through Its Paces

Ensure your app works appropriately across a wide range of Android devices and screen sizes.

• Test on various Android setups using Android Virtual Devices (AVDs).
• Fix any bugs you find, such as crashes or problems with the user interface.

Step 12: Put Into Action

Follow these steps to get your app ready for the Google Play Store:

• Make an APK or AAB for Android that is ready for distribution.
• Create promotional materials (including a logo, screenshots, and a software description).
• Start by creating a Google Play developer account.
• Uploading your app to Google Play constitutes a submission.

Step 13: Upgrades and Repairs

• Take customer feedback into account and address issues brought to light by end users.
• Use recently introduced changes or updates to keep readers interested.
• Updating libraries and dependencies regularly will ensure compliance with future Android development standards.

Conclusion

Creating an Android app that can broadcast live video using a REST API is a challenging but rewarding. You should be able to make a video app useful to your target audience if you follow these guidelines. To enhance your app and foresee future trends in Android software, have an open mind and actively seek out new information. To that end, I wish you the best of luck.

Read more: Watch Videos Anywhere: How to Minimize YouTube on Your iPhone