The education world has rapidly shifted into the digital space, and one of the biggest names shaping this evolution is Unacademy. From live classes to interactive tests and courses by top educators, this platform has redefined how students learn. For entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies, the dream to create an e-learning app like Unacademy is more alive than ever.

Why Entrepreneurs Want to Create an E-learning App Like Unacademy

Digital learning platforms are no longer limited to video lectures. They are powerful ecosystems where tutors and students engage in real-time, content is personalized, and progress can be tracked effortlessly. That is why so many companies want to create an e-learning app like Unacademy.

The success of Unacademy shows that online education is not just a passing trend. With millions of active learners, investors pouring capital, and teachers building careers through online platforms, the industry keeps growing. Startups see this as the perfect time to build app platforms that can compete or co-exist with such leaders.

The beauty of this model lies in scalability. Once you make app infrastructure, you can expand to multiple subjects, different regions, and various education formats. That is why building an app like this is not just about coding—it’s about creating an engaging ecosystem.

Essential Features to Add When You Create an E-learning App Like Unacademy

When you plan to create an e-learning app like Unacademy, your primary focus should be on features. Without strong functionality, even the best marketing won’t help. Let’s break down the must-have features.

Student Features

Students are the core users of the platform. They need seamless login, easy course browsing, personalized dashboards, and smooth payment integration. Adding live classes, quizzes, and offline downloads is critical to keep them engaged.

Educator Features

Tutors need intuitive tools to upload content, schedule classes, and analyze student engagement. A smooth revenue-sharing system motivates them to stay on your platform.

Admin Features

From managing educators to tracking revenues, the admin dashboard is the backbone. It ensures you can manage your app effectively.

Advanced Add-ons

AI-driven recommendations, gamification, social learning communities, and multilingual support can elevate your app’s appeal. These small innovations separate a simple app build from a market leader.

App Development Cost for Creating a Platform Like Unacademy

One of the most searched queries is the cost to build an app like Unacademy. While the numbers depend heavily on your location, the mobile app development cost generally falls within a broad range.

Hiring an app company in the USA or Europe can cost significantly higher compared to outsourcing in Asia. However, the expertise and faster delivery timelines may balance that out.

On average, the app development cost for an MVP version can range between $25,000 to $70,000. If you want a fully loaded version with advanced integrations, the mobile app development cost can easily reach $100,000 or more.

The cost breakdown includes:

• UI/UX design
• Backend and frontend development
• Third-party integrations
• QA testing and bug fixes
• Post-launch support

For startups, the best approach is to create app MVPs first, test them in the market, and then expand with more features. This ensures your app build doesn’t drain all your resources at once.

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Steps to Create an E-learning App Like Unacademy

Creating such a platform is not a one-step process. It requires strategic planning and expert execution.

Market Research and Competitor Study

Before you make app versions, study your target audience. What gaps exist in current platforms? Which features do learners really value?

Wireframe and Prototype

A prototype helps you visualize the flow. This saves time later in development.

Select the Right App Company

Choosing the right mobile app development company makes all the difference. Look for proven experience in e-learning projects.

Development and Testing

The coding phase builds your vision into reality. Testing ensures your app works smoothly across devices.

Launch and Marketing

Once your app build is ready, launch with targeted campaigns. A good marketing strategy ensures learners and tutors join quickly.

Maintenance and Scaling

Post-launch support is vital. New updates, bug fixes, and security patches keep your platform reliable.

Why Hiring a Professional App Company Matters

Some startups try to build everything in-house, but when you create an e-learning app like Unacademy, the process requires advanced skills. Hiring a mobile app development company ensures expert handling of backend infrastructure, video streaming technologies, and AI-driven features.

A professional app company also understands compliance, security, and scalability. They save you from costly mistakes and allow you to focus on strategy while they handle the technical work.

The Real Value Behind Mobile App Development Cost

When you see estimates for mobile app development cost, it may feel expensive. But consider this—education apps like Unacademy are not just apps, they are digital universities. They require stable servers, large-scale data handling, video compression, and real-time communication tools.

The cost to build an app is not just about coding. It includes research, testing, cloud services, and long-term updates. If done correctly, the returns from subscriptions, ad models, and sponsorships can easily outweigh the app development cost.

Monetization Options for Your E-learning App

When you create an e-learning app like Unacademy, you need a revenue model that sustains growth. Common strategies include subscription plans, in-app purchases, ad-based models, and freemium versions. Many apps like this also partner with universities or institutions, creating an additional income stream.

A smart mix of monetization ensures learners remain engaged without feeling overcharged, while educators are fairly compensated.

Challenges in Building an App Like Unacademy

Building an app of this scale comes with hurdles. Scalability is a big challenge because the platform must handle millions of users without crashing. Content moderation is another issue—quality must remain high.

Another challenge is calculating the right mobile app development cost while balancing quality and affordability. Choosing the wrong app company can lead to delays, cost overruns, and technical issues. That’s why a strong project roadmap is crucial.

Future of E-learning Apps

The global demand for digital education is only rising. AI-driven tutors, VR classrooms, and gamified courses will define the next generation of apps. If you create an e-learning app like Unacademy today, you are stepping into a future-proof business model.

Conclusion

The journey to create an e-learning app like Unacademy is both exciting and challenging. By focusing on features, hiring the right app company, and understanding the real app development cost, startups can launch platforms that not only compete with but also surpass existing leaders.

Education has already moved online. The only question is—will your app be the next big name in the market? If you plan wisely and execute with precision, the answer is yes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 What is the average cost to build an app like Unacademy?

Ans. The average app development cost for a basic version ranges between $25,000 to $70,000. A fully featured version may exceed $100,000, depending on complexity and region.

How long does it take to create an e-learning app like Unacademy?

Ans. Building an MVP can take 4–6 months, while a complete, feature-rich platform may require 9–12 months.

Can a startup compete with giants like Unacademy?

Ans. Yes. By focusing on niche markets, unique features, and excellent user experience, even a startup can carve out space and grow rapidly in the e-learning industry.