Client
BOLT Global is a streaming and crypto company that originated in the Middle East and is now headquartered in London. It provides streaming applications for gamers, content creators, and its partner TV channels. Thanks to its vast experience working with television and media networks, the company has over 14 million users using its streaming and crypto apps.
Challenge
BOLT Global approached DevTeamSpace with the need to move their hybrid streaming app BOLT+ from the Ionic framework to React Native to improve its performance, user experience, and release cycle.
As the app is aimed mostly at Android users, we decided to release the Android version first and then give the code to BOLT's internal team to allow them to release the iOS version later. Given that the app already had thousands of users by the start of our engagement, the transition process had to be smooth so as not to disturb their current operations and users.
Solution
We created a project plan to address their customer requirements and adhered to it throughout the development process. The plan included building the base React application and moving all the deployment and release cycles to Expo, simplifying user onboarding by adding Facebook and phone sign-up options, and guiding new users through their first time on the app via a customized guide that detailed their viewing preferences and desired content.
We split the app's home screen with tabs such as "New," "Saved," and "Live" to organize content efficiently. To each live stream, we added a detailed description and social reactions such as post liking, commenting, and the ability to share posts with external sources.
One of the major features the original app lacked was a subscription model and integration with international payment systems. Managing subscriptions requires a feature to choose premium plans and add payment details. DevTeamSpace added this to the app, helping the customer acquire paying subscribers as an additional source of income.
Results
The app was successfully transitioned to React Native, passed all internal and external testing, and was then released to Google Play. It reached 100,000 downloads, now streams over 400 TV channels, and has thousands of independent content creators.
