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Video Invite: iOS Mobile App Development

Video Invite iOS App

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Video Invite: iOS Mobile App Development
Ashok Chintagunta

Written by Ashok Chintagunta, MS Computer Science, Louisiana Tech University

CTO & Software Engineer, AI and Automation

Published August 10, 2026

An iOS app development company takes an app idea through design, build and App Store approval — the three stages where most first-time app projects stall.

VideoInvite went through that full cycle with us: UX design, native iOS development, and the backend and store submission work that got it live.

Project at a glance

Project
VideoInvite
Category
iOS app development
What we delivered
UX design, iOS development, App Store launch

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The client

Brandace Latin wanted an iOS mobile app for a simple, quick, and natural way of inviting people to private events.
She realized that people are overloaded with emails and spam and many of the messages are ignored. At the same time, sending paper invitations takes a lot of time and money.
Brandace came up with an idea of using text messages (SMS) since they are easy to send, more personal, and can be done on the go. That’s how the idea of the Video Invite was born, and she realized, “I need an app developer.”
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.

The challenge

ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
Our ios app development company was challenged with building a mobile application that would allow sending and receiving group video invitations through text messages.
The application needed to include a number of other features, such as an ability to receive and send text and video RSVP’s, video editing functionality, notifications, social media integration, and many more.

Solutions

We started by designing the user interface (UI), initially laying it out without graphics which allowed us to focus on the functionality and user experience (UX). We then added color which brought the UI to life. The next step was writing the code. We started with the core functionality and then completed the smaller features. Following the lean development practices, we were continuously sending prototypes to the customer using TestFlight. That ensured we were moving in the right direction and help to make decisions faster.
In addition to the frontend, we also built the backend that allows convenient management of the database.

The result

ur ios app development company and user interface design services helped Brandace to get a fine professionally-built mobile iOS app created in a record period of time. She’s is now off to a great start of monetizing the application.
We are also taking care of the backend of the app so that Brandace could enjoy marketing and promoting the app while we keep it running and updated.
Software is an essential part of any business these days. Custom software allows you to develop new revenue streams and improve business efficiency.
So if you’re thinking, “I need an app developer to discuss how a custom mobile app could benefit my business,” schedule a free appointment here or just give our experts a call at 318-243-5789.
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
ios app development, ios development, app development, LA NPDT.
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iOS app development at a glance

ScopeConcept, UX, native iOS build, backend, App Store submission
Key featuresVideo capture and playback, invitations, RSVP tracking, notifications
DeliverablesDesign files, app source, backend, store listing assets
Typical timeline3-7 months to release

Video apps break in the details

Recording, compressing, uploading and playing video on a phone with an unreliable connection is where most consumer video apps fail. VideoInvite had to feel instant while doing all of that in the background, and it had to degrade gracefully when someone opened an invitation on hotel wifi.

How we shipped it

We prototyped the invitation flow before writing production code, then built the app natively so camera access and playback stayed smooth. Uploads were made resumable, media was transcoded server-side for consistent playback, and the App Store submission — privacy declarations, screenshots, review notes — was handled as part of the project rather than left to the client.

Frequently asked questions

Native or cross-platform?

Camera, media and offline behavior favor native. For content-driven apps we often recommend cross-platform to cover iOS and Android in one build.

Do you handle App Store submission?

Yes, including listing copy, screenshots, privacy answers and responding to review feedback.

What does an iOS app cost?

A focused v1 usually runs $30,000 to $120,000 depending on backend needs, media handling and account features.

Capabilities used on this project

  • Rapid prototyping services

    3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting and functional prototype builds with published materials, tolerances and lead times.

How an iOS app goes from idea to App Store

  1. 1. Prototype the core flow before building anything

    One flow — the thing the app exists to do — gets designed and tested as a clickable prototype. Fixing a flow in design costs hours; fixing it in code costs weeks.

  2. 2. Build native where it matters

    Camera, video and share features are where cross-platform shortcuts show. Media-heavy apps earn their native build; the App Store audience notices jank immediately.

  3. 3. Treat App Store review as a deliverable

    Metadata, screenshots, privacy disclosures and a review-ready build are scheduled work, not an afterthought. Most first submissions get one rejection; planning for it keeps launch dates honest.

  4. 4. Ship the smallest lovable version

    Version one does the core flow well and nothing else. Every additional feature before launch is delay without validation.

iOS build approaches
ApproachBest forTrade-off
Native SwiftMedia, camera, performance appsiOS only
Cross-platformBoth stores on one budgetSome native compromises
Web appTools and dashboardsNo store presence
Development solutionsProduct design company

Questions about this project

Straight answers from the engineers who ran the build. Have a different question? Ask us directly.

Talk to an engineer
How much does an iOS app development company charge?

A focused first release typically runs $40,000 to $120,000 depending on features and backend needs. Media-heavy apps sit toward the higher end.

How long does iOS app development take?

Four to eight months for a first release, plus one to two weeks for App Store review.

Should I build iOS first or both platforms?

For consumer apps in the US, iOS first is usually right — the audience skews there and one platform halves the validation cost.

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