“WEBTOON is one of the most innovative companies in the entertainment industry.”
– Forbes
Quick Summary: Find out how to develop an app like WEBTOON. This blog offers a succinct summary to assist you in starting your road towards developing a successful comics app, from conception to recruiting qualified developers and putting user-friendly features in place.
Are you someone who is already stunned by the world of WEBTOON comics? If you are, some of you must be curious to know how it all happened. So why not join us on this fun ride to develop an app like WEBTOON using our detailed guide? Uncover the magic of app creation as we walk you through key steps, from idea to launch.
Get to know about user-friendly designs, interactive features, and money-making plans that put WEBTOON on the world’s stage. This blog is your guide to turning creative thoughts into a smooth online journey. Dive into storytelling through tech, discover why WEBTOON is a hit, and encourage yourself to make an app that grabs global attention.
Whether you’re an experienced businessman or a startup, come along as we simplify the process, providing advice and hints to assist you in manga reading app development dream.
Are you ready to jump on this exciting ride? Let’s dive into the era of app development together.
Table of Contents
What is a WEBTOON?
WEBTOON, launched by JunKoo Kim in 2004, is a favorite platform for digital comics. Its triumph is evident in its 100+ million global downloads and 3.33M reviews. Current data from January 2022 confirms ongoing reader interest in WEBTOON’s varied comic selection. The free manga reading apps show enticing reader activity with millions of regular users.
WEBTOON’s global popularity demonstrates the compelling nature of digital narratives. It presents a broad spectrum of webcomics, enticing both creators and avid readers. Manga reader app shines with an approachable interface and hands-on tools. It’s a real game-changer, giving apps like WEBTOON a run for their money.
MangaToon -A Popular App Like WEBTOON
Since 2015, MangaToon has had more than 100 million downloads, marking it a top global manga reader app. The founder’s name is a secret, but its easy reading journey and a massive collection of manga, manhwa, and manhua have earned it a high 4.6-star rating on Google Play and 4.5 stars on the App Store.
It gets millions of users every month and releases free comics every week. Fans of reading, whether casual or enthusiastic, love its diverse range of genres like romance, action, and BL. While there may be rare prompts to make purchases within the free manga reader app, MangaToon provides a fun break into the comic world.
Metrics on WEBTOON App
- The global app like WEBTOON market was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 27.4 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.36%.
- Some reports estimate the market size of Webton or top Korean drama apps to be even more significant, reaching USD 56.1 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 36.8%.
- WEBTOONs are soaring in popularity! In 2022, the global WEBTOON market was worth USD 4.6 billion.
- By 2028, it’s expected to jump to a staggering USD 27.4 billion! That’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.36%.
- Some studies predict the market will swell to a mighty USD 56.1 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 36.8%.
- Well, in October 2023, Naver WEBTOON led the pack! With roughly 8.23 million users in South Korea, it was the go-to mobile app for WEBTOONs or the best comic reading app.
- Naver WEBTOON and Kakao Page were the big players in the South Korean WEBTOON market.
- In 2019, Naver webtoon saw a total turnover of about 597.6 billion South Korean won.
- Forecasts projected that the revenue of this online WEBTOON platform would touch approximately 2.08 trillion South Korean won by 2023.
- The best manga reading app, WEBTOON, claims more than 72 million regular users each month, setting it as a top player in the global webcomic industry
- Based on a 2022 poll carried out across different nations studying the appeal of Korean WEBTOONs, it emerged that the United Arabic Emirates recorded the highest interest.
- Nearly 49 percent of participants there showed interest. Other eager audiences were from Saudi Arabia and Australia, registering 43.3 and 41.8 percent interest from their citizens, respectively.
8 Popular Apps Like WEBTOON
Before we dive into the section to know the stages to develop an app like WEBTOON, you must know about eight popular comic website development leading in the entertainment industry.
App Name |
Downloads (Approx.) |
Ratings (Average) |
Available Platforms |
Launch Date |
Tapas | 10 million+ | 4.5 | iOS | Android | 2012 |
MangaToon | 10 million+ | 4.4 | iOS | Android | 2017 |
TappyToon | 1 million+ | 4.2 | iOS | Android | 2015 |
Toomics | 5 million+ | 3.7 | iOS | Android | 2015 |
Lezhin Comics | 5 million+ | 3.8 | iOS | Android | 2013 |
Comics by ComiXology | 10 million+ | 4.4 | iOS | Android | 2007 |
Astonishing Comic Reader | 1 million+ | 4.6 | Android | 2015 |
WebComics | 10 million+ | 4.4 | iOS | Android | 2018 |
Must Have Features of App Like WEBTOON
To develop an app like WEBTOON, the best app to read manga, you should have a vast knowledge of its features for both panels. Imagine an admin panel in an app like WEBTOON, which helps admins to manage and arrange loads of comic content.
At the same time, user panels help active users in reading comics with their custom tools and methods. In this section, we have covered every detailed step that you should know about before you develop an app like WEBTOON.
1. Admin Panel
i. User Management:
This panel in the best manga reader app offers nifty tools for user management. Admins can supervise user accounts, solve any account issues, and guarantee a safe, enjoyable user experience.
ii. Analytics and Reporting:
These powerful tools analyze user activities, the most-liked comics, and engagement parameters. Admins can use this data to make informed choices and enhance the comic app development.
iii. Monetization Controls:
Admins can put into place and maintain different money-making plans, such as ads, subscriptions, or purchases within the WEBTOON app development. These features are vital to keep the platform going and back the creators.
iv. Moderation Tools:
The pursuit of a healthy community calls for moderation features, which the admin panel includes. Managers keep tabs on chatter, remove unsuitable posts, and implement rules. It keeps the space fun and safe for everyone in the best app to read manga for free.
v. Push Notifications:
Bosses send out these attention-grabbing alerts to all users. It fills them in on new stuff, changes, or exciting happenings. It’s like a secret weapon for holding everyone’s interest and making the experience even better.
vi. User Feedback Management:
Managers use a special system to go over user opinions through the app to read comics. It helps them spot issues, deal with problems, and make the space better.
vii. Security Features:
Admin operation center is full of heavy-duty safeguards. Their job? Keep user details under lock and key, stop sneaky intrusions, and make sure everyone feels safe when sharing and consuming content.
viii. Collaboration Tools:
For the best comic reader app, the relationship between bosses and creative stars is super important. Admin panels play an important part in linking up everyone involved in making and managing content.
ix. Customization Options:
Admins have the power to adjust the platform’s style to fit their brand. They can change themes, too. They make sure the comic reading app development looks to match their goal and attracts the right people.
2. User Panel Features:
i. Personalized Home Feed:
The User Panel has a home feed that adjusts to each user. It suggests comics based on what they like, what they’ve read before, and what’s hot right now. It makes the user’s experience better by giving personal suggestions.
ii. Comic Library:
Users can build up a library of comics they love in their Read Comics online app. It’s easy to find them again. It lets readers save and sort their favorite comics. It’s easy to come back and reread them later.
iii. Bookmarking and Reading History:
You can bookmark and log your best app to read comics history. It’s a nifty tool that ensures smooth reading. You’ll find it easy to jump back in or revisit old episodes.
iv. Commenting and Interaction:
Join in by commenting on episodes in this comic book reader app. It brings readers and creators together. It’s a fun and chatty way to read comics for free in the best app to read comics.
v. Subscription Management:
For exclusive or subscription reads, you can handle your memberships in the best app to read comic books. It includes resubscriptions, upgrades, or stops as you’d like.
vi. Offline Reading:
An offline reading feature is in the user panel in the comic reader app. You’re able to download episodes to read offline. Enjoy! For users with sparse internet connection or those who like reading comics on the move, this comes in handy.
vii. Notifications:
It is the feature through which users get notified of new updates, episodes, and interactions. They stay updated and involved in the latest happenings and community events.
viii. Rating and Reviews:
Users have the power to rate and review stories through the Read Comics app. Their feedback helps authors and guides other users to great content. It helps maintain the platform’s overall quality.
ix. Profile Customization:
Personalization is possible for users’ profiles with avatars, bios, and other options. It lets them show their identity in the community.
x. Social Media Integrations:
Linking up with social media platforms lets users share favorite episodes, comments, and comics. It encourages user-made content and broadens the platform’s scope.
How To Develop An App Like WEBTOON: A Comic Reading App
Now, the time has come when you should dive into the steps to develop an app like WEBTOON. These steps to develop an app like WEBTOON need good planning, adept work, sharp project handling and a great webComic app development company.
You could make things easier by getting in touch with the best entertainment app development company. The team can help you run a project smoothly and succeed. Check out these eight steps to assist you in the creation process:
1. Competitor & Market Research
It is the first stage to develop an app like WEBTOON in which rushing straight to the building process isn’t good. First, carry out deep market research and know your potential users, trending features, and rivals.
Determine what makes your app stand out and think up its main features. Doing this helps discover what the market lacks and where your app to read comics for free fits best.
2. Hire Development Team
It is the second stage to develop an app like WEBTOON in which you should hire a startup solutions company. Get in touch with a web development company that has experience in making similar apps.
Find a squad that gets your idea, holds a history of success, and can provide a top-notch product. Read reviews of past clients, review the firm’s portfolio, and examine case studies to confirm their skill level.
3. Wireframing & Design
It is the third and the most crucial stage to develop an app like WEBTOON. Work with IT consulting firms to develop a comic reading app with exciting illustrations of the app’s blueprint and pathway for users. After the wireframes get the nod, shift focus to constructing the user interface (UI) and the user experience (UX).
An attractive, easy-to-use design is vital to keep users coming back. Therefore, partner closely with the designers to nail the desired aesthetics and functionality.
4. Frontend & Backend Formation
It is the fourth and most crucial stage to develop an app like WEBTOON in which two primary elements comprise the development process: frontend and backend.
In frontend development, we focus on user interface and user experience. Backend development tackles server logic and handling databases. The web development company must employ modern techniques and frameworks for amplified security, scalability, and premium performance.
5. Create & Upload Webcomics
It is the fifth foremost step to develop an app like WEBTOON, where Android app development services aim to include an easy-to-use webcomic creation tool in the app. This tool lets artists effortlessly upload their work.
Features include uploading images, adding text, and arranging panels. We also aim to establish an efficient and secure content management system (CMS) to keep all uploaded webcomics organized and safely stored.
6. Authenticate, Generate Revenue.
Another essential in the process to develop an app like WEBTOON where an education app development company plans to set up a dependable user authentication system that keeps user data secure and allows for personalized functions.
We’re also considering numerous revenue channels like in-app purchases, subscription models, or ads. It’s important to us to integrate a seamless payment gateway for smooth, trouble-free transactions.
7. Testing
Many people skip this step in the process to develop an app like WEBTOON. However, the business app development company must provide an app after a thorough review of performance, user-friendly nature, and safety.
Implementing alpha and beta testing collects user feedback. Fix any errors, bugs, or problems in the user interface found in testing. Making sure quality is high means a sleek and trustworthy app.
8. Launch and Marketing
It is the last stage to build the comic reading app in which you should arrange a smart launch for your webcomic app. Use online promotions like social media, influential people, and app marketplaces to spread knowledge. Set up an analytics system to observe user actions and collect information for ongoing betterment.
Reflect on user reviews and update the app to improve features and resolve any problems. Ensure that you have a team of Android & iPhone App Development that will help you in every detail step of the launch.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop An App Like WEBTOON?
Now that you know the stages to develop an app like WEBTOON, it is time to dive into the cost segment. The cost to build a mobile app like WEBTOON varies on different elements like unique features, difficulty level, the price per hour of the development team, and their physical location. Here is an overview of probable experiences along with a concise table for guidance:
1. Features and Complexity
If your app includes many features and a high level of difficulty, it will increase the mobile app development cost. You might want options like personal profiles, sharing on social platforms, the ability to comment, alerts, in-app buys, and a simple tool for crafting webcomics.
2. Design
The importance of a visually attractive, easy-to-use layout is high. A high-quality UI/UX design can influence your cost of developing an education app, but it’s critical to pull in and hold on to users.
3. Development Team
It is essential to know the cost to develop an app like WEBTOON fluctuates. It’s based on the hourly costs your development crew charges. The cost to develop a mobile application range varies widely based on the location of the app development firm.
4. Testing and Quality Assurance
It’s vital to test thoroughly for a dependable, glitch-free comic reading website. Magna website development services providers ensure to provide website after proper testing and more testing means increasing the overall cost to develop an app like WEBTOON.
Typically, the cost to develop an app like WEBTOON ranges between $8,000 and $25,000. The discussed factors influence it. See this concise table for cost estimates for different stages of creating an app like WEBTOON.
Development Stage |
Estimated Cost Range |
Market Research & Conceptualization | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Design (UI/UX) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Frontend & Backend Development | $3,000 – 6,000 |
Webcomic Creation & Uploading | $2,000 – $3,000 |
Testing | $1,000 – $4,000 |
Launch & Marketing | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Additional Features/Iterations | Variable |
Keep in mind: these numbers are just figures. Your unique project needs and the rates of your mobile app development company may change the actual cost to develop an app like WEBTOON.
A close-knit partnership with your kid’s learning app development team is crucial. It’s all about arranging features fitting your financial plan and customers. Also, it’s essential to think of the cost of reading comics online apps that will come after the launch, like upkeep, upgrades, and introducing new features.
Why You Should Invest In Developing An App Like WEBTOON?
Are you thinking to develop an app like WEBTOON? That’s smart! Webcomic website development trending in today’s tech- savy world. So if you are someone interested in it here are some reasons why you should develop an app like WEBTOON.
1. Rising Popularity of Webcomics
Webcomics, especially among young folks, are booming. The digital version? It’s just a click away on a smartphone or tablet. If you want to develop an app like WEBTOON, you should know it lets you join the user market that loves engaging stories on mobile devices. Many investors have invested in building an App Like Wattpad due to e- learning demand increased.
2. Diverse Revenue Streams
It is an exclusive idea to invest money to create a comic reading app like WEBTOON, as it can have many income sources. So, it could really pay off.
Options like in-app buys for extra content, subscription services, and ads can bring in steady income. Teamwork with artists or creators could result in split profits. By having different cash flows, you can better meet changes in the market and get the most earnings from your best app to read comics for free.
3. Global Reach and Accessibility
An on-demand app development solution that’s well-made can let anyone globally enjoy webcomics. It doesn’t just increase who might use your app but also creates chances to work with artists and creators worldwide. By putting money into features like translation and localization, you can reach a wider audience. Your app will be more welcoming and attract users from all over the world.
4. Community Building and User Engagement
A community-building tool such as WEBTOON helps users who are interested in webcomics to come together. The user experience is made more interactive and exciting by features like likes, comments, and social sharing.
Creating a vibrant community around your app can result in more fan interactions, user-generated content, and brand loyalty. A community-based experience can significantly improve user retention and help your best comic book reading apps succeed in the long run.
5. Branding and Collaborations
To develop an app like WEBTOON, you should offer a chance to establish a powerful corporate identity in the online entertainment market. Partnering with well-known musicians, influencers, and producers can increase the awareness of your app and draw in more users.
Developing a solid reputation in the webcomics sector creates opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships, and cross-promotions, all of which can help your app succeed even more and establish it as a market leader.
How Can Dev Technosys Help You Develop An App Like WEBTOON?
Dev Technosys is a leading comic website development company that has over ten years of know-how. We’re pros at building intriguing webcomic apps. Our veteran developers, boasting a decade of experience, have launched platforms akin to WEBTOON. We take pride in developing accessible interfaces and solid functions that draw people in.
Armed with an innovative team, we guarantee effortless navigation, engaging material, and adaptable solutions. Count on Dev Technosys to turn your idea into a vibrant and visually striking app for reading comics for free. It’ll captivate users and shine in the aggressive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Does It Cost To Develop an App Like WEBTOON?
The cost to develop an app like WEBTOON can vary based on features, complexity, and comic app development company rates. A basic version may start at $8,000, while a comprehensive app with advanced features could cost upwards of $25,000 or more.
2. How Long Does It Take To Develop an App Like WEBTOON?
The development time for an app like WEBTOON typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on features, complexity, and the development team’s size and efficiency.
3. What Are The Benefits of Developing an App Like WEBTOON?
Developing an app like WEBTOON offers benefits like a vast user base, creative content opportunities, monetization avenues, and a chance to tap into the growing popularity of digital comics, fostering community engagement.
4. Why Should You Choose Dev Technosys to Develop an App Like WEBTOON?
Dev Technosys excels in app development, offering expertise, innovative solutions, and a client-centric approach. Our skilled team ensures quality, timely delivery, and a seamless development process, making us a reliable choice.
5. How Can You Monetize an App Like WEBTOON?
Monetization for an app like WEBTOON can include in-app ads, premium subscriptions for exclusive content, in-app purchases, merchandise sales, and partnerships with creators. Diversifying revenue streams ensures sustainable profitability.