Developing an App for Books like Epic – A Detailed Guide

Nowadays, capturing a child’s attention and nurturing a love of reading can feel like a challenge with so many distractions out there. But interesting book apps like Epic are making a difference. With over 40,000 high-quality books from beloved publishers, Epic offers a world of discovery at children’s fingertips. Amazingly, this digital library features content from National Geographic Kids and popular series like Big Nate and The Berenstain Bears, ensuring there’s something for every curious mind.

This explosion of engaging content isn’t the only reason Epic is making waves. The app boasts interactive features and personalized recommendations, creating a truly immersive reading experience. Developing such an app in this thriving space offers exciting opportunities for businesses to not only entertain children but also empower them to become confident and enthusiastic readers.

In this blog, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about developing a book app like Epic, and we’ll also touch on some important points you need to keep in mind to make it a success!

What is the Epic App?

Epic, developed by Epic Originals, is a leading children’s literacy app designed to spark a love of reading. It provides a safe and engaging platform with over 40,000 high-quality books, audiobooks, learning videos, and interactive quizzes from popular publishers like National Geographic Kids. This vast library caters to a variety of interests and reading levels, fostering a world of discovery and empowering children to become confident and enthusiastic readers. With millions of subscribers and partnerships with major educational institutions, Epic has established itself as a powerhouse in the digital reading space.

What Makes Epic Stand Out?

In a crowded market of children’s apps, Epic stands out for its commitment to creating a truly engaging and enriching reading experience. One key differentiator is its massive library, boasting over 40,000 titles, including audiobooks, learning videos, and interactive quizzes. 

This vast selection, curated by renowned publishers like National Geographic Kids and featuring popular series like Big Nate, ensures there’s something to capture every child’s imagination. Epic further personalizes the journey with features like “Epic! Reads,” where professional narrators bring stories to life, and “Mybrary,” which allows children to create customized collections of their favorite books. 

Furthermore, features like Read-to-Me, which allows parents to record their voices for personalized storytelling, and SRP or Synchronized Reading Progress, where parents and children can read together on separate devices, foster a love of reading that extends beyond the app itself. 

Key Market Takeaways for Book Reading Apps

According to VerifiedMarketResearch, the book-reading app market is on a fast track to substantial growth, with a projected CAGR exceeding expectations between 2023 and 2030. 

Source: VerifiedMarketResearch

This positive outlook is likely driven by several factors. Firstly, consumers are glued to their smartphones. A report suggests users spend an average of 4.2 hours per day on their mobiles. Bookreading apps offer a convenient and portable way to devour content on the go, perfectly suited to this mobile-first mindset. Secondly, these apps cater to a wider audience with features like audiobooks and text summarization. 

Busy professionals can catch up on the latest bestsellers during their commute via audiobooks offered by apps like Audible, while services like Blinkist provide concise summaries for time-pressed readers.

Additionally, strategic partnerships are also playing their part in driving this trend. For instance, Libby, a popular library app, partners with local libraries, allowing users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks directly through the app using their library cards. This not only benefits readers by increasing accessibility but also strengthens libraries by driving app adoption.

What Features Makes Epic So Popular?

Epic has become a leading digital reading platform for kids thanks to its blend of engaging features that make reading both fun and educational. 

Companies can learn from Epic’s model to create successful educational tools that appeal to young audiences. Here’s an analysis of the key features that contribute to Epic’s widespread popularity.

1. Interactive & Animated Elements

Epic’s use of interactive and animated elements is a major draw for young readers. The platform offers read-aloud options with professional narration, sound effects, and background music. These features bring stories to life, making them especially captivating for younger children and those still developing their reading skills. Additionally, some ebooks on Epic include animations and touch-based interactions, which further enhance engagement and keep kids interested in reading.

2. Choice & Personalization

Another significant factor in Epic’s popularity is its vast library, which includes a wide selection of books across various genres and interests, from dinosaurs to fairytales to mysteries. This extensive collection ensures that every child can find books they enjoy. Epic also employs personalized recommendations based on a child’s reading history, helping them discover new favorites. This tailored approach to content selection enhances the user experience by continually presenting appealing options.

3. Gamification & Rewards

Epic successfully incorporates gamification elements to motivate young readers. The platform awards badges and points for reading time and completing activities, which encourages kids to keep reading and exploring new books. Additionally, the ability to customize avatars adds a fun, personal touch to the reading experience. These unique features create a sense of achievement and make the learning process more enjoyable.

4. Safe & Independent Exploration

Safety and ease of use are critical components of Epic’s design. The app features a kid-friendly interface that is simple to navigate, allowing children to explore and read independently. This autonomy fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages self-directed learning. Parental controls are also an integral part of Epic, enabling parents to monitor reading progress and set time limits, thus providing a safe space for exploration and learning.

5. Accessibility Features

Epic includes several accessibility features that broaden its appeal. Offline downloading allows kids to access books without an internet connection, making it a great option for travel or areas with limited internet access. The text-to-speech and audiobook options cater to children with varying reading abilities and preferences, ensuring that all kids can enjoy stories in a way that suits them best. Multilingual support further enhances the platform’s inclusivity, offering books in multiple languages for bilingual learners and fostering an appreciation for other cultures.

6. Customization and Learning Tools

Epic’s customization and learning tools are designed to enhance the reading experience and educational value. Children can create personalized collections of their favorite books, making it easier to find and revisit them later. Built-in dictionaries and quizzes help kids understand new vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension. Additionally, progress tracking features provide a sense of accomplishment by showing reading time and completed books, motivating kids to continue their reading journey.

What is the Cost of Developing a Book App Like Epic?

Category	Description	Cost Range
Research & Planning		$5,000 – $15,000
Market Research	Analyze existing apps, target audience, and identify unique selling points for your app.
User Experience (UX) Design	Develop user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to ensure a user-friendly and age-appropriate interface.
Content Acquisition Strategy	Research content licensing options, partnerships with publishers, or creating original content.
Development		$50,000 – $200,000+
Front-End Development	Build the user interface (UI) for mobile (iOS & Android) and potentially web platforms.	$30,000 – $100,000+
Back-End Development	Server-side functionality like user authentication, content delivery, data storage, and payment integration.	$20,000 – $100,000+
App Features
Read-aloud options	Text-to-speech integration, audio recording/editing for narration, and sound effects.	$10,000 – $30,000+
Interactive elements	Animations, touch-based interactions.	$5,000 – $20,000+
Personalization	Recommendation algorithms, avatar customization features.	$10,000 – $25,000+
Gamification & Rewards	Badge system, points, and challenge development.	$5,000 – $15,000+
Community Features	Sharing functionality and recommendation feeds.	$15,000 – $40,000+
Accessibility Features	Text-to-speech, multilingual support, offline functionalities.	$10,000 – $20,000+
Testing & Deployment		$5,000 – $15,000
Quality Assurance (QA) Testing	Rigorous testing across various devices and platforms to ensure functionality and user experience.
App Store Submissions & Fees	Fees associated with publishing the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
UI/UX Design		$10,000 – $25,000
UI/UX Design	Creating a visually appealing and age-appropriate interface that is intuitive for children to navigate.
Total Cost Range		$70,000 – $255,000+

Several factors can significantly impact the overall development cost of your book app, beyond the initial breakdown provided earlier. Here’s a closer look at some key variables:

1. Project Scope & Complexity

The scope and complexity of a book app play a crucial role in determining development costs. The more features and functionalities the app offers, the more development time and resources are needed, driving up the cost. Businesses need to carefully plan and prioritize essential features to manage expenses effectively.

2. Development Team Expertise & Location

The expertise and geographical location of the development team also impact costs. Highly skilled developers with experience in children’s apps command higher rates, but their efficiency can offset the cost. Development teams in North America or Western Europe typically cost more than those in Asia or Eastern Europe, influencing the overall budget.

3. Content Acquisition Strategy

The strategy for acquiring content is another significant cost factor. Licensing existing ebooks and audiobooks can be expensive, particularly for popular titles. On the other hand, creating original content in-house involves additional expenses for hiring writers, illustrators, and voice actors. Businesses must weigh these options to choose the most cost-effective approach.

4. Development Methodology

The choice of development methodology can affect costs as well. Agile development, with its shorter sprints and iterative approach, may be more cost-effective than traditional waterfall methodologies for some projects. Companies should consider which methodology aligns best with their project requirements and budget constraints.

5. Content Licensing Costs

Content licensing costs for ebooks and audiobooks vary depending on the publisher, content popularity, and specific licensing agreements. Negotiations and volume discounts can play a significant role in managing these costs. Companies need to establish favorable terms to control their budget effectively.

6. Text-to-Speech Quality

The quality of text-to-speech engines is a crucial consideration. High-quality, natural-sounding text-to-speech engines with character voices are more expensive than basic, robotic voices. Investing in better text-to-speech technology enhances the user experience but also increases development costs.

7. Audio Production

Audio production adds another layer of expense. Professional narration, sound effects, and background music creation for read-aloud options significantly contribute to the overall cost. The complexity of audio editing and integration further influences the price. Companies should budget accordingly for these critical features.

8. Age-Appropriate Design

Creating a user interface that looks interesting and intuitive for children requires specialized design expertise. This aspect can influence the cost, as designers with experience in developing age-appropriate interfaces command higher fees. Ensuring a child-friendly design is essential for the app’s success.

Tech Stacks Required To Develop a Book App Like Epic

Developing a book app similar to Epic requires a carefully selected tech stack that balances functionality, user experience, and scalability. Here’s a detailed look at the essential components:

1. Front-End Development

Creating an engaging user interface is paramount for a book app targeting young readers. Utilizing frameworks like SwiftUI for iOS or Jetpack Compose for Android ensures visually appealing and intuitive designs.

2. Programming Languages

Choosing the right programming languages is crucial. For native app development, Swift for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android are optimal choices. Alternatively, cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter offer cost-effective solutions with a single codebase for both platforms.

3. Back-End Development

The back end of the app handles critical functionalities like user authentication, content management, and data storage. Commonly used languages include Python, Java, and Node.js, known for their scalability and versatility in managing complex business logic.

4. Databases

Deploying a scalable database infrastructure is essential for storing user data, book content, and app information securely. Options like MongoDB for NoSQL or MySQL for relational databases provide robust solutions tailored to different needs.

5. Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure offer scalable infrastructure solutions ideal for handling fluctuating user demands. This ensures smooth app performance and reliable data storage capabilities for growing businesses and companies.

6. Content Management and Delivery

Incorporating digital rights management (DRM) solutions such as Adobe Adept or Apple FairPlay ensures that copyrighted content remains protected, which is critical for maintaining trust with publishers and authors.

7. Epub Format Support

Supporting Epub format is essential for compatibility across various devices and reading apps. Implementing tools for parsing, rendering, and delivering Epub content enhances user experience and accessibility.

8. Audiobook Management

Utilizing APIs from platforms like Audible or Listen Notes enables seamless integration of audiobooks. These services manage audio storage, playback functionalities, and user progress tracking, enhancing the app’s value proposition.

9. Text-to-Speech Engine

Integrating a TTS engine such as Google Text-to-Speech or Amazon Polly enables features like “Read-To-Me,” benefiting visually impaired users and enhancing overall accessibility.

10. Recommendation Engines

Implementing recommendation engines powered by Apache Solr or Elasticsearch enhances user engagement by suggesting books based on individual preferences, thus improving user retention and satisfaction.

11. Gamification Frameworks

Integrating gamification frameworks like Unity or Unreal Engine introduces interactive elements such as quizzes and puzzles within ebooks, fostering engagement and enhancing learning experiences.

12. Accessibility Features

It includes features like adjustable font sizes, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and customizable text colors using specialized libraries or plugins, which ensure accessibility for users with diverse learning needs.

How Will Your App Incorporate Parental Controls?

Building trust with the guardians is essential for any children’s book app hoping to thrive in today’s crowded market. To achieve this, the app can implement a robust parental control system designed to create a safe digital environment for young readers. This system could include sophisticated content filtering mechanisms powered by advanced machine learning algorithms. 

Similar to leading platforms such as Netflix, these algorithms would categorize books based on criteria like reading level and thematic content, enabling parents to set access restrictions aligned with their child’s age and developmental needs. By offering granular control over content consumption, the app enhances parental confidence in its ability to provide age-appropriate reading materials.

Moreover, integrating screen time management features using APIs available on major operating systems further reinforces parental oversight. These tools can empower parents to set time limits or establish schedules for app usage, fostering responsible screen habits while ensuring a balanced digital experience for children. By prioritizing child safety through innovative technological solutions, the app not only meets parental expectations but also strengthens its position as a trusted platform in the competitive children’s app market.

How to Develop a Book App Like Epic – A Stepwise Guide

Creating a children’s book app like Epic demands careful planning, technical expertise, and a proper understanding of the target audience. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to get started:

1. Define Your Target Audience and Content Strategy

Identifying the specific age group your app will cater to is crucial. Whether the focus is on toddlers, elementary school children, or teenagers, understanding the audience shapes the content strategy. Offering a mix of ebooks, audiobooks, and educational content can enhance the app’s appeal. Companies must also decide on content acquisition, balancing partnerships with publishers and creating original content.

2. Design a User-Friendly Interface

An interesting and intuitive interface is essential for engaging children. The app should feature clear categories, easy navigation, and age-appropriate layouts. Customization options, such as personalized profiles and favorite lists, can enhance user engagement by allowing children to tailor their reading experience.

3. Content Acquisition

Securing content is crucial for a book app. Businesses should secure licensing agreements with publishers and authors to offer a wide variety of books. Additionally, exploring options like creating original content or partnering with educational institutions can provide unique and exclusive content, enhancing the app’s value proposition.

4. Develop Engaging Features

Interactive elements within ebooks, such as animations, sounds, and simple games, can significantly enhance storytelling. Integrating a “Read-to-Me” option with high-quality narration, sound effects, and music for audiobooks adds another layer of engagement. Light gamification, such as a badge system or simple rewards, can motivate children to read more without overwhelming them.

5. Prioritize Parental Controls and Safety

Implementing robust parental controls is vital. Features should allow parents to create separate profiles for their children, manage screen time, restrict content access, and control in-app purchases. Ensuring the app complies with COPPA is essential for protecting children’s data and maintaining trust.

6. Technical Considerations

Choosing the right platform is a critical technical decision. Companies must decide between developing a native app for iOS and Android or opting for a web-based platform. Incorporating offline functionality allows users to download books for reading without internet access. Accessibility features, such as text-to-speech and zooming options, ensure the app is usable by children with different needs.

7. Development Process

Selecting the appropriate development approach, whether hiring an in-house team, collaborating with a development agency, or using a low-code platform—depends on budget and technical expertise. Emphasizing user experience (UX) design is paramount, ensuring intuitive navigation and engaging interactions. Agile development practices, with regular testing, ensure the app’s functionality and user satisfaction.

8. Launch and Marketing

Optimizing app store listings with relevant keywords and appealing visuals is a critical first step in launching the app. Developing a robust marketing strategy targeting demographics through social media, educational institutions, and parenting channels will enhance visibility. Actively collecting user feedback post-launch helps companies iterate and continuously improve the app.

9. Monetization Strategy

Developing a viable monetization strategy is crucial for the app’s financial sustainability. A freemium model, offering limited content for free and full access via subscription, can attract a broad user base. Optional in-app purchases can provide additional revenue streams.

How Can a Book App Like Epic Generate Revenue?

Epic uses a freemium business model for its reading app. The free version gives users access to a limited selection of books and features, allowing them to try it out before committing. Subscribing to the paid version unlocks the full library of around 40,000 books, fun audiobooks, and videos for up to 4 child profiles. There paid version costs, 

• Monthly: $13.99
• Annual: $84.99 (billed annually, works out to $7.09 per month)

Having said that, you can also explore some other revenue models for your book app,

1. Subscription tier

Building upon the freemium base, consider offering tiered subscriptions. A basic tier could provide access to a curated selection of books, while higher tiers unlock additional features like personalized recommendations, interactive elements within stories, or access to educational resources. This caters to users with varying needs and allows for increased revenue from engaged users.

2. In-app purchases

Carefully placed in-app purchases can enhance the user experience without compromising the core offering. This could involve offering individual book purchases for titles not included in the subscription or unlocking bonus content within specific books, like character customizations or additional storylines.

3. Partnerships

Strategic collaborations with publishers, educational institutions, or toy companies can unlock new revenue streams. For example, partnering with a publisher could grant exclusive access to new releases within the app, while collaborating with an educational institution might involve creating curriculum-aligned content for a premium tier. Toy companies could offer in-app integrations where purchasing a physical toy unlocks additional content within the app, creating a synergy between physical and digital experiences.

4. Targeted advertising

While this approach might be less suitable for a very young audience, consider implementing targeted advertising for parents within the app. This could involve showcasing educational apps or services relevant to a child’s age and interests. However, ensuring the advertising is unobtrusive and age-appropriate becomes very important for maintaining a positive user experience.

5. Data insights

By collecting anonymized data on user reading habits and preferences, the app can generate valuable insights into children’s literature trends. This data can then be sold (anonymously and in aggregate) to educational institutions, publishers, or other companies in the children’s entertainment industry to inform product development and marketing strategies.

Conclusion 

Developing a book application similar to Epic offers businesses a significant chance to access the expanding market for digital educational content. Companies that invest in creating such apps can cater to the increasing demand for convenient, accessible, and engaging reading experiences for children. By integrating interactive features, robust parental controls, and personalized content recommendations, businesses can create a compelling product that stands out in a fierce market. Moreover, these apps can play a crucial role in promoting literacy and learning, offering educational value while also providing entertainment.

Looking to Enter the Edtech Market by Developing a Book App Like Epic?

At Idea Usher, we specialize in crafting cutting-edge book apps with features that captivate young readers and satisfy parental expectations. With over 500,000 hours of coding experience, our expert team excels in developing robust, user-friendly platforms that include interactive elements, sophisticated recommendation algorithms, and seamless offline functionality. Leverage our technical expertise to bring your vision to life and create an educational and entertaining book app that rivals the best in the industry.

FAQs

Q1: How much does it cost to develop an ebook app?

A1: The cost of developing an ebook app depends heavily on the features you envision. A simple app with core functionalities can be built for a significantly lower price compared to an app packed with advanced features like an interactive story reader or a social platform for young readers.  Additional considerations include the development team’s location and whether you target a single platform or both iOS and Android. Remember, ongoing maintenance also plays a role in the final cost.

Q2: How to create a book-reading app?

A2: Crafting a book-reading app requires planning and expertise. First, define your target audience and content niche. Then, secure book licensing or create original content. Develop an intuitive app with features like age-appropriate navigation and offline reading. Don’t forget robust backend systems and security. Consider a freemium model and user acquisition strategies to reach your target market.

Q3: Is Google Books API free?

A3: The Google Books API offers a freemium model, perfect for exploring its functionalities. You can access a generous quota of requests free of charge, ideal for startups or low-volume applications. However, exceeding the quota or requiring a higher request limit necessitates a paid plan, ensuring scalability for businesses with larger needs.

Q4: Is ebook business profitable?

A4: The ebook business can be profitable, but it requires a strategic approach. While ebooks offer lower production costs than physical books, success hinges on factors like high-quality content, effective marketing, and understanding your target audience. By building a loyal readership and employing smart pricing strategies, authors and publishers can turn ebooks into a viable revenue stream.