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APP 400 · Mobile apps

Music and Podcast App Development Manchester

A music or podcast app gives listeners a direct line to your audio, outside the big streaming platforms. We build iOS and Android apps for artists, labels, radio stations and podcasters in Manchester, with background playback, downloads, live streams and member-only content.

  • Since 2003trading in Manchester
  • 20,000+UK businesses helped
  • Collect M8Unit 3, 116 Bury New Road
  • A personchecks every file
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APP 400

Business apps

Every job is a fixed quote, agreed in writing before any work starts. No obligation.

All 45 app servicesOr tell us what you need and we will quote it.Discuss an app

What a dedicated audio app does that a streaming profile cannot

On the big platforms, your audio sits alongside everyone else’s, with their branding and their rules for how fans are reached. Your own app puts your catalogue, shows and news in one place, lets you message listeners with push notifications and lets you sell subscriptions or exclusive releases directly.

Audio apps have specific technical needs. Playback must continue in the background when the screen locks or the listener switches app, with lock-screen and headphone controls working properly. Downloads need managing so episodes play offline without filling the phone. Live radio streams need to recover gracefully when the signal drops. Many listeners also expect to use the app through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the car.

Subscriptions and gated content run on a backend that controls who can play what.

Who we build audio apps for

Any Manchester creator or broadcaster with a regular audience and a catalogue to share is a good fit.

  • Independent artists and bands releasing music, demos and behind-the-scenes audio to fans.
  • Record labels showcasing a roster and new releases.
  • Community and internet radio stations wanting a one-tap live player.
  • Podcasters adding bonus episodes and subscriber extras.
  • Churches, lecturers and e-learning providers publishing talks and audio courses.

How we build a music or podcast app

1

Content and rights review

We list what audio the app will carry, where it is hosted and who holds the rights to each part.

2

Player and library design

We design the now-playing screen, library, playlists and search around how your listeners actually listen.

3

Audio engine build

We build background playback, lock-screen controls, downloads, live streams and car audio support on both platforms.

4

Subscriptions and access

Where needed, we add in-app subscriptions and rules for exclusive or early-access content.

5

Device testing and launch

We test on real phones, headphones and car systems, then prepare the store listings for submission.

What you get

  • A branded audio app for iPhone and Android.
  • Background playback with lock-screen and headphone controls.
  • Offline downloads and listener playlists.
  • A live radio player where you broadcast.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto audio support.
  • Podcast feeds pulled in by RSS.
  • Subscriptions and member-only content.

Licensing, feeds and paid content

An app can only stream music you have the rights to. If you are an artist releasing your own recordings, that may be straightforward. For anything else, you need permission from whoever owns the recording and the song. In the UK, playing music to the public generally involves licensing through PRS for Music and PPL. Radio stations and apps using other people’s music should confirm their licences cover app streaming. We build the app; you should take legal advice on the licences your use needs.

Podcasts are simpler to connect. Most hosting platforms publish an RSS feed, and the app reads it so new episodes appear automatically. Bonus episodes for subscribers can sit on a private feed or in your backend.

For paid audio, the app stores generally require their own in-app purchase systems for digital content. Our membership app page covers member tiers in more depth.

Frequently asked questions

Will audio keep playing when the phone is locked?

Yes. We set up background audio on both iOS and Android, so playback continues with the screen off or another app open. Lock-screen artwork, play and skip controls, and headphone buttons all work, and playback pauses properly when a call comes in.

Can listeners download tracks or episodes?

Yes. Downloads are stored inside the app for offline listening, with options to delete them or limit storage. For paid content, downloads stay locked to the subscriber’s account rather than being exported as files they could share.

Can I play other artists’ music in my app?

Only with the right permissions. You need rights for both the recording and the underlying song, and UK use typically involves PRS for Music and PPL. We can build the app, but you should confirm licensing with the rights holders and take legal advice first.

Does the app work in the car?

We add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto audio support so listeners can browse and play through the car’s screen and controls. Car interfaces are deliberately simple, so we design a short, clear menu of recent items, playlists and live stations.

Can I keep my existing podcast host?

Yes. The app reads your existing RSS feed, so you keep publishing as you do now and new episodes appear in the app automatically. Your listeners on other podcast apps are unaffected.

Related services

Tell us about your audience and the audio you publish, and we will put together a plan and a fixed quote for your app: start a music app quote, call 0161 315 1151 or send a WhatsApp to 07737 902425.

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