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How to Create an App Like CNN?

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The lifecycle of a news item used to be 24 hours in the era when newspapers were the primary source of information on global events. Today, every second, there is a new update, and everyone wants to be updated with the latest news as soon as the events unfold.

The internet has made it possible to access news anytime and anywhere in the world with the tap of a fingertip. News enjoys a considerable chunk of the total web traffic, most of which is attributed to online news services.

However, as smartphones have gained popularity, most people have switched to this uber-convenient device and are turning to mobile apps as a primary source of news. The big players in the world of news, like Fox News, CNN, etc., have introduced their own news making apps.

But creating a news app is not restricted to just the big players in the market. You can make your own app too! I know you are thinking about the complexities of the app development process, the financial requirements, and the time commitments. But there is another way! Opt for Appy Pie’s no-code app builder and make your own news app in minutes.

How does the CNN app work?

The CNN app is a brand-name news app for the multinational cable news channel – CNN. The app is a news streaming app that lets the app users watch CNN, CNNi, or HLN anywhere, anytime.
The subscribers can access live event updates for major news events, CNN news programs, CNN original series, and even some of the award-winning CNN movies.

Top features you must add to create a news app like CNN

Why does a news app like CNN enjoy more popularity than so many others in the market? Of course, there is the brand name and authority factor. However, in the long term, a lot depends on the features you decide to include in your app. So if you plan to build a news app like CNN, pay attention to the list of features below.

1. Newsfeed

   This feature is instrumental for any news app. As soon as the user opens your news app, they should be able to see curated pieces of news stories. Of course, they can choose to customize their newsfeed as per their preferences or simply sort it so that they can see the latest news first.

2. Save pieces

   Let your app users save or bookmark the news stories or articles they liked reading on your app. Allow the user to simply browse through their newsfeed and bookmark or save the stories they like. They can come back to your app later and enjoy reading the stories in detail at leisure.

3. ML recommendations

   Use ML and AI to study and understand user behavior and app usage through their app interactions and browsing patterns. Based on this data, show recommendations or news pieces that will interest the user. Getting good recommendations improves the overall app experience, thus improving user retention and engagement.

4. Social media integration

   Make sharing news pieces easy by integrating social media into the app. Let the app users share interesting pieces or breaking news items on social media with their friends, family, and colleagues.

5. Registration & Login

   Add this feature to ensure that all your app users must register first before accessing the content on the app. Once the users register and log in to their app, they will get a more personalized experience. Make sure that the registration process is quick and easy.

6. Notifications & Alerts

   The whole point of your app users downloading and subscribing to your news app is that they want to be updated with the latest developments. Send targeted alerts and segmented notifications from your app to the app users so that their thirst for information is quenched, and they keep going back to your news app for more.

How to create an app like CNN?

Up until this point in the blog, we have already discussed what the CNN app is all about, what it can be used for, and the features you must add to build a news app like CNN. Now is the time to address the most important question in the blog – how to create an app like CNN.

Typically app development requires a deep knowledge of programming and coding, hiring specialized resources, infrastructure, a handsome investment, and a pretty significant time commitment. However, with Appy Pie’s no-code app builder, you don’t have to jump through all those hoops. You can make your own news app in minutes without learning to code and without dipping into your reserves.

1. Give your app a name

   After naming your app, select an appropriate app category, design theme and layout for your app. Choose a device you want to test your app on.

2. Add the right features

   Check out the list above and add them to your app with a simple drag-and-drop action.

3. Test your news app and launch

   Edit your app to perfection before testing it on a real device. Get rid of any bugs or issues in your app. That’s it! Your app is ready to go live on app stores.