Multi-Purpose App for the entertainment platform RTL+

Music, videos, podcasts, audio books and magazines in one app? The new multi-purpose app by RTL+ makes it possible. Thanks to a technical redevelopment for more platforms as well as a solid backend, it offers the users a once in a lifetime entertainment experience.

How can you manage to create a comprehensive entertainment experience out of an app? RTL Germany did exactly that and with the support of jambit they completely redesigned their RTL+ platform in the area Watch broadcasts. Instead of an app for only videos, there is now a diverse multi-purpose app, which doesn’t only combine videos, but also music, podcasts, audio books and magazines.

This extensive upgrade requested a technical new development, which had to compromise several platforms (Android, iOS, Web) and a solid backend.

The RTL+ multi-purpose app (MPA) is built on the original ideas of the single-purpose app (SPA). Due to the demand of a feature team, the project “team watch broadcasts” was initiated. This one doesn't only focus on one platform like previous teams, but also covers the client platforms iOS, Android and web, as well as the backend and makes the development of new features faster and more independent.

jambit developed components for the native apps for iOS and Android to ensure that the MPA RTL+ works ideally on both platforms. The web version was also developed in parallel to ensure consistent user experience.

jambit's first work started in April 2022.

Using Spring Boot, Kubernetes, GraphQL and AWS, jambit developed a backend that remains stable even with high traffic numbers and ensures fast response times. This backend can efficiently process and distribute large amounts of data, which is particularly important for live events.

The integration of live TV features placed particular demands on the stability and performance of the app. Extensive testing and optimization ensured that the app works smoothly even during high-traffic periods such as international soccer matches or NFL broadcasts.

By using agile methods and the SAFe framework, the project teams could react flexibly to changes and new requirements. Regular sprints and meetings enabled close coordination with the RTL team, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation of the app.

From the very beginning, the solution was designed to be easily expandable. This allows RTL to easily integrate future features and content.

At times, up to eight jambit developers worked on the project.

The new RTL+ multi-purpose app manages to combine all content in one app. With a stable, scalable backend and an intuitive user interface, it offers an outstanding user experience. Users now have a much wider range of content available, inviting them to spend more time in the app.

Since its launch in August 2023, the app has reached an impressive 5 million subscriptions. The introduction of FAST stations (Free Ad Supported Streaming) in May 2024 for the app and in June 2024 for the web represents a further milestone that further increases the attractiveness of the app.