TL;DR: Replay allows you to convert a mobile app video into a fully functional, API-driven web application in under 15 minutes by leveraging behavior-driven reconstruction.
The dream of instantly converting ideas into working software is closer than ever. But current tools often fall short, relying on static screenshots that miss the crucial element: user behavior. What if you could capture the dynamic flow of your mobile app and transform it into a live, API-connected web application, all in minutes? That's the power of Replay.
From Mobile Screen to Web App: A New Paradigm#
Traditional approaches to UI generation are limited. Screenshot-to-code tools can create static layouts, but they don't understand the intent behind user actions. They lack the dynamic understanding required to reconstruct complex workflows and integrate with backend services. Replay changes the game by analyzing video, the richest source of information about user behavior.
Understanding Behavior-Driven Reconstruction#
Replay uses a "Behavior-Driven Reconstruction" engine. This means it doesn't just see pixels; it understands actions. It analyzes the video to identify:
- •User interactions (taps, swipes, form entries)
- •Navigation patterns (page transitions, flows)
- •Data inputs and outputs
This deep understanding allows Replay to generate code that accurately reflects the intended functionality, not just the visual appearance.
💡 Pro Tip: Think of Replay as a "digital archeologist" excavating the logic buried within your mobile app video.
The 15-Minute Mobile-to-Web Conversion: A Step-by-Step Guide#
Here's how you can convert a mobile app video to an API-driven web app using Replay in under 15 minutes:
Step 1: Capture Your Mobile App Video#
Record a video demonstrating the key workflows you want to replicate in your web app. Focus on showcasing the user journey, data input, and interactions with the mobile app's interface. Keep the video concise and focused on the essential functionality.
📝 Note: The clearer your video, the better Replay can understand the underlying behavior.
Step 2: Upload and Analyze with Replay#
Upload your video to Replay. The engine will begin analyzing the video, identifying UI elements, user interactions, and data flows. This process typically takes a few minutes, depending on the length and complexity of the video.
Step 3: Review and Refine the Reconstructed UI#
Once the analysis is complete, Replay presents a reconstructed UI. Review the generated code and make any necessary refinements. You can adjust layouts, modify styling, and fine-tune the API integrations.
Step 4: Integrate with Supabase (or Your Preferred Backend)#
Replay seamlessly integrates with Supabase, allowing you to connect your reconstructed web app to a powerful backend database. Configure the API endpoints to interact with your Supabase database, enabling data persistence and dynamic content.
Here's an example of how to fetch data from Supabase using the generated code:
typescript// Example: Fetching user data from Supabase import { createClient } from '@supabase/supabase-js'; const supabaseUrl = 'YOUR_SUPABASE_URL'; const supabaseKey = 'YOUR_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY'; const supabase = createClient(supabaseUrl, supabaseKey); const fetchUsers = async () => { const { data, error } = await supabase .from('users') .select('*'); if (error) { console.error('Error fetching users:', error); return []; } return data; }; // Example usage fetchUsers().then(users => console.log(users));
Step 5: Style Injection and Customization#
Replay allows you to inject custom CSS styles to match your desired branding and aesthetic. You can modify the generated CSS or add your own style sheets to personalize the look and feel of your web app.
Step 6: Deploy Your API-Driven Web App#
Once you're satisfied with the reconstructed UI, API integrations, and styling, deploy your web app to your preferred hosting platform. You now have a fully functional, API-driven web application derived from your mobile app video.
Replay vs. Traditional Methods: A Head-to-Head Comparison#
Let's see how Replay stacks up against traditional UI generation methods:
| Feature | Screenshot-to-Code Tools | Manual Coding | Replay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Source | Static Screenshots | Manual Specification | Dynamic Video |
| Behavior Analysis | ❌ | Requires manual implementation | ✅ |
| API Integration | Requires manual configuration | Requires manual coding | Automated with Supabase |
| Time to Completion | Days/Weeks | Weeks/Months | Minutes/Hours |
| Accuracy | Limited to visual appearance | Highly accurate but time-consuming | High accuracy with behavior understanding |
| Maintenance | Requires significant manual updates | Requires ongoing maintenance | Reduced maintenance due to behavior-driven reconstruction |
⚠️ Warning: While Replay significantly accelerates the development process, it's not a complete replacement for skilled developers. Review and refinement are still necessary to ensure optimal results.
Key Benefits of Using Replay#
- •Speed: Drastically reduces development time, converting ideas into working code in minutes.
- •Accuracy: Captures user behavior and intent, resulting in more accurate and functional UIs.
- •API Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Supabase, enabling dynamic data and backend connectivity.
- •Multi-Page Generation: Supports complex, multi-page applications, reconstructing entire workflows.
- •Style Injection: Allows for easy customization and branding through CSS injection.
- •Product Flow Maps: Visualizes user flows, providing valuable insights into user behavior.
Addressing Common Concerns#
- •"Is Replay suitable for complex applications?" Yes! Replay's multi-page generation and behavior analysis capabilities allow it to handle complex workflows and applications.
- •"How accurate is the generated code?" Replay's behavior-driven reconstruction engine ensures high accuracy, capturing the intended functionality behind user actions. However, review and refinement are always recommended.
- •"Can I customize the generated UI?" Absolutely! Replay allows you to inject custom CSS styles and modify the generated code to match your desired branding and aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is Replay free to use?#
Replay offers a free tier with limited usage. Paid plans are available for higher usage and advanced features. Check the Replay pricing page for more details.
How is Replay different from v0.dev?#
While v0.dev focuses on generating UI components from text prompts, Replay analyzes video to understand user behavior and reconstruct entire applications. Replay excels at capturing the dynamic aspects of user interaction, while v0.dev is better suited for creating individual components based on specific requirements. Replay uses video as source of truth where v0.dev uses a text prompt.
What types of mobile apps can Replay convert?#
Replay can convert a wide range of mobile apps, including e-commerce apps, social media apps, productivity apps, and more. The key requirement is a clear video demonstrating the desired workflows.
Ready to try behavior-driven code generation? Get started with Replay - transform any video into working code in seconds.