App Promotion Summit London 2024 is officially over, drawing over 700+ attendees from across the globe and marking another milestone in the app promotion landscape. This year’s summit not only showcased emerging trends in app development and mobile marketing but also provided a vibrant platform for extensive networking and professional exchange.

APS London 2024 in numbers

The 2024 edition of APS London was notable for its impressive engagement levels both online and in person. With 73% of the attendees representing key players from various app categories—including Finance, Shopping, Health & Fitness, Games, Education, Travel, Lifestyle, and Entertainment—the event facilitated deep dives into sector-specific strategies and trends. This diverse representation underscores the summit’s role as a crucible for innovation and collaboration in the digital ecosystem.

Participants at the summit, predominantly from high-engagement platforms with over 100,000+ monthly active users, found immense value in the networking opportunities provided. The event’s dedicated platform saw more than 2,000 messages exchanged, fostering collaborations and partnerships that extended beyond the summit’s duration. The high level of activity extended to the APS website too, which attracted more than 24,000 visitors and registered over 55,000 page views.

The job functions of attendees spanned across the spectrum, with a significant presence of professionals in Performance & Product Marketing, Product Management, CRM/Retention, Growth, User Acquisition, and ASO. This variety not only enriched the discussions but also provided attendees with insights into multiple facets of the app industry.

In a stride towards sustainability, the summit, through its partnership with Treeapp, ensured that over 700+ trees were planted, marking a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside technological and business advancements.

Trends and insights for 2024 and beyond

AI integration

AI continues to revolutionize the app ecosystem, significantly enhancing user acquisition, creatives, and product development. This technology is also fostering a new wave of fast-growing apps, which are becoming significant contributors to the industry by driving both revenue and user base growth.

Increasing big brand participation

This year’s summit saw increased participation from major brands in retail, fintech, and other sectors. This uptick is a clear indicator of the growing importance of mobile apps as a vital channel in contemporary business strategies.

Focus on retention

As acquiring new users becomes increasingly challenging, the industry is shifting its focus towards retaining existing users. Advances in onboarding processes and user engagement strategies are showing promising results, indicating a maturation in how apps manage to keep their user base active and engaged.

Market growth

Encouragingly, several partners reported their best-ever quarter, signaling a robust recovery and growth returning to the market. This resurgence is a positive sign for the industry’s overall health and trajectory.

Conclusion

App Promotion Summit London 2024 set a new standard for industry gatherings, with its blend of insightful discussions and workshops and high-level networking. As participants return to their desks, they carry with them actionable insights and new partnerships that will undoubtedly influence the app industry in the months to come.

Check out RevenueCat’s five key takeaways from APS London 2024 for more exciting trends.

The post App Promotion Summit London 2024: Insights and trends appeared first on Business of Apps.

Today, leading measurement and analytics company Adjust unveiled InSight, a machinelearning and AI-powered measurement solution giving marketers a data-driven lens to evaluate campaign effectiveness.

With the introduction of Adjust’s InSight, marketers can now benefit from incrementality analysis to measure the impact that particular marketing actions, such as budget increases, have on ROI. This enables marketers to easily analyze these marketing activities against target KPIs – discerning if they provide incremental lift, cannibalize organics or have no effect – to make ROI positive decisions.

“As our industry moves towards a more privacy-centric, aggregated approach to measurement, marketers are faced with even more complexity in understanding the true impact of their efforts,” said Katie Madding, Chief Product Officer at Adjust. “This new era demands new innovative approaches that unlock real visibility. Without it, optimizing campaigns and allocating budget becomes a guessing game and marketers could be highly misled by relying solely on short-term measurement.”

Incrementality analysis can boost a marketer’s current measurement toolkit by uncovering the true value behind new advertising channels, campaigns, budget changes and seasonality that are not being delivered by any other marketing efforts. With InSight – Adjust’s first recommendation-driven solution – marketers can leverage:

• Synthetic control groups that eliminate data variables and leave the heavy lifting to Adjust.
• Incremental models that are highly adaptable and consider many external variables like seasonality.
• Simplified charts that turn advanced analysis into results that are simple to read.
• Intuitive setup that enables marketers to easily run as many experiments as they’d like and get results within minutes.

“Adjust is deeply committed to delivering next-gen solutions that answer the most critical question on marketers’ minds: ‘Is a campaign having a positive impact on my business?’,” Madding added. “With InSight, marketers are no longer in the dark. Our models can accurately predict ‘what could have happened if this marketing action hadn’t taken place’, bringing the precision level to 95%, which is the highest on the market.”

Adjust’s powerful incrementality solution has been in the early access phase, carefully tested and refined with the help of existing customers. During this period, Adjust gathered invaluable feedback and insights to fine-tune the product to meet the exact needs of the market.

“Adjust’s incrementality measurement brought us insights into iOS campaign optimization once thought was no longer possible,” said Jay Christian, Performance Marketing Manager at Pret A Manger. “With their machine learning models doing the heavy lifting and analyzing our historical aggregated data, insightful outcomes and advanced incrementality metrics are available at the push of a button.”

Visit Adjust’s InSight page for additional information. To learn more about incrementality analysis and how to take the guesswork out of marketing measurement, download The mobile marketer’s essential guide to Incrementality Analysis.

The post Adjust launches AI-driven mobile analytics tool to reveal incrementality appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the dynamic world of mobile app advertising, creatives have the power to make or break a campaign. Capturing the audience’s attention, evoking emotions, and driving action can all be defined by the effectiveness of the creatives. Recognizing this role, Smadex is proud to unveil its latest guide: “Maximizing Creatives Impact: Analysis and Insights for Creative Optimization“.

This comprehensive guide offers insights and actionable tips for crafting compelling mobile ad creatives that resonate deeply with target audiences. Drawing from a wealth of data extracted from Smadex’s extensive repository, spanning April to December 2023, the guide encapsulates analysis from over one thousand campaigns, 47 billion impressions, and 1 billion clicks. It represents not just a compilation of statistics but a roadmap towards unlocking the full potential of mobile advertising creativity.

Delving into the depths of creative optimization

The guide lays the ground with a panoramic view of mobile ad placements. From here, it delves into the nuances of placement types, highlighting the significance of strategic placement decisions in maximizing ad impact.

“The Power of Deep Creative Analysis in Mobile Advertising’ section explores Smadex’s second-by-second analysis tool, which allows advertisers to dissect user engagement with extreme precision by gaining a granular-level understanding of how users interact with the creatives to pinpoint the specific moments that captivate users the most. 

Unveiling macro creative trends

The guide also unveils macro creative trends that define the current mobile app advertising landscape. Each trend is analyzed individually, with conclusions drawn to offer advertisers actionable tips to improve their creative strategy. From the concept of “Hold rate” to the allure of thumbstoppers and the interactivity of playable ads, end cards, and Custom Product Pages, the guide covers all trends as potent tools for driving user engagement.

Creatives insights: empowering advertisers with knowledge

The guide comprehensively analyzes what works where in both gaming and non-gaming apps. By turning complex data into actionable insights, Smadex empowers advertisers to shift from guessing to knowing which creatives work for their audience and how to optimize their campaigns.

As the mobile advertising landscape continues to evolve, the need for informed decision-making has never been greater. In “Maximizing Creatives Impact,” Smadex offers a guide, with meticulous analysis and insightful commentary, to help advertisers make informed decisions. 

Download your copy of the “Maximizing Creatives Impact: Analysis and Insights for Creative Optimization” guide.

The post Smadex releases “Maximizing Creatives Impact” guide appeared first on Business of Apps.

With 3 weeks to go until App Promotion Summit London, now is the time to take advantage of our Early Bird offer that ends this Friday (5th April)

The packed agenda features 5 rooms of app growth talks, panels, workshops and interactive sessions.

In-person ticket holders can enjoy our networking coffee breaks, lunch and evening drinks reception

We have capacity for 700 people at The Brewery. If you want to come – now is the time to get a ticket.

Last chance to save up to £500 for in-person tickets.

The post APS London Early Bird Tickets End Friday appeared first on Business of Apps.

Adapting in this rapidly evolving digital landscape and app ecosystem is paramount to success. Partnership remains important, as it can foster stronger offerings across businesses which ultimately benefits consumers.

Recently, HUAWEI Mobile Services (HMS) formalised a significant partnership with AVOW, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at MWC 2024. It underscores a shared vision to revolutionise the app landscape, particularly focusing on enriching the AppGallery’s diverse offerings.

A Strategic alliance: HMS and AVOW

The partnership marks a strategic alliance poised to leverage the Petal Ads platform and other Huawei ecosystem channels, aiming to amplify their collective footprint across global markets. It also enables partners to leverage each other’s strengths.

For HMS, with over 730 million users worldwide, partners can leverage the userbase and the extensive channels, including AppGallery, Petal Ads, HUAWEI Mobile Cloud and more, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the global mobile services arena.

AVOW has benefited from working with HMS previously, helping Lotto24 to maximise its returns by boosting an increase of 170% of install volume, as well as 50% CPA reduction over the course of 6 months.

Robert Wildner, CEO-Chief Executive Officer of AVOW, said, “This ceremony shows our commitment to Huawei in pursuit of countless opportunities for innovation and growth. As we look ahead, we are energized by the prospect of developing cutting-edge co-marketing strategies that will drive our collaboration to new heights in the years to come.”

AppGallery: A Gateway to diverse apps

Huawei remains committed to nurturing an equitable and transparent app ecosystem. Through strategic alliances with leading app developers, Huawei aims to introduce the most innovative and engaging apps to a global audience.

In recent years, AppGallery has been enriched with notable additions such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Gardenscapes, and Epic Seven, enhancing its gaming repertoire for over 230 million active gamers. This ads to the growing list of over 50 thousand games, entertaining the user base globally.

Looking ahead, AppGallery will continue releasing high-quality apps that offer new and innovative experiences to users globally, living up to its title as the best alternative app store.

Huawei at MWC 2024 and HMS industry solutions on show

Recounting Huawei’s presence at MWC 2024, HMS showcases innovative solutions and products for developers and partners, alongside the latest hardware innovations. Concurrently, Huawei seeks to empower consumers with boundless choices, offering a seamless, all-scenario experience.

At this year’s MWC show floor, Huawei showcases numerous innovations that bring new experiences to developers and consumers alike. On-site presentations highlight how HMS can help partners in future-proofing their growth, enabling them to reach a global audience, maximize monetisation, and crucially, expand into the Chinese market. Through these efforts, HMS reaffirms its dedication to building a future-proof ecosystem.

Huawei also partners with over 20 automobile manufacturers to develop world-leading in-car services as part of the HMS Ecosystem. First showcased globally at MWC 2024, the partnership connects the HMS Ecosystem, apps and services, to create a smart in-car experience and navigation system.

Building a resilient and dynamic ecosystem

Huawei continues to be committed to building a resilient and dynamic HMS ecosystem that underscores its innovation, security, and user-centric offerings. The strategic partnership with AVOW brings in a new era for the global app landscape that is set to bring positive outcomes that will benefit developers, partners and consumers worldwide.

The post Huawei announces strategic partnership with AVOW appeared first on Business of Apps.

Airbridge and Remerge, leaders in mobile marketing measurement and in-app programmatic advertising, respectively, have unveiled the ‘2024 App Marketing: Exploring the Trends from Today to Tomorrow’ report. This comprehensive report offers strategic insights for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing, providing an essential guide for the future of app marketing.

The report comes at a crucial time, with marketers grappling with technological changes, privacy regulations, and a competitive app marketplace. It covers essential topics such as advanced attribution analysis, alongside in-app retargeting, navigating privacy updates, and revenue optimization techniques.

Key highlights of the report:

• An in-depth analysis of app marketing dynamics amid evolving privacy standards and economic uncertainties.
• Strategies for navigating Google’s Privacy Sandbox updates.
• Innovative methods for balancing user data acquisition with privacy protection.
• Best practices for maximizing in-app revenue through retargeting campaigns.

“The collaboration between Airbridge and Remerge on this report represents a significant milestone,” stated Roi Nam, CEO of Airbridge. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of privacy-forward marketing strategies, providing our clients with not only data but also the insights necessary to excel in today’s dynamic marketing landscape.”

The 2024 App Marketing Trends Report is now available, delivering invaluable insights for mobile marketers aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital environment. This joint effort highlights Airbridge and Remerge’s dedication to innovation, privacy, and success in the mobile marketing industry.

Download the report.

The post Airbridge and Remerge release comprehensive 2024 app marketing trends report appeared first on Business of Apps.

World AdTech Day (#WorldAdTechDay) is a novel celebration set to spark on March 27, 2024. This special day recognizes and appreciates the valuable contributions of adtech professionals who drive innovation in advertising and form the global marketing landscape. The celebration marks a shift from adtech’s service function to a trend-setting role in the industry.

World AdTech Day philosophy

World AdTech Day’s observance highlights the evolution of advertising technology into a complex realm demanding distinct professional expertise. It pays tribute to the steadfast endeavors of individuals adept at curating impactful and captivating consumer interactions, reshaping the dynamics of brand-audience engagement.

World AdTech Day underscores the crucial role played by adtech professionals, whose mindset fosters synergistic advertising, user-friendly digital products, and responsible online marketing practices.

On March 27, distinguished thinkers and practitioners converge as a united community of professionals committed to various business facets: ad exchanges, affiliate programs, conversion tracking, analytics systems, as well as marketing and advertising software.

Establishing a new tradition to celebrate adtech pros

Media buyers, algorithm developers, big data analysts, RTB programmers, PPC managers, and affiliate marketers are warmly invited to partake in the festivities on March 27, 2024 and beyond.

Participants can signify their involvement in the adtech community by sharing videos or photos capturing their daily tasks or noteworthy accomplishments, using the hashtag #WorldAdTechDay. Whether highlighting a recent project or sharing a humorous meme, there’s boundless opportunity to celebrate the ethos of innovation and teamwork within the adtech sphere.

Key events, activities, and announcements related to the celebration will be highlighted on the World AdTech Day’s website.

‍ World AdTech Day encourager

World AdTech Day is established by Adsterra, a global advertising network that has been fueling the adtech industry since 2013.

Renowned for its innovative in-house ad formats, Adsterra also develops smart solutions for marketing automation, always prioritizing responsible and caring communication with clients, as stated in its Partner Care Program.

Despite setting a debut to the celebration, Adsterra steps aside from heading all further activities. “We want to draw attention to the adtech industry actors as visionaries and pioneers of the most important innovations, not service staff. All who invest time and talent in developing advertising technologies deserve to have their merits noticed and celebrated. This day must become a true fest when professionals all over the globe will share their best achievements and have fun, of course,” Gala Grigoreva, CMO at Adsterra, says.

Celebrate World AdTech Day with the global adtech community in recognizing the brilliance and dedication of adtech professionals worldwide.

The post Introducing World AdTech Day: Celebrating adtech innovators worldwide appeared first on Business of Apps.

APS London is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited about the fantastic list of apps and brands joining us at The Brewery on 25th April.

Our attendee list reads like a who’s who of the app growth industry, with app marketers and product managers from all verticals including fintech, shopping, health & fitness, education, travel, food & drink, and entertainment. Here are just a few of the incredible brands you can expect to mingle with:

Fintech: American Express, Monzo, Remitly, Monese, Natwest Rooster Money, Tide, bunq, Freetrade, Interactive Investor, OANDA

Shopping: ASOS, Vinted, boohoo, B&Q, John Lewis, Decathlon, YOOX NET-A-PORTER, Bloom & Wild, Next, Auto Trader, JD Sports, Holland & Barrett, Zalando, Popsa, AliExpress, Kingfisher

Health & Fitness: Sweatcoin, Paired, NutraTech, Runna, Welltech, BodyFast, Cronometer, ROUVY, Impulse Brain Training

Education: Busuu, Driving Test Success, Memrise, Headway, PlantIn, Blinkist, British Council, Dogo App, Keiki, GoIT

Travel: GetYourGuide, Omio, Trainline, Turo, Skyscanner, Bolt, FREENOW

Food & Drink: Domino’s, Too Good to Go, AB InBev, Nespresso

Entertainment: BBC, Deezer, Sky UK, Tombola, ITV, Paddy Power Betfair, Curio, Product Madness, Spotify

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and discover the latest trends shaping the app marketing landscape. Early Bird pricing is available until 5th April, so be sure to secure your spot today.

The post These apps are coming to APS London… are you? appeared first on Business of Apps.

Adjust, an AppLovin company, has launched The Gaming App Insights Report, a groundbreaking resource offering a fresh perspective on the mobile gaming industry’s growth trajectory and revenue potential.

Released on March 18, 2024, this report pairs global mobile gaming app data with insights from AppLovin and SparkLabs, showcasing significant increases in gaming app installs and in-app revenue from 2023 into 2024. The report highlights the importance of leveraging AI and embracing Connected TV (CTV) as part of a new framework for success in the highly competitive mobile gaming market.

“The perception that mobile gaming is stagnating due, in part, to a crowded market overlooks one positive by-product of this competition: growth,” said Daniel Tchernahovsky, VP of Global Business Development, AppLovin. “We meet daily with partners who are launching new products successfully and at a rapid pace. In fact, Monopoly Go! became a top-grossing game in 2023 – the same year it was released.”

The Gaming App Insights Report, leveraging data from Adjust’s top 5,000 apps and their entire dataset, provides strategic guidance for navigating changes in audience expectations, technology, and measurement complexity.

“By investing in the right tools, prioritizing next-gen tech, AI and personalization, game developers and studios can scale on new channels and platforms, regain install and session volume, and find users that play and pay,” added Tiahn Wetzler, Director of Content and Insights at Adjust.

Key findings include:

• Hybrid casual games are thriving, bringing in 800% more average revenue per monthly active user (MAU) than hyper-casual games, largely due to the addition of in-app monetization elements to titles. Hybrid casuals also had the highest click-through rate at 30%, again outperforming hyper-casual.
• Gaming in-app revenue is climbing, experiencing a notable 6% YoY increase in 2023, and December rising the highest at 17% above the annual average and 21% YoY. This growth has continued into 2024, with in-app revenue already increasing 13% YoY in January.
• Racing and simulation games topped the charts, with installs growing by 61% and 53% YoY, respectively. Arcade games followed close behind, with 38% and 19% increases in installs and sessions.
• Gaming has significantly higher ATT opt-in rates than the rest of the app industry, with the global average up to 39% in Q1 2024 (vs 36% in Q1 2023). Indonesia, the UAE and Brazil have the highest opt-in rates, all at 49%.

Industry leaders such as Hypercell Games and Mamboo Games contribute real-world insights, emphasizing the value of investing in next-gen tech, AI, and personalization.

For further details and to explore the impact of cross-play and cross-device strategies, The Gaming App Insights Report and Adjust’s new PC and Console Guide are available for download.

The post Adjust launches The Gaming App Insights Report appeared first on Business of Apps.

The calendar has turned its pages once again, and here we are, ready to dive into another edition of App Engagement Monthly, your trusted source for everything app engagement.

Brace yourselves for an electrifying ride through the world of app engagement. This month, we’ve curated a special selection of stories that are sure to spark your interest and ignite your strategies. From the unveiling of the 2024 Global Customer Engagement Review to mastering the art of a winning creative strategy, we’ve got you covered.

But wait, there’s more! Learn how brands are turning first-party data into gold mines for eCommerce revenue, explore the insights from the BRAG Index IV, and uncover the secrets to reactivating mobile users like never before. This issue is packed with the wisdom you need to elevate your app’s engagement and keep your audience hooked.

So, keep scrolling for your monthly dose of insights, trends, and strategies that will transform the way you engage with your app’s users.

2024 Global customer engagement review

Dive deep into the heart of customer engagement trends with the 2024 Global Customer Engagement Review. Packed with insights and strategic wisdom, this report is your key to unlocking enhanced engagement strategies. A must-read for forward-thinking marketers!

How to deliver a winning creative strategy

Explore the essentials of building a creative strategy that elevates your mobile app. Learn the significance of marrying innovative content with strategic planning to enhance visibility and user engagement. This guide covers everything from harnessing in-app feedback to navigating market changes, aiming to provide a comprehensive blueprint for effective app marketing. Ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge in crafting strategies that resonate with audiences.

How brands are activating first-party data to grow eCommerce revenue

Discover how leading brands leverage first-party data for targeted engagement , spanning email to in-store, enhancing customer journeys and ROI. Learn tips on tech integration, new channels, and automation for relevancy and growth.

BRAG Index IV

Dive into a study revealing how over 100 brands utilize mobile gaming to foster stronger relationships and engage audiences more effectively. Discover the potential of gaming for brand-audience connection across various sectors, highlighting strategies for impactful engagement.

A Guide to mobile user reactivation

73% of app users vanish within 3 months. But retargeting can help engage users past the 90-day mark with personalized messages. Worth a read for those looking to boost their re-engagement strategies.

7 Trends in App Engagement

Download our 7 Trends in App Engagement Guide, covering the seven most important app engagement trends and strategies to keep an eye out for in 2024.

App Engagement Titbits

• [GUIDE] Mobile app onboarding
• [VIDEO] Designing effective user journeys
• [PODCAST] Smart marketing for smart apps: AI Insights for 2024
• [WEBINAR] 7 Email re-engagement tips to win back your audience
• Wedding dress shopping: A New perspective on personalization
• 8+ Stats that prove the value of mobile coupons and offers
• How to iterate on a product

See you in April—until then, keep strong and stay caffeinated!

The post March App Engagement Roundup: 2024 Global customer engagement review appeared first on Business of Apps.

Remerge and Verve Group are among the first mobile DSP/SSP partnerships to work with Google on building and testing the Android Privacy Sandbox.

The companies came together to explore the integration of the Privacy Sandbox in real-world use cases, using Remerge’s demand-side platform (DSP) capabilities and Verve Group’s on-device SDK.

Running a successful “bidding proof of concept” test

Explaining how the test worked, Luckey Harpley, Remerge’s Staff Product Manager, said:

“We set up a test in the form of an on-device, single seller, single buyer auction using the Sandbox’s Protected Audience API (PaAPI). With an emulated device and Verve Group’s test app and SDK, we joined the device to a Remerge custom audience via custom audience delegation. Verve Group initiated an auction which Remerge won, allowing us to successfully render a banner ad via Verve Group’s SDK.”

Gaylord Zach, Head of Mobile Product at Verve Group, added:

“We also initiated efforts to address ‘frequency capping’ within PaAPI. The absence of advertising IDs presents a challenge for implementing frequency capping on the buy side, as actual user information is unavailable – so frequency capping will be transitioned to the device level to ensure effective control and management of ad exposure.”

Positive signs for the Android Privacy Sandbox rollout

The test marks a major milestone in the Android Privacy Sandbox rollout and highlights the progress industry players are making:

“This is great validation for all parties involved”, said Luckey. “Not only does it prove that our products work, but it shows that the Privacy Sandbox’s APIs are working too – which is evidence that in-app retargeting will continue to thrive in the privacy-first era.”

Gaylord stated:

 “For us, the test symbolizes a collaborative effort towards innovation, privacy, and industry progress. The successful execution of these tests demonstrates the feasibility of integrating Privacy Sandbox technologies into real-world applications.”

Check out the full interview for more insights

Read the full interview with Remerge and Verve to learn more about their progress with on-device bidding, and get industry perspectives from both the sell side and buy side.

The post Remerge and Verve Group pioneer on-device bidding for Android Privacy Sandbox appeared first on Business of Apps.

In an exciting development for mindfulness and technology enthusiasts, Moonly, a popular app known for blending psychology, spiritual practices, and the lunar calendar, has unveiled a significant update that is set to revolutionize the way users interpret their dreams. This latest feature, a cutting-edge online dream dictionary, employs artificial intelligence (AI) to provide users with immediate psychological insights into their dreams.

The app, which boasts over 6 million downloads, now allows users to input their dreams into a designated field and receive a detailed interpretation within seconds. Each interpretation is not only text-based but is also accompanied by a unique image that visually represents the dream, enhancing the user experience. This innovative use of AI in dream analysis is powered by ChatGPT for text generation and the Stable Diffusion model for image creation. These technologies work together to analyze dreams following the psychoanalytic approach pioneered by Sigmund Freud, offering users a modern twist on traditional dream interpretation methods.

Moonly’s founder, Vitaliy Urban, emphasized the app’s mission to aid in personal development and self-awareness through the new feature. “The implementation of artificial intelligence in Moonly allows users to gain insights into the meaning of their dreams immediately upon waking up,” Urban stated, highlighting the convenience and depth of understanding that the app aims to provide its users.

The dream interpretation feature, named “The Dreamer,” is readily accessible on the app’s home screen under the Calendar section. Users are allowed one interpretation per day, with the feature resetting at 12pm. Although currently exclusive to iOS users, an Android version is expected to be released soon. The free version of the app permits up to two dream interpretations, with additional usage available through a paid subscription.

The post Moonly for iPhone updated with AI dream interpretation appeared first on Business of Apps.

Welcome to the spring of 2024, that was fast, right? And that’s the point – the app industry fires on all cylinders and it’s hard to keep up.

Generative AI has been shaping the app marketing landscape for more than a year, helping marketers with app engagement and retention. Now, you need to optimize metadata of all your apps and leg behind when many of your competitors use heavily ChatGPT to improve their keywords set, to optimize their app’s marketing copy even more effective.

We are fully committed to help you being up-to-date with the latest updates, how-tos, case studies to make the most of conducting App Store Optimization for your app portfolio.

In this issue of the ASO Monthly we feature, btw you can subscribe to it here.

Discover How App Store Top Charts Impact your App’s Keywords

Joy Rubinstein Portman of yellowHEAD dives deep into how the App Store Top Charts work. Joy touches on what are the Top Charts and category rankings, differences between the Top Charts on Google Play and the App Store. As well as understanding between the major App Store Charts – Fee, Paid, and Grossing, what factors influence the ranking, how category ranking impact the app’s positioning for keywords.

Feeld ASO Audit Report

Buse Kanal points her ASO microscope on yet another popular app, this time it’s Feeld dating app, to give you an example of how multiple aspects of the ASO process need to be performed. She does a keyword research for the app, as well as its title and subtitle analysis along with assessing what can be improved for the app’s ratings and screenshots.

Understanding Sentiment Analysis in App Reviews

Sukanya Sur , Content Marketing Manager at AppTweak talks in length about what is sentiment analysis of a mobile app reviews. She explains how to make sense of reviews people leave for your app on the App Store or Google Play, how to perform competitive analysis to identify opportunities, leverage review sentiment to improve your app’s marketing, and more.

TechTalks | Monetize to Maximize: ASO Strategies for App Growth 

Adam Landis, Head of Growth at Branch and Thomas Kriebernegg , General Manager, SplitMetrics Acquire (formerly SearchAdsHQ) Agency got together to talk about ASO strategies for app growth. These include: – Enhancing app visibility by optimizing for relevant keywords; – Improving conversion rates with compelling app icons and screenshots; – Utilizing Apple Search Ads for targeted ad campaigns to complement ASO efforts; – Balancing organic and paid acquisition strategies for sustained app growth.

Alternative App Stores and Why They’re Worth Exploring

The article discusses the potential of alternative app stores beyond Google Play and Apple App Store, highlighting platforms from major device manufacturers like Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and more. These stores offer unique opportunities for app developers to reach new audiences and stand out in a less crowded space. The benefits include reaching niche audiences, less competition, and features like dynamic pre-installs and on-device recommendation models. Statistics and insights emphasize the growing Android market and the advantages of using these platforms for app distribution and user acquisition.

App Store Optimization Guide

Download our App Store Optimization guide, covering all aspects of this essential app marketing technique to drive native traffic to your mobile app.

App Store Optimization Goodies 

These are just a few cookies I’m sure you wouldn’t mind “to have as a dessert” after reading the main list of articles.

#146: ASO with ChatGPT with Thomas Kriebernegg, CEO & Co-founder of App Radar

ASO Strategies for all: From Startup to Enterprise

Contextualizing App Store Optimization (ASO) for businesses

Do you like this newsletter and wouldn’t mind to share it? Make our day – share it  with your friends and colleagues, just send them this link .

The post March 2024 ASO Roundup: insights and hacks appeared first on Business of Apps.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the app industry, the need for innovation, strategic insight and community has never been more crucial. That’s why we would love to invite you to join us at App Promotion Summit London on April 25th.

This year, we will explore the themes that are supercharging a new wave of app growth and enabling apps to grow and scale in the new app environment:

Unleashing AI for App Marketing: Step into the future with AI-driven marketing strategies, leveraging predictive analytics and data-driven insights to revolutionize user engagement and drive significant growth.

Improving Retention: Find out how to create that brand loyalty and increase retention rates by monitoring user behaviour, adapting quickly and cultivating long-lasting relationships with your customers.

Driving Product-led Growth: Discover how leveraging the unique features of your mobile offerings can naturally attract, activate and retain a sophisticated user base through outstanding experiences and seamless onboarding processes.

SKAN 4.0 Enabled User Acquisition: As we anticipate the arrival of SKAN 5.0, gain clarity on navigating the complexities of the current landscape, optimizing acquisition strategies within the SKAN 4.0 framework to ensure precise attribution while respecting user privacy.

Subscription Business Models: Gain insights into the dynamic subscription-based app market, exploring effective tactics for acquisition, retention, innovative pricing structures and maximizing customer lifetime value.

New Channels: Explore new marketing channels, from Connected TV (CTV) and Web2App advertising to leveraging Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, to maintain a competitive advantage.

Why join us?

• Network with top-tier industry professionals and peers
• Gain insights from leading app growth experts and product leaders
• Make connections with potential partners and innovative service providers

Secure your spot here.

For every ticket registered, we will plant a tree.

The post Explore the 6 themes driving app growth in 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

When we released our waterfall method of auto-pitching several years ago, the goal was to save time for brands that had identified more influencers than they had budget to work with. The waterfall process meant that as pitches were declined or the pitch window to respond closed, the next influencer saved as an opportunity within a campaign would get an opportunity to work with the brand.

This post was first published on intellifluence.com.

The problem? Some brands have rather large budgets, equally large lists of potential influencers to work with, but don’t necessarily want to pitch everyone all at once. It would occasionally pose a problem with hundreds of influencers accepting the pitch, putting the onus back on the brand to quickly work with everyone.

Introducing a better way, with drip pitching. Similar to how a brand might interact with popular ad platforms to parcel out budgets, Intellifluence now makes it possible to define either a budget or a number of pitches to be sent at a time.

Drip pitching

Source: Intellifluence

But Joe, what if I don’t want to set a daily pitch limits; I want to set weekly limits?!

Not to worry, we took this into account already from active brand feedback. However you want to interact with influencers, whether it be manual or automated pitching, we can handle it. Set daily or weekly limits based on your budgetary or overall pitch-related requirements, or use our previous more immediate style of bulk pitching.

Have questions? Please ask our friendly support team. Prefer to watch videos? Neat, because one exists.

The post Intellifluence offers brands a more granular drip pitching solution appeared first on Business of Apps.

Digital Turbine and Apptopia today announced the launch of the BRAG Index IV, pivoting the Index’s scope to focus specifically on the “Brands in Games” (B.I.G.) opportunity. The B.I.G. BRAG Index marks a pivotal moment for brand advertisers seeking to capitalize on the explosive growth and untapped potential of mobile gaming.

With leading publications heralding mobile gaming as a pivotal advertising frontier for 2024, the B.I.G. BRAG Index lists the brands consumed more by gamers than the general population. This fills a crucial void by identifying who is poised to harness this dynamic platform across various brand categories and game genres.

From Airlines to QSRs, Brick-and-Mortar Retailers to Beauty & Cosmetics, the B.I.G. BRAG Index IV highlights over 100 brands with untapped advertising potential in mobile games. Whether targeting fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or beauty aficionados, the index offers invaluable insights for crafting tailored marketing campaigns in 2024.

The B.I.G. BRAG Index is based on a survey of 1,200 U.S. mobile gaming consumers’ brand interest and purchase intent in Q4 of 2023. From these responses, the following interests and brands were found to be the most over-indexed by players of the four most popular categories of mobile games—Puzzle, Word, Card, and Action:

• Word Gamers show an affinity for fitness and travel, with top brands including Red Bull, Delta Airlines, and Panera Bread.
• Puzzle Gamers gravitate towards beauty and adventure, favoring brands like Aveeno, Travelocity, and Lululemon.
• Card Gamers exhibit a penchant for beauty and DIY projects, embracing brands such as Tarte Cosmetics, Ace Hardware, and SHEIN.
• Action Gamers also love action offline, enjoying adventure sports and outdoor activities, aligning with brands like Jordan, Levi’s, and Travelocity.

Jon Hudson, VP of Global Sales at Digital Turbine, remarked: “The B.I.G. BRAG Index is an indispensable resource for brand advertisers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of mobile marketing. Armed with comprehensive insights from the B.I.G. BRAG Index, advertisers across all brand categories can seize untapped opportunities and unlock the full potential of mobile gaming in their 2024 marketing strategies.”

Mobile gaming presents an unparalleled opportunity for brands to connect with consumers at scale. With over 150 million players in the USA alone, mobile gaming boasts a larger audience than top social platforms like Instagram and TikTok combined. US consumers spend an average of 28 minutes daily immersed in mobile games, surpassing engagement on any social platform except YouTube.

The B.I.G. BRAG Index also reveals the profound impact of in-game advertising, which averages up to 22 seconds of attention—nearly ten times the engagement of popular social media platforms. Moreover, mobile gaming offers advertisers access to a unique audience segment, with 21% of mobile gamers eluding traditional social media outreach efforts.

Despite this staggering appeal, brand advertisers have been slow to capitalize on the mobile gaming phenomenon. While nearly 11% of app usage occurs within mobile games, advertising spending in this space languishes at less than 4% of total ad spend.

Download the full report here.

The post Digital Turbine’s new report highlights brands’ with “BIG” opportunities in mobile games appeared first on Business of Apps.

Welcome to the February edition of App Charts: Risers and Fallers where we detail three winners and three losers on app downloads. Data for this series was provided by AppMagic.

Risers

X (Twitter) +20

Microblogging app X doubled its monthly downloads in February, from 11 million to 23 million. There isn’t a definite reason as to the surge in downloads, although Super Bowl LVIII, the Grammy Awards, Africa Cup of Nations and Asia Cup all happened last month.

Microsoft Copilot +602

Microsoft Copilot doubled in monthly downloads, primarily through Microsoft promoting Copilot in Windows and its cross functionality on Android and iOS. It was downloaded 8.2 million times in February.

BHIM UPI +516

The UPI app provided by the National Payments Corporation of India saw its downloads almost quadruple in February, with most of the surge coming from worried Paytm customers. The Indian Enforcement Directorate opened an investigation into Paytm for foreign exchange violations, and barred Paytm from onboarding new customers to its banking app.

Top 10 apps by downloads and consumer spending February 2024

Fallers

Bing -185

Bing monthly downloads halved in February, dropping to five million. Possibly a bit of disinterest or fatigue with the search engine, following its 1933% surge in annual downloads in 2023 after adding ChatGPT to its search.

Paytm -237

Even though Paytm’s main app is not under investigation, the taint of Paytm Payments Bank has led to a slowdown in downloads for the main app. It was downloaded 4.5 million times in February, its lowest monthly downloads since May 2021.

Peacock -692

In the crowded US video streaming market, Peacock is struggling to generate the same amount of buzz as the titans of the streaming world. It still holds seven percent market share in the US streaming market, behind five streaming services.

Want to track the top apps and games by downloads and consumer spending? Check out our App Rankings page

The post App Charts: Risers and Fallers (February 2024) appeared first on Business of Apps.

This February, even though one day longer thanks to 2024 being a leap year, is over and it’s time to take a look at what interesting, insightful and useful for your app business we can share with you. So here comes the February 2024 UA Roundup to focus your attention on insights, trends and how-tos that matter to you user acquisition wise.

It’s given, it’s been more than a year since Open AI shocked the world with ChatGPT, that anything related to acquiring users for your apps is – one way or another – wrapped around Generative AI. But it’s not just that, it is still about people, app users those needs in apps we all need to meet to succeed with our app projects and businesses built on those apps.

Ok, no more dancing around – here is what caught our eye UA-wise this February.

TikTok Shares Insights Into Effective App Marketing Approaches

TikTok has joined forces with Adjust to come up with a guide that covers effective app promotion strategies. Although the guide is based on insights from the Middle East and North African regions, some of its insights can be applied universally. It focuses around three major strategies – driving demand among existing app users, re-engagement, and full-funnel approach during peak seasons.

Why Privacy Matters When Choosing an MMP

Daniel Johnson of Branch talks about the significance of app users privacy when it comes to choosing MMP for your app user acquisition campaign. Daniel stress on questions to ask a particular MMP you plan to work with, making sure you keep your users’ trust, and why privacy should be your guiding principle.

Master Mobile App Marketing with our 2024 Mobile App Trends Report

A brand new report addresses the major questions that any app marketer should be focus on – how to acquire new app users, how to continue to engage them, and – of course – how to monetize your mobile app’s user base. The report consists of the current mobile app marketing landscape assessment, patterns around opt-in rates for App Tracking Transparency year over year, the median eCPI for e-commerce apps, and more.

Mastering Ad Creative in 2024: Optimizing, Testing, Generative AI, and Key Trends

Paolo Vergani, Director, Creative Production at Liftoff, shares a recap of the company’s recent webinar dedicated to ad creatives that do convert. The major topics covered on that webinar were How Generative AI can bolster mobile ad creative, The most innovative mobile ad formats today, the four phases of iterative testing, and key trends for 2024.

App Marketing Agency Insights For Successful App Growth

Favoured team brings a number of insights for how to grow your mobile app successfully. The article goes over unique challenges of mobile app marketing, top app marketing strategies, paid advertising, app marketing agencies to hire, the financial aspect of app marketing, app marketing case studies, and more.

App Store Optimization Guide

Download our App Store Optimization guide, covering all aspects of this essential app marketing technique to drive native traffic to your mobile app.

USER ACQUISITION GOODIES

Making the Most of TikTok

#187: Boosting App Growth with Ad Creatives with Jessica Gotti, Head of Performance Marketing at Paired

Unleashing the power of re-engagement

Do you like this newsletter and wouldn’t mind to share it? Make our day – share it  with your friends and colleagues, just send them this link .

The post February 2024 User Acquisition Roundup: insights, trends, how-tos appeared first on Business of Apps.

Time is running out to secure your spot at the forefront of the app growth revolution. With just a few days left, we wanted to remind you that launch ticket sales for App Promotion Summit NYC 2024 will be ending this Friday (1st March).

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of an event that promises to accelerate your understanding of the latest app growth strategies and tactics. Join 300+ in-person attendees and immerse yourself in a day of insightful sessions led by 30+ industry experts across three dynamic rooms of content.

Our agenda is packed with sessions covering our key themes for 2024:

• Unleashing AI for App Marketing
• Improving Retention
• Driving Product-led Growth
• SKAN 4.0 Enabled User Acquisition
• Subscription Business Models
• New Channels

Secure your spot now and save over $1,000 with our launch ticket offer. This is your last chance to grab your pass before prices increase.

Do you want to exhibit or sponsor APS NYC? Get in touch here to discuss how you can be a part of the event.

Keen to contribute? We’re now accepting speaker applications here.

The post Don’t miss out on APS NYC 2024 Launch Tickets appeared first on Business of Apps.

Adsterra is happy to announce its Sports Marathon. As a top traffic source for iGaming campaigns, Adsterra gives advertisers an opportunity to earn enhanced cashback for their ad campaigns targeting selected GEOs.

Sports season is gaining momentum, and avid sports fans are eagerly waiting for their favourite teams and players to shine on the podiums. It’s a great time for advertisers to promote their campaigns, as the traffic numbers typically soar during tournaments and championships.

Here’s a real quick fact file about Adsterra Sports Marathon:

• Who can join: all Adsterra advertisers (new and active ones)
• Dates to run ad campaigns: February 10 – March 10, 2024
• GEOs to buy traffic from: the USA (US), Brazil (BR), Mexico (MX), the UK (GB), India (IN) or South Africa (ZA)
• Pricing models: CPM or CPC (prepay only)
• Best verticals to advertise: iGaming, VPN, Utility, Subscriptions (other offers are also welcome)

Tips to make a good campaign

With such a variety of sports events unfolding, it may be hard to choose the ones that are really worth considering for campaigns. Hence, Adsterra has carefully chosen matches and fights that consistently attract high-intent audiences, leading to increased traffic and conversions on publishers’ websites. The table below shows select events that are bound to bring traffic to respective GEOs.

Adsterra Sports Marathon calendar

Source: Adsterra

Marathon registration

Registration is open at any time during the marathon, as well as all participants’ activities will contribute to calculating their rewards. However, registration is a mandatory condition for participation. Full details here.

The post Adsterra launches Sports Marathon for advertisers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Are you ready for the new era of app growth? It’s happening at App Promotion Summit NYC on June 27th 2024 at 360 Madison Avenue.

Our previous email got you buzzing about the Summit’s return, and now it’s time to secure your spot for an event that will accelerate your understanding of the latest app growth strategies and tactics.

Join 300+ in-person attendees and immerse yourself in a day of insightful sessions led by 30+ industry experts across three dynamic rooms of content.

The key trends driving the new era of app growth will be covered in our agenda:

• AI-enabled app marketing
• Product-led growth
• Subscription business models
• SKAN 4.0 attribution
• Custom Product Pages
• Predictive analytics
• Media Mix Modelling
• Onboarding optimization
• Retention marketing

Launch tickets are now on sale. Secure your spot early and save over $1,000.
Do you want to exhibit or sponsor APS NYC? Get in touch here to discuss how you can be a part of the event.

The post Get ahead of app growth trends at APS NYC 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Welcome to another Wednesday and another edition of App Engagement Weekly!

In this edition, we’re charting a course through the ever-shifting currents of app engagement, offering insights and strategies to steer your app towards long-term success.

From deciphering activation benchmarks to crafting compelling reactivation email campaigns, I am poised to uncover the keys to sustained user engagement. And with user privacy taking center stage with Apple’s Privacy Manifests, we’ll navigate the choppy waters of data protection and its impact on customer engagement.

So, join me as we embark on a journey filled with insights, strategies, and actionable tips designed to elevate your app’s performance and secure its success in the year ahead. Let’s dive deep and uncover the secrets driving app engagement excellence in February 2024!

Mobile lifecycle benchmark: Activation

Curious about what unfolds after users tap that “Download” button? Dive into Airship’s latest benchmark report unveiling the Activation phase of the user lifecycle. Gain insights into industry-specific benchmarks, characteristics of top performers, and actionable strategies for enhancing activation rates.

Attention, Retention! 2023 App retention benchmarks report

In today’s fast-paced app world, retaining users is crucial. The latest insights from AppsFlyer reveal key trends and strategies for keeping users engaged. From the pandemic’s impact to privacy changes, you’ve got everything you need. Ready to boost your app’s retention rate? Let’s dive in!

Apple’s Privacy Manifests: What they mean for user privacy and customer engagement

In the realm of data privacy, a seismic shift is underway. From GDPR to CCPA, regulations and user expectations are reshaping engagement. Tech titans like Apple and Google are leading the charge with features such as Hide My Email and cookie deprecation. Now, Apple’s Privacy Manifests promise to give users more control over app data sharing. So, let’s find out together what Privacy Manifests mean for your customer engagement efforts.

Reactivation email campaigns: Strategies for bringing dormant users back to your app

Ever felt like your users slipped through the cracks? If you have, you’re not alone. Time to find out how email can salvage those relationships. Discover segmentation secrets, personalized messaging tips, and more to win back your dormant users. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later!

Increasing retention with the NCAM framework

Learn more about the NCAM framework (freshly coined, so you know it’s hot ) and how it can be leveraged to increase W4 retention by 10%.

7 Trends in App Engagement

Download our 7 Trends in App Engagement Guide, covering the seven most important app engagement trends and strategies to keep an eye out for in 2024.

App Engagement Titbits

• [GUIDE] App market trends and predictions for 2024
• [VIDEO] Mastering LTV and its prediction
• [PODCAST] Boosting user engagement and app retention
• 2024 Guide to mobile loyalty program: A Customer-centric approach
• Top 2024 mobile marketing KPIs you should be tracking

If you enjoyed what you just read, sign up here to have the App Engagement Monthly email beamed directly to your inbox every second Wednesday of the month. And don’t forget to share with friends and colleagues.

The post February App Engagement Roundup: Retention benchmarks, user privacy, and reactivation appeared first on Business of Apps.

Super Early Bird tickets are selling fast for APS London 2024 in April.

We don’t want you to miss out on saving £500+ and we have limited tickets remaining.

In-person ticket holders can enjoy our networking coffee breaks, delicious lunch and the buzzing evening drinks reception hosted by Customer.io.

We hope you can join us in person on Thursday April 25th, along with hundreds of other app growth professionals, as we teach you how to become a smarter app marketer to grow and scale your app.

Book your ticket now to learn from the likes of Skyscanner, Monzo, Auto Trader, Memrise, Product Madness, Howbout, Paired, Sorted Food, Headway, Nude, Peanut, Sweatcoin, Nespresso, PlantIn and Holland & Barrett and network with the biggest names in app marketing.

Brands booked on so far include Decathlon, BBC, Financial Times, Bridebook, Tide, Nutracheck, Omio, Busuu, GetMyGuide, Driving Test Success, British Council, Next, PokerStars, Too Good To Go, Bloom & Wild, Plane Finder, boohoo, PayByPhone, Moneyhub, Turo, BodyFast, Zalando, American Express, tombola and Vinted.

Reserve your ticket by this Friday (16th February).

The post APS London Super Early Bird Tickets End Friday appeared first on Business of Apps.

January is kind of proverbial Monday for a year, holidays are over and – as much as you would prefer to continue to relax –  it’s time to go back to work.

To fill you in on what interesting and worth of your attention was published about App Store Optimization we’ve just released our ASO Monthly January, 2024 edition, btw you can subscribe to it here.

Today I’ve got for you the following mix of ASO topics. Enjoy.

Securing Your Mobile App: How Security Influences ASO

Levent Sapci, Founder and CEO of ShyftUp, turns to the topic that usually overlooked when it comes to App Store Optimization – app security. It doesn’t impact your app’s ranking directly but it absolutely does impact your app’s users perception of the app, how confident they to install your app and the level of trust to it and hence ratings and reviews they leave for your app.

This growth hack generates 100’s of real App Store ratings for free

Steve P. Young of App Masters takes on effective tactics for generating App Store ratings for your iOS apps. Steve touches on a delicate balance between being aggressive and subtle approaches to generate reviews, using third-party tools to scale your efforts, and how to make sure your latest app reviews are displayed right under your App Store listing.

Blinkist ASO Audit Report

Buse Kanal of ShyftUp  team turns to another iconic app, this time it’s Blinkist, to analyze what can be improved ASO-wise to help the app get connected with more users. All necessary ASO components are covered – keyword research, title & subtitle optimization, ratings, screenshots, and a few more things to factor in.

10 Key Differences in ASO Between App Store & Google Play

Taya Franchville, App Growth Consultant at AppTweak, highlights ten key things that differentiate conducting App Store Optimization for an iOS and Android app.

Strategic App Store Category Selection: A Key Pillar of ASO

Valeryia Haurylavets , Senior ASO Specialist at Admiral Media – Performance Marketing & Growth focuses on the importance of making the right choice of an App Store Category for your app to be listed under. She touches on the role of an app category, how it affects ASO, how to choose the right one, and more.

App Store Optimization Guide

Download our App Store Optimization guide, covering all aspects of this essential app marketing technique to drive native traffic to your mobile app.

App Store Optimization Goodies 

These are just a few cookies I’m sure you wouldn’t mind “to have as a dessert” after reading the main list of articles.

A Framework for Personalized Product Pages

#141: The App Stores reverse engineering with Simon Thillay, Head of ASO at AppTweak

What’s the MVP (most valuable player) of ASO

Do you like this newsletter and wouldn’t mind to share it? Make our day – share it  with your friends and colleagues, just send them this link .

The post February 2024 ASO Roundup: insights and hacks appeared first on Business of Apps.

As we enter a leap year’s February (yes – 2024 is a leap year, finally here comes the one ), it’s time to take a look at what has brought the first month of 2024 mobile app user acquisition wise. Last year this time, we all were overwhelmed with what Generative AI had brought to the table, including for user acquisition, this January looks more like evolution than revolution and that’s ok.

To capture important updates from the leading companies in this space, we publish User Acquisition Monthly as an email newsletter and a Linkedin Newsletter. We understand that today it’s really hard to both push the envelope of your app projects and stay up-to-date with what is going on in the app industry and hence this newsletter.  You see,  the information is there but if only you can find it in one place to read, digest and apply to your work – we want to fill this gap for you.

By any stretch it’s not a complete list but we believe we manage to give you the gist of what you need to know about mobile app user acquisition today.

Put Google AI to work with Search ads

Learn how to use Google AI to create and optimize your Search ads with the new conversational experience in Google Ads. Powered by Gemini, Google’s most advanced AI model, the conversational experience helps you build high-quality Search campaigns that adapt to your goals and audience.

Upcoming: Everything You Need To Know About Quick Links

Join upcoming webinar from Branch that will be focused on Quick Links, a powerful feature of Branch that lets you create and manage links to your app content from anywhere. Whether you want to drive app installs, re-engage users, or measure your marketing performance, Quick Links can help you achieve your goals.

The Benefits of User-Generated Content

Lital Castel of Moburst explains the benefits of User-Generated Content for advertisers. User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to boost your brand’s credibility, engagement, and growth. UGC refers to any content created by your customers or fans that relates to your brand, such as photos, videos, reviews, or testimonials.

TikTok Publishes New Guide on Effective Ad Bidding Strategies

If you are looking for ways to optimize your TikTok ads performance to drive more app installs, you should check out the new guide published by TikTok on effective ad bidding strategies. The guide covers the basics of how TikTok’s ad auction works, the different types of bidding strategies available, and the best practices for choosing and adjusting your bids.

Apple Search Ads best practices: Q&A with M&C Saatchi Performance

The blog post features an interview with two experts from M&C Saatchi Performance, a global media agency, who share their insights and tips on how to optimize Apple Search Ads campaigns. The post touches on topics such as: the benefits and challenges of Apple Search Ads, the best practices for campaign structure, keyword selection, bidding strategies, and creative optimization, and more.

App Store Optimization Guide

Download our App Store Optimization guide, covering all aspects of this essential app marketing technique to drive native traffic to your mobile app.

User Acquisition Goodies

• How to Be Successful as an App Marketer in a Privacy-Centric World
• #182: Your app growth strategy to survive the streaming wars with Chris Puga, SVP Mobile at Creative Clicks
• How to unlock the power of playable ads

Do you like this newsletter and wouldn’t mind to share it? Make our day – share it  with your friends and colleagues, just send them this link .

The post January 2024 User Acquisition Roundup: new tools and best practices appeared first on Business of Apps.

We are excited to announce that the first look agenda for App Promotion Summit London 2024 is now live and covering the latest in app growth and product including Generative AI, SKAN 4.0, onboarding optimisation, retention and product-led growth.

Our in-person conference at The Brewery on 25th April will feature a main stage exploring app growth across the funnel plus 3 workshop rooms and a brand-new-for-2024 roundtable zone.

We have speakers from Auto Trader, Product Madness, Monzo, Peanut, Howbout, Paired and Nude ready to share their insights.

Some confirmed sessions include:

• How to use AI to go from “Established Meh” to Engagement Rocketship – Steve Toy, CEO, Memrise
• The Anatomy of a Winning Ad: Creative Counterintelligence from the Team who Broke the Internet – Bogdana Orzu, Head of Performance Marketing and Maria Dima, Growth Content Strategist, Sweatcoin
• Have your Cake and Eat it Too: Driving Conversions through Empathy-Based Onboarding – Yeva Koldovska, Product Manager, Headway
• From Concept to Market: Transforming a Mobile Product – Jenniffer Camacho, Mobile Product Lead, Nespresso

• Navigating Growth: Power and Opportunities of Web-to-App Funnel – Anastasiia Karlova, Head of Marketing, PlantIn

Grab your tickets here if you haven’t already. We can’t wait to welcome you to the event.

The post The APS London agenda is now live appeared first on Business of Apps.

Founded by a group of specialists with extensive experience in the adtech industry, Bidinfluence stands as a supply-side platform specializing in dynamic monetization through high-quality programmatic video ads.

Сompany’s mission is to improve monetization opportunities for mobile and web publishers, providing them with cutting-edge programmatic technology. While the synergy of built-in AI/ML algorithms and human team experience unlocks additional optimization potential, a convenient platform interface makes it simple for every publisher to start growing their revenue.

Bidinfluence allows customers to automate monetization, offering an SSP powered by real-time data. Competitive eCPM, professional support, various integration types like oRTB, Header Bidding, VAST/VPAID, and high fill rate are only the beginning. With complete control over the inventory and real-time dashboards, publishers can monetize all traffic types and formats available in the industry with the next level of efficiency.

The Bidinfluence logo deliberately represents the impact on the programmatic advertising, SSP, and digital product monetization markets. The carefully chosen symbols embody the company’s influence and commitment to shaping these industries. The name “Bidinfluence” itself is a fusion of “bid,” a fundamental element in programmatic advertising, and “influence,” signifying the brand’s impactful relationship with the market.

“As Bidinfluence emerges, we aim to create a brand that communicates our core values and resonates with industry players. Our identity reflects dedication to providing innovative solutions that drive success for publishers in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” – said Daniel Kalinovskij, Chief Executive Officer of Bidinfluence.

For further information, please contact us via our new site and social media:

• https://bidinfluence.com/contacts
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/bidindluence

The post The programmatic monetization space welcomes a new face—Bidinfluence appeared first on Business of Apps.

App Promotion Summit London is gearing up for an explosive 2024 edition, and we want YOU to be a part of the action.

Ticket sales are up 12% on last year’s conference and we are on track to hit 700+ in-person attendees at The Brewery on Thursday 25th April – making this our biggest APS event ever.

Here’s a sneak peek into the irresistible momentum building up:

– We’ve registered app growth and apps including product leaders from Europe’s top apps such as Vinted, Financial Times, Nutracheck, Busuu, Driving Test Success, PokerStars, Bloom & Wild, Plane Finder, boohoo, Moneyhub, Turo, BodyFast, American Express and Decathlon

– We’re joined by partners from the app industry’s leading players including Appsflyer, Onesignal, Quantum Metric, Stream, madduck, appier, Avow Technologies, Remerge and apptweak. Get in touch to join them.

– The speaker faculty features contributors from apps like Memrise, Product Madness, Sweatcoin, Howbout, Auto Trader, Peanut, Nespresso, Paired, Sorted Food, Headway, Nude, PlantIn and Monzo

– The exhibition area is filling up with showcases of the best user acquisition services, app engagement platforms, app marketing agencies, data and analytics tools available today.  Reserve a spot here at what will be Europe’s biggest dedicated app marketing expo.

– The agenda is coming along nicely and will be covering the latest app growth topics including Generative AI creatives, product-led growth, the latest approaches to retention and SkAdnetwork enabled user acquisition. By the way, we’ll have 5 rooms of content this year, allowing us to pack in even more talks, interactive workshops and roundtable discussions. More on that soon …

Want to attend? Have questions? Get in touch with us any time.

The post Get EXCITED for APS London appeared first on Business of Apps.

Chances are it happened to you too – some of the apps on your phone let you down when you needed them the most. They crashed when you needed that small piece of information for something important and relevant at that moment. Wouldn’t be awesome if that never happened?

Join our webinar featuring Colin Contreary, Head of Content at Embrace and James Cooper, Director, Business of Apps  on February 28th 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm GMT / 7pm CET to learn from Embrace’s case studies featuring Adidas, Cameo, and GOAT.

Register for the webinar here.

The post Better App experiences: Win the battle against crashes and ANRs appeared first on Business of Apps.

We’re excited to announce the dates for our 2024 US events.

App Promotion Summit NYC will return to 360 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday 27th June.

App Promotion Summit SF is back at the W Hotel in SoMa on Thursday 26th September in a new larger space including breakout rooms and an exhibition area.

We’ll be exploring the new era of app growth and bringing you the latest trends and practical advice in a range of talks, interactive workshops, panel discussions and roundtable sessions (with plenty to get your teeth into!).

You’ll be able to learn and connect with America’s leading app marketers.

As always, the finest 5* food and drinks will be on offer in a super-friendly atmosphere.

Launch tickets are now on sale for both events and you can save over $1,000:

• APS NYC tickets: https://apppromotionsummit.com/nyc/register/
• APS SF tickets: https://apppromotionsummit.com/san-francisco/register/

We will plant a tree for every ticket sold through our friends at Treeapp.

If you have any questions or are interested in sponsorship opportunities or the exhibition areas, feel free to reach out to us.

The post Join us in NYC and SF in 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Mobile marketing platform Gamelight is set to achieve an impressive $1 billion annual revenue in 2024, just one year after its launch. The secret to Gamelight’s success lies in the award-winning AI algorithm, which revolutionizes the way mobile marketing campaigns are being executed.

Gamelight’s co-founder Günay Aliyeva shares: “How did we achieve this? We built a hyper-effective AI algorithm that reaches partner goals without any human intervention, skipping months of manual optimizations. This helps game publishers achieve x4-5 times higher ARPU and scale massively within the shortest time.”

The platform utilizes data points for actionable insights and is optimized to:

• Utilize ML and execute precise AI targeting
• Enhance user engagement and retention
• Drive high long-term ROAS and ARPU

By leveraging its extensive user base across 10 self-published game recommendation platforms, the platform consistently manages to deliver high-quality users to top-grossing mobile game publishers worldwide. Within its first year, Gamelight had already become one of the largest game recommendation platforms in North America, Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

Gamelight is proud to have hit multiple impressive milestones:

• Covering 12% of ad spend of all Match-3 games globally according to the Singular market overview
• Being ranked as the TOP 3 advertising source on the AppsFlyers Index across multiple game verticals and regions
• And being awarded the “Best AI Tool” and “Best Mobile Marketing Platform” titles from multiple organizations

Co-founder Florian Elmies shares what more is coming for Gamelight in 2024: “The upcoming projects that we are working on will revolutionize mobile advertising as a whole, making it more fun for users and more lucrative for advertisers. I am talking about completely new things that have not been seen before. More on that in the upcoming months!”

To sum up, Gamelight is set to reach $1 billion in revenues in 2024, only one year after its debut, because of the cutting-edge AI algorithm. The platform has quickly made a dent in the mobile marketing landscape, providing game developers with a unique strategy to engage users and drive revenue growth. In 2024, Gamelight promises to keep delivering exceptional results, surpassing industry standards and reshaping conventional norms in mobile marketing.

The post Gamelight set to reach $1 billion annual revenue in 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

AdMaven is shaking up the affiliate marketing game by launching its new tool: Content Locker. This ingenious solution unlocks the hidden potential within your content to capture more leads and drive higher engagement.

Integrated directly into the AdMaven platform, Content Locker temporarily restricts access to content until users complete a desired action, such as submitting their email address or participating in a promotion.

AdMaven’s senior management reaffirms that Content Locker aligns with their commitment to innovation and excellence: “Content Locker empowers our partners to achieve new heights in terms of user engagement and revenue generation.”

The power behind Content Locker

Content Locker checks every box for a top-tier affiliate marketing solution by offering an integrated link shortener and user-friendly design.

Here’s why:

• Versatility across content types: Whether it’s multimedia or downloadable resources, Content Locker is compatible with various content formats.
• Integrated link shortener: Simplifies content sharing while capturing valuable user data, which is crucial for crafting targeted marketing strategies.
• Exceptional user experience: Content Locker turns passive browsing into an active experience, increasing conversion rates.

Content Locker unlocks the true profit potential hidden within your content by turning passive readers into active, high-value leads.

Getting started with AdMaven’s Content Locker is simple:

• Step 1: Shorten links with the integrated tool and share them across channels.
• Step 2: Users who click links must complete a task before unlocking content.
• Step 3: Get paid according to user performance and new traffic.

Want to see how simple it is to use Content Locker? Read our recent blog that talks about Telegram monetization.

The innovation continues

The launch of Content Locker kicks off an exciting new era of innovation at AdMaven.

Continually pushing the boundaries of marketing technology, AdMaven empowers publishers and affiliates with tools to tap into buyer psychology to incentivize engagement over passive consumption.

Try Content Locker now!

The post AdMaven launches Content Locker appeared first on Business of Apps.

Going into 2024, the app industry will face new challenges and experience some big changes.

At APS London on 25th April, we will be exploring this new era of app growth and bringing you the latest trends and practical advice in a range of talks, workshops, panels and roundtables (with plenty to get your teeth into!).

The topics driving this new era will be covered in our agenda:

• AI-enabled app marketing
• Product-led growth
• Subscription focused business models
• SKAN 4.0 attribution
• Custom Product Pages
• Predictive analytics
• Media Mix Modelling
• Onboarding optimisation
• Retention Marketing

We are excited to share that we have speakers confirmed from Memrise, Howbout, Monzo, Headway, Nestlé Nespresso, Product Madness, Paired, Nude and Sidekick by Sorted Food with sessions including:

• How to use AI to go from “Established Meh” to Engagement Rocketship
• Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Driving Conversions through Empathy-Based Onboarding
• From Concept to Market Leader: Transforming a Mobile Product

Save 50% with our discounted Launch ticket pricing and get your ticket today.

The post Get on top of app growth trends appeared first on Business of Apps.

As we bid farewell to the holiday season’s peace and calm, App Engagement Monthly is here to jolt you into 2024 with an invigorating burst of insights, ideas, and inspiring innovation. In this monthly curated edition, I’ve unraveled the trends poised to shape the app engagement realm throughout the upcoming year. Time to get your 2024 engagement strategy ready!

The start of a new year is also a great time to reaffirm a timeless truth: irrespective of economic fluctuations, prevailing political landscapes, or the daily deluge of challenges, the essence of unparalleled app engagement lies in the excellence of your product. After all, nothing can beat a truly outstanding app that captivates and enthrals users from the get-go, setting them on a path to long-term retention.

So, as we gear up for the exciting opportunities that 2024 has in store for us, let’s discover the intricacies that make an app not just popular but an enduring user favorite of indomitable allure.

Venture with me as we unveil the strategies, tips, and secrets that promise to define and redefine user engagement in 2024. Here’s to a year filled with app success and tech brilliance!

2024 Insights and predictions eBook

We know what users want—stellar, personalized, mobile-first experiences but, crucially, without giving up too much privacy. But how do you go about achieving just that? The insights and predictions eBook from Airship is an excellent and thorough resource for preparing your engagement strategy for 2024. Speaking with 26 business leaders, Airship has unveiled the key trends that will shape the upcoming year. Check it out to stay ahead of the curve and thank me later!

[PODCAST] “If you don’t have a product that people want, then nothing else matters”

To be fair, the title says it all. Tune in to discover a three-step framework that helps app businesses identify product-market fit, build and deliver remarkable solutions, and invest profits back into the business to shore up their competitive advantage.

What your app user behavior is telling you

Many mobile apps commonly gauge success solely in financial terms. While a robust bottom line is undoubtedly essential for a thriving business, the most accurate indicator of sustainability lies not in how users spend their money but in how they spend their time within the app. So, what should you be tracking in that case?

How to pair Apple Search Ads and in-app engagement to maximize your user lifetime value?

Another one where the title says it all. A solid read to help you achieve high LTV on iOS.

Navigating the Android updates: Best practices for marketers

The Android 13 update has ushered in a paradigm shift, making user consent a mandatory step for sending push notifications. Adapting to this shift necessitates a careful strategy to guarantee adherence to opt-in requirements while maintaining effective communication. CleverTap’s post is a great preparatory read to get ready for the Android 13 update.

7 Trends in App Engagement

Download our 7 Trends in App Engagement Guide, covering the seven most important app engagement trends and strategies to keep an eye out for in 2024.

App Engagement Titbits

• [GUIDE] Mastering app reward and loyalty programs
• [VIDEO] A Mobile engagement approach that doubles MAUs in 6 months
• [PODCAST] Building apps for a billion users
• Mobile marketing in 2024: Phiture’s predictions
• 2024 Marketing predictions and insights

If you enjoyed what you just read, sign up here to have the App Engagement Monthly email beamed directly to your inbox every second Wednesday of the month. And don’t forget to share with friends and colleagues.

The post January App Engagement Roundup: Trends and predictions for 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

It’s estimated that in 2023 mobile consumers will have spent 50 billion hours in shopping apps on Android alone. On top of that, reports show that people are making more in-app purchases than ever before.

So what are today’s top eCommerce brands doing right? How are they using mobile marketing to improve customer engagement and increase revenue in this booming retail landscape?

Join Patrick Eichmann, General Manager for the Americas at Remerge, as he kicks off a new series of the Apptivate podcast in which he talks to experts from the eCommerce industry about their app marketing strategies and best practices.

In the first episode, Matt Hudson, co-founder of BILDIT, provides his take on when it’s time for marketers to launch an app, how to start building one, and why user experience should be the number one priority.

“Your mobile app should not be an island. Your whole team should all be able to support the growth of your app. If you can find a way to spread your mobile app out and treat it like another channel such as email, SMS or web – that’s what makes it less expensive and what’s going to help it grow”, said Matt Hudson.

“For me, an app’s overall performance is the most important thing. People are using it because they want to save time.”

Listen to Marry your customers: Mobile apps for eCommerce brands and explore all episodes of Remerge’s Apptivate podcast.

The post Remerge shares eCommerce insights in new Apptivate podcast series appeared first on Business of Apps.

BidsCube, a full-stack programmatic advertising company, has officially unveiled its strategic collaboration with Pixalate, a leading platform specializing in ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics.

The partnership aims to address the growing concerns surrounding ad fraud within the programmatic advertising space, providing publishers and advertisers with a more secure and trustworthy environment. This collaboration reinforces BidsCube’s dedication to providing safe and compliant programmatic advertising solutions that align with the needs of the digital advertising industry.

“As the programmatic advertising continues to evolve, addressing ad fraud and ensuring transparency has become paramount for success,” said Dmytro Chebakov, CEO of BidsCube. “Our collaboration with Pixalate reflects our commitment to delivering trustworthy and secure programmatic advertising solutions. By integrating Pixalate’s advanced ad fraud protection tools, we are taking a substantial step towards creating a more transparent ecosystem that benefits advertisers and publishers.”

Pixalate’s sophisticated tools for protecting against ad fraud will smoothly integrate into BidsCube’s programmatic ecosystem, enhancing the company’s comprehensive quality approach powered by AI and machine learning. The partnership is designed to improve the overall transparency of programmatic advertising, ensuring that BidsCube partners get the value they expect while holding the integrity of the digital ecosystem.

“Our partnership with BidsCube provides their customers with comprehensive fraud detection and prevention solutions,” said Jalal Nasir, CEO of Pixalate. “We are encouraged by their proactive approach in creating a programmatic advertising ecosystem built on transparency, efficiency, and quality.” 

About BidsCube

BidsCube is a full-stack AdTech company developing a programmatic ecosystem to make digital advertising simple and accessible for everyone. Offering adaptable programmatic solutions, the company empowers market players to harness the best of AdTech. With global trust from hundreds of partners, BidsCube offers advertisers and publishers feature-rich products with a top-notch user experience.

About Pixalate

Pixalate is a global market-leading ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform. Pixalate works 24/7 to guard your reputation and grow your media value by offering the only system of coordinated solutions across display, app, video, and CTV for the detection and elimination of ad fraud. Pixalate is an MRC-accredited service for the detection and filtration of sophisticated invalid traffic (SIVT) across desktop and mobile web, mobile in-app, and CTV advertising.

The post BidsCube teams up with Pixalate to combat ad fraud appeared first on Business of Apps.

This shall be my last post for BusinessofApps. After a decade of sharing insights, trends, and stories from the world of mobile apps, it comes with a mix of gratitude and sadness. If the app world teaches us anything, it’s that things move incredibly fast. So in the spirit of dynamic shifts, let me leave you with an overview of the top trends of 2023.

In 2023, the mobile app industry faced a range of challenges and opportunities that shaped its trajectory. From a decline in app install ad spending to the resurgence of iOS non-organic installs, here’s AppsFlyer’s  overview of the top five predictions that defined the year:

1. App install ad spend declines by 6% to reach $82 billion

The global economic downturn cast a shadow over mobile app user acquisition budgets in 2023, resulting in a 6% year-over-year decline to a total of $82 billion worldwide. Interestingly, this decline was more pronounced for Android, with a 10% decrease, while iOS experienced a 2% growth.

Share of non-gaming app install ad spend trend and % change by category

Source: AppsFlyer

2. iOS non-organic installs rebound with a 9% YoY increase

After enduring a 15% drop in iOS non-organic installs (NOI) in 2022, compared to the previous year, 2023 witnessed an impressive rebound. NOI experienced a 9% year-over-year increase, outpacing Android’s modest 3% growth. This resurgence can be attributed to a 10% reduction in media costs on iOS, along with improved adaptability among marketers and ad networks to the changes brought about by ATT and SKAdNetwork.

3. Total app downloads increase by a modest 2% in 2023

While 2022 saw a robust 10% rise in total app downloads, 2023 experienced a more subdued 2% increase. This slowdown was primarily due to a 4% decline in non-gaming Android apps, driven by declines in India, Indonesia, and Brazil. However, Android gaming installations increased by 6%, and iOS non-gaming installs grew by 7%.

YoY % change in total app installs by country

Source: AppsFlyer

4. In-app purchase revenue thrives in both gaming and non-gaming apps

In-app purchases (IAPs) made a strong comeback in gaming apps, registering an 11% increase in 2023. This resurgence was driven by gains in casino and casual games, while midcore games saw slight declines. In the realm of in-app advertising (IAA) revenue in gaming, there was a 4% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by casual games.

YoY % change in revenue from in-app purchases and in-app advertising among gaming apps

Source: AppsFlyer

Among non-gaming apps, IAP consumer spending surged by an impressive 19% year-over-year. Travel, food & drink, utility & productivity, and lifestyle apps led the charge in this growth. Subscription revenue also soared, jumping 30% in 2023, emerging as a key revenue stream for non-gaming apps.

5. Android remarketing conversions decline by 9% YoY

Remarketing faced headwinds in 2023, particularly on the Android platform, where conversions dropped by 9% year-on-year. This decline was closely linked to the decrease in app install ad spend due to the economic downturn. While India and Brazil experienced declines, the United States witnessed an uptick in remarketing activity, particularly in entertainment, finance, and food & drink apps.

Looking toward the future, the state of the global economy will play a pivotal role in budget allocation for app install ad spending in 2024. Encouragingly, economic parameters like GDP growth, inflation, and market performance are showing improvement, fostering cautious optimism for increased budgets.

The digital marketing industry also continues to grapple with privacy-driven challenges following iOS 14.5. With Android’s Privacy Sandbox and Chrome’s cookie deprecation on the horizon, marketers will need to adapt to a shifting landscape.

The integration of AI will undoubtedly disrupt many industries. And such changes may be disruptive and aren’t always going to be positive.

Stay tuned and keep watching this space. And as always: thanks for reading!

The post The key data trends shaping the app industry in 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

APS London is back on 25th April 2024 and it’s going to be bigger than ever with a new venue and capacity for 700+ app marketers, product and growth attendees and an expanded exhibition area.

We will be covering the latest app growth topics including AI, SKAN, Apple Search Ads and first party data. Apply here to take part as a speaker.

We would like to offer you early access to a special launch ticket. This will secure your place at what promises to be the app growth event of the year.

If you’d like to join the world’s leading user acquisition, analytics & engagement platforms and agencies as an APS London sponsor then contact us to become a partner or exhibitor.

The post New Venue for APS London 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

When it comes to in-app audio advertising, research conducted by Odeeo, an Israel-based in-game audio ad platform, found that more than 90% of audio ads manage to capture gamers’ attention without being skipped. This percentage jumps even higher, exceeding 95%, when it comes to shorter ads. Let’s take a look.

First ads have the highest click-through rates

Based on an analysis of 75 million ad impressions and a collaboration with 400 game partners, these findings shed light on optimal audio ad lengths, volumes, and other critical factors.

Unlike some other forms of advertising that can disrupt the user experience, in-app audio ads can be seamlessly integrated into the app’s content. This allows advertisers to reach their target audience without causing irritation or disruption.

Odeeo’s approach to audio ads is designed to maintain uninterrupted gameplay, presenting players with non-intrusive ads in the form of clickable icons that do not take over the screen.

The research highlights a fascinating trend: the first ad encountered by players boasts the highest click-through rate, with a mere 6% skip rate. This emphasises the significance of a brand’s ad being the first to appear, although it’s not the sole determinant of success.

Time to realising it’s an ad

Source: Odeeo

Turning up the volume

The research also indicates that a majority of mobile gamers prefer to have their volume settings above the standard 10% mark during gameplay. Surprisingly, click-through rates on ads actually increased as players’ volume settings went higher, peaking at 60% before stabilising.

In addition to volume considerations, shorter ads demonstrated greater success, experiencing fewer skips and higher engagement. This trend suggests that shorter ad formats are often more effective in most advertising scenarios.

Odeeo CEO Amit Monheit commented on these findings, saying: “Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege to run thousands of campaigns for major advertisers all around the world. As our offering has started to mature, we’re now able to quantify the impact of different drivers of ad performance at scale, and it’s exciting to share these insights with our partners.”

Odeeo has established its presence across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, gaining a reputation for in-game advertising that seamlessly integrates with gameplay.

Key takeaways

• Over 90% of audio ads in apps capture gamers’ attention, rising to over 95% for shorter ads.
• The first ad encountered by players achieves the highest click-through rate, emphasizing its importance.
• Gamers prefer higher volume settings, with click-through rates peaking at 60%, especially with shorter ads.

The post Over 90% of app gamers engage with in-app audio ads appeared first on Business of Apps.

In recent years, the mobile advertising industry has come under increased pressure from consumers and regulators to limit the sharing of users’ cross-app behavioral data.

In response, Apple rolled out their App Tracking Transparency framework (ATT) in 2021, and Google is currently developing their own privacy-centric ad framework called the Privacy Sandbox.

While in-app advertising remains a lucrative channel, advertisers must adapt their approach to ensure they achieve the best possible return on ad spend.

Remerge is proud to be one of a select few DSPs to play an active role in shaping the future of privacy-first advertising and is working directly with Google, AppsFlyer and our clientele of advertisers to test and build the necessary tools.

To help you navigate the latest developments, we created Remerge’s Mobile Privacy Newsroom. A single resource that aims to document:

• The progress of our work on the Privacy Sandbox
• Updates on ATT and SKAdnetwork
• Strategic insights from advertisers navigating the privacy-first era

Visit the privacy newsroom now.

The post Remerge launches a newsroom for the latest developments in mobile ad privacy appeared first on Business of Apps.

For many years, app stores were the go-to places for finding, selling, and making money from apps. But today, game and content creators want more flexibility and options. They’re looking for ways to sell their content in a more versatile manner that can reach a broader audience while giving them direct feedback from customers. New research from content monetisation solutions expert Coda and Niko Partners sheds light on what’s happening.

Out-of-app monetisation

The report highlights the increasing importance of digital distribution and monetisation methods for mobile game publishers. To meet growing demand, developers are turning to different approaches.

One is first-party web stores, where creators sell directly on their own websites. Another is third-party web stores, where they team up with other online marketplaces. These new methods are not only cheaper than using traditional app stores but also open up exciting opportunities to make money outside of those familiar platforms.

The report also points out the growing trend of out-of-app monetisation, particularly through web stores. This trend is gaining traction in regions with limited credit card access, such as Southeast Asia, which accounts for 21% of global mobile game revenue. In certain markets, like China, third-party distribution contributes to 53% of app monetisation.

“Out-of-app monetisation helps to unlock revenue in markets where gamers have different options compared to Western markets, from alternative payment methods to tighter budgets for game spending,” said Lisa Hanson, President and CEO of Niko Partners.

Web and alternative app stores

Source: Coda

Adapting payment methods

Recognising the diverse payment options in various markets, the report emphasises the importance of adapting payment methods, including e-wallets and phone carrier billing. In Asia, first and third-party web stores have been the norm for over a decade.

With the Southeast Asian games market generating $5.8 billion in revenue in 2023 and expected growth, Coda plans to expand its global reach through partnerships with publishers. The report predicts an increase in mobile gamers from 286 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2027.

Despite challenges posed by a significant “unbanked” adult population, around 40-50%, and over 100 payment methods and providers, the report advocates for diverse payment options. Collaboration with partners who have local expertise, diverse marketing channels, and influencer networks is highlighted to unlock the potential of Southeast Asian markets.

How out-of-app monetisation works

Source: Coda

To make the most of this chance, it’s vital to create a campaign that convinces users to start shopping on a web store.

At the same time, gamers also win when they buy things outside of the app because publishers offer them enticing incentives. These perks can include exclusive bonuses, one-of-a-kind in-game items, cashback deals, special promo codes, and more – all designed to make customers more engaged and excited about their purchases.

Key takeaways

• Publishers are adopting web stores to diversify revenue streams, reflecting a shift away from traditional app stores.
• Web stores are gaining traction, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, responsible for 21% of global mobile game revenue.
• To succeed, publishers must adapt to diverse payment options, with Southeast Asia’s games market predicted to grow from 286 million to 326 million mobile gamers by 2027. Collaboration with local experts and influencers is crucial.

The post Out-of-app monetisation and new payment methods are emerging trends appeared first on Business of Apps.

TikTok has just become the first non-gaming app to rake in an impressive $10 billion in consumer spending, as reported by data.ai. This year, the app has crossed the $1 billion mark for earnings during Q1 to reach $10 billion by the end of the year.

TikTok joins rank of highest-grossing apps

TikTok joins an exclusive club of top-grossing mobile apps, including Candy Crush Saga, Honor of Kings, Monster Strike, and Clash of Clans, all of whom have also crossed the $10 billion revenue milestone.

What’s all the more noteworthy is TikTok’s growth story, with a remarkable 61% increase in consumer spending throughout 2023, surpassing its 2022 earnings by a whopping 15%. Impressively, TikTok even outshone heavyweights like Tinder and YouTube, maintaining a substantial lead of $2 to $3 billion in revenue.

Source: data.ai

The boom in revenues is driven by the US and iOS users in China, both contributing around 30% each, forming a substantial 60% chunk of the app’s total earnings. Notable contributors to TikTok’s coffers also include Saudi Arabia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan, collectively chipping in about 13% of the app’s in-app purchase revenue.

The secret sauce behind TikTok’s financial success?

It’s none other than TikTok coins, a virtual currency. Users opt for one-time in-app purchases, with the popular 1,321 coins bundle at $19.99 leading the way, constituting a whopping quarter of the app’s IAP revenue. These coins are used by users to lavish virtual gifts on content creators, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of digital giving.

Looking forward, TikTok’s financial future appears brighter than ever, with a projected $15 billion in consumer spending expected in 2024. This forecast, coupled with TikTok’s diversified revenue streams, including in-app advertising and the recent addition of TikTok Shop for eCommerce, firmly positions TikTok as a frontrunner in the race to become the world’s highest-earning mobile app.

Source: data.ai

According to Lexi Sydow, Head of Insights at data.ai, “TikTok’s extraordinary success is set to scale new heights, inching closer to the $15 billion milestone in 2024. The app’s innovative monetisation strategies and user engagement showcase its potential to outshine even the most lucrative mobile games, establishing a new industry standard.”

Key takeaways

• TikTok joins elite club: Becomes first non-gaming app to hit $10 billion in consumer spending
• TikTok coins fuel growth: Virtual currency, virtual gifting, and diverse revenue streams contribute to success
• Bright future ahead: Projected $15 billion consumer spending in 2024 cements TikTok’s lead in mobile app earnings

The post TikTok achieves $10 billion in consumer spending appeared first on Business of Apps.

User acquisition is a pivotal concern for app developers in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. AppsFlyer, recognised as a global leader in marketing measurement, attribution, and data analytics, has recently made a strategic move that underscores the significance of this challenge.

Oolo by AppsFlyer

AppsFlyer just acquired oolo, a prominent AI-powered platform specialising in user acquisition and monetisation decision-making. This acquisition reinforces AppsFlyer’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to the ever-evolving needs of modern marketing, growth, and monetisation teams.

Under its new ownership, oolo will operate as “oolo by AppsFlyer”.

As marketing, growth, and monetisation teams expand their roles and seek to optimise strategies related to customer acquisition, engagement, and monetisation, the demand for real-time, data-driven decision-making has reached new heights.

Oolo dashboard

Source: oolo

Here, oolo plays a pivotal role by leveraging powerful AI capabilities to offer insights and alerts that facilitate the immediate optimisation of key metrics such as return on ad spend (ROAS), media revenue, and customer retention. This empowers app developers to make informed decisions swiftly, which is crucial in a competitive landscape.

Moreover, the integration of oolo into AppsFlyer’s ecosystem extends beyond user acquisition. It includes its placement within the Privacy Cloud Marketplace, a groundbreaking initiative by AppsFlyer that addresses data privacy concerns head-on. The Privacy Cloud Marketplace focuses on reducing signal loss and fostering data collaboration within customers’ Data Clean Rooms, all while adhering to a privacy-by-design approach.

Critical insights for development teams

“Adapting to the ever-changing digital ecosystem requires innovative solutions that can offer privacy-centric, actionable insights for optimal decision-making,” said Oren Kaniel, CEO and co-Founder at AppsFlyer. “oolo’s unique technology, team and expertise will play a key role in our continual pursuit to build a holistic platform that accommodates the shifting expectations, roles and challenges of modern marketing teams. The combination of oolo’s innovative technology with AppsFlyer’s industry leading measurement platform offers brands new opportunities to harness AI’s full capabilities to optimise their growth and monetisation strategies. We believe the future of data-driven decisions is in smart AI rather than the static tools which are common today, and oolo’s cutting-edge AI technology enables us to better serve the increasing demands of our customers and meet their evolving needs.”

oolo brings to the table a dynamic alert system that continuously identifies anomalies, growth opportunities, and inefficiencies in real-time, providing valuable support for growth marketers. By harnessing data from marketing campaigns to train its AI algorithms, oolo can swiftly prioritise and present critical insights, enabling marketing teams to achieve better results with less effort.

This acquisition by AppsFlyer follows its recent purchase of devtodev, a comprehensive data analytics solution for game and app developers. Both oolo and devtodev will play integral roles within AppsFlyer’s Privacy Cloud Marketplace, offering data, analytics, and AI providers the opportunity to build products using AppsFlyer’s APIs while ensuring data privacy.

The introduction of “oolo by AppsFlyer” is poised to serve both existing AppsFlyer customers and those seeking independent access to these powerful tools.

The move promises to have a profound impact on the digital marketing landscape, addressing the critical importance of user acquisition in the ever-evolving app development industry.

Key takeaways

• AppsFlyer’s acquisition of oolo strengthens their commitment to comprehensive solutions, enhancing user acquisition and monetization strategies for modern marketing and growth teams.
• Oolo’s AI-driven platform provides real-time insights, optimizing key metrics like ROAS, media revenue, and retention, vital for success in the competitive digital landscape.
• Integration into the Privacy Cloud Marketplace showcases AppsFlyer’s dedication to data privacy and collaboration, while oolo’s dynamic alert system and AI technology enable privacy-centric decision-making.

The post App growth empowered: AppsFlyer acquires Oolo appeared first on Business of Apps.

Chinese app developers are not only thriving internationally but also reshaping the global app ecosystem. Based on new data from Adjust, Chinese-developed apps are making significant inroads into various countries. Let’s dive in!

India Emerges as Key Market for Chinese Export Apps

While India wasn’t traditionally considered a dominant market for Chinese export apps, recent data highlights its significant presence. In 2023, India stood out with an impressive 50% availability rate for Chinese apps, signalling a growing appetite for these offerings among Indian users.

Chinese apps availability overseas

Source: Adjust

Kenya’s Share in Chinese Entertainment Apps

In the same year, Kenya claimed a noteworthy share of the Chinese entertainment app market, with a 33% installation rate. This suggests a substantial user base in Kenya engaging with Chinese entertainment content.

India’s Remarkable Hold on Chinese E-commerce Apps

India made an even more remarkable impact in the realm of Chinese e-commerce apps, securing a remarkable 72% share of installations in 2023. This underscores India’s growing role in the global e-commerce landscape and its embrace of Chinese platforms.

Chinese e-commerce app install share by country 2023

Source: Adjust

Rapid App Session Growth in Emerging Markets

The global app landscape is witnessing a surge in overall app session growth, surpassing the rate of app installations in several regions, including INSEA (India, Southeast Asia), LATAM (Latin America), and MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey). This trend reflects the increasing engagement of users with existing apps, indicating a maturing user base.

App installs and sessions

Source: Adjust

Explosive Growth in Casino Gaming Apps in Brazil

Brazil experienced a notable spike in casino gaming app installations in Q3 2023, with a staggering 168% year-over-year increase. This surge suggests a growing interest in casino gaming within the Brazilian market, presenting opportunities for developers and operators.

These developments demonstrate the dynamic nature of the global app ecosystem, with emerging markets like India and Kenya playing pivotal roles in shaping the preferences and trends in app usage.

Key takeaways

• India emerges as a significant market for Chinese export apps with a remarkable 50% availability rate in 2023.
• Kenya establishes a notable presence in the Chinese entertainment app market, boasting a 33% installation rate.
• India’s dominance extends to Chinese e-commerce apps, capturing a remarkable 72% share of installations in 2023.

The post Chinese aps are reshaping the global market appeared first on Business of Apps.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the 7th annual App Growth Awards.

We had over 250 entries from around the globe with a range of finalists across 16 different categories. All entries were evaluated independently by our panel of judges from the likes of GSMA, Omdia, CCS Insight and IBM.

The winners are:

• App Advertising Platform – Gamelight 
• App Analytics Platform  – Swaarm 
• App Data Platform – Data.ai Intelligence
• App Engagement Platform – Airship
• App Messaging Platform – CleverTap
• App Revenue Platform – Adapty
• MMP of the Year – Adjust
• ASO Company – ConsultMyApp
• User Acquisition Company – Phiture 
• App Marketing Agency of the Year – Kurve
• App Growth Innovation – ShareTheMeal Video In-App Impact Loop 
• App Marketer of the Year – Megan Dean
• Fastest Growing App – Reframe
• Growth Team of the Year – SplashLearn
• App Marketing Campaign of the Year – TATAM x Babbel: Unlocking the Power of Data
• Outstanding Contribution – Shamanth Rao

Thanks to all of the entrants, finalists, judges and winners. The calibre and range of entries this year was amazing and every single entry deserves kudos and praise for their success.

Photos from the event can be found here.

The post App Growth Awards Winners Announced appeared first on Business of Apps.

Generative AI start-up, Titan AI, has just secured over $500,000 in pre-seed funding, led by Berkeley SkyDeck. This investment underscores the growing interest in generative AI, particularly within the gaming industry.

Cheaper mobile game development

Creating mobile games can be a costly endeavour, with some projects exceeding $250,000. Titan AI has devised an innovative approach to this challenge.

The company is a generative AI gaming company that aims to streamline the production of 2D and 3D content for games, reducing both cost and development time.

Leveraging image generators like Stable Diffusion and DALL-E, the company crafts 2D graphics. It then employs proprietary technology to seamlessly integrate these elements with 3D models. Furthermore, Titan AI is actively training its AI to design game levels of varying difficulty, ranging from easy to hard, a task that typically demands significant human effort.

The studio’s primary objective is to create more inclusive gaming experiences, addressing underrepresentation in the gaming world.

Three prototypes in the making

One of Titan AI’s inaugural games, “Aztec Spirit Run,” challenges the prevailing trend by featuring a protagonist racing against Conquistadores to protect the temple’s treasure, offering a fresh perspective on Mesoamerican culture.

In addition to “Aztec Spirit Run,” Titan AI has introduced three other game prototypes: “KPop Dream Run,” “Reptile Dream Run,” and “Holy Bible Run: Jesus Miracles.”

While the runner game template may seem familiar, Titan AI brings its generative AI prowess to the table, offering hundreds of in-game character customisation options, including outfits and tattoos. Future plans involve enabling characters to run faster and collect more items, such as golden skulls.

Titan AI’s decision to pursue endless runner games aligns with research indicating that many underrepresented players enjoy this genre. However, the company remains open to exploring other possibilities within generative AI gaming, such as allowing players to design their own in-game avatars from scratch.

To ensure accessibility for underserved audiences, Titan AI has made all its games free to play, generating revenue through in-app advertisements and paid features.

According to co-founder Fabien-Pierre Nicolas, Titan AI’s funding round signifies “a story of hope and optimism in the current ‘doom and gloom’ in the gaming industry: a new studio raising money with a positive mission for the world”.

Key takeaways

• Titan AI secures $500,000 in pre-seed funding, highlighting the rise of generative AI in gaming.
• Titan AI aims to reduce mobile game development costs and time by harnessing generative AI for 2D and 3D content.
• The studio’s inclusive approach challenges gaming norms, offering unique game prototypes and customization options for underrepresented players.

The post Titan AI secures $500,000 in pre-seed funding for gaming app development using generative AI appeared first on Business of Apps.

In 2023, hybrid casual games have seen a significant boost in revenues, surging by 30%. That’s according to the latest data from SensorTower. Let’s dive in.

Hybrid casual is on a roll

As we approach the end of the year, mobile hybrid casual games are expected to make over $2.1 billion in total revenue.

The biggest increases in revenue were seen in action-based and puzzle hybrid games. The overall genre has experienced a remarkable fourfold increase in annual revenue since 2019 when it was at $600 million.

In China alone, the top 10 hybrid casual games of 2023 have made nearly $600 million in total, almost matching the global milestone set four years ago. Interestingly, this growth is not limited to a specific type of game, as hyper casual games have become less popular in China this year. Moreover, in 2023, China’s top 30 mobile revenue earners have shifted from 20% hybrid casual games in 2019 to a substantial 43%, claiming nearly half of the list in this important market.

Trend in mobile in-game purchases

Source: Sensor Tower

Globally, hybrid casual game revenues reached $1.6 billion in 2022, showing an impressive 60% yearly increase. While revenues have continued to rise, reaching $2.1 billion in 2023, the growth rate has slowed down to 30%.

Hybrid casual is mobile

Mobile gamers are clearly embracing current retention strategies and the more midcore elements of hybrid casual games, contributing to the ongoing success of the genre as it passes the $2 billion milestone. However, as the genre continues to grow, whether it can avoid the challenges faced by hyper casual games is a key question for 2024.

Hybrid casual mobile games are also diversifying their sources of revenue beyond advertising. From January to November 2023, a notable 93% of the world’s top 100 hybrid casual mobile games have adopted the currency wallet model. Additionally, 74% and 67% of these games have incorporated Novice Gift packs and online event monetisation strategies, indicating a shift towards various and innovative monetisation approaches.

Ranking of top Chinese hybrid games

Source: Sensor Tower

One notable company highlighted in the report is Voodoo, a French developer that transitioned to a hybrid casual model last year, resulting in an impressive 250% increase in revenue.

France quickly recognised the decline of hypercasual games, with only 3% of its games produced last year belonging to the genre, while nearly twice as many had already adopted a hybrid approach.

Key takeaways

• Hybrid casual games are thriving, with a 30% revenue surge in 2023.
• China plays a significant role, with top games nearing $600 million in revenue.
• Mobile gamers embrace retention strategies, diversifying revenue sources, but challenges lie ahead in 2024.

The post Hybrid casual games soar: a 30% revenue surge in 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

A group of 83 Spanish media organisations is taking legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. They’re seeking damages amounting to €550 million. Let’s take a look.

What’s the lawsuit all about?

The lawsuit, filed by the AMI newspaper publishing association in a commercial court, accuses Meta of engaging in unfair competition within the advertising market.

These media outlets argue that Meta gains an unfair advantage by extensively and systematically utilising personal data collected from users of its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms. They claim that this data allows Meta to create and display personalised ads, which they believe constitutes an unfair competitive practice.

Prominent participants in this legal action include Prisa, the publisher of Spain’s major newspaper, El Pais, and Vocento, the owner of ABC and other media properties. This coalition of media entities, which includes privately-owned companies, asserts that a substantial portion of Meta’s advertisements rely on personal data acquired without users’ explicit consent, thereby violating data protection regulations.

Personal data violations

In a press release, the consortium stated, “Meta has repeatedly failed to comply with data protection legislation, ignoring the regulatory requirement that citizens must consent to the use of their data for advertising profiling, as can be seen from the different resolutions of the European authorities competent in this matter”.

They further noted that Meta’s systematic and extensive use of users’ personal data, tracked without their consent during their online activities, appears to have given the American company an unfairly obtained competitive edge in the advertising market.

It’s the second time that Spanish media organisations have taken a stand against tech companies to protect their interests. In 2014, the Spanish government compelled Google News, a service provided by Alphabet, to cease its operations. The service remained offline until 2022, following the implementation of new legislation that enabled media outlets to engage in direct negotiations with the tech giant.

Key takeaways

• Spanish media consortium, comprising 83 organizations, is suing Meta Platforms for €550 million in damages.
• Lawsuit alleges unfair competition, claiming Meta utilizes user data without consent to gain an advertising advantage.
• Prominent media companies like Prisa and Vocento are part of the legal action, citing violations of data protection regulations.

The post Spanish media groups sue Meta platforms for €550 million damages appeared first on Business of Apps.

France, the driving force behind Europe’s mobile revolution, has a thriving app ecosystem. With over 76% of its population actively using smartphones, the market is set to exceed $7.3 billion by 2027. That’s according to the latest data roundup provided by app experts Adjust. Let’s dive in.

Mobile game sessions rose 17%

In 2022, French users spent an average of 3.9 hours per day on mobile apps, up from 2.7 hours in 2019. Explore the latest trends shaping the French app market in 2023, from gaming and social apps to economic challenges affecting overall app sessions.

In the dynamic French Android market, gaming apps rule the revenue charts, with six out of the top ten grossing apps belonging to this category. Coin Master, a gaming app, reigns supreme in the first place, followed closely by TikTok (social) at second. Another gaming sensation, Monopoly Go, secures a high spot.

On iOS, the landscape shifts slightly. Deezer, a popular music and audio app, takes the top spot, with TikTok following closely in second place and Tinder (social) rounding out the top three.

App installs and sessions – France

Source: Adjust

France’s mobile gaming sector is on quite the growth trajectory, with projected revenues of $0.83 billion by the end of 2023, expected to soar to $1.07 billion by 2027. Games already account for a substantial 43% of all mobile app downloads in France.

Furthermore, a recent study reveals that 71% of the French population engages in mobile gaming occasionally. This surging interest is supported by Adjust data, showcasing a significant 17% increase in gaming app installs from the second to the third quarter of 2023, along with a 5% rise in user sessions.

Gaming and social take highest retention rates

In January 2023, 86.9% of France’s internet users, spanning all age groups, actively engaged with at least one social media platform. TikTok emerged as a standout top-grossing social app, boasting approximately 21 million users aged 18 and above in early 2023.

According to Adjust data, while social app user sessions experienced a modest 3% decline from Q2 to Q3 2023, app installs surged by 9%. This presents a strategic window for mobile marketers to employ tactics like personalised content, gamification elements, and push notifications to attract and retain users in an increasingly competitive mobile app landscape.

The French app market demonstrates a notable shift toward utility apps. Despite a marginal 1% drop in user sessions from Q2 to Q3 2023, utility apps recorded a slight 2% increase in installations. Additionally, in October 2023, there was significant year-over-year (YoY) growth, with installs surging by 21% and sessions by 8% for utility apps.

Strong game retention rates

Source: Adjust

Gaming and social apps in France exhibit the highest Day 1 retention rates, standing at 24% and 17%, respectively, as of July 2023. Entertainment and utility apps follow closely, with retention rates of 11% and 10%, respectively.

To foster further retention growth, gaming, social, and entertainment apps can enhance their personalised content offerings, while utility apps can focus on incorporating practical, everyday features and elevating the overall user experience.

To thrive, app marketers must prioritise French localisation, tapping into both the domestic and global Francophone audience. However, caution is required in monetisation, notably in-app advertising (IAA). French consumers are less tolerant of mobile ads, with 40% favouring alternative approaches, exceeding the global average of 20%. Hence, tailored and considerate monetisation strategies are imperative.

Key takeaways

The post Gaming app installs among French users jump 17% in 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

While social media is not playing a dominant role in online shopping in Western markets (yet), a new study shows that it has caught on in the UAE. Let’s explore.

Social media usage

According to the RetailX Middle East Ecommerce Region 2023 report, many people in the Middle East use social media, with Qatar having nearly 98% of its population on at least one platform.

TikTok is gaining popularity rapidly, while Facebook and Instagram’s reach for advertisers is declining.

In Turkey, TikTok ads reach about 75% of the population, and Facebook has around 32.8 million users. However, Facebook’s advertising reach dropped by 4.7% in 2022-2023, while TikTok’s increased by 12.4%.

Countries with fastest mobile and app shopping growth

Source: RetailX

In the UAE, people are active on social media, spending almost three hours a day. They use it to research products, with 79% looking for brands or things to buy. UAE consumers are also into social commerce, with 59% saying they’ve purchased through social media in the past year.

Growing social commerce

Social commerce is expected to grow as more people shop online, especially using mobile devices. The market is predicted to increase by 35% in 2023, reaching $1,338 million in Saudi Arabia alone. New players like live streaming platforms are entering the market, trying to attract retailers, brands, and shoppers.

Shopping devices

Source: RetailX

One such platform is Hoods, which combines shopping and entertainment. Content creators can tag products, turning them into shoppable links within videos. This trend is driven by younger generations who seek entertainment and interaction in their online shopping experiences.

Customer services are also using social media, with brands using chatbots and platforms like WhatsApp to handle customer inquiries efficiently.

Key takeaways

• In the UAE, social media is a dominant force in online shopping, with nearly three hours spent daily. 79% use it for product research, and 59% have made purchases via social platforms
• TikTok is rapidly gaining popularity, with ads reaching 75% of the Turkish population. Facebook’s advertising reach has declined by 4.7% in 2022-2023
• Social commerce is on the rise, with a projected 35% growth in 2023, reaching $1,338 million in Saudi Arabia alone. Innovative platforms like Hoods are combining shopping and entertainment to cater to younger generations. Customer service is also leveraging social media for efficient inquiries

The post Shopping on social apps is on the rise in the UAE appeared first on Business of Apps.

So you’ve evaluated your mobile app retention strategy and decided to launch a new retargeting campaign? But what happens next? How do you get started? What’s the best way to set and achieve your goals? Remerge has the solution in its complete guide to in-app retargeting.

Remerge has covered everything you need to know about running app retargeting campaigns in 2024. The guide includes insights on how the programmatic ecosystem works, segmentation strategies, retargeting’s role in the privacy-first era, and why creative strategies matter more than ever when bringing users back into your app.

Highlights include:

• A full overview of the technical setup required for a successful retargeting campaigns
• The most important goals, KPIs, and metrics
• How the Android Privacy Sandbox will transform app retargeting
• The status of the mobile marketing industry following the rollout of Apple’s ATT framework  

Access the guide for free. 

The post Remerge releases a complete guide for app retargeting campaigns in 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Spending on mobile gaming dropped by 5% to $110 billion in 2022, according to a new report from Shorooq Partners. The data provides important insights into the gaming scene in the Mobile, Esports, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP) region. Let’s take a look.

Mobile gaming spending shortage

Although mobile game downloads shot up in 2022, there was a global trend where spending on mobile gaming dropped by 5% to $110 billion. That’s happened because companies were focusing more on making money than on growing their user base. The report says this change was influenced by new rules about how companies can track and target users due to privacy changes.

Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) rules, especially the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) and SKAN 4, have had a big impact on mobile gaming. While SKAN 4 helps with privacy and measuring user behaviour, it might take most of 2023 for marketers to fully use its features.

Consumer spending in games

Source: Shorooq Partners

The report emphasises the importance of having a strong payment system for gaming companies. It’s crucial to have smooth ways for players to subscribe or make in-game purchases without disrupting their gameplay.

Problems like technical glitches, user errors, and security concerns cause about 15% of gaming payments to fail in the MENAP region, making it harder to reach users effectively.

Gaming in MENAP to hit $2.8 billion

According to the report, the gaming market in MENAP is expected to grow to $2.8 billion by 2026, with a yearly growth rate of 10%. This growth is driven by more people playing mobile games, affordable technology, and more game developers and publishers in the region.

The report also mentions that MENAP is publishing three times more games in 2023-2023 compared to the previous period, and it could become a strong competitor to China, especially as China faces restrictions on its gaming companies.

In the first quarter of 2023, investments in the gaming industry reached over $6 billion, bringing the total investment to $15 billion. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia was a significant investor in this industry.

MENA funding in games

Source: Shorooq Partners

The report predicts that the number of gamers in the MENAP region will increase from 67.4 million in 2022 to 87.3 million in 2026. MENAP gamers prefer skill-based and social games, and titles like “Rise of Kingdoms” and “PUBG Mobile” are becoming popular. Local favourites like “Yalla Ludo” also continue to do well.

Match3 games have seen a 30% increase in downloads, but the high demand has led to a 200% increase in the cost of getting players to install these games. Simulation games have seen a 35% decrease in in-game purchases, contributing to a 20% drop in overall in-game purchases and ad revenue.

Players have become more selective and some use ad-blocking technology to avoid new ways of making money in games.

Key takeaways

• Mobile gaming spending decreased by 5% to $110 billion in 2022 due to a focus on monetization over user growth
• Apple’s ATT rules, like IDFA and SKAN 4, significantly impacted mobile gaming, with full adoption expected by 2023
• MENAP gaming market set to reach $2.8 billion by 2026, driven by more players, affordable tech, and increased game development, with 87.3 million gamers predicted by 2026

The post Mobile gaming spending drops 5% to $110 billion in 2022 appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the year since ChatGPT’s launch, the UK’s AI sector has experienced substantial growth. The number of newly established companies using ‘AI’ in their names has more than tripled, rising to 1,284, which represents a significant 202% increase.

AI companies popping up all over the UK

A recent study by media company Hard Numbers examining data from UK Companies House to quantify the expansion of the AI sector following the introduction of ChatGPT, found that London has emerged as the primary hub for AI innovation, hosting nearly half of the new AI companies.

Out of the 1,284 new AI firms since ChatGPT’s launch, 625 are based in London, surpassing other cities by a considerable margin.

Manchester, the second-largest centre, is home to just over 3% of London’s total, highlighting London’s predominant role in AI innovation compared to cities like Cambridge and Oxford.

In the 12 months leading up to November 30th, 2022, there were 425 companies incorporating ‘AI’ in their names.

Source: Hard Numbers

“This data paints a clear picture: we have officially entered the fifth phase of the industrial revolution,” said Paul Stollery, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Hard Numbers. “The impact of AI will be as profound as that of any great technology to have come before it – from the first revolution of mechanisation and steam power, to the fourth, ushered in by the internet.

And yet, consumer demand and interest in AI aren’t going hand in hand with the trend.

Consumers aren’t interested in using AI

A report from Storyblok recently found that more than four in five (85%) consumers aren’t interested in using AI to help them decide on purchases.

Three in five respondents said that if they were presented with an AI recommendation, it would not increase their likelihood of making a purchase. And 17% expressed that AI recommendations would actually decrease their inclination to buy.

The study also sheds light on other aspects where consumers may not be up to date. A majority (43%) of consumers find the greatest value in a company’s website, while fewer value mobile apps (34%) and social media accounts (16%).

Interestingly, despite the clear preference for websites over mobile apps, seven out of ten consumers reported that they predominantly shop using their smartphones. This underscores the importance of having a mobile-optimised website.

Discussing these consumer trends, Storyblok CEO Dominik Angerer remarked that brands sometimes fall into the trap of chasing the latest trends instead of delivering what consumers truly desire. As indicated by the survey results, consumers prioritise authentic content and user-friendly websites during the holiday season.

Key takeaways

• In one year, UK added 1,284 new AI-named companies, a 202% rise, but consumer interest in AI lags
• London dominates AI innovation with 625 new firms, highlighting its leadership in the sector
• Over 85% of consumers show no interest in AI for purchase decisions; websites hold more value than mobile apps or social media

The post UK AI sector growing rapidly despite consumer disconnect appeared first on Business of Apps.

While social media apps have not yet fully embraced eCommerce in the West, the trend of making purchases through social apps is on the rise. A growing number of users seem increasingly willing to make in-stream purchases, even though they still prefer dedicated eCommerce platforms.

Majority of consumers opt for website over social media shopping

A recent survey conducted by The Influencer Marketing Factory, in which 1,000 US consumers were interviewed to gain insights into their online shopping behaviours and preferences, found that 62% of consumers prefer eCommerce platforms to social media for online shopping.

Around half of consumers prefer both online and offline shopping.

Shopping options consumers prefer

Source: The Influencer Marketing Factory

Every social media app aspires to tap into this trend and increase in-app spending, potentially boosting their revenue. But the latest survey finds that most consumers still harbour reservations about trusting social platforms for in-stream transactions, opting for the security and reliability offered by dedicated online shopping platforms.

Trust is the issue

According to the survey, 31% of consumers do not trust social media when it comes to purchasing something. They’re worried about their data as well as not knowing enough about the seller.

Almost half of consumers have never or just a few times a year purchased on social media with apparel being the most frequently bought category.

Half of consumers do not trust social apps

Source: The Influencer Marketing Factory

40% consumers consider product reviews to be very important for making purchasing decision on social apps.

But the findings also highlight that most users need to see a product just one to two times on social media before making a decision to buy it.

Path to purchase

Source: The Influencer Marketing Factory

The report highlights the significant trust issue that remains a barrier, especially considering the prevalence of scams on social platforms. Overcoming this hurdle may take some time, but there may be a gradual shift happening.

Key takeaways

• 62% of consumers favour dedicated eCommerce platforms over social media for online shopping
• 31% of consumers do not trust social media for purchases due to data and seller concerns
• Users often decide to purchase a product after seeing it one to two times on social media

The post Majority of consumers do not trust social apps for online shopping appeared first on Business of Apps.

Adsterra is bringing a new game-changer to the stack of its famous Social Bar format: Interstitials are available for Self-Serve Platform advertisers!

Interstitials used to be a privilege for managed accounts, but even so they reached an impressive  50% of ad demand among Social Bar users. Now, they’re not just an exclusive feature anymore: they are ready for action by all the savvy advertisers registered on Adsterra’s SSP.  

What are Interstitials?

Interstitials are full-screen ads that overlay a webpage with a large visual and vignetted background, appearing on top of the content to ensure users can’t ignore the message. The visuals are strategically designed to cover 45% to 80% of the screen, making them impossible to overlook.

The key elements of Interstitials are:

• Large picture or text area containing the main ad message.
• Optional heading and description.
• Darkened full-screen background.
• Call-to-action (typically a button).
• A corner “Close” icon or alternative option for ad closure.
• Extra layout elements to add a spark.

Intrigued? Take a glance at Adsterra’s Interstitials and set up a campaign here.

The perks of Interstitials: Social Bar subformat

Before revealing all the alluring details behind Adsterra’s Interstitials, it’s worth mentioning that they are released under the umbrella of the incomparable Social Bar format. Second to none, Social Bar shook the ad market in 2020, presented by Adsterra, and it keeps growing and gaining popularity, now expanding its stack of subformats to include Interstitials. 

Here’s what Interstitials bring to the table:

• UX guidelines compliant.
• Brand-friendly.
• Easy creative uploads.
• Extraordinary viewability.
• Securing prime ad position. 
• Potentially eliminating the need for prelanders due to delivering the entire message.
• Excelling in CPI, CPD, and CPL conversions.
• Competitive CPM rates, saving you from overpaying for superior ad placement.

All of this sounds attractive enough already, but stick until the end of the article, as we are about to give you some Pro Tips to squeeze the maximum out of your Interstitials from the very beginning.

Adsterra’s Interstitials: Pro Tips to skyrocket

No surprise Adsterra has a wide variety of smart tools integrated to its SSP platform; after all, they make it stand out. These tools help advertisers to optimize their campaigns and achieve ROI beyond expectations. Now that Interstitials are up and running, a new list of tips is due to enhance the performance of this new ad format:

• Smart Bidding Magic: Let the real-time auction-savvy Smart CPM algorithms bid for optimal traffic based on your targeting.
• Conversion Boost: Optimize CPM traffic by activating CPA Goal.
• Test Wisely: Begin with broader targeting during the test period; narrow down based on high-converting placements.
• Go Diverse: Add numerous creatives using various skins/templates.
• Offer, Don’t Just Tell: Use discounts, bonuses, and bargains for engagement.
• Visual Power: Don’t burst into long texts on your images, keep them concise.
• Clickbait Done Right: Think of headings that grab attention.
• Numbers Speak: Back your claims with stats for credibility.
• Urgency Wins: Limit offers by time for a conversion boost.

High-time to implement these tips! With them, you’re bound to achieve remarkable results, so wait no more, and try Interstitials on Adsterra.

Summarizing

Adsterra’s Interstitials are here for each and every advertiser, registered on SSP. Interstitials will elevate your marketing success by expanding Popunder campaigns with high-value traffic, introducing innovative creativity to Social Bar campaigns for top-tier leads, and re-engaging users with an attractively redesigned ad message. They’ve proved to enhance CTR and CR, meeting agency or affiliate KPIs, ensuring a friendly and smooth user experience that outshines traditional pop-up windows.

Oh, and did we mention you can snag $200 by sharing your results running an Interstitial campaign? Now you know, so fetch your Interstitials case study to Adsterra, and it could well become the next big thing on the blog!

Try Interstitials NOW!

The post Adsterra’s Interstitials bring new definition of sparking your audience’s interest appeared first on Business of Apps.

The advertising world is facing some tough challenges as its growth slows down by 5.3%. One big problem on the horizon is something called “invalid traffic” or IVT. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of IVT on ad waste and efficiency.

33% rise in fake traffic

According to Lunio, a company that helps advertisers be more efficient, in 2024, advertisers might waste more than $71 billion on fake or invalid traffic. That’s a whopping 33% increase from 2022.

Lunio studied 2.6 billion paid ad clicks and 104 billion impressions on major platforms like Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), LinkedIn, X (used to be Twitter), and TikTok. They found that 8.5% of all paid traffic is fake. So, basically, one out of every 12 visits to a website is not real.

This is a big problem not just because it’s a waste of money, but it also messes up how advertisers plan their budgets and predict how much money they’ll make. Lunio says that in 2024, this could lead to a staggering $204.8 billion in lost revenue.

Invalid traffic by channel

Source: Lunio

Meanwhile, annual viewability averages on mobile and desktop web and video worldwide have risen 9% between 2019 and 2022. The upward trend has pushed average viewability levels to hover between 70% and 75% for several years, with the global average reaching 73.6% in H2 2022.

Platforms with the highest fake traffic

One surprising finding is that LinkedIn has the highest fake traffic rate at 25%, which means over $1.43 billion of ad spending could be a waste. Other platforms like Meta, Bing, X, and Pinterest also have high fake traffic rates, costing around $54.8 billion.

On the other hand, Google’s platforms have a lower fake traffic rate of 5.5%, which is still a significant $16.6 billion.

If we add up the money wasted on fake traffic for Google and non-Google platforms, it’s a massive $71 billion.

Some 65% of advertisers said they actively reduced wasted ad spend by applying exclusion audiences to campaign types while 69.7% acknowledge that there are issues with spam or fake lead submissions.

Advertiser concerns

Source: Lunio

So, in this tough advertising landscape, one of the most important things for advertisers is to fight against fake traffic and minimise its impact.

Marketers need to prioritise addressing this issue in their campaign strategies across all channels.

Key takeaways

• Invalid traffic (IVT) is a major challenge for the advertising industry, with a projected $71 billion wasted in 2024 due to a 33% increase from 2022
• Platforms like LinkedIn, Meta, Bing, X, and Pinterest have high fake traffic rates, costing advertisers billions, while Google fares better with a lower fake traffic rate
• Marketers must prioritize combatting fake traffic across all channels to protect budgets and campaign efficiency

The post The growing threat of invalid traffic – a $71 billion problem in 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Migrating to SKAN 4 led to a reduction in the cost per acquisition and an increase in conversion rates, according to a new report from Adjust in collaboration with TikTok, which sheds light on the impact of iOS SKAdNetwork (SKAN) campaigns for mobile marketers.

SKAN 4 reduces cost per acquisition

The reduction in acquisition cost leads to greater scalability on iOS to benefit marketers aiming to refine their optimisation strategies.

Adjust’s SKAN 4 was officially launched in October 2022, introducing features like conversion mapping, value optimisation, and enhanced privacy measures. This launch coincided with a growing emphasis on user and data privacy in the tech world. Consequently, post-ID attribution on iOS has been gaining traction, as Apple has gradually reintroduced analytics opportunities.

The new report by Adjust offers practical tactics to maximise success on iOS and provides valuable insights for mobile marketers aiming to enhance conversion rates for their apps. The study involved collaboration with TikTok and examined 37 apps in TikTok’s beta testing phase across the UK, US, and Japan. It focused on understanding how SKAN 4’s extended 35-day attribution window impacted conversions.

Source: Adjust

Conversion rates surge 220% on TikTok

The results of the study were impressive, with TikTok’s overall cost per acquisition improving by 37%, and conversion rates surging by a substantial 220%. These outcomes represent significant advantages for mobile app developers and marketers utilising SKAN 4. Additionally, these improved metrics enable more precise evaluations of campaign effectiveness.

Out of the 37 apps analysed in the beta test, TikTok confirmed that 17 were from mobile gaming clients.

Katie Madding, Chief Product Officer at Adjust, commented on the findings, saying: “Mobile app marketers are eager to refine their iOS campaign measurement and optimisation strategies with privacy-centric attribution, but there’s still hesitancy about moving to SKAN 4. With the continued industry shift toward prioritising user and data privacy, now is the time for a shift in mindset toward the possibilities of post-ID attribution on iOS. The data-backed insights detailed in our guide empower growth marketers to dig into and embrace SKAN 4’s functionality.”

Adjust’s comprehensive report delves deeper into optimising campaigns and enhancing their performance on iOS. It also offers a sneak peek into SKAN 5.

The introduction of SKAN 4 last year coincided with Android’s dominance, accounting for over 70% of ad creatives. Apple aimed to simplify iOS campaigns in response to this trend.

Key takeaways

• Migrating to SKAN 4 lowers cost per acquisition, benefiting iOS marketers’ optimisation efforts
• The study reveals impressive results with increased acquisition cost and soaring conversion rates
• Adjust’s report highlights the shift towards post-ID attribution on iOS for privacy-centric campaign optimisation

The post SKAN 4’s game-changing effect on mobile apps appeared first on Business of Apps.

The ESPN app, acquired by Disney in 1995, has proven to be a lucrative investment over the years, with its valuation recently reaching an impressive $24 billion. According to a recent report by data.ai, the app has officially surpassed $1 billion in lifetime consumer spending.

An app for sports enthusiasts

Since its launch on iOS in May 2009 and on Google Play in June 2010, the ESPN app has become a staple for sports enthusiasts worldwide, amassing nearly 166 million downloads.

But 2023 has proven particularly lucrative for the ESPN app, contributing approximately $303 million in consumer spending. This marks a substantial 26% increase compared to the same period in the previous year when it generated $240 million.

While it offers a range of free sports content, including news, scores, highlights, and expert analysis, it’s the premium subscription option, ESPN+, that has been the driving force behind its latest financial milestone. Priced at $10.99 per month, ESPN+ provides subscribers with access to live sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, XFL, college sports, golf and tennis.

ESPN sees consumer spend skyrocket

Source: data.ai

A standout month for the app was March 2023, setting a new record for revenue. Fueled by the March Madness basketball event and the return of Major League Baseball, ESPN+ raked in approximately $35.5 million, experiencing nearly a 70% surge compared to March 2022.

It’s all happening in the US

Notably, ESPN’s revenue is heavily skewed toward its American user base, with 99% of its lifetime revenue originating in the United States. In terms of downloads, the U.S. leads with 131 million out of 166 million, followed by Mexico, Brazil, India, and Argentina.

Expanding on its mobile success, ESPN recently introduced the ESPN Bet app in collaboration with gaming specialist PENN Entertainment. Launched in November in 17 states where sports gaming is legal, ESPN Bet made an impressive entry by immediately securing the top spot in iOS downloads across all apps and games. This triumph solidifies ESPN’s continued dominance in the competitive arena of mobile sports applications.

As the 2023 NFL season kicks off, significant changes are underway in the realm of sports betting apps. While sportsbook app downloads have slightly decreased from the previous year, there’s a notable increase in user engagement. This shift suggests a focus on retaining and satisfying the existing user base rather than solely concentrating on acquiring new users.

Key takeaways

The post ESPN app hits $1 billion consumer spend milestone appeared first on Business of Apps.

SuperScale, a company based in London that helps mobile games grow, recently published a report based on interviews with 500 game developers in the UK and US. It found that 43% of mobile gaming apps do not make it past the development stage. Let’s take a look.

Many games stuck in development stage

The fact that 43% of mobile games don’t make it past the development stage highlights the high level of risk and uncertainty in game development. It might also raise concern over a high portion of resources invested in game creation going to waste.

The report also found that among the games that do get released, a whopping 83% stop getting updates and services within three years.

The short lifecycle of games is a serious challenge for developers who are already struggling to maintain relevance and profitability in the highly competitive mobile gaming market.

This is a tough situation for game developers. Many of them prefer working on new games rather than improving existing ones. However, 62% of their most profitable games rely on constant updates and engagement with players.

So, even though developers want to create new games, it might not be as financially rewarding, especially when so many games fail even before they’re launched.

Economic challenges

The report also cites economic difficulties and job layoffs in the gaming industry this year. In fact, 32% of the developers who were interviewed had to let go of employees, and 40% had to hire external help for tasks, especially in hypercasual and collectable card game studios.

Nearly 25% of developers came close to shutting down completely in 2023.

Ivan Trancik, the founder and CEO of SuperScale, acknowledged that these are tough times for the gaming industry. He mentioned challenges like competition, economic conditions, and changes like the ATT (App Tracking Transparency) policy. However, he also sees an opportunity for the industry to revisit and revitalize existing gaming content.

SuperScale’s report also provides insights into current trends, how developers measure their game’s success, and the ways they make money from their games.

Key takeaways

• 43% of mobile games face uncertain futures, raising concerns about resource wastage and industry risk
• A staggering 83% of released mobile games stop receiving updates within three years, posing a challenge to sustained profitability
• Layoffs, outsourcing, and nearly 25% of developers facing shutdown highlight economic challenges in the gaming industry’s volatile landscape

The post Troubling stats: almost half of mobile games fail to make it past development appeared first on Business of Apps.

Roku and Unity have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at assisting mobile app businesses in expanding their app installation campaigns to TV streaming platforms. This partnership, currently in beta testing, brings together Roku’s premium TV inventory and Unity’s user acquisition technology. The goal is to offer mobile app marketers a more efficient way to run TV streaming campaigns.

Growing competition

Miles Fisher, Senior Director, Head of Emerging and Programmatic Sales at Roku, emphasized the importance of TV streaming as a performance channel for mobile app marketers.

“Mobile app marketers seek to maximize their budgets and ad opportunities. TV streaming has become the right performance channel to enable growth and provide channel diversity in a highly competitive market,” he said. “Roku’s scale, tech, and direct connection with the viewer are uniquely positioned to make the largest screen in the home work harder for mobile performance marketers on Unity.”

The collaboration links Roku’s premium TV streaming inventory to Unity’s Luna app marketing platform. This integration enables mobile app marketers to seamlessly incorporate connected TV into their user acquisition strategies. It not only improves campaign measurement and optimisation but also allows marketers to use Roku’s Action Ads for a smoother user experience.

Multi-channel app marketing

Viewers can easily initiate game downloads on their mobile devices using their Roku remote and then return to their TV streaming content seamlessly. Additionally, app marketers gain the ability to measure the entire journey of their TV streaming campaigns, from the initial exposure to TV ads to the ultimate app downloads, making their growth strategies more cost-effective.

Omer Kaplan, SVP Revenue and Operations for Unity Grow, emphasized the goal of turning Connected TV (CTV) into a high-scale performance channel for apps and games. This partnership aims to tap into the vast potential of CTV as an untapped opportunity for app marketers, providing unique value and growth opportunities.

After the beta testing phase, Luna will collaborate with a select group of partners to expand their presence on the Roku platform. Roku has also recently partnered with Spotify for video ads on the popular music and podcast platform.

Key takeaways

• Roku and Unity’s partnership enhances app marketers’ ability to expand to TV streaming, optimizing user acquisition and ad campaigns
• The collaboration uniquely combines Roku’s premium TV inventory with Unity’s technology for a streamlined advertising experience
• This partnership empowers app marketers to measure and optimize TV streaming campaigns while improving user engagement and cost-efficiency

The post Roku and Unity join forces to revolutionise mobile app advertising appeared first on Business of Apps.

The mobile app media landscape felt the repercussions of the economic downturn in 2023, with nearly all major media sources witnessing declines. In the third quarter of 2023, app install ad spend budgets were slashed by 20% when compared to the same period in 2022. That’s according to the latest Performance Index by data analytics firm AppsFlyer.

Apple Search Ads and Meta lead in iOS gaming and non-gaming

The objective of the Index is to aid marketers in making informed choices when selecting partners for app advertising, with outcomes differing significantly depending on the platform in question.

“Only four of the top 20 media source players saw budget increases this year, costs of media continue to fluctuate and channels like CTV are leading ecosystem players to quickly adapt and think outside of the box to reach consumers,” aid Shani Rosenfelder, Director of Content and Market Insights at AppsFlyer. “For marketers, selecting the best media partners is particularly important on iOS because of its high quality audience. However, privacy-driven fragmentation in measurement has only created more uncertainty, increasing the need for accurate performance rankings for the platform.” 

AppsFlyer’s new SSOT iOS index reveals that Apple Search Ads (ASA) is the top iOS media source for both gaming and non-gaming apps. ASA dominates in most rankings across regions and categories.

Meta ads, though not as dominant as before iOS 14.5, holds the second spot, excelling in non-gaming apps.

iOS Power ranking

Source: AppsFlyer

In third place in the rankings is Google Ads, primarily due to its widespread adoption among non-gaming apps. It’s worth noting that iOS serves as a secondary focus for Google compared to its primary emphasis on the Android platform and web-based services.

AppLovin and Unity Ads shine in gaming, while in non-gaming, Meta ads, Google Ads, Snapchat, and Moloco stand out for their quality.

Google Ads dominate Android mobile ad rankings

Google Ads continues to dominate both Android gaming and non-gaming categories, widening its lead over second-place Unity. In fact, it secures the top spot in power and volume rankings across every category in Android gaming, except for hypercasual, where it comes in second.

Unity Ads maintains its second-place global power ranking but slips one spot in the volume ranking to fifth. Its success is primarily seen in Match genre games, where it ranks second, and in Puzzle, Shooting, and Tabletop game apps, where it secures a third-place global ranking.

Android Power ranking

Source: AppsFlyer

IronSource experiences significant growth in the global rankings, surging to third place in both power and volume rankings, a notable jump of three positions compared to the previous Index edition.

Meta ads climbs to the fourth spot in the global power ranking, up one position from 2022. This success is attributed to its top ranking in the casino category and second-place positions in midcore games (RPG, Shooting, Strategy genres), as well as in puzzle, and sports & racing games.

It’s important to highlight that the differences in power rankings between Unity, ironSource, and Meta are relatively minor.

Key takeaways

• The economic downturn in 2023 had a significant impact on mobile app media, with major media sources witnessing declines and a 20% reduction in app install ad spend budgets in Q3 2023 compared to the same period in 2022
• AppsFlyer’s Performance Index helps marketers choose partners for app advertising. Apple Search Ads leads in iOS, while Meta remains strong in non-gaming
• Google Ads dominates Android mobile advertising, leading in both gaming and non-gaming categories. Unity Ads, IronSource, and Meta also perform well, with minor differences in rankings

The post AppsFlyer’s latest Performance Index shows impact of economic downturn on mobile advertising appeared first on Business of Apps.

A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center has revealed a significant shift in news consumption habits among TikTok users in 2023. According to the study, the percentage of users accessing news through the app has surged from 22% to 43%. What’s happening?

More users are checking news on TikTok

According to the study, which was based on a survey of 8,842 US adults conducted between September 25 and October 1, 2023, a growing number of social media users are checking the news on these platforms.

While traditional news websites and apps continue to be popular, with 67% of respondents indicating their usage, the remarkable increase in news consumption on TikTok highlights the platform’s ability to shape narratives and engage users with current affairs.

This could raise some red flags among critics particularly when it comes to the spreading of fake news and news manipulation. TikTok is primarily a short-form video platform, which may not always provide in-depth or reliable news coverage. Users may be exposed to sensationalized or misleading information. The rapid spread of news on TikTok could also make it susceptible to manipulation and the dissemination of fake news, which can have real-world consequences.

What’s more, its user base is predominantly younger, and they may have less experience discerning credible news sources from unreliable ones, making them more vulnerable to misinformation.

Social media used for news access

Source: Pew Research Center

In the realm of social media platforms serving as sources for news, Facebook maintains its top position as the most popular choice among Americans, with 30% of the population reporting regular access to news content on the platform. Not far behind is YouTube, with a close 26% following, while Instagram and TikTok trail with 16% and 14%, respectively. Despite Meta’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of news content across its platforms, Facebook continues to demonstrate robust news consumption, underscoring its enduring relevance in the media landscape.

Who’s consuming news on social media?

The study also sheds light on distinct demographic patterns in news consumption across various platforms. Women are more likely to be regular news consumers on platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Conversely, men tend to dominate platforms such as Reddit, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Of particular interest, X, formerly known as Twitter, presents a balanced political split among its regular news consumers, with 46% identifying as Republican or Republican-leaning and 49% as Democrat or Democratic-leaning. This reflects the platform’s diverse user base and political engagement.

Platform preferences among app users

Pew Research Center

As social media platforms continue to play a pivotal role in shaping how audiences access and engage with news content, news organisations are adapting their strategies to capture the attention of TikTok’s substantial Gen Z audience. This highlights the dynamic nature of the digital news landscape and the evolving strategies needed to remain relevant.

In another notable shift, Gen Z’s approach to discovering groceries is increasingly turning to digital channels. Recent research indicates that a significant 28.0% of Gen Z consumers have adopted search engines as their primary resource for exploring grocery items, showcasing the evolving consumer behaviour in the grocery sector.

Key takeaways

• TikTok’s news consumption doubled from 22% to 43% in 2023
• 30% of Americans access news on Facebook, maintaining its top position
• Women prefer Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for news, while men dominate Reddit, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube

The post Number of users who access news through TikTok doubles to 43% appeared first on Business of Apps.

American startup SplitMetrics, specialising in app growth solutions, just acquired Austria’s App Radar, a prominent app marketing and analytics platform, in an all-cash deal.

A power move

This strategic move brings together two industry leaders, creating a comprehensive platform offering AI-powered services, including paid user acquisition (UA), app store optimisation (ASO), conversion rate optimisation, and data analytics.

Max Kamenkov, CEO and co-founder of SplitMetrics, said: “App Radar has a range of very powerful tools that are fully complementary to our own. By combining these services we can offer a market leading end-to-end solution that will drive incredible growth for our customers.” 

The influence of AI is rapidly ushering in the end of isolated app marketing strategies. Kamenkov anticipates a significant wave of industry transformation and consolidation which could be driven by the immense potential of AI automation and the development of comprehensive services that unify and harness marketing data in a single platform. In essence, there exists a tremendous opportunity in app marketing to establish an all-encompassing solution that addresses every requirement.

How the businesses will operate

Notably, SplitMetrics and App Radar will continue to operate as separate brands, catering to a vast clientele of over 1,000 customers across Europe, the UK, North America, and the APAC region.

With a global team of 160, SplitMetrics currently manages an annual ad spend exceeding $250 million. Its client portfolio boasts well-known names like Babbel, Skyscanner, Glovo, and Rakuten Viber. On the other hand, App Radar specialises in app store optimisation and automation, serving 30,000 app developers and marketers, including DEGIRO, ProCamera, Chatterbug, and Cronometer. Impressively, it monitors more than 30 million keywords on app stores daily.

The amalgamation of these services positions both companies to offer a comprehensive suite of tools to empower app developers in major app stores.

Silvio Peruci, Managing Director of App Radar, said: “Over the past year, AI has opened the door to the creation of a range of new AI driven marketing techniques that use deep analysis of data to enable much richer and impactful campaigns. The best way to make the most of this is to offer a product to customers that pulls together all their app marketing data and channels and this is exactly what the tie up between App Radar and SplitMetrics achieves.”

SplitMetrics’ acquisition is part of a broader strategy aimed at capitalising on the growth of AI-enabled marketing. The goal is to transform into an AI company providing integrated services that bridge the gap between UA, ASO, and conversion optimisation. By eliminating silos, businesses can leverage their data and employ AI automation to significantly enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and insights of their app marketing campaigns.

Key takeaways

• SplitMetrics merges with App Radar to reshape the landscape of app marketing
• By combining their efforts, these companies are poised to deliver AI-driven solutions for app growth
• Notably, both brands will continue to operate independently, catering to a diverse global clientele

The post SplitMetrics acquires App Radar to boost AI-driven app growth solutions appeared first on Business of Apps.

Amazon appears to be bolstering its in-app shopping partnership. In two separate news pieces emerging over the past week, the eCommerce giant has struck a deal with both Meta and Snap to feature in-app shopping capabilities. We’ll take a closer look.

Meta and Amazon

Although Meta dropped its live shopping efforts on Facebook and Instagram, the company still sees potential for shopping on its apps. Now, it’s collaborating with Amazon, enabling users to link their Facebook and Instagram accounts to Amazon for in-app shopping.

Customers can shop Amazon ads on these platforms, check out using their Amazon payment info, and ship to their Amazon address without leaving the social apps. Amazon’s spokesperson, Callie Jernigan, confirmed this, adding that users in the US will see real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details on select Amazon product ads on Facebook and Instagram.

This in-app shopping feature applies to select products advertised on Facebook or Instagram, sold by Amazon or independent sellers on Amazon’s platform.

Linking Instagram and Amazon accounts

Source: LinkedIn

Users link their Meta account to Amazon once, and then they can seamlessly check out with Amazon, using their default shipping address and payment info.

Meta is shifting its Shop sellers to its own checkout experience, with processing fees remaining unchanged. Amazon, on the other hand, benefits from this collaboration as it seeks a foothold in social apps and e-commerce platforms.

The partnership was initially revealed by Maurice Rahmey, a Meta and Google Ads partner and co-CEO of Disruptive Digital. Rahmey emphasized the benefits of better targeting, optimisation, and conversion rates for Meta by leveraging Amazon’s data. This partnership also avoids challenges posed by Apple’s App Tracking Transparency policy.

Snap wants in on the Amazon craze

This week, Amazon revealed a similar partnership with Snap, which lets users purchase its products directly from ads on the social app.

As with Meta, Amazon’s ads on Snapchat will feature real-time pricing, delivery estimates, product details, and Prime eligibility.

The process to sign up is much the same as with Meta.

The partnership allows Amazon to tap into Snapchat’s user base, particularly younger millennials and Gen Z users. By exposing its products to this audience, Amazon can potentially reach customers it might not have reached otherwise and showcase products they may not have considered during their usual Amazon purchases.

This move comes as Amazon has been attempting to establish its own social apps similar to Instagram and TikTok. While it has a TikTok-like shopping feed, it has faced challenges in making its social apps as engaging for shopping as other platforms.

The partnership with Snap is not only advantageous for Amazon but also beneficial for Snap’s advertising business, which has faced difficulties in recent years.

Following the announcement, Snap’s shares saw a jump of over 9%.

This collaboration strengthens both Amazon’s and Snap’s positions in the competitive social commerce landscape and offers new opportunities for both companies.

Key takeaways

• Amazon is intensifying its social commerce efforts through partnerships with Meta and Snap, enabling in-app shopping experiences on popular social platforms
• These collaborations allow Amazon to tap into younger user bases, potentially expanding its reach and showcasing products to new audiences
• These strategic partnerships signify Amazon’s commitment to compete in the social commerce space, while also benefiting Snap by bolstering its advertising business

The post Amazon partners with Meta and Snap in push to expand in-app shopping appeared first on Business of Apps.

China’s leading mobile publishers contributed a 38.7% share of the global revenue for the month of October. That’s according to the latest data from Sensor Tower. Let’s dive in!

37/100

A whopping 37 Chinese mobile publishers secured spots within the top 100 global revenue earners for October 2023, contributing almost two-fifths of revenue. Collectively, they generated $1.91 billion in revenue during this period.

Familiar names in mobile gaming, like NetEase and miHoYo, performed particularly well. NetEase’s game, Danzi Party, held the number two spot for daily active users for the 10th month in a row. It expanded its reach to Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau in September. NetEase’s Pig Man also noted a 47% rise in revenue and returned to the top 10 best-selling iOS mobile games in China.

MiHoYo experienced a 10% month-on-month growth in mobile revenue in October, making it their second-highest revenue-generating month of the year. This growth was driven by updates to Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.

Top 30 Chinese mobile game publishers by revenue

Source: Superpixel

Diandian Interactive has shown continuous growth for 12 consecutive months. In October, they increased the revenue of Whiteout Survival by 10%. Overall, Diandian Interactive’s revenue went up by 5%, achieving a new personal best and ranking fourth among all Chinese publishers.

Tencent, not surprisingly, had a successful month in October, thanks to the eighth anniversary of Honor of Kings, which boosted revenue by 12% compared to the previous month.

Standout games

In terms of individual game releases, Hortor Games’ casual card-based title “King of Salted Fish” within the Three Kingdoms setting experienced remarkable growth in October. Its revenue increased by an impressive 129% compared to the previous month, ranking it among the top three best-selling iOS games in China for October.

Another card placement game, “Toto Brave” contributed to a 10% revenue growth for its publisher Yihuan Network.

Goat Games’ “Dungeon Hunter 6” achieved the top position on the iOS download charts in the US and Germany on its release date. This success made it the highest-grossing mobile game for the publisher, effectively doubling its overall revenue compared to September.

Chinese App Store mobile game revenues

Source: Superpixel

Despite the growth of individual companies and games, it’s worth noting that collective revenue among Chinese publishers decreased last month, falling from $1.96 billion in September, primarily due to the absence of two additional companies within the top 100.

Key takeaways

• Chinese mobile publishers dominated October, contributing 38.7% of global revenue, led by NetEase and miHoYo’s impressive performance
• “King of Salted Fish” saw phenomenal growth with a 129% revenue increase, among top three best-sellers
• Despite individual successes, collective Chinese publisher revenue dipped in October due to two absent top 100 companies

The post 37 Chinese app publishers among top 100 and $1.91 billion in revenue appeared first on Business of Apps.

Alternative Android app store, Aptoide, just secured €8.5 million in funding from mobile growth and monetisation platform Digital Turbine. This investment means that the companies will be able to provide app developers and app users with an open alternative for app distribution and monetisation.

How will Aptoide use the funds?

The investment will be used to primarily support Aptoide’s vision to develop and promote GamesHub and Catappult, two mobile app ecosystem platforms. GamesHub is a joint effort between Digital Turbine and Aptoide. The game app store is slowly building its reputation in the US as an alternative store.

It will use the funds to expand its market presence and to target availability on 80 to 100 million devices by the end of 2023. It has already secured several strategic partnerships with major carriers in the US including ATT, Verizon, USCellular, Tracfone, Cricket and BLU US.

Catappult is an alternative mobile gaming distribution and monetisation platform that already has hundreds of millions of users connecting to more than 20 alternative app stores globally and enabling developers to promote and monetise their apps. Catappult reported good results for 2022. Developers using Catappult saw a monthly revenue increase of over 20%, which shows the platform’s ability to drive substantial growth for mobile game developers.

Catappult business and financing trajectory

Source: Catappult

Its top 5 games – Lords Mobile, Mobile Legends, Clash of Kings, Z Day, and War and Magic – performed exceptionally well in terms of ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User), with an average revenue of over $100 per paying user, setting a new industry standard in the mobile gaming sector.

In 2022, Catappult achieved a milestone when surpassing 100 million downloads and generating $60 million in sales.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Digital Turbine and leverage their expertise to enhance app discovery and distribution,” said Paulo Trezentos, Aptoide’s CEO, commented on the strategic partnership and investment, stating. “This investment underscores the incredible growth and potential of Aptoide, showcasing the tremendous potential of this partnership to transform the mobile app distribution landscape.”

Aptoide also plans to use the cash injection to repurchase stock from current shareholders.

Strategic partnerships and Commission rulings

It’s not the first time the two companies have partnered up. Late last year, Digital Turbine announced a strategic investment in Aptoide, leading its Series-B funding round of a total $12 million which includes investments from Faurecia, Portugal Ventures and the 200M Fund.

Aptoide funding trajectory

Source: Aptoide

Last month, Aptoide celebrated a European Commission decision to install six tech giants as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA defines gatekeepers as large online platforms with a strong position in the market that can act as a gateway between businesses and consumers.

They are: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft. Under this ruling, gatekeepers have several obligations including The DMA imposes a number of obligations on gatekeepers, including prohibition of anti-competitive pricing, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to platform, and allowing business communication to promote their own offers to users.

Key takeaways

• Aptoide secures €8.5 million from Digital Turbine for app innovation and expansion
• Aptoide will use the funds to expand globally and repurchase stock
• Catappult reports impressive 20%+ monthly revenue growth, showcasing mobile game developer potential

The post Aptoide secures €8.5 million from Digital Turbine to Catappult independent app store appeared first on Business of Apps.

In a recent announcement, Google outlined new policies for prospective Android developers using personal Play Console accounts. These changes mandate comprehensive app testing involving a minimum of 20 individuals over a two-week period before an app can be published.

Rigorous app testing

The new initiative aims to elevate the overall quality of apps available on the Play Console, and Google has committed to investing more in the app review processes. It’s important to note that developers may encounter delays in app approvals as these changes are implemented.

Google also underscores the benefits of using its testing tools, citing an average increase in app installs and user engagement by threefold. While this success may not be solely attributed to Google’s tools, the emphasis is on developers adopting rigorous app testing practices.

In the future, app testing will be a mandatory requirement for developers creating new Play Console accounts, marking a shift away from its previous optional status.

What are the new measures?

The new requirements state that developers must test their apps with a minimum of 20 users for at least two weeks before publishing. This measure aims to help developers identify and rectify issues, bugs, and collect valuable user feedback before officially launching their apps. The implementation of this requirement in the Play Console is expected in the near future.

Account verification process on the Google Play Console

Source: Google

In the meantime, existing developers are now obliged to meet verification requirements, including providing a D-U-N-S number, before they can publish their apps. Google has allowed developers to select their preferred deadline in Play Console, with deadlines assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to choose a deadline by February 29, 2024, will result in Google assigning one automatically.

In conjunction with these changes, Google is bolstering its focus on the app review process. Its review team will now dedicate more time to assess new apps for policy compliance and to combat fraud, both within and outside the Play Store.

The strategic shift is in response to issues observed in both the App Store and Google Play in India, where predatory lending apps targeted financially vulnerable consumers. Google aims to enhance its app review process to protect users from fraudulent practices.

What’s more, Google is addressing concerns regarding app permissions with the upcoming release of Android 14. Developers will have more precise permission flow options, enabling them to request access to specific photos or videos rather than the entire gallery.

While these changes are expected to improve app quality and user protection, Google cautions that the more rigorous app review process may lead to longer review times for certain apps, especially those requiring specific device permissions or targeting children.

Key takeaways

• Mandatory testing for Android developers enhances app quality and user experience, with a focus on user safety
• Google addresses permissions concerns in Android 14, offering more precise controls
• Expect potential delays with Google’s rigorous app review process implementation

The post Google’s new app testing mandate aims to enhance app quality and user experience appeared first on Business of Apps.

As the year progresses, we want to express our gratitude for your unwavering support throughout 2023. Your dedication has been instrumental in making the global app community thrive in the face of challenges.

We are thrilled to unveil our exciting plans for 2024. App Promotion Summit is back, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With a wider range of opportunities for involvement, we invite you to mark your calendars for the following dates. Tickets and partnerships are now available for all of them.

App Promotion Summit London

• Date: 25th April 2024
• Venue: The Brewery in the City of London (now with a capacity of 700+)

App Promotion Summit NYC

• Date: 27th June 2024
• Venue: 360 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan (capacity for 300+)

App Promotion Summit SF

• Date: 26th September 2024
• Venue: The W Hotel in SoMa (now with a capacity of 250+)

App Promotion Summit Berlin and the App Growth Awards

• Date: 5th December 2024
• Venue: Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Mitte (capacity for 500+)

We’re not just expanding our venues, we’re also enhancing our offerings to create a more enriching experience for our attendees. This is where you come in.

Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities

Be part of our journey by becoming a sponsor for our events. Generate new business, qualified leads and authentic connections and relationships with app marketing and product decision-makers from the world’s top apps.  Contact us for details on our sponsorship packages.

Speaker opportunities

Share your insights, expertise and experiences with the app community. We’re on the lookout for dynamic speakers who can inspire and educate our audience. If you have a compelling story to tell, we want to hear from you. Reach out to us to discuss speaking opportunities.

Register now to secure your spot at these fantastic events. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements. We can’t wait to embark on this remarkable journey with you in 2024.

The post 2024 App Promotion Summit Events Lineup appeared first on Business of Apps.

AppsFlyer, the mobile measurement, attribution, and data analytics solutions, just announced its acquisition of devtodev, a comprehensive data analytics solution designed for game and app developers. This strategic move is likely to boost AppsFlyer’s core offerings and bolster the development of the AppsFlyer Privacy Cloud Marketplace.

Empowering user experiences

Founded in 2014, devtodev specialises in assisting developers in analysing their games and apps, providing data-driven insights to optimise user retention, maximise conversions, and create personalised user experiences. The integration of AppsFlyer and devtodev technologies consolidates the entire customer data set into a robust measurement and data analytics platform.

The move brings with it a range of powerful tools, insights, and experiences aimed at enhancing the user lifecycle and driving business growth.

It also strengthens AppsFlyer’s capabilities to cater to the evolving requirements of modern gaming and digital businesses while serving as a natural extension of the AppsFlyer for games suite of products and resources tailored to gaming companies.

“Devtodev’s technology, team, and expertise are a perfect match for AppsFlyer, creating a synergy that fuels not just business growth, but a visionary approach to the future,” said Oren Kaniel, CEO and Co-founder of AppsFlyer. “This collaboration fosters a spirit of unity among marketing, product, and monetisation teams, empowering them with a fully integrated data ecosystem.”

Digital transformation in fast spin

Digital transformation is in fast spin and has brought with it an increased complexity to the role of marketers, underscoring the significance of product-led growth in the gaming and app sectors.

Marketers are now placing greater emphasis on retention and customer lifetime value (LTV), leading to a surge in demand for advanced data analytics. Simultaneously, the focus on privacy measures and recent signal loss issues has exacerbated data silos and inconsistencies, complicating the marketing decision-making process.

The acquisition addresses these challenges, providing gaming and app developers with access to unified data analytics and actionable insights, unlocking efficient growth opportunities.

“Our vision at devtodev has always been to empower gaming and app developers to make the best data-driven decisions,” said Dmitry Kravtsov, Founder and CEO of devtodev. “By joining forces with AppsFlyer, we will provide developers the ability to leverage integrated data, AI, and insights to create powerful, captivating experiences that drive efficient business growth.”

Devtodev will be integrated into AppsFlyer’s Privacy Cloud Marketplace. AppsFlyer’s Data Clean Room will serve as an open and interoperable platform.

The inclusion of devtodev underscores AppsFlyer’s commitment to a future where businesses can seamlessly integrate third-party services and AI models from various providers while safeguarding data privacy and operational efficiency.

Key takeaways

• AppsFlyer’s acquisition of devtodev strengthens mobile analytics, offering comprehensive data-driven insights for user retention and growth
• Amid rapid digital transformation, marketers prioritize retention, data analytics, and privacy, making devtodev’s integration crucial for efficient growth
• Devtodev’s inclusion underscores AppsFlyer’s commitment to a future of seamless, privacy-conscious third-party integration for mobile businesses

The post AppsFlyer acquires devtodev to boost data analytics of mobile apps and games appeared first on Business of Apps.

TikTok‘s $1 billion creator fund will close on December 16, 2023, according to the company’s announcement. What’s happening and where should existing creators move?

Creativity Program

As of mid-December, the Creator Fund won’t be available in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Creators who are currently part of the Creator Fund will have the choice to switch to the Creativity Program.

The creator fund began in 2020 with the promise to give $1 billion to people who create popular content on the platform over three years. However, many creators have been unhappy with the small payments they received, even for videos that got millions of views.

In February of this year, TikTok rolled out an updated way for popular creators to earn money, known as the Creativity Program. Unlike the original fund, this program requires creators to make longer videos, a change from the platform’s initial focus on short clips. Additionally, in this new program, creators’ earnings are determined by the number of views and engagement metrics on their videos, rather than a fixed pool of money set aside for payments.

Higher earning potential

Since the introduction of the Creativity Program, TikTok has been inviting eligible creators to switch over. To qualify for this program, creators need to be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and at least 100,000 views on their videos in the past 30 days.

TikTok claims that eligible creators who post high-quality, original videos longer than one minute can potentially earn up to 20 times more than what the Creator Fund used to offer.

The Creativity Program is an important part of TikTok’s efforts to help creators make money, along with features like LIVE subscriptions and TikTok Pulse. The platform also offers ways for creators to earn money through tips, gifts, and a Series feature that lets eligible creators share content that people can access by paying.

A recent report suggests that TikTok users are shifting from buying physical products to making in-app contributions to content creators, possibly indicating a larger trend towards in-app sales. In the third quarter (Q3), TikTok users sent over $250 million in digital gifts to live-streamers within the app, which has the potential to boost TikTok’s revenue from in-app sales.

Key takeaways

• TikTok’s Creator Fund ends December 16, 2023; creators have the option to join the more lucrative Creativity Program
• Creativity Program rewards longer videos and engagement, potentially offering creators up to 20 times more earnings
• TikTok users’ shift towards in-app contributions hints at a trend in favour of in-app sales, boosting TikTok’s revenue

The post TikTok’s creator fund closure: What’s next for creators? appeared first on Business of Apps.

With the holiday season fast approaching, over half of all marketers intend to allocate the majority of their holiday budgets to the upcoming month. Their primary focus will be on digital channels and direct purchases as they gear up for this lucrative season. That’s according to a comprehensive study conducted by Comscore’s Proximic, in collaboration with the ad-tech platform Nexxen.

Marketers favour mobile ads

By September, nearly 75% of holiday budgets are already locked in, and this figure rises to 97% by October, as per the industry survey focused on marketers overseeing programmatic holiday ad budgets.

In November, however, 53% of respondents anticipate depleting the majority of their holiday budget. Approximately one-third (34%) of marketers intend to allocate their highest spending to December.

Marketers plan to spend big in November

Source: Proximic

Interestingly, concerns about a potential recession or inflation seem to be diminishing among the surveyed marketers, with a resounding 86% indicating their plans to maintain or increase their holiday ad spending compared to the previous year.

In terms of advertising channels, marketers are notably favouring mobile ads this holiday season.

Approximately 79% of marketers plan to run website or browser ads on both desktop and mobile devices, excluding social media platforms. A slightly smaller portion aims to utilise CTV or OTT ads (74%), while linear channels will be leveraged by 51% of marketers. About one-quarter (27%) expressed their intention to run audio ads.

It’s all about brand awareness this holiday season

Despite Comscore’s survey targeting marketers overseeing programmatic budgets, it’s worth noting that they are allocating a slightly higher portion of their holiday spending to direct buys. The report forecasts that just over 51% of holiday budgets will be channelled into direct purchases, while approximately 49% will be dedicated to programmatic spending.

In terms of the allocation of holiday ad budgets, the largest chunk is earmarked for brand awareness campaigns, constituting around 37% of the total. This is closely followed by investments in customer acquisition, accounting for 33%, and customer retention efforts, making up roughly 31%.

Marketing tactics this holiday season

Source: Proximic

In a fascinating data-related twist, it appears that while Santa has a penchant for cookies, marketers are exploring alternatives this holiday season, as indicated by Comscore and Nexxen’s findings.

A significant majority (69%) of marketers intend to harness first-party data to target their holiday campaigns, with a closely trailing 68% planning to utilise contextual data. Additionally, more than half (58%) have plans to employ third-party data for their targeting strategies. In contrast, only a modest 18% expressed intentions to use alternative identifiers such as The Trade Desk’s Unified ID 2.0.

Change in focus on content vertical

Source: Proximic

Key takeaways

• Marketers allocate over half of holiday budgets to digital channels, focusing on direct purchases for a lucrative season
• Holiday budgets peak in November, with 53% spent, while recession fears decline, as 86% plan to maintain or increase ad spending
• Mobile ads lead, with 79% planning website and browser ads; brand awareness tops spending priorities at 37% of budgets

The post Marketers prioritise mobile channels for ads this holiday season appeared first on Business of Apps.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has been working to propel its Pinterest-Instagram rival, Lemon8, but their ambitions have not materialised as planned. Recent data from Appfigures, an app store market intelligence provider, reveals that since its US launch earlier this year, the Lemon8 app has accrued a mere 2.6 million total downloads.

Influencer push

This lacklustre reception is particularly perplexing given the substantial influencer marketing campaign that accompanied its introduction. Several TikTok creators enthusiastically endorsed the app to their followers, a move that coincided with speculation about a potential TikTok ban in the US. Nevertheless, Lemon8‘s ascent in the American social media landscape remains an elusive goal.

The strategic timing behind ByteDance’s promotion of Lemon8 appears far from coincidental. With potential uncertainties surrounding TikTok’s US audience, ByteDance seemed to view Lemon8 as a viable contingency plan, capitalising on TikTok’s massive user base to fuel its growth.

In the first quarter of the year, influencers on TikTok enthusiastically embraced the app, painting a rosy picture of the lifestyle community it offered, using descriptors like “cute” and “aesthetically pleasing.” Comparisons to a fusion of Pinterest and Instagram were also not uncommon.

Lemon8 had been available in Japan since 2020, finding success in various Eastern markets such as Thailand and Indonesia. However, it wasn’t until April 2020 that the app experienced a substantial uptick in installs, going from less than a thousand per month to an impressive 13,000.

Subsequently, the app achieved its first-ever record high in monthly downloads, peaking at an impressive 292,000 in July 2021, as per Appfigures’ data. The app’s expansion continued into 2022, reaching another peak with a staggering 1.5 million downloads in July 2022, ultimately amassing a total of 10.6 million downloads for the entire year.

Source: Appfigures

ByteDance’s marketing push

Since launching in February, ByteDance paid creators to generate Lemon8 content, fostering its US presence. The following month, TikTok creators began promoting Lemon8 in positive videos. Within 24 hours in late March, over 350 Lemon8 videos appeared on TikTok. Strikingly, none of these videos were labelled as sponsored, implying organic growth through word-of-mouth.

Despite this effort, TikTok wasn’t banned in the US, except for specific cases, including Montana from January 2024 (subject to legal challenge). Even if TikTok were to face a ban or sale, Lemon8 wouldn’t necessarily replace it. Most Lemon8 installs came in spikes, possibly due to TikTok’s influence.

iOS dominated US downloads at 2.5 million, securing Lemon8 the second spot in the Lifestyle category on the US App Store. However, its overall ranking fluctuated, reaching No. 90 Overall during data collection and now at No. 70 on the Top Apps Chart in the US. Yet, these rankings fall short for an app positioned as a TikTok alternative.

In September 2023, Lemon8 had its peak month with 525,000 US installs, but downloads don’t guarantee active users. In contrast, TikTok boasted 150 million monthly active U.S. users as of March 2023.

There’s still potential for ByteDance to leverage TikTok to boost Lemon8. Watchful.ai uncovered TikTok’s feature development allowing users to sync Lemon8 posts and use TikTok’s editor, although TikTok hasn’t commented on it.

At the time, Lemon8 had about 25 million worldwide downloads. Its biggest markets are Japan (7.6 million), Thailand (6.5 million), and the US (2.6 million). However, Lemon8 faces challenges in becoming a TikTok replacement, especially in the US.

Key takeaways

• Lemon8’s influencer-backed US launch with TikTok creators didn’t yield expected success despite a potential TikTok ban scenario
• ByteDance strategically timed Lemon8’s promotion, using TikTok’s user base as a growth catalyst
• While successful abroad, Lemon8 faces challenges in the US market, with TikTok’s shadow looming large

The post Lemon8 struggles to kickstart in US despite influencer marketing push appeared first on Business of Apps.

Several tech industry organisations, including NetChoice and Chamber of Progress, have expressed their concerns to the Supreme Court regarding the potential consequences for free iOS apps if mobile app developers are compelled to incorporate in-app links to alternative payment platforms.

The case

These organisations are calling on the court to review an injunction that would limit Apple from enforcing its longstanding anti-steering policies. These policies effectively prevent app developers from including in-app links to payment alternatives other than those provided by Apple.

The primary concern is that if Apple cannot enforce these anti-steering rules for in-app purchases, app developers might seek out alternative payment processors that charge lower fees. In doing so, they could effectively bypass Apple’s transaction systems. This could have a ripple effect on the way apps are offered to users.

Should this scenario come to pass, Apple might find itself in a position where it needs to start charging developers for the initial downloads of their apps, which were previously free. This could substantially increase deployment costs for developers, and they may have to make the difficult choice of either discouraging downloads or instituting charges for app downloads.

Ongoing disputes

The enduring dispute between tech giants Apple and Epic Games, which began in 2020, has its roots in Apple’s stringent policies surrounding in-app purchases. Central to the conflict was Apple’s insistence that developers exclusively utilise its payment platform, coupled with a substantial commission of up to 30% on such transactions.

In 2021, Apple made a notable concession by permitting developers to inform app users about external payment options via email or phone, but the company maintained its prohibition on in-app notifications. Responding to this, Epic Games facilitated direct purchases through its platform, contravening Apple’s policy. Apple’s response was swift – it removed the popular game Fortnite from its App Store, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.

In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled in favor of Apple on certain antitrust claims but found that Apple’s anti-steering policy violated California’s unfair competition law. This judgment resulted in an injunction mandating Apple to allow developers to integrate in-app links to payment alternatives outside of Apple’s platform. Both Apple and Epic Games have subsequently appealed this decision, with the 9th Circuit temporarily suspending the injunction’s enforcement while awaiting review by the Supreme Court. Further arguments from both sides are expected in the near future, underscoring the complexity of this ongoing legal saga.

Key takeaways

• Tech groups seek Supreme Court review of Apple’s anti-steering policies, fearing consequences for free iOS apps and developer costs
• Apple vs. Epic Games: ongoing legal clash rooted in in-app purchase rules and commissions
• App Store payment policies impact app downloads and fees, sparking industry concerns and legal battles

The post Tech groups challenge Apple’s in-app payment policies in Supreme Court review appeared first on Business of Apps.

In a concerted effort to bolster cybersecurity measures, the UK government is joining forces with app developers, taking significant strides towards ensuring the UK’s resilience in the digital age.

The National Cyber Strategy in a nutshell

As a pivotal component of the government’s National Cyber Strategy, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) is spearheading an approach aimed at elevating the standards of cybersecurity in digital services and consumer technologies.

To achieve this goal, DSIT has engaged the services of Pye Tait Consulting, an esteemed independent research agency, to spearhead research initiatives. The primary objective of this research is to gain comprehensive insights into the current security and privacy practices adopted by app developers. Of particular interest is understanding the impact and awareness surrounding recent voluntary government initiatives within this industry.

For those eager to contribute their perspectives and insights to this crucial endeavour, two avenues are available. Interested parties can either participate in the online survey or request a callback from a dedicated member of the Pye Tait team. This collaborative effort marks a significant stride forward in fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure and ensuring that digital services and technologies meet rigorous cybersecurity standards.

Key takeaways

• DSIT leads the government’s National Cyber Strategy, elevating cybersecurity in digital services and tech
• Pye Tait conducts research on app developers’ security practices and government initiatives
• Public engagement through surveys or callbacks supports strengthening cybersecurity

The post UK government wants to collaborate with app developers to enhance cybersecurity awareness appeared first on Business of Apps.

App Promotion Summit is back in Berlin in 4 weeks’ time and we’re building up some serious MOMENTUM.

We would love for you to join us at Hotel Adlon on Thursday 30th November. But why should you register and what exactly do we mean by MOMENTUM? Details below.

Ticket sales are up 22% on last year with app growth, retention, revenue and product leaders from Europe’s top app and game publishers like OneFootball, StudySmarter, ImmoScout24, Funstage, kaufDA, TomTom, Prematch, Flink, Surfshark, Zenjob, Hily, KptnCook and Wooga booked on for the in-person conference

The exhibition areas are already packed with the best app marketing, engagement and product management platforms, networks and tools but we still have a few spaces left so get in touch now if you’d like to reserve one

The speaker faculty features heavyweights from Wolt, Sweatcoin, Delivery Hero, Fabulous, Game Hive, Blinkist, Taxfix, InnoGames, Deezer, Tandem, Gismart, FREENOW and Vinted

The agenda is bursting at the seams with 5 rooms of cutting edge app marketing content including the main stage plus 4 breakout rooms with sessions covering ASO/ASA, UA and product & engagement

We’ve added new rooms and more space for learning and networking: Roundtable Zone hosting interactive discussions on key topics; Chill Out Zone for that must-send email or important call; larger workshop rooms; expanded Afterparty

Want to attend? Grab your ticket here: apppromotionsummit.com/berlin

The post APS Berlin has MOMENTUM appeared first on Business of Apps.

Apple is under increased scrutiny in the Netherlands as the Dutch consumer watchdog, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), challenges the fees it imposes on dating app providers. The outcome may carry wider ramifications for other global markets.

The dating app issue

In February 2022, Apple reduced commissions it charged dating app developers in the Netherlands, lowering them from 30% to 27%. However, the ACM did not publicly confirm whether it considered this reduction as a satisfactory response.

More recently, the ACM released a summary of its counterarguments against Apple’s objections, shedding light on an undisclosed issue. According to them, this undisclosed dispute revolves around Apple imposing a higher fee on dating app providers for the same services it provides to other categories of app developers.

Continued challenges

Apple has been investigated by the ACM for some time now. Previous allegations focused on anticompetitive behaviour within its app store.

In 2021, Apple was fined €50 million for its non-compliance with the regulatory reforms mandated for Apple’s app store. The ACM contended that Apple’s actions contravened European Union antitrust regulations.

In a retaliatory move, Apple lodged an appeal against the fines, and the case is currently awaiting resolution in a Rotterdam Court.

Following the case, Apple changed its app store policies, permitting alternative payment mechanisms for dating apps specifically within the Netherlands.

The current case remains in court and no specific date for a verdict has been set. Apple has refrained from making any public statements regarding this ongoing legal matter.

Key takeaways

• Dutch watchdog challenges Apple’s dating app fees, potentially impacting global markets
• Apple faces ongoing scrutiny, fined €50 million for antitrust violations
• Legal battle continues as ACM alleges higher fees for dating apps than other developers

The post Dutch watchdog challenges Apple’s dating app fees appeared first on Business of Apps.

Mobile payment apps have become vital for seamless financial transactions, revolutionising money management. By 2025, experts predict over 4.8 billion digital wallets and transaction values exceeding $16 trillion by 2028. However, security is a growing concern amid rising cyber threats, making data and transaction protection a priority for service providers. Promon, the Norwegian app security firm, analysed 73 of the world’s most-used payment apps to assess their security level and understand how they tackle a common malware-style screen reader attack. Let’s dive in.

Most payment apps aren’t secure

To verify the security of top payment apps, Promon used a screen reader similar to those used against major financial services apps. Its objective was to see if it could retrieve sensitive information from 73 of the world’s most-used payment apps, thereby evaluating their security measures and their ability to thwart common malware-style exfiltration attacks.

Using this methodology, the group found that 77% of the payment apps tested did not have sufficient screen reader protection in place.

The experiment also found that in six apps (8.2%), the screen reader logged the username during the simulated data exfiltration attack. However, the password remained secure in these instances, highlighting a partial vulnerability.

Majority of financial apps are not safe

Source: Promon

Just three apps (4.1%) demonstrated robust defense mechanisms against the screen reader’s attempts to access and log user data. These apps effectively thwarted any efforts to log both the username and password. Interestingly, eight of the apps (10.9%) lacked a conventional login page altogether. This unique attribute made them impervious to data exfiltration attempts via the screen reader. While this could be viewed as a security advantage, it also raises considerations regarding user convenience and functionality.

What developers can do to bolster security

“This is beyond concerning to say the least,” says Benjamin Adolphi, Head of Security Research at Promon. “This is an extremely basic tool that is used regularly alongside common social engineering attacks. Malware that can successfully gain access to a device’s screen and its contents in this way can steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, but also intercept 2FA codes and give the hackers access to other accounts. In more serious cases, bad actors could even take control of the device and bypass other integral security measures. You would like to think that the developers of these apps would be taking the security of their products seriously, but apparently protecting users’ highly sensitive information is but a mere afterthought for the vast majority.”

Developers can enhance security against malicious screen readers using App Shielding technology. They can also take immediate steps such as detecting active screen readers within their apps. However, these approaches have drawbacks. Warning messages can be bypassed by malware with accessibility features, ignoring screen readers may expose users to risks, and shutting down the app can hinder accessibility and potentially lead to legal issues.

To address these challenges, developers can identify well-known accessibility applications and allow them to operate without shutting down the app. For lesser-known ones, ongoing maintenance is required to recognise legitimate accessibility tools.

Android 14 promises new security features to prevent accessibility service abuse, allowing developers to restrict interactions with specific Views to declared accessibility tools like TalkBack. While this is a positive development, it may take time to roll out. It’s crucial to combine OS features with robust app-level defences for comprehensive user protection.

Key takeaways

• Mobile payment apps are essential for financial transactions, with predictions of 4.8 billion digital wallets and $16 trillion in transactions by 2028
• Security is a growing concern due to increasing cyber threats. Promon’s analysis of 73 top payment apps revealed that 77% lacked adequate protection against screen readers
• Developers can enhance security through App Shielding and screen reader detection. Balancing security measures is crucial to protect sensitive user data in the face of evolving threats

The post 77% of payment apps are not safe from malware data exfiltration attack appeared first on Business of Apps.

In response to the evolving European regulatory landscape, Facebook and Instagram are set to launch a new subscription service tailored to users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. This move comes as part of criticism over Meta’s commitment to ensure compliance with regional data protection and privacy rules.

Personalisation targets ads

Starting in November, users residing in these regions will be given a choice: continue using the app with personalised ads for free or opt for a subscription-based service that eliminates ads and safeguards their personal information from being used for advertising purposes while subscribed.

The subscription pricing will vary depending on the platform and region. Users on the web can subscribe for €9.99 per month, while those using iOS and Android devices will be charged €12.99 per month. Meta said that the pricing structure was designed to account for the fees imposed by Apple and Google through their respective purchasing policies for in-app subscriptions.

Starting from March 1, 2024, an additional charge of €6 per month for web users and €8 per month for iOS and Android users will be applied for each additional account listed in a user’s Accounts Center.

Meta said in a blog post that for those choosing to continue to use their products for free, the experience will stay the same. Users can still adjust their advertising preferences from the Ad Preferences dashboard.

A shift in the industry

The move towards subscription-based services underscores a broader shift in the industry. Privacy regulations, particularly in the European Union, have become increasingly stringent, requiring companies to bolster data protection measures and provide users with greater control over their personal information.

This has presented a significant challenge for platforms that rely heavily on targeted advertising, as they must now strike a delicate balance between monetisation and safeguarding user privacy.

Moreover, the dynamics of digital marketing budgets are evolving. Advertisers are becoming more discerning in their spending, demanding greater transparency and accountability in return for their investments.

A Luxembourg court ruling mandated that Meta, as the owner of Facebook, cannot justify the use of personal data for targeted advertising unless explicit consent is obtained from users. This legal decision has prompted Meta to explore the implementation of a subscription-based model, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.

For example, Chinese video app TikTok has begun testing an ad-free subscription service, while Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter) offer optional subscriptions that grant paying users exclusive features.

Meta is now actively engaging with European regulators to ensure its approach aligns with evolving regulatory requirements. As the tech industry adapts to changing dynamics and regulatory pressures, the debate over the intersection of data privacy and business models continues to evolve.

Key takeaways

• Meta adapts to stringent EU data laws, introducing subscriptions for ad-free experiences while respecting user privacy
• Growing privacy regulations redefine digital advertising, encouraging platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and X to explore subscription models
• Actively collaborating with European regulators, Meta navigates the evolving data privacy landscape while preserving its business model

The post Meta introduces ad-free subscriptions for social apps in response to European data rules appeared first on Business of Apps.

We are excited to unveil the 2023 shortlisted finalists for the App Growth Awards, marking its seventh year of recognizing excellence in the global app industry.

Our expert panel of 12 independent judges whittled down over 250 submissions. The vast array of entries from a multitude of companies highlights the size and calibre of an increasingly sophisticated app growth ecosystem.

All of the shortlisted finalists will be celebrated and the winners announced at our ceremony on November 30th at Hotel Adlon in Berlin.

The shortlisted finalists, organised by category, are as follows:

App Advertising Platform
– SplitMetrics
– Bidease
– InMobi
– Moloco
– Gamelight

App Analytics Platform
– Apptica
– Swaarm
– Appfigures

App Data Platform
– Data.ai Intelligence
– AppTweak
– Apptica
– APPlyzer
– Adapty

App Engagement Platform
– MoEngage
– EMMA
– OneSignal
– CleverTap
– Upshot.ai
– Airship

App Messaging Platform
– CleverTap
– Airship
– Upshot.ai

App Revenue Platform
– Adapty
– RevenueCat
– Glassfy
– Digital Turbine
– Purchasely
– AdInMo

MMP of the Year
– AppsFlyer
– Kochava
– Adjust

ASO Company
– AppTweak
– Redbox
– REPLUG
– AppAgent
– ConsultMyApp
– Aix

User Acquisition Company
– Wuzzon
– Phiture
– AVOW
– AppAgent
– REPLUG

App Marketing Agency of the Year
– Yodel Mobile
– AVOW
– ARKANA
– Kurve
– Rocket10

App Growth Innovation
– Sweatcoin Growth Engine
– ShareTheMeal Video In-App Impact Loop
– SplashLearn Product Funnel
– Persona.ly’s ML Journey
– Gamelight AI Platform

App Marketer of the Year
– Saif Rasheed
– Marcus Burke
– Rosie Hoggmascall
– Megan Dean
– Natalie Rozenblat
– Nathan Hudson

Fastest Growing App
– Fairo
– The ChatOn App
– Duolingo
– Reframe
– VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy

Growth Team of the Year
– Redbox Mobile
– ZigZag Puppy Coach
– Splashlearn
– Sweatcoin
– Apps With Love

App Marketing Campaign of the Year
– Gamelight and GOAT Games
– Burger King and CleverTap
– Caliber’s Viral App Install Campaign on Reddit
– TATAM x Babbel: Unlocking the Power of Data
– In-app Events Engagement at Taimi LGBTQ+ Dating App
– REPLUG & Jelly Juice

Outstanding Contribution to the App Industry
– The winner will be announced on the night

Congratulations to them all, and commiserations to the entries that didn’t make it through.

The App Growth Awards 2023 winners will be announced at App Promotion Summit Berlin on Thursday 30th November 2023.

The post App Growth Awards 2023 – Finalists Announced appeared first on Business of Apps.

After mobile advertising network, Unity, announced a rather controversial Runtime Fee, the number of US advertisers on the ad network dropped by 15% in a single week. That’s according to data from Sensor Tower seen by PocketGamer. Let’s take a look.

The Runtime Fee

Early in September, Unity launched a revised scheme that would have required developers to pay up to $0.20 for each installation of games created with the Unity Engine.

The announcement immediately drew widespread criticism from the industry. In a matter of days, a collective letter was signed by over 1,000 developers, including prominent names like Voodoo, CrazyLabs, Homa, and Playgendary. The developers also acted by disabling monetisation through ironSource and Unity Ads within their apps, pending a review of the new terms and the search for a fair resolution.

Source: PocketGamer

Unity reacted promptly and changed the terms again, but didn’t entirely get rid of the new fee. Meanwhile, its CEO John Riccitiello left the company and was replaced by James Whitehurst.

Advertisers are dropping like flies

Sensor Tower data shows that the initial backlash sparked a significant decrease in the number of US advertisers on Unity’s ads network. During the week of September 11, there was a 15% decline, followed by an additional 8% drop the following week.

During the same period the previous year, the number of US advertisers on Unity’s ad network had increased by 13% week-on-week. Therefore, it’s likely that the announcement of the Runtime Fee played a role in the network exodus.

In the week starting September 18, the number of US advertisers continued to decrease, this time by 8%, which was a reduction from the 15% drop the previous week.

As a result of Unity’s apology and revision of terms, it saw a 5% increase in US advertisers compared to the previous week.

By October there was a 15% rise in advertisers again, which coincided with John Riccitiello’s departure from the company on the same day. It’s important to consider that Halloween likely played a role in advertiser growth during this period.

Interestingly, despite the week-to-week fluctuations, Unity managed to end the month with a 9% month-on-month increase in the total number of US advertisers for September when compared to August.

Key takeaways

• Unity’s contentious Runtime Fee resulted in a swift 15% decrease in the number of US advertisers within a single week, following its announcement
• Following a collective industry outcry, Unity swiftly revised its terms and apologized. This action yielded a 5% week-on-week increase in US advertisers
• Despite initial turbulence, Unity demonstrated resilience by concluding September with a notable 9% month-on-month increase in total US advertisers compared to August, showing its capacity to rebound

The post Unity’s Runtime Fee sparks a 15% drop in US mobile app advertisers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Among mobile gaming genres, Role Playing Games (RPGs) and Strategy games have some of the most loyal players. Mistplay analysed 500+ mobile games and millions of players to rank mobile gaming genres based on metrics such as retention, repeat purchase rate, and average user sessions.  Let’s take a closer look.

Genres under the lens

According to Mistplay‘s Loyalty Index, RPGs secured the highest ranking with a remarkable score of  75 out of 100, closely trailed by Strategy games at 70, while Simulation games and Lifestyle games scored 67 and 61, respectively.

Lifestyle games stand out as the genre with the highest average sessions per user, driven by their engaging and repeatable gameplay tasks. Notably, they also excel in monetisation, ranking first in the percentage of spenders by Day 30 and third for repeat purchases. These games are strategically designed to entice players to return multiple times throughout the day, motivating them to make incremental purchases as they pursue their in-game aspirations.

Game genres ranked by player loyalty

Source: Mistplay

Puzzle games, on the other hand, reign supreme in terms of pure player retention. They claim the top spot for Day 30 retention, and with a substantial gap between overall and top quartile performance, this genre offers significant growth potential, especially considering its appeal to a broad casual gaming audience.

“Player loyalty is perhaps the single most important element for mobile publishers to focus on as the industry continues to evolve,” said Jason Heller, CEO of Mistplay. “It’s the lifeblood of strong LTV and long term enterprise value for gaming publishers. Loyalty can be a challenge to measure by just a single metric, and its complexities must be carefully considered within the context of each game. We designed the Mobile Gaming Loyalty Index and our Player Survey to help publishers and developers take a deep dive into what loyalty really means. We also want to help the industry understand that cultivating player loyalty isn’t just an empty buzzword to throw around, but a required set of mindsets, behaviours, and capabilities to operationalise.” 

Engagement by genre

Source: Mistplay

Ads boost installs

The journey of player loyalty begins with the very first ad impression. Approximately half of players decide to install a game within a few days of encountering an ad, showing just how important leaving a lasting impact can be. Authenticity in advertising is a key factor, with 71.7% of mobile gamers emphasising the importance of seeing actual gameplay footage in ads. However, not all players respond to ads, as 36.7% typically ignore them entirely.

Game discovery

Source: Mistplay

High-value spenders exhibit distinct gameplay and spending motivations. Players who invest over $100 in mobile games are 28% more likely than their counterparts to engage with at least eight games per week. Moreover, they are 55% more inclined to spend money to maintain competitiveness with other players, highlighting their dedication to in-game advancement compared to other spenders (22.2% vs. 14.3%).

Monetisation by genre

Source: Mistplay

A sense of progression serves as a critical motivator for mobile gamers. The top two reasons players continue playing a game are the desire to advance further (56.8%) and the avoidance of abandoning their in-game progress (50.3%). This underscores the significance of providing players with a clear sense of achievement and continued growth within the gaming experience.

Key takeaways

• RPGs and Strategy games lead in loyalty, scoring 87 and 79, respectively, on Mistplay’s Loyalty Index, showcasing their dedicated player base
• Lifestyle games boast the highest average sessions per user and rank first in the percentage of spenders by Day 30, highlighting their engaging gameplay and strong monetisation potential
• 71.7% of mobile gamers emphasise the importance of seeing actual gameplay footage in ads, while 36.7% typically ignore ads entirely, underscoring the significance of authentic advertising in attracting players

The post RPG gamers are the most loyal and half of players install mobile games after seeing ad appeared first on Business of Apps.

The mobile and digital advertising market in the UK saw an uptick of £13.8 billion in spending during the initial six months of 2023. That’s according to new data shared by IAB UK and PwC.

Mobile video highly resilient

Despite the UK’s economic fluctuations, the digital advertising arena remained robust in H1 2023, with a substantial investment of £13.8 billion. Notably, the mobile and video advertising sectors demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth during this period.

Video advertising experienced the most substantial surge, with an impressive 11% increase. Advertisers are obviously recognising the potential for brand building with this format, aligning with the surge in popularity of short-form video content.

Mobile share reached 60% in H1 2023

Source: IAB

According to Ofcom’s Media Nations report, more than a third of UK adults now watch short-form online videos daily, with a staggering 68% of 15-24-year-olds following suit. In the broader context, overall spending on display formats, encompassing both video and non-video elements, also expanded by a noteworthy 8% year-on-year.

Jon Mew, IAB UK’s CEO, said: “It’s particularly encouraging that video formats are seeing strong investment. Advertisers are increasingly harnessing the creative power of digital channels to bring campaigns to life and deliver long-term results, and we see this reflected in robust video investment. As we head into the final months of 2023 and the lead up to Christmas, advertisers should be doubling down on a digital-first approach to make an impact, drive results and resonate with consumers where they’re choosing to spend their time.”

Mobile grows 9%

In terms of device-specific spending, mobile ads saw a robust 9% growth, while non-mobile formats remained relatively stable.

Conversely, search ads continued to dominate the market, constituting 50% of the total expenditure. This category sustained a steady 5% growth, amassing nearly £7 billion in the initial half of 2023.

Search revenue nearly reached £7bn in H1 2023

Source: IAB

On the other hand, classified ads saw a decline in spending, albeit less pronounced than the 21% drop observed in H1 2022, with a 13% decrease.

“The results […] reflect two things – that the digital ad market isn’t immune to wider economic pressures, but also that it’s repeatedly resilient in the face of challenging circumstances,” Mew added “Over the years, we have become used to seeing extremely strong growth and there is no getting away from the fact that spend has slowed so far this year. And yet the industry is still growing despite the UK’s soaring inflation, the threat of recession, and the impact of structural changes.”

Key takeaways

• Video advertising saw notable 11% increase in spending during H1 2023, reflecting advertisers’ recognition of its brand-building potential
• Mobile advertising grew 9% in spending, indicating the increasing importance of mobile platforms in ad campaigns
• Despite economic fluctuations, the UK’s digital ad market remained resilient, attracting £13.8 billion in spending, showcasing the industry’s adaptability in the face of challenges

The post Mobile ad spending grows 9% while video surges by 11% appeared first on Business of Apps.

India’s economic outlook for the year remains optimistic as consumer spending on in-app purchases rose during the first half of 2023. That’s according to the India Festive Report for 2023, an effort between AppsFlyer and Meta Platforms which highlights signs of economic recovery. Let’s take a look.

Festive season boost to IAPs

Consumer spending has been on the rise in India, leading to an impressive 71% increase in in-app purchase (IAP) revenue during the first half of 2023. This growth in IAP spending is expected to continue with the approaching festive season.

IAP revenue trend on Android

Source: AppsFlyer

“The festive season in India promises robust growth for mobile ecommerce. Projections from Redseer hint at a spectacular 18-20% growth this year, translating to an astounding GMV of INR 90,000 crores. With the surge, we anticipate nearly 140 million eager online shoppers gearing up for festive purchases. While Shopping and Food & Drink apps will undoubtedly see a spike, Gaming isn’t far behind in capturing user engagement,” says Aditya Maheshwari, Director of Customer Success at AppsFlyer.

India’s festive season is usually a good opportunity for marketers across various app categories. App installations follow a pattern, starting in August, peaking in October, and reaching the highest point in December.

Overall install trends by category

Source: AppsFlyer

September tends to see activity rise across sectors as users prepare for festivities. Marketers focus on installations and reserve later efforts for remarketing conversions. So, it’s wise for marketers to start user acquisition early and increase efforts as the festive season nears. Finance, Food & Drink, and Gaming apps are popular in October.

Remarketing dominance during the festive season

Leading up to Diwali, non-organic installs (NOIs) take the spotlight, especially for Shopping apps, which see an early increase, while Travel apps begin their upward trajectory in August. Timing is crucial for NOIs, with campaigns typically kicking off three to four weeks before Diwali.

Remarketing conversions on Android

Source: AppsFlyer

Remarketing conversions shine during the festive season, outperforming non-organic installs. In the first half of 2023, these conversions showed impressive year-over-year growth, with Android conversions rising by 24%. Interestingly, Shopping apps record their highest non-organic share, indicating that consumers tend to plan their shopping activities well in advance of the festivities.

However, the festive season also sees a rise in fraudulent activities, particularly on Android apps, with a 47% year-on-year increase in fraud rates. Finance apps are particularly vulnerable, necessitating stronger anti-fraud measures.

App install fraud

Source: AppsFlyer

During this season, consumers shift their focus from online to offline activities, emphasising family time. Insights reveal that messaging and video content have become vital channels for consumer engagement, with content creators and partnership ads playing a significant role in influencing purchasing decisions.

“The festival season always brings a buoyancy in consumer demand and marketers look to tap into the same,” says Arun Srinivas, Director & Head, Ads Business India at Meta. With increased digital penetration, and upbeat consumer sentiments this year, there is good scope for businesses to tap the right audience and unlock growth. Brands should focus on full funnel strategies, influencing the consumers at each stage of the funnel to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Key takeaways

• India’s economy shows resilience with a 71% increase in in-app purchases during H1 2023, expected to continue during the festive season
• India’s festive season offers a strategic window for marketers, with app installations peaking in October and early planning in September. Finance, Food & Drink, and Gaming apps are favourites
• Remarketing conversions dominate during festivals, with a remarkable 24% growth in Android conversions. However, a 47% rise in fraud rates calls for stronger anti-fraud measures

The post Festive boost: 71% surge in Indian in-app purchases appeared first on Business of Apps.

We’re just 5 weeks away from the much anticipated App Promotion Summit Berlin. Now is the time to take advantage of our Early Bird offer that ends this Friday – 27th October.

We have a great lineup of speakers ready to share their insights and the packed agenda covers the full spectrum of channels and approaches across the app growth funnel including user acquisition, app store marketing, social ads and app engagement.

Last chance to save over €300 for in-person tickets:
https://apppromotionsummit.com/berlin/register/

We’re excited to welcome you at the conference – don’t miss out on this opportunity.

The post APS Berlin Early Bird Tickets End Friday appeared first on Business of Apps.

It appears social media app X, formerly Twitter, may not boast the daily active users figure it’s claiming to have. As a consequence, the app is finding itself under intensifying scrutiny concerning its user statistics and the reliability of its officially disclosed figures.

X sees drop in DAUs

A recent in-depth examination conducted by Apptopia reveals a discrepancy in the numbers. According to their findings, X currently boasts approximately 121 million daily active users. This statistic diverges significantly from the self-reported data released by X which asserts a daily active user count of 253 million.

Source: Big Technology

According to a report from Big Technology, since Elon Musk acquired the company in October 2022, “X” saw a notable decrease in its daily active user base, amounting to roughly 13%. The rebranding of the platform from Twitter to X appears to have expedited this decline.

Apptopia’s analysis further underscores that users who have opted to remain on the platform continue to engage with it at levels consistent with the past.

Additionally, the introduction of X’s Threads feature doesn’t appear to have directly influenced the decline in user numbers.

The numbers are off

Over the last few weeks, there have been increasing doubts over the accuracy of user metrics and claims of the app’s growth.

Initially, the platform reported a robust 250 million daily active users following Elon Musk’s takeover. However, 20% of these users were reported as bots. If we accept Musk’s assertion of bot reduction, this would imply that X added a mere 12 million legitimate users while removing a staggering 47.6 million fake profiles within the same timeframe, casting doubt on the credibility of these claims.

Twitter time spent per DAU

Source: Big Technology

In general, social platforms typically boast about 1.8 times more monthly users than daily users. Applying this ratio, X likely hovers around 223 million monthly active users, a significant departure from the reported 550 million.

Furthermore, Apptopia’s analysis signals a growing rift between daily and monthly users on the platform. This suggests that X may possess even fewer monthly active users than the aforementioned calculation would suggest, potentially placing it behind other social media heavyweights like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest in terms of active user counts.

Despite these questions, the company recently shared an optimistic outlook, suggesting it would break even in 2024.

Key takeaways

• X experiences a notable 13% decrease in daily active users since Elon Musk’s takeover in October 2022
• Skepticism arises over user growth claims as Elon Musk reveals 20% of reported users were bots, raising concerns about the accuracy of the platform’s reported metrics
• An estimate based on common social platform ratios suggests ‘X’ may actually have around 223 million monthly active users, significantly lower than the officially reported figure of 550 million

The post Doubts over ‘X’s user growth as app sees 13% decline in DAUs since 2022 appeared first on Business of Apps.

By September, OpenAI’s ChatGPT mobile app has been downloaded 15.6 million times worldwide. But despite the surge in installation the app’s noticed a notable deceleration in revenue growth.

Subscriber number levelling off

In contrast to the robust 31% growth observed in July and the even more substantial 39% in August, September’s revenue growth tapered off to 20%. This deceleration may signify that ChatGPT is edging closer to market saturation in terms of the number of mobile users willing to invest in the enhanced ChatGPT Plus subscription service. It also underscores the heightened competition in the field, with alternative options vying for the attention and subscription dollars of mobile users.

Since its launch in February, ChatGPT Plus has been providing users with a premium subscription experience. This subscription-based service offers access to GPT-4, availability even during peak usage hours, quicker response times, and priority access to OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT enhancements. Moreover, it plays a vital role in sustaining free access for ChatGPT users who rely on the service.

Despite the recent slowdown in revenue growth, ChatGPT managed to amass $4.6 million in gross revenue throughout September, spanning both its iOS and Android apps on a global scale.

This places ChatGPT in the upper echelons of AI chatbot apps, with only Ask-AI surpassing it in revenue, primarily owing to substantial advertising investments.

Growing competition

Ask-AI has managed to outperform ChatGPT’s app in terms of revenue primarily due to its aggressive advertising strategy. Thanks to its CEO’s strong track record in advertising, Ask-AI, founded in 2021, distinguishes itself by enhancing employee search results within internal knowledge bases and communication sources.

It streamlines what is typically a labor-intensive process by harnessing AI to deliver contextually relevant information, rather than merely providing links to internal documents.

Mode Mobile, a startup dedicated to making it more convenient for individuals to earn income using their smartphones, is another contender.

It’s worth noting that ChatGPT’s net revenue, while impressive, may be lower than its gross revenue due to the revenue share taken by tech giants Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google from in-app purchases. Nevertheless, even after these deductions, ChatGPT managed to amass approximately $3.2 million in net revenue for the month of September.

The US remains ChatGPT’s largest revenue source, accounting for 60% of its income, highlighting the nation’s continued appetite for the ChatGPT platform.

Despite its ongoing growth and substantial revenue, ChatGPT’s mobile app may face continued slowing as it approaches market saturation.

Key takeaways

• ChatGPT reached 15.6 million global downloads in September
• Revenues rose to $4.6 million which is a 20% growth, less than the previous months
• Competitors like Ask-AI thrive with aggressive advertising, while ChatGPT faces market saturation despite substantial revenue

The post ChatGPT mobile reaches new milestone of 15.6 million downloads in September appeared first on Business of Apps.

It seems that Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter for a staggering $44 billion and promptly rebranded it as X, is finding himself at odds with the stringent requirements imposed by the Digital Services Act (DSA) recently enforced by the European Commission. As a consequence, he’s apparently contemplating blocking the platform in Europe.

What the DSA says

The DSA, which came into effect this past August, necessitates the creation of robust and transparent content moderation systems, aimed at filtering out false, deceptive, and detrimental information. As the platform grapples with the rampant spread of misinformation, notably in contexts such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, it becomes increasingly plausible that X may find itself on the wrong side of the DSA.

Frustrated with the DSA’s demands, Musk has contemplated two options. One involves rendering X inaccessible in Europe, effectively blocking European Union users from the platform. This mirrors the actions taken by Meta in blocking access to its new app, Threads.

The other consideration is preventing European Union users from accessing X, following a similar trajectory as Meta.

Standing to lose a tenth of its MAUs

In response, the European Commission, has initiated an official investigation into X’s compliance with the DSA. If found to be in violation, X could face substantial fines, in the form of “periodic penalty payments”, amounting to up to 6% of its global revenue.

Data from Apptopia shows that Europe accounts for approximately 9% of X’s global monthly active user base.

However, daily usage in the region has experienced notable declines in the last three months, with drops ranging from 10% to 40%. Downloads and user engagement have similarly dwindled across nearly every country where the app is accessible.

Subscription tiers

Shortly thereafter, X confirmed upcoming premium subscription tiers: one priced below the existing $8/month plan with ads and a higher-priced ad-free option.

Two new tiers of X Premium subscriptions launching soon.

One is lower cost with all features, but no reduction in ads, and the other is more expensive, but has no ads.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 20, 2023

Meanwhile, new users in New Zealand and the Philippines face a $1 annual fee for the “Not A Bot” subscription, charging for likes, reposts, and other actions.

Musk recognises revenue challenges and introduced an $8/month subscription with a blue checkmark to woo advertisers back. The company anticipates profitability by 2024 on the back of its 245 million daily users and 500 million daily posts.

Key takeaways

• Elon Musk’s X faces potential DSA compliance issues in Europe, which could lead to substantial fines of up to 6% of its global revenue
• Daily usage of X in Europe has seen significant declines, ranging from 10% to 40% over the past three months, indicating a potential loss of user engagement
• X is exploring revenue diversification through premium subscription tiers, with one option priced below the existing $8/month plan and a higher-priced ad-free tier

The post Musk considers blocking X app in Europe and launches new subscription tiers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Discount eCommerce marketplace Temu reached $1 billion monthly gross merchandise volume (GMV) in June, according to market research firm YipitData.

The app connects buyers directly with manufacturers in China, reducing the cost of individual or bulk buys for everyday items.

It has been a hit in the United States ever since it launched in September 2022, with nine months of growth in GMV. Temu has rolled out to other countries, but the US remains its largest market by a significant margin.

To get a better understanding of Temu’s rapid growth, according to Bloomberg Second Measure, it surpassed Shein in the US on monthly sales and customers in June. It has been the most downloaded app in the US every month of the year, and has twice as many downloads in 2023 than the second most downloaded app, TikTok, according to data from AppMagic.

Temu is wholly owned by Pinduoduo, an eCommerce giant in China responsible for the new wave of direct-to-consumer eCommerce which happened in China in the late-2010s. Pinduoduo has shifted this model to the US, reducing the middleman costs that are added to almost all everyday products available on Amazon and other marketplaces.

That lack of middleman to check quality has led to Temu getting a lot of negative reviews, but the company has added some consumer safety checks to ensure that the product gets to the customer at a reasonable time and is how it is described on the app.

TikTok broke ground for Chinese apps by gaining a huge audience in the West. Previous attempts by Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent ended in failure, although the latter two are still investing heavily in Latin America and Europe. Shein and now Temu show there is potentially space for new competitors in what some analysts considered closed markets. This is especially true for upstarts that have the ability to connect directly with manufacturers, reducing the overall costs of items.

The post Temu reaches $1 billion monthly gross merchandise volume appeared first on Business of Apps.

Daily time spent on social media has decreased in 36 out of 48 markets tracked since 2022, according to the latest GWI social media trends report. This marks only the second time since tracking began in 2012 that global usage has declined year-on-year, with average daily usage in Q1 2023 falling below that of 2019. Has social media usage reached a plateau?

Gen Z spends more time on social media but eyes reduction

While some emerging regions like the Middle East & Africa experience more significant fluctuations, most other regions have seen minimal changes in daily usage over the past three years. Notably, North America is an outlier, with usage continuing to rise beyond its lockdown peak.

While the pandemic induced a surge in social media usage, this has now largely levelled out. For brands and businesses, the key takeaway is that changes are less about the duration consumers spend online and more about how and where they choose to spend their time.

Across the world, Gen Z spends an average of 2 hours and 51 minutes on social media daily, surpassing older generations. However, Gen Z is starting to consider reducing their time spent online and shifting their focus to offline activities. In 2023, 30% of Gen Z express concerns about their social media usage, leading to efforts to limit their time online. Notably, Gen Z is the only generation whose daily time on social media has decreased since Q1 2021, likely influenced by the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Gen Z aspirations

Source: GWI

In certain APAC and Western markets, users are also increasingly setting their social media profiles to private due to concerns about personal privacy. Younger age groups are particularly inclined toward this trend. This shift can limit brands’ access to user data, necessitating the development of trust and authentic relationships with customers.

Content length varies, YouTube and WhatsApp dominate

While short-form content platforms like TikTok are on the rise, longer-form content remains prevalent. YouTube, with 67% of consumers, overshadows TikTok’s 45% reach. Instagram Live and Reels are also expanding content length options. WhatsApp continues to dominate as a favourite platform, especially among older age groups.

The top social apps haven’t changed all that much

Source: GWI

Changing Motivations for Social Media Use

Consumers’ motivations for using social media are evolving, with differences observed across regions. Western consumers, like baby boomers, are diversifying their reasons for using social media. TikTokers in the West now use the platform to stay informed about news and products, while Instagram’s focus shifts from personal sharing to entertainment. Twitter is also evolving, with video becoming a primary focus.

Privacy is shifting into focus

Source: GWI

While social media is a primary tool for product discovery, brands need to keep up with cultural trends to resonate with their target audiences and answer their questions effectively. Trends like #QuietLuxury on TikTok reflect changing consumer preferences, as people seek minimalist styles and neutral palettes. This shift is driven by economic factors and a decreased desire for flashy outfits.

Brand discovery happens on social media

Source: GWI

Key takeaways

• Daily social media usage dropped in 36/48 markets since 2022
• Gen Z spend 2h51m daily but aims to cut usage by 30% in 2023
• More users set profiles to private due to privacy concerns, impacting data access for brands

The post Social media usage declines on the back of evolving user motivations appeared first on Business of Apps.

Today App Subscriptions is one of the most viable app monetization models, it spans across TV, Music, Dating, Fitness, Games, Education, Productivity, and more. Scaling app subscriptions can feel like an uphill battle because it is and you need every bit of help from app industry experts to win it.

Join us on November 2d to learn new strategies and solutions with the webinar hosts:

• Niraj Naik VP of Product Management at Recurly
• James Cooper, Director, Business of Apps

Some of the highlights for this conversation:

• Rapid product innovation through subscriber data
• Scaling personalized subscriber experiences
• Boosting revenue retention

Join the webinar

The post Learn how to scale app subscriptions [live event with an industry expert] appeared first on Business of Apps.

It’s a busy week for gaming research with the latest research from Newzoo suggesting that mobile is still the most popular gaming platform across all generations and the only one that’s used by over half of any generation. We’ll take a deep dive below.

Accessible, easy to use and free

Mobile gaming remains the undisputed favourite platform across all generations, boasting the unique distinction of being the sole platform used by over 50% of any age group.

Notably, it enjoys significant popularity among Gen Z, with 81% of them actively engaging in mobile games. But even among baby boomers, 70% partake in mobile gaming.

Mobile is a top platform among all generations

Source: Newzoo

The appeal of mobile gaming can be attributed to its accessibility and the widespread availability of free-to-play titles. These factors make smartphones exceptionally effective at engaging new players, especially when compared to other platforms that often present higher entry barriers.

Socialising is a big motivator for gaming

Source: Newzoo

Interestingly, gamers across all generations are making in-game purchases, demonstrating a high player-to-payer conversion rate. According to Newzoo, mobile gaming stands out with the highest share of paying players across all platforms.

Gen Z and Millennials emerge as the most inclined to be significant spenders, with console gaming leading the way here. That’s because console games tend to be more expensive than mobile games to begin with.

Nonetheless, mobile gaming retains the highest proportion of paying players among all generations. An impressive 38% of Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials have made monetary contributions to mobile games in the last six months, while 26% of Gen X’ers and 16% of Baby Boomers have done the same.

What’s driving players to play?

Source: Newzoo

In-game currency is reported as the most popular in-app purchase across all generations, closely followed by purchases of new characters, gear, and expansion or content packs, illustrating the diverse spending preferences within the gaming community.

Millennials and Gen Z lead in in-game purchases”

Gaming enthusiasts span every age group but a pattern emerges: its popularity escalates with each succeeding generation. As per the findings, 40% of baby boomers are actively involved in some form of gaming. That sounds like a lot but compare it to the whopping 94% of Gen Alpha and the generational shift is real.

On average, baby boomers dedicate 11% of their weekly leisure time to gaming. This figure steadily increases across successive generations, with Gen Alpha leading the pack, devoting a substantial 22% of their weekly leisure time.

Younger generations more likely to spend

Source: Newzoo

However, younger generations, encompassing Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, exhibit a greater propensity for playing on console or PC, platforms that, while less accessible than mobile gaming, foster higher levels of brand loyalty.

Interestingly, these younger generations are also more inclined to engage in gaming across multiple platforms, including mobile, with 50% of them embracing a versatile approach to gaming.

WhileGen Alpha play as many as six different game genres, baby boomers prefer to stick to a more manageable 2.8 genres. Among these genres, adventure games emerge as the most universally appealing, consistently ranking in the top three across four generations and claiming the number one spot for Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials.

Notably, the consumption of gaming content, including gameplay streams, YouTube videos, esports contests, and more, plays a pivotal role in engaging younger generations. Though individuals of all age groups indulge in watching gaming content, it’s the younger generations that show a greater inclination, with a staggering 70% of Gen Alpha actively participating in both watching and playing gaming-related content.

Share of game enthusiasts, viewers and esports audience

Source: Newzoo

The report underscores the enduring popularity of mobile gaming across all generations, while highlighting the evolving landscape of gaming habits, spending patterns, and content consumption among different age groups.

Key takeaways

• Mobile gaming is the preferred choice for over 50% of all generations, with 94% engagement in Gen Alpha
• Millennials and Gen Z lead in in-game spending
• 70% of Gen Alpha actively engage in both watching and playing gaming content

The post Generational insights: from boomers to Alpha, 50% embrace mobile gaming appeared first on Business of Apps.

71% of those playing games on mobile and other devices say that it reduces stress in just a few minutes. That’s according to the “Power of Play 2023” report, released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which highlight the multifaceted advantages of gaming that reach far beyond mere entertainment. Let’s take a look.

Gamers report boosted health

The report finds that the majority of gamers said they noticed some stress reduction within just a few minutes of engaging in gaming. 61% reported feeling less anxious and 58% said they felt less isolated.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that this stress-relieving effect is not limited by factors such as age, location, or cultural background. Gamers around the world are experiencing the therapeutic benefits of gaming.

Gaming reduces stress

Source: ESA

However, the benefits of gaming extend even further. Mobile gamers are constantly refining their skills while enjoying themselves. Whether it’s through improved reading comprehension, enhanced communication, or sharpened problem-solving abilities, gaming serves as a dynamic and effective learning platform.

Some 64% said it provided a healthy outlet for daily challenges while 63% said they felt happier after gaming.

Gamers feel happier

Source: ESA

The social side of gaming

What’s driving some of this increased satisfaction is the fact that gaming can be a good way to connect to other gamers. Approximately half of gamers say they play video games online with others each week.

One of the primary motivations for playing is of course fun. But Italy distinguishes itself as a unique outlier in the world of gaming with Italian predominantly viewing games as a means to “pass the time”. This distinction sets Italy apart from other countries like Australia, France, the UK, or Japan, where the quest for enjoyment remains a universal driving force for gamers.

Reasons to play

Source: ESA

The findings underscore that mobile gaming is not merely a form of entertainment but a tool with diverse benefits, bringing joy, stress relief, skill development, and social connection to people across the globe.

Key takeaways

• Gaming, regardless of age or location, offers a quick and effective way to reduce stress, with 71% of players experiencing relief in just minutes
• Gamers report feeling less anxious (61%) and less isolated (58%), highlighting the positive impact of gaming on mental well-being
• Italy stands out as a nation where gaming is predominantly viewed as a way to “pass the time,” distinguishing it from countries where the primary motivation for gaming is pure enjoyment

The post Mobile gaming offers diverse benefits as 71% of gamers notice reduced stress appeared first on Business of Apps.

Gaming is not just for the young as a recent survey by Monetizr, a platform for in-game ads, reveals, providing a fresh look at the world of mobile gaming and how gamers view ads. Based on responses from over 207,000 mobile gamers, the study sheds light on how brand marketers can engage and keep their gaming audience.

Changing demographics

The survey shows a big change in mobile gaming demographics. It reveals that 43% of the respondents are Boomers or GenX, challenging the idea that gaming is just for the young.

Around 40% of gamers are GenZ and younger, and just 17% are millennials. More importantly, over half (51%) of these gamers are female, highlighting the gender diversity in the mobile gaming community.

In terms of engagement, the study found that 31% of respondents clock over five hours of gameplay each day. This level of engagement makes it a prime arena for advertisers. Meanwhile, 60% of gamers confessed to spending two to four daily hours gaming, while 30% allocated up to an hour to their favourite games, demonstrating mobile gaming’s broad allure.

Gamers by generation

Source: Monetizr

Are ads disrupting the gaming experience?

When it comes to in-game advertising, player preferences vary. A significant 49.28% felt that ad placement, whether woven into gameplay or kept separate, didn’t significantly disrupt their gaming experience.

Regarding ad format, 26% favoured ads seamlessly incorporated into gameplay, while 25% preferred distinct ads, highlighting the need for a careful balance between advertising and gameplay.

Surprisingly, 45% of players were open to engaging with in-game ads that offered real-world rewards or discounts, providing advertisers with chances to add tangible value.

In the realm of Free-to-Play (F2P) games, 16% might consider abandoning gameplay if publishers continued using ads, but 44% would persevere, with 20% expressing interest in clicking on ads for further exploration.

When it comes to ad integration formats, 28% believed that whether an ad was seamlessly integrated or kept separate didn’t make a big difference. Furthermore, 29% favoured the immersive “reward centre experience,” underscoring the potential for innovative ad formats.

The findings underscore the increasing prominence of mobile gaming and its allure for both gamers and advertisers.

Key takeaways

• Demographics shift as 43% are Boomers or GenX, and 51% female gamers
• Engagement is high with 31% playing over 5 hours daily
• 49% are unaffected by in-game ads, and 45% are open to rewards-based ads

The post 43% of mobile gamers are boomers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Crunchyroll, Sony’s app for streaming anime and manga content, has recently surpassed the $1 billion mark in global consumer spending. The achievement comes more than a decade after its initial launch in 2011, according to data.ai.

Slow burner

Crunchyroll has now joined a select group of only 101 mobile games and 26 mobile apps, including TikTok and Bumble, worldwide to achieve the milestone on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

While Crunchyroll was an early adopter of app store monetisation strategies, it wasn’t until 2015 that the platform started to see substantial success.

From October 2022 to September 2023, the popular app experienced a spike in downloads, with the United States leading the way, closely followed by Brazil, India, and Mexico.

This surge resulted in an impressive total of 35.5 million downloads worldwide, pushing the app’s cumulative lifetime downloads to 147 million.

Top entertainment apps by consumer spend

Source: data.ai

During the first half of 2023, Crunchyroll reached a significant milestone by securing the top spot among the highest-grossing Entertainment OTT apps globally, with users spending over $181 million on the platform.

The US emerged as the primary driver of consumer spending, contributing approximately $103 million during the same period. Following closely behind were Germany, France, and Brazil, with respective spending figures of approximately $10.9 million, $10.7 million, and $7.8 million.

A bumpy road ahead

The app, originally purchased from AT&T and WarnerMedia, has faced a few uphill struggles.

Sony recently reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit. According to the complaint Sony was accused of potentially sharing individual viewing information of Crunchyroll users with third-party websites without proper consent.

Subscribers who used the app between 2020 and 2023 may now be eligible for compensation of up to $30. To receive payment, individuals must submit their claims online by December 12 through the provided platform.

The app just made anime even more accessible with the launch of its own 24-hour anime channel in the US. This free, ad-supported channel is scheduled to debut nationwide on October 11 and will be accessible on platforms such as LG Channels, the Roku Channel, and Vizio WatchFree+.

Key takeaways

• A decade after its launch, Crunchyroll crosses the global consumer spending threshold, driven by anime popularity
• Sony settles data-sharing lawsuit, offering potential compensation to subscribers who used Crunchyroll between 2020-2023
• Crunchyroll launches a 24-hour anime channel in the US, enhancing accessibility for anime enthusiasts nationwide

The post Crunchyroll app surpasses $1 billion in global consumer spending appeared first on Business of Apps.

Shopping apps saw a notable uptake during the Covid years, but interest in using them hasn’t waned following the end of lockdowns. This year alone, consumers are estimated to be spending 50 billion hours in shopping apps on Android alone. That’s a 42% surge over 2020 which signifies a major shift in consumer patterns and preferences.

Features, features…

The latest report from data.ai shows that the surge in mobile shopping was primarily fuelled by companies that have adapted to a mobile-centric approach.

Notably, apps associated with retailers, supermarkets, and pharmacies also saw substantial growth. Furthermore, the downloads of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) apps surged but displayed a slight dip in the first half of 2023, following their impressive ascent.

Downloads of shopping apps on iOS and Google Play

Source: data.ai

But what exactly makes a shopping app successful?

When looking at the top 10 shopping apps, they stand out by providing a more extensive range of features compared to the other 20 apps in the top 30. These features encompass popular elements such as third-party payment options, curated shopping content, daily or hourly deals, buy-now-pay-later functionality, and member rewards programs.

What sets these top 10 apps apart is their higher adoption rate of these key features in comparison to their counterparts within the top 30 apps.

Users and engagement

From the first half of 2022 to the same period in 2023, nine out of the top 10 shopping apps witnessed substantial growth in global time spent. Notably, eCommerce apps such as SHEIN, AliExpress, and Temu played a prominent role in driving this growth.

Must-have features of shopping apps

Source: data.ai

Temu, in particular, exhibited remarkable momentum in 2023, ultimately surpassing SHEIN to become the leading app by global downloads across both iOS and Google Play in August 2023.

Additionally, several of these apps secured a place in the top 10 shopping apps list based on total time spent during the first half of 2023, further cementing their dominance within the mobile shopping landscape.

These apps were not only attracting a large number of users but also keeping them engaged for extended periods, demonstrating their dominant position in the mobile shopping industry during this timeframe. Overall, it underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of the mobile shopping market.

Key takeaways

• Shopping apps thrive post-pandemic, with Android users projected to spend 50 billion hours in 2023, a 42% increase
• Leading shopping apps excel with third-party payments, curated content, deals, BNPL, and member rewards
• Top 10 shopping apps show substantial growth, with Temu emerging as the global leader in downloads

The post Consumers to spend 50 billion hours in shopping apps in 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Role-playing games (RPGs) now dominate the South Korean gaming landscape, comprising 60% of mobile game sales. That’s according to new Sensor Tower data which shines a spotlight on RPGs and their subgenres in the country.

Why are people playing RPGs?

RPGs as a mobile game genre stand out due to their focus on character control, customisation, and story-driven progression, often involving battles with foes.

Within the mobile RPG genre, various sub-genres exist, including Idle RPGs, Action RPGs, MMORPGs, Fighting RPGs, and Puzzle RPGs. Japan and South Korea are among the countries with the highest affinity for mobile RPGs.

Among RPG subgenres, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) reign supreme, making up 69.5% of 2023 sales.

While MMORPGs have consistently led South Korea’s RPG subgenres, this represents a 9.6% dip from 2019’s 77%.

Global mobile game sales in 2023 so far

Source: SensorTower

Squad RPGs, exemplified by titles like Goddess of Victory: Nikke and Cookie Run: Kingdom, saw a remarkable 39% surge in market share between 2019 and 2023, climbing from 12.7% to 17.7%, securing their position as the second highest-grossing RPG subgenre in the country.

Idle games experienced substantial growth during the same period, increasing by 159%, rising from 1.7% market share in 2019 to 4.4% in 2023.

A separate study by Udonis found that 57% of South Koreans play RPGs to relieve stress. A third play to pass the time and as much as 40% will abandon a game if it gets too boring or in-app purchases are being pushed too aggressively (36%).

South Korea’s top squad RPG is…

Goddess of Victory: Nikke emerges as the leading squad RPG in South Korea from January 1 to August 31, 2023. It achieved a remarkable feat by securing the 10th spot in the country’s overall RPG charts, standing alongside only one other non-MMORPG title, Honkai: Star Rail, in the top 10.

Squad RPGs emphasise team-building with synergistic characters, leading to a trend of character collection as a meta feature. Frequent character releases and character-centric events contribute to genre sales. For instance, following the introduction of the character Modernia, Goddess of Victory: Nikke saw a staggering 372% increase in daily sales on January 1. Similarly, the launch of new cookies Stardust and Alien Donut boosted Cookie Run: Kingdom’s sales by 148% on March 9.

Mobile game sales by country

Source: SensorTower

Legend of Slime: Idle RPG dominated idle RPG sales, generating $77 million globally and $10 million in South Korea since its August 2022 release. Although it excelled in revenue, the game reached only 36th place in the overall charts.

Its success is attributed to effective advertising, a unique storyline, and an accessible learning curve. Legend of Slime led ad share on ironSource, ranked second on TikTok, and seventh on Unity in January 2023.

Five Minutes to Battle, released on July 28, 2023, emerged as a strong contender in the idle RPG market. Between its launch and the end of August, the game secured fourth place in year-to-date idle RPG sales charts and reached 65th place in the overall RPG charts.

Key takeaways

• RPGs dominate South Korea’s mobile gaming, comprising 60% of sales
• MMORPGs lead subgenres at 69.5% sales but are down 9.6% from 2019
• Squad RPGs surge by 39%, while idle games grew 159% from 2019 to 2023

The post RPGs claim 60% of mobile game sales in South Korea appeared first on Business of Apps.

Brands continue to diversify the platforms they use for influencer marketing and yet Instagram continues to hold the top spot. Instagram Reels is emerging as the dominant influencer marketing platform in the US, according to the latest Influencer Marketing by Platform 2023 study from Insider Intelligence. In 2023, 53.7% of US marketers intend to incorporate it into their campaigns. Let’s dive in.

Instagram Reels surging in popularity

Instagram Reels’ popularity is set to rise even further, with a projected 62.2% of marketers planning to utilise it for influencer marketing by 2025, placing it on par with Facebook.

The forecast predicts a significant surge in the adoption of Instagram Reels among marketers, jumping from 53.7% in 2023 to 62.2% in 2025.

This growth trajectory aligns it closely with Facebook in terms of influencer marketing usage.

Instagram, as a whole, is poised to be used by 97.6% of US marketers in 2023. This widespread adoption is credited to Instagram’s versatile content formats, robust creator tools, and expansive audience reach.

Growing number of US marketers using Reels

Source: eMarketer

The battle for influencer marketing supremacy

But competitors are encroaching on Instagram’s territory. While Instagram Reels dominates for usage, TikTok’s higher engagement rates mean that it could potentially be attracting the remaining 46.3% of US marketers yet to tap into it for influencer marketing.

Marketers should aim for effective audience engagement by diversifying influencer marketing campaigns across various social channels.

Prioritising a video-first approach, rather than focusing on a specific platform, enables connection with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more.

Instagram Reels’ rise in the influencer marketing arena underscores the power of video content in engaging audiences. Another recent report from Insider Intelligence predicts that US influencer marketing spending will surpass $2 billion in 2024, with Instagram leading the way.

Notably, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are also expected to reach the billion-dollar mark in influencer marketing spending. As competition intensifies, marketers must remain adaptable and explore multiple platforms to effectively reach their target demographics.

Key takeaways

• Instagram Reels dominates with 53.7% adoption in 2023, projected to reach 62.2% by 2025
• TikTok’s higher engagement may attract 46.3% of untapped US marketers
• US influencer marketing spending to exceed $2 billion in 2024, Instagram leading, with TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook following

The post 62% of marketers plan to use Instagram Reels for influencer campaigns by 2025 appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the third quarter of 2023, hypercasual game downloads hit the 3.5 billion mark, as indicated by a recent report from Appmagic. That’s an 8% drop from the 3.8 billion in the second quarter of 2023. What’s happening?

Hypercasual downloads down 12.5%

According to figures from Appmagic, hypercasual game downloads were down 12.5% compared to the same timeframe the previous year.

The dwindling numbers in hypercasual game downloads have been noticeable over recent years.

Hypercasual downloads

Source: Appmagic

Despite an overall slump, Tier-1 East experienced a 7% sequential quarter rise in hypercasual downloads, amassing 113 million. Yet, this uptick was insufficient to balance out the declines elsewhere. Tier-1 West encountered a 10% drop, dipping to 529 million, while there was a 7% decrease, down to 2.8 billion, in the remaining global regions.

Top hypercasual apps

The My Perfect Hotel app maintained a steady performance, solidifying its position as the most successful hypercasual game of the quarter worldwide. The game garnered an impressive 31.5 million downloads and generated a remarkable $2.47 million in revenue. Notably, My Perfect Hotel stands out with a cumulative revenue per install of $0.06, surpassing all other games in the top ten, which averaged below $0.05.

Top hypercasual titles

Source: Appmagic

In a close second place for downloads, we find Race Master 3D – Cat Racing, boasting 30.32 million downloads. However, the game’s revenue falls considerably short, amounting to just $291,341, resulting in a meagre revenue per install of only $0.009.

Among the top 10 charts, My Perfect Hotel is part of a trio of newcomers. Magic Piano Tiles: Music Game secured the seventh spot with 23.25 million downloads and $298,492 in revenue, while Twerk Race 3D – Running Game claimed the ninth position with 22.71 million downloads and $6,805 in revenue.

Interestingly, AppMagic’s report highlights the absence of specific trends influenced by social media within the top ten, a noteworthy observation. Nonetheless, the report underscores the persistence of clones of existing game titles.

Furthermore, the report points to an emerging trend of hybridcasual titles and notes that some previously prominent games have made a resurgence in the rankings. This resurgence is attributed to their efforts in refining game mechanics and creative elements, allowing them to reclaim their positions on the charts.

Key takeaways

• Q3 2023 saw an 8% drop in hypercasual game downloads compared to Q2, totalling 3.5 billion downloads
• My Perfect Hotel leads with 31.5 million downloads and $2.47 million revenue, achieving a remarkable $0.06 revenue per install
• Hybridcasual titles rise, and refinements propel previously successful games back into the top rankings

The post Hypercasual game downloads drop 8% in Q3 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Huawei’s mobile advertising ecosystem, Petal Ads, had a productive time at DMEXCO this year, engaging advertisers and offering valuable insights for crafting effective digital campaigns in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. DMEXCO 2023 attracted a global audience, with 800 international speakers, 40,000 international trade visitors, and 650 exhibiting companies and partners. It was an enlightening experience for everyone as they rubbed shoulders with industry experts and marketing professionals.

Alongside leading players in digital business, Petal Ads hosted a masterclass that offered a peek at their strategies for connecting with high-value audiences in the Chinese market or Chinese consumers on international travel. Attendees had the opportunity to experience Petal Ads’ advertiser solutions firsthand at their booth, and an MMA Panel discussion on capturing the attention of high-value
audiences.

Jaime Gonzalo, VP Huawei Mobile Services Europe, said, “DMEXCO 2023 united people from all over the world to explore the latest ideas and trends in digital business. Petal Ads was thrilled to feature their two key business priorities at DMEXCO: helping brand advertisers craft compelling digital campaigns while imbuing them with the tools to connect with high-value international audiences, mainly from China.”

Petal Ads Masterclass

Helmed by Jaime Gonzalo, the Petal Ads Masterclass emphasised the importance of targeting high-quality users over aiming for sheer user volume. The masterclass left no doubt: companies that dared to set their sights on the vast potential of the Chinese market reaped success. It cited market leaders across various sectors, including retail and automotive, who successfully blazed trails into China.

He explained that companies who hope to enter the Chinese market will be in good hands with the help of Petal Ads, the ticket to thriving in the bustling Chinese landscape. Huawei’s mobile advertising ecosystem has a deep understanding of the Chinese market, owns the exclusivity of a large amount of high-value users in this demographic, and exerts significant influence in this market.

Huawei commands the top spot in China in terms of popularity, according to YouGov Global Best Brand Ranking 2022. It is a force to be reckoned with in the high-end smartphone space, with an impressive 47.4% market share in the foldable phone segment, and over 115 million users wielding devices valued at over 800 euros.

Being part of Huawei, Petal Ads offers partnering brands exclusive access to over 500 million active users in China every month, all through the mobile advertising platform. Beyond that, brands who advertise with them can enjoy a holistic journey. From language and visuals to setup, Petal Ads offers unwavering support with a dedicated team in Europe by your side. It is an all-in-one solution for connecting with this vast user base.

MMA Panel

Moderated by Peggy Anne Salz, a writer with Forbes.com, the MMA panel featured a lineup of industry experts. Attendees heard from industry experts such as Alessandro Schintu, the Director of Ecosystem Development & Operations at Huawei–Petal Ads, Jan Heumüller, the Managing Director of Ogury, and Anna Keller, the Marketing Director at Bayer, who came together to discuss the dynamic landscape of business and communication.

Their insights resonated with the audience, emphasising the importance of connecting with high-value audiences. During the discussion, they delved into how to identify and target high-value users, stressing that using first-party data is crucial for achieving a highly granular segmentation. Drawing from their deep industry knowledge, the panel’s conversation served as a wellspring of guidance for anyone aiming to reach and sustain excellent audience engagement. It was an enlightening conversation that transformed the way many approached audience engagement strategies.

Petal Ads Booth

Located in the bustling international hall, right alongside other major advertising platforms in the industry, the Petal Ads booth was a hub of activity. The team of seasoned experts held court, engaging with hundreds of advertisers, agencies, and networks. These conversations delved deep into insights into branding and app campaigns, as well as tactics for overseas expansion.

Visitors were in for a treat as they got hands-on experience with some of Huawei’s most innovative devices, including the HUAWEI P60 Pro, the HUAWEI Mate X3, and the HUAWEI Matepad 11.5-inch. The Petal Ads team also shared their own success stories that featured partnerships with top international brands across various industries, highlighting their dedication to delivering effective, game-changing business resources and solutions. It was a showcase of innovation and collaboration that left a lasting impression.

Satisfaction with Petal Ads–A genuine partnership

About their partnership with Petal Ads, both Simone Renna, Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Mediaset, and Johan Othelius, CEO at Squid, shared positive sentiments.

Simone Renna said, “It was a genuine partnership between the companies, as it involved not only the investment in advertising but also comprehensive strategy development. We really found the best people to work with and achieved all our goals, leaving us very satisfied.”

Meanwhile, Johan Othelius shared, “The excellent cooperation and support from the team in helping us achieve our metric targets allowed us to concentrate on our core responsibilities and focus on innovating and continuously improving our product.”

Petal Ads at DMEXCO

DMEXCO 2023 left an indelible mark, reinforcing its position as the leading event for the digital industry and Europe’s digital hotspot. With diverse global attendance and fruitful networking opportunities, the event proved to be an unmissable experience.

At the event, Petal Ads showcased its steady growth since 2020, empowering advertisers, marketers, and publishers to expand their businesses and connect with bigger audiences. The platform has witnessed a 9-fold growth in its advertiser network, reaching over 730 million monthly active users globally in 170 countries.

If you missed out on the event, you can watch the Highlights video here and the Petal Ads Masterclass hosted by Jaime Gonzalo here.

The post Petal Ads’ game-changing solutions for entering the Chinese market at DMEXCO 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

In 2023, mobile gaming is poised to claim a 56% share of gaming revenue, as per data from data.ai and IDC. Now a new study sheds light on the differences in mobile gaming behaviours between East and West. Let’s dive in.

Where preferences diverge

A recent study by Coda Payments, which examines the spending behaviours of mobile gamers in Eastern and Western regions found that while more than 90% of mobile gamers in both regions are open to making in-game purchases, significant disparities exist in where consumers choose to allocate their funds.

In Eastern countries, gamers prioritise customisation and collectables, investing in cosmetics for personalisation. In the West, gameplay and progression matter most, with spending on unlocking features.

In the West, consumers spend an average of $72.47 monthly on direct purchases, significantly more than the $30.70 spent in the East. This discrepancy is attributed to the stronger currency in the West, providing users in countries like Britain and the USA with greater spending power.

In-game spending habits

Source: Coda Payments

Interestingly, the report reveals that female gamers in Western countries outspend their male counterparts by an average of $22.93, underscoring the growing popularity of mobile gaming among women.

Additionally, payment preferences vary between regions. E-wallets are favoured in the East, while Western consumers predominantly opt for debit and credit cards when making payments for mobile gaming.

What about time in-game?

The report also noted that gamers in the East dedicate more time to mobile gaming, with 40% playing for over 16 hours weekly, compared to 33% in the West.

Thailand leads with 45% highly engaged gamers, followed by Indonesia (43%) and the Philippines (40%) in the East.

In the West, Brazil stands out with 36% of gamers playing for over 16 hours, surpassing Mexico (33%) and the USA (30%).

Time spent in games and user payment preferences

Source: Coda Payments

The finding underscores Latin America’s prominence in the rapidly expanding mobile market, particularly in Brazil, a mobile gaming powerhouse responsible for 38% of all domestically developed games.

The nuanced distinctions underscore the diversity in motivations and spending habits among mobile gamers in Eastern and Western regions and highlight the necessity for game developers to tailor their in-game offerings to align with these regional preferences and inclinations.

Key takeaways

• Mobile gaming claims 56% of 2023 gaming revenue, outshining consoles and desktops
• Eastern gamers focus on customisation; Western gamers prioritise gameplay and spend more
• Eastern gamers play longer, with Thailand leading; in the West, Brazil emerges as a highly engaged market

The post Mobile gamers in the West spend twice as much in-game as those in the East appeared first on Business of Apps.

Around 98% of people who use smartphones (that’s approx. 255.8 million individuals) are expected to explore different apps this year, as stated in the Mobile App Users 2023 report by Insider Intelligence. However, there’s an interesting change happening: most users are now downloading fewer apps and sticking with their favourite ones in different categories.

Bucking the trend

The majority of new app users aren’t experts in technology; they’re just getting started with smartphones. Approximately 4 million new individuals join the world of smartphone apps every year. However, these newcomers aren’t the ones who have been avoiding apps; they’re a result of the increasing number of people adopting smartphones.

New data finds that users are going against the usual trend of exploring new apps.

Despite the ever-expanding app ecosystem, users are, in fact, downloading and experimenting with fewer apps with each passing year. By 2023, the average smartphone user is projected to have 18.5 apps on their device, which is 2.5 fewer than in 2020. This shift can be attributed to users finding their preferred apps and steadfastly adhering to them.

Super apps!

Intriguingly, we’re witnessing the emergence of “super-apps”, a concept popularised by Asian giants such as WeChat, AliPay, and Grab. These multifaceted apps offer a plethora of services, simplifying users’ lives.

Even X, formerly known as Twitter, is actively striving to become an “everything app”. While this approach proves highly effective in regions with limited infrastructure, in the Western world, where app options abound, it’s leading to a reduction in the number of apps users have on their devices.

Users are installing ever fewer apps

Source: eMarketer

Now, let’s shift our focus to a rather thought-provoking development. Out of 17 app categories, 15 are on course to surpass the growth rate of new app users.

Between 2023 and 2026, the overall number of smartphone app users is projected to grow by approximately 1.54% annually. Most app categories are poised to outpace this rate, indicating that the average smartphone user is gradually exploring a wider array of app categories.

As the landscape of apps undergoes a significant transformation, users are increasingly gravitating towards their favoured apps and showing reluctance to explore new ones.

While super apps simplify users’ lives by offering a wide range of services in one place, an increased focus on super apps could also mean stiffer competition for traditional single-purpose apps.

Key takeaways

The post App evolution: from fewer downloads to the rise of the super-apps appeared first on Business of Apps.

2024 is closer than you may think, in just 3 months mobile advertisers around the globe should be ready for Apple’s Privacy Manifests and Google’s Android Privacy Sandbox coming to life.

Fingerprinting for attribution and ad targeting on mobile will become history and you need to be ready for this drastic change.

Register “RIP Fingerprinting in 2024: how should advertisers prepare?” online event that features:

• Adam Landis, Head of Growth, Branch
• Sergio Serra, Head of Product, InMobi DSP
• Peggy Anne Salz, Founder, MobileGroove

The post Join the conversation about the future of mobile ad attribution & targeting [live event] appeared first on Business of Apps.

AI is changing the face of Mobile Growth at an astounding pace, which is why we’re proud to announce the launch of AI Labs. It’s the digital playground where our Designers, Data Leads, and Marketing Experts can experiment with even more compelling strategies, amidst a renewed wave of innovation in Mobile Growth.

What’s our motivation? We want to see how AI can help businesses grow. And to do this as both a part and an extension of AI Labs, we’ve created a dedicated task force. This task force tests new AI Proof-of-Concepts, and scales, iterates, or kills these projects based on the direct revenue impact we can gain for our clients.

Below is exactly what we’re up to, and how Phiture plans to use AI to help you – our clients – succeed.

Why AI?

Phiture’s AI Labs is about more than just experimenting with new technology. It represents a seismic shift that will place AI at the core of our service proposition, and in effect, see us become an AI-first agency by 2026 – but always with a human touch.

To ensure we maintain this human-centric approach, AI Labs’ testing environment was founded with these twin purposes in mind:

• To conceptualize and develop new AI-powered solutions that will drive direct revenue growth for our clients. Mobile marketers will also benefit from these propositions, in the form of increased growth.
• To integrate AI into our existing service offerings. By automating repetitive tasks, our experts can spend more time on high-value strategic work.

Initiative, intuition, and ingenuity from AI Labs

Our AI Labs initiative is a blend of advanced technology and human ingenuity, where the AI Labs Task Force is working together to take machine learning and automation to the next level for our clients. The doors of the lab will be open for a further six months, and several enriching programs will run during this time.

Our AI Champions program, for instance, brings together team members from across various departments who act as liaisons between AI Labs and their respective teams, ensuring AI-driven thinking is integrated throughout the company.

Additionally, our AI Lunch Break Sessions offer a weekly platform for education and open dialogue on the latest trends and applications in the sector. Already, we’re witnessing a wellspring of new ideas coming out of these sessions.

Through hackathons, bootcamps, and AI learning days, we are and we will continuously foster a culture of innovation and creativity.

Strategic initiatives

The above-outlined programs all rest on a ‘build-measure-learn’ approach focused on rapid prototyping. Already we’re working on several strategic initiatives for AI and mobile growth, and we can offer a glimpse into the lab here. Read about them in detail on our dedicated website.

In the meantime, the scope of the topics currently at play within Phiture’s AI Labs is far-ranging:

• Automated User Acquisition Creatives at Scale: AI-generated campaign creatives to promise faster launches and lower customer acquisition costs.
• Personalized CRM Messaging: Tailored CRM with AI, to make user experiences more engaging and contribute to retention.
• Experiment Insights at Scale: Analyze experiments using AI, and adapt your growth strategy based on proven results to drive impact faster.
• AI-driven Keyword Optimization: Revolutionize keyword optimization with AI, to expand impact and global reach with increased efficiency.
• Automated ASO Audits: Speed up optimization with AI-generated audits, providing faster insights to clients.
• Optimized Campaign Management: Continuous adjustment of bids underpinned by AI-optimized Cost-per-Acquisition goals.
• Internal AI Guidelines: Foster responsible and ethical AI innovation with rigorous internal guidelines.

The results so far: ChatGPT Plugin and more

Already we’re seeing impactful and measurable results from this dynamic, creative environment.

• Optimized ASA bidding: To find the optimal ASA bidding system, we’ve deployed a self-learning Machine Learning model in the Apple Search Ads campaigns of one of our clients.
• Creative campaign tracking: We’ve launched a dashboard for our creative team, so they can track what experiments the market is running, and which were most successful for ASO.
• Keyword research & labelling: We’ve handed over all of our keyword research and labelling to AI, leading to new, more relevant keywords being found and used. We’re aiming to automate the entire process with our AI-first Keyword Optimization initiative.

We’ve also recently launched our ASO Plugin for Chat GPT. This plugin emerged from a Phiture AI Labs Hackathon that explored all things developmental and forward-thinking. The plugin facilitates access to essential ASO information such as keyword search popularity for iOS, estimated impressions, and many more variables that we’re tracking directly from stores.

Rather than a game-changer, we view this plugin as a platform that can generate leads for advanced explorations. And as a free tool in its infancy, we welcome feedback and insights that may refine and expand this experimental offering. The overall goal? To meet with Phiture’s mission, aligning the plugin more closely with the needs of a global network of ASO professionals and enthusiasts.

How will Phiture’s ChatGPT plugin elevate your ASO? To kick things off, in the following ways:

• Real-time Keyword Popularity: Quickly fetch and analyze keyword search popularity.
• Estimated Impressions Insight: Gain insights into your app’s potential maximum reach.
• Streamlined User Experience: Access insights directly through ChatGPT, simplifying your workflow.

How to use this ChatGPT plugin for your domain?

It’s a straightforward task to install the plugin – simply type “ASO” in the ChatGPT Plus plugin store to find and install it. As to the plugin’s true value, this lies in the real-world insights it provides.

It’s important to note that Language Learning Models (LLMs) are not designed for data analysis as they may produce inaccurate results when attempting to analyze large data sets. To mitigate this, our plugin limits the amount of data to one day per week for API requests that exceed a 90-day range.

For deeper data analysis, you can use tools like the ChatGPT Code Interpreter or other data analysis plugins, such as Wolfram.

Let’s run through some of the practical use cases for our ChatGPT plugin.

Use Case 1: Making sense of changing brand popularity

Objective: Determine if a brand’s popularity in the app store is evolving.

Prompt: “Fetch the daily impressions for the past 12 months for ‘clubhouse’ in the US from the Phiture ASO plugin and provide an analysis detailing the trends.”

Expected Outcome: Understanding the brand’s positioning in the App Store over time by spotting peaks, dips, and potential growth strategies.

Use Case 2: Prime positioning that leads to impressions

Objective: Understand the interplay between ‘hiking’ and ‘walking’ apps.

Prompt: “Fetch the data for the past 12 months for ‘hiking’ and ‘walking’ in the US from the Phiture ASO plugin. Compare past 12 months impression trend for ‘hiking’ and ‘walking’, and annotate their popularity movement.”

Expected Outcome: Get a comparative analysis that helps tailor your app positioning. If ‘hiking’ apps are on the rise, consider repositioning aspects of your app to appeal more to hikers.

Use Case 3: Understanding the changing of the seasons and keyword popularity

Objective: Fine-tuning your marketing strategy around key periods by exploring seasonality, and its subsequent effects on trending and popular keywords.

Prompt: “Analyze notable monthly searches for the keyword ‘fitness apps’ in the US over the past 24 months. Provide insights into any noticeable seasonal trends.”

Expected Outcome: The plugin will generate a month-on-month breakdown of noted keywords. By examining this data, you may spot trends related to seasonality. For example, you may witness increased popularity in January due to New Year’s resolutions.

Use Case 4: The influence of competitor keyword strategies

Objective: Understand a competitor’s keyword performance to help influence your own ASO strategy.

ChatGPT Prompt: “Compare the keyword popularity for ‘social networking’ and ‘friend finder’ related to the ‘Facebook’ app over the past 12 months. Provide insights into the performance and trend of these keywords.”

Expected Outcome: The plugin will generate a comparative analysis of the keywords’ popularity. From this, you can infer which keywords are contributing more to your competitor’s visibility and potentially incorporate similar keywords into your own strategy.

How to follow our progress

There’ll be more results to share soon, as more real-world applications of AI emerge from the creativity of the lab. If you’d like to stay in the loop about how the results of the AI Labs can drive growth impact for your business, I’d highly recommend following Moritz Daan and Merlin Penny on LinkedIn.

Merlin has already contributed a blog article on LinkedIn regarding AI Labs, and he’ll continue to share more updates in the coming months. You can also subscribe to our Growth Newsletters here, a fortnightly summary of updates to inspire growth which will report on the progress of our AI Labs.

Before you go

• Make sure you’re signed up to Phiture’s Growth Newsletters to stay up to date on the latest from the AI Labs. We’ll be sharing our latest creations that are designed to drive growth.
• AI – naturally – was the hot topic at the 2023 ASO Conference. You can watch the recordings of all the main stage discussions here, ⦁ many of which touched upon the impact of AI on ASO.
• Preparing your strategy for the anticipated importance of AI-generated search results is important. Check out our article here on how managers can prepare for future success in the era of AI-assisted search and discovery.

The post Phiture launches AI Labs and new ChatGPT ASO PlugIn appeared first on Business of Apps.

In a move towards adherence to local regulatory norms, tech giant Apple has recently mandated new apps to provide evidence of licensing from the Chinese government before making their debut on its China App Store. The shift is reflective of a strategy already in place among local competitors, including Tencent and Huawei, since 2017.

Apple clamps down

As Chinese lawmakers are clamping down on app stores, Apple is just now catching up with the practice of asking app makers to prove their conform.

The company shared the update on its website last Friday.

The ICP filing, an entrenched registration system in China, is pivotal for websites seeking legal operational status within the country. Predominantly, local app stores have been abiding by this prerequisite since at least 2017. A roster published last week by Chinese regulatory bodies, which showed that 26 mobile app stores have added app filings, did not feature Apple’s App Store.

But getting a license isn’t easy

For foreign app developers acquiring an “internet content provider (ICP) filing” license now necessitates having an established presence in China, or at the very least, joining forces with a local publisher.

Apple, renowned for its somewhat accommodating ICP policy, has historically provided a broader array of mobile applications than its local counterparts, underpinning its popularity in China.

The repercussions of Apple’s compliance status could potentially ripple through the App Store in China, affecting the accessibility of hundreds of thousands of apps, inclusive of notable foreign applications like X (previously known as Twitter) and Telegram, which saw a surge in popularity amidst protests against COVID-19 lockdowns in the preceding year.

Simultaneously, some Chinese iPhone users have expressed apprehensions on X, suggesting that they might be compelled to utilise Apple accounts from overseas to access their preferred apps.

What happens if apps do not comply? Apps that lack the necessary filings will incur penalties following a grace period that prolongs until March of next year. Conversely, freshly developed apps have been bound by the rule since September.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that discussions have been ongoing between Apple and Chinese officials, addressing concerns regarding new regulations that could potentially restrict the availability of foreign apps on its app store in China – Apple’s third-largest market, following the Americas and Europe.

Key takeaways

• Apple mandates ICP filings for new apps, aligning with stringent Chinese government licensing requirements for digital platforms
• Policy change might restrict the availability of numerous foreign and independent apps on the China App Store
• Non-compliant apps face penalties post-March grace period, while discussions with Chinese officials address potential future app restrictions

The post Hurdles for app developers: Apple enforces Chinese licensing on App Store appeared first on Business of Apps.

Meta’s new venture, Threads, may be changing the way we think about social media. Unlike most social networks that start from scratch and grow over time, Threads quickly joined forces with Instagram’s user base, and millions signed up in just a few weeks. What’s happening in social media?

What is Threads all about?

Understanding Threads’ unique vibe is crucial for brands, publishers, and advertisers who want to succeed here. But it seems users are still figuring out what the app is all about.

According to a recent report from GWI as of August 2023, Threads has caught the attention of one in every ten internet users worldwide. Most early users seem likely to use Threads again, with about half of them very inclined to do so, which bodes well for the platform’s future.

The main reason people are signing up for Threads is its smooth integration with Instagram. Users are not only looking to connect with friends and followers but also because they have a positive view of the Instagram brand.

While Instagram initially drew people in, early Threads users are leaning towards a more “Twitter-style” information network. The big question for the platform is whether it will be more like Instagram with text or like Twitter (now X) with images. Insights suggest that a significant portion of the US user base expects Threads to resemble Twitter.

Preference for news

According to the report, Threads users are leaning towards using it in a Twitter-like manner, engaging with and retweeting news. Early users have shown a strong interest in news-related content, making it a significant segment on the platform.

Threads attracts a diverse user base, including gamers, social media enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and tech-savvy individuals. These early users have varied interests, with some preferring an Instagram-style experience and others seeking news and information. The success of Threads hinges on whether these early adopters remain engaged and how the platform defines its identity. This presents a challenge for Meta as they strive to balance news and preserve Instagram’s aesthetics.

Threads has experienced its share of ups and downs as a relatively new platform. It initially gained popularity but saw a decrease in users due to missing features such as web accessibility. However, Meta has introduced new features like customisable notifications and chronological post-viewing. Furthermore, Meta is reportedly planning to launch a web version in the near future.

Key takeaways

• Threads blends Instagram’s user base with Twitter-style interactions, reshaping social media
• Early Threads users show a strong appetite for news, posing identity challenges
• Meta’s adaptability and upcoming web version may determine Threads’ success

The post Is Meta’s latest social media venture Threads more of a revelation than we thought? appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the summer of 2023, there was an uptick in the utilisation of travel apps, surpassing the records of the preceding year. As per the most recent findings by data.ai, summer travellers exhibited an unprecedented reliance on their mobile devices. Let’s dive right in.

14% surge in travel app usage

Between May and August 2023, Android smartphone users collectively dedicated four billion hours to travel apps, averaging over one billion hours each month. That’s a 14% surge compared to the previous year.

But in contrast to 2022, when the surge was predominantly attributed to vacation-related apps, the growth observed between 2022 and 2023 was predominantly propelled by day-to-day travel applications.

Surge in travel app usage

Source: data.ai

Notably, transportation apps like Uber and InDrive, along with rail and coach booking apps such as IRCTC Rail Connect, witnessed substantial spikes in their usage throughout the summer of 2023.

Which apps come out on top?

When examining the top breakout travel apps in terms of year-over-year growth during the summer of 2023, transportation apps clearly dominate the landscape.

Eight out of the top 10 breakout apps globally fall within the transportation subgenre. Notably, apps like “Where is my Train”, “inDrive”, and “Grab Driver” emerged as the standout breakout apps during the summer of 2023.

Interestingly, despite the prevalence of transportation apps, a variety of apps outside this subgenre also achieved top breakout rankings in crucial markets such as the US and the UK. In the US, apps related to flight tracking, airline services, and integrated travel services secured positions among the top 10 breakout apps.

Travel app type growth index

Source: data.ai

In the UK, apps focused on rail and coach booking, integrated travel services, and airline services also claimed prominent spots in the breakout rankings.

Post-Covid upswing

Reflecting on the backdrop of these trends, it’s essential to note that the year 2020 witnessed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unprecedented challenges, wreaking havoc across various industries and affecting lives worldwide. Businesses faced closures, economies experienced hardships, and daily routines were disrupted as lockdowns and restrictions became the new normal.

One of the most profoundly impacted sectors was the travel industry. However, as vaccination rates steadily increased and a sense of hope emerged on the horizon, a noticeable shift occurred. The installation of travel apps has now experienced a 123% year-over-year surge.

Key takeaways

• Travel app usage surges 14% YoY, with mobile reliance at an all-time high
• Top breakout apps are predominantly transportation-based, but diverse apps shine in key markets
• Travel app installs soared 123%, signalling a strong recovery from pandemic challenges

The post Summer travel app boom: 14% spike in usage appeared first on Business of Apps.

We’re back with the second edition of App Charts, where we take a look at five apps which have seen their downloads rise over the past month, and five which have declined.

Similar to the previous month, we have not seen any change in the top four, with TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp taking the top four spots.

Temu remains in the top ten with its rollout to other countries keeping downloads high, while its main competitor Shein is struggling to drum up as much interest.

Risers

Snapchat (up 4)

Snapchat has seen its monthly downloads rise by about five million in September, pushing it into the top five for this month. The majority of downloads came from India, and Pakistan surpassed the US in monthly downloads.

ChatGPT (up 5)

ChatGPT continues its climb up the rankings, rising by 36 places last month and by five this month. Expect even more growth next month with the announcement that ChatGPT can access real-time internet trends.

Canva (up 11)

Another app that has been steadily rising up the charts over the past few months, from 12 million downloads in June to 15 million in September.

Hotstar (up 109)

Hotstar lost a lot of ground to JioCinema with the loss of the Indian Premier League, but has managed to draw users back in with exclusive rights to the Asia Cup.

Microsoft Teams (up 22) 

Microsoft Teams pulled in one million more downloads this month compared to last, dragging it into the top 50 apps.

Fallers

X (down 16)

X is struggling to draw in new or returning users, with a drop of 2.8 million downloads this month, knocking it out of the top 50. Threads, for reference, was in 12th place, although it is a much newer app.

Monopoly Go (down 18)

Monopoly Go has been one of the most popular mobile games over the past three months, but it looks like the interest is starting to drop off. Downloads declined by 4.4 million in September.

Royal Match (down 12)

Another mobile game that has been a staple in the top 50 since June, but may be running out of steam. It has been downloaded five million times less than the previous month.

JioCinema (down 10)

As Hotstar surges forward, JioCinema has to take a back seat. It appears that unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which retain interest throughout the year, JioCinema and Hotstar are always fighting for attention through exclusive sports viewings.

Phone Finder by Clap and Flash (down 3715)

A bit of an unfair end to this month’s edition, but one that underscores how fast a new app can fall off the top charts. This phone finder app went viral for its clap and flash function, but the initial buzz has died off with a 97 percent decline in downloads.

That’s all for this month, come back next month to see the top risers and fallers! And if you want to check out the charts at any time, head over to App Rankings.

The post App Charts – Risers and Fallers (September 2023) appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the third quarter of 2023, global consumer spending on mobile devices hit a new milestone, reaching a total of $33.6 billion. This resurgence in spending suggests that the mobile market is making a strong comeback after a sluggish year in 2022, as reported by data.ai.

Mobile spending reaches $100 billion mark

The quarter’s achievement is particularly remarkable because it marks the first time that consumer spending on mobile devices has reached the $100 billion mark by the third quarter of the year.

In previous years, it took until October to reach this milestone in both 2021 and 2022, and December in 2020 – the inaugural year when global consumer spending reached $100 billion.

In Q3 of 2023, iOS maintained its position as the leading platform for consumer spending, raking in a substantial $21.2 billion, while Google Play generated $12.4 billion in revenue.

Global consumer app spending

Source: data.ai

When it comes to mobile gaming, Google Play experienced a modest growth of 5% in consumer spending, but iOS saw a decrease of 5.6% in mobile game spending during the same period.

In terms of app downloads, consumers worldwide downloaded a total of 38.4 billion apps in the third quarter of 2023. This figure represents a slight decline when compared to the same period in the previous year.

No surprises: US leads

The US emerged as the frontrunner in consumer spending, experiencing a significant increase of over $600 million compared to the same period in the previous year. Impressively, nearly one-third of the total global consumer spending in the third quarter was attributed to the US.

South Korea also demonstrated robust year-over-year growth, recording an increase of $477 million in consumer spending during Q3 2023.

Meanwhile, the UK showcased a commendable performance, generating a total of $224 million in consumer spending during the same quarter.

Threads dominates downloads

Meta’s recently launched microblogging app, Threads, made an astonishing debut in early July by achieving a staggering 150 million downloads within its first week. This achievement set a new record, as Threads reached this milestone 5.5 times faster than any other app in history.

As a direct consequence, Threads dominated the downloads charts throughout the third quarter of 2023.

Leading apps globally

Source: data.ai

In fact, Meta had a rather successful quarter overall, with four out of the top five apps in terms of downloads during this period, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the mobile app market.

Key takeaways

• Global consumer mobile spending reaches $33.6 billion in Q3, signaling market recovery
• US accounts for 30% of global Q3 consumer spending increase
• Threads app’s record-breaking 150 million downloads, driving Meta’s Q3 success

The post Mobile spending hits $100 billion milestone early in Q3 appeared first on Business of Apps.

The APAC app market has boomed thanks to better mobile networks and cheaper smartphones. In 2022, there were 1.29 billion people using mobile internet, up from 700 million in 2015. That’s according to the latest Adjust Growth Score which assesses how well apps and app marketing are doing in different places worldwide. It looks at over 2,500 of the best apps and how they’ve been doing in the first half of 2023.

Travel and shopping apps are bouncing back

In 2022, there were 1.29 billion people using mobile internet, up from 700 million in 2015. Europe’s app market is also on the rise, with estimated revenues of $63.3 billion in 2023, up from $56.24 billion in 2022. By 2027, it could reach a whopping $87.35 billion.

Even though the expenses and prices are going up in Europe, travel apps are bouncing back impressively. They’ve achieved the highest Growth Score in the region, sitting at 47.3, which is way ahead of other regions.

Games, shopping and travel experience highest growth

Source: Adjust

Europe’s e-commerce market is predicted to grow by 12% annually from 2020 to 2026, and shopping apps in the region are doing well with a solid score of 41.1.

Mobile gaming comes in third place with a Growth Score of 30.4, followed by utility apps at 27.1, and lifestyle apps with 25.5.

Gaming app scores

Source: Adjust

APAC leads growth score

When it comes to the growth of mobile apps by region, APAC is leading the way with a Growth Score of 43.3. Europe and North America are close behind with scores of 35.9 and 30, respectively.

In terms of individual countries, India stands out with the highest growth score of 31.2. This is mainly because more and more people in India are getting access to affordable smartphones and mobile data plans.

Growth scores by country

Source: Adjust

Among different types of mobile apps, gaming apps are at the forefront in terms of growth. The top-ranking gaming subverticals globally include action, hyper-casual, sports, RPG, and casual gaming apps.

“Adjust is continually developing solutions that promote this new wave of global growth marketing to empower our clients to execute high-performance, measurable campaigns at a time when the mobile app ecosystem has never been more challenging ,” said Lou Hong, VP of Marketing at Adjust. “Adjust’s Growth Score tells marketers and developers where they can grow. Understanding which app verticals and regions have the highest potential for growth is essential when creating and scaling campaigns successfully.”

Key takeaways

• APAC mobile internet booms with 1.29 billion users in 2022, up from 700 million in 2015, driving app market growth
• Europe revenues set to reach $63.3 billion in 2023 (up from $56.24 billion in 2022), driven by travel and shopping apps
• APAC leads with a Growth Score of 43.3, India excels at 31.2, and gaming dominates growth

The post APAC leads app growth with travel and shopping apps surging in Europe appeared first on Business of Apps.

Appodeal and Pollen VC announce a strategic partnership to empower app developers and game studios. This collaboration provides immediate access to essential resources and financial support, enabling rapid and efficient app scaling.

The partnership is a natural extension of Appodeal and Pollen VC’s mission to empower app creators and developers.

Appodeal, a pioneer in in-app bidding and mobile app growth, and Pollen VC, a provider of credit lines to mobile game and app developers, join forces to offer a comprehensive solution that combines ad mediation, user acquisition, business intelligence, and financial support.

“Pollen VC’s innovative financing solutions perfectly align with our vision to empower app creators to stay independent and retain control over their intellectual property,” says Pavel Golubeff, CEO and founder at Appodeal. “Together with Pollen VC, we can offer a comprehensive solution that addresses both the operational and financial challenges faced by mobile app businesses, enabling them to scale rapidly and achieve maximum growth.”

This partnership will benefit not only Appodeal users but also all applicants to the Appodeal Accelerator Program. By joining forces with Pollen VC, Appodeal is taking a step further to provide mobile app businesses with non-dilutive financing options and flexible credit lines, enabling them to unlock the value trapped in their accounts receivable (AR) and reinvest into UA to scale quickly without relying on dilutive equity funding.

For Pollen VC, the partnership with Appodeal reinforces its commitment to providing mobile app developers and game studios with the financial tools and resources they need to succeed.

“Appodeal’s comprehensive growth platform and expertise in ad mediation, user acquisition, and business intelligence make them an ideal partner for us,” says Martin Macmillan, CEO at Pollen VC. “We are excited to work together to provide mobile app businesses with the most simple and transparent financing solutions to supercharge their revenue growth in a safe and capital-efficient way.”

Appodeal and Pollen VC are jointly committed to helping mobile app businesses thrive in a competitive market. With Appodeal’s cutting-edge tools and Pollen VC’s flexible financing options, app creators can optimize their monetization strategies, accelerate user acquisition, and manage ad campaigns—all from a single dashboard. Additionally, the collaboration will enable app creators to access financial education tools, helping them make informed decisions and optimize their capital mix.

As of today, app creators and game studios can join the Appodeal Accelerator Program and, in parallel apply for a credit line with Pollen VC. The application processes are simple and straightforward, and the partnership provides all the necessary tools to evaluate metrics, set up UA campaigns, and optimize finances.

The post Appodeal and Pollen VC announce new partnership appeared first on Business of Apps.

We wanted to give you a friendly nudge – the App Growth Awards 2023 entries are about to close THIS FRIDAY.

Why should you jump in ASAP?

1. Zero Cost: Entering the awards won’t cost you a dime. It’s a golden opportunity without breaking the bank.

2. Easy Peasy: We promise it’s a breeze. Just answer 5 quick questions, and you’re in the running.

3. Shine Bright: Winning an award is like a spotlight on your company. Get ready for some well-deserved recognition.

4. Stay Ahead: Your competition is already in the game. Don’t let them steal the spotlight.

We’ve got submissions pouring in from all over the world – publishers, developers, platforms, agencies – and your company should be on that list.

Quick reminder of the categories:

– App Advertising Platform
– App Analytics Platform
– App Data Platform
– App Engagement Platform
– App Messaging Platform
– App Revenue Platform
– MMP of the Year
– ASO Company
– User Acquisition Company
– App Marketing Agency of the Year
– App Growth Innovation
– App Marketer of the Year
– Fastest Growing App
– Growth Team of the Year
– App Marketing Campaign of the Year

No entry, no shot at winning. Take a few minutes this week to send in your entry at zero cost and start prepping that victory speech.

Got questions or need a hand? Just hit us up with a reply, and we’ll sort you out.

Don’t wait – this is your last chance to be a part of the App Growth Awards 2023.

The post App Growth Awards 2023 Entries Closing This Week appeared first on Business of Apps.

Mobile app marketing’s performance is on a steady rise across industries. In 2023, 64.7% of global companies increased their mobile ad budgets compared to the previous year. For UK businesses, this number spiked to 67%, with a budget boost of over 29%. That’s according to new research from performance advertising experts Moloco. Let’s dive right in.

Performance mobile app marketing on a wave

UK-based firms increased their mobile performance ad budgets by almost 26% of the global average. Moreover, 63.2% of global firms, and 68% of UK organisations, shared plans to allocate more of their mobile ad budget to performance marketing in 2022.

Notably, performance marketing claimed a lion’s share at 45.7% in 2023, surpassing brand marketing at 41.4%. This shift underscores the widely recognised importance of performance marketing in driving sales and profits.

Companies’ allocation in the marketing budget for mobile ads: 2023 vs. 2022 comparison

Source: Moloco

Performance-driven marketing creates a positive loop by boosting user acquisition and enhancing Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

Companies proficient in performance-driven mobile marketing programs are not just skilled but also highly content with their outcomes, giving it a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating. They attribute this success to performance marketing’s ability to effectively bring in new users, secure high-quality user acquisitions, and improve ROAS.

Performance boost is a major reason for rise in marketing budgets

Source: Moloco

Interestingly, a significant 58.2% of marketers believe that performance marketing is more effective for driving revenue growth compared to traditional brand marketing methods. Furthermore, 55.5% of marketers consider performance marketing as the key to achieving profitability, especially in uncertain economic times. This sentiment is even more prevalent in the UK, where an impressive 68.6% of marketers share this viewpoint.

Machine learning and AI are top technologies

The top criterion for choosing a mobile app performance marketing solution is advanced machine learning, garnering the coveted #1 spot. Across the globe, marketers are finding that advanced ML/AI technology takes precedence, with a substantial 37% of them selecting it as the paramount factor from a list of ten possible considerations. Following closely behind are factors such as global reach, securing second place with a 23.1% preference, and high-quality user acquisition, claiming the third spot with an 18.1% vote.

MI and AI as top marketing tech

Source: Moloco

The pivotal role of machine learning is underlined by its ability to furnish real-time, precise data for informed decision-making and the meticulous tracking of objectives. It stands as the linchpin for success in the realm of mobile app performance marketing solutions.

“The global shift in marketing from reach to results continues to gain momentum across different countries and various industries,” said Daisuke Yokokawa, Vice President, Global Marketing, Moloco. “Many mobile app marketers are aware that the secret of big tech’s success in advertising is advanced ML technology and the performance marketing solutions that they provide. This global trend is due to the clear and resounding power that mobile app performance marketing has to drive revenue, user acquisition, and profit, especially during times of economic uncertainty.” 

Key takeaways

• In 2023, 64.7% of global companies increased mobile ad budgets, rising to 67% for UK businesses
• 37% of marketers prioritize advanced ML/AI in mobile app marketing solutions
• Performance marketing claims 45.7% of the mobile ads budget, exceeding brand marketing at 41.4%

The post 65% of companies increased their mobile ad budgets appeared first on Business of Apps.

Streaming apps are a dynamic bunch. Companies continually refine strategies to stay competitive and new data from Sensor Tower reveals the user demographic trends among major competitors in the space.

As the streaming landscape evolves, Disney+ and others are adjusting digital ad strategies. Disney+, for instance, targets mature, high-spending users by increasing ad spending on platforms favoured by this demographic. On the flip side, Pluto TV hones in on younger users, noticeably boosting investments in platforms popular among the youth. We’ll take a closer look below.

Disney+ targets older audiences

Disney+ has effectively tailored its ad strategy to attract a more mature audience. Initially focused on family-friendly content, Disney+ strategically shifted its approach by increasing ad spending on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and websites commonly frequented by older demographics.

This change, combined with a broadened content selection featuring more mature themes, bolstered Disney+’s appeal and contributed to the growth of users aged 45 and above.

Disney+ ad spend overview

Source: Sensor Tower

The key lesson here for other streaming platforms is clear: comprehending your audience and directing advertising efforts accordingly can significantly impact user demographics and overall growth. The strategic adaptation becomes particularly critical during times of high inflation, as it prioritises reaching customers with greater disposable income.

Growth of older streaming users among select streaming apps

Source: Sensor Tower

Pluto TV channels younger users

Pluto TV increased its ad budget on platforms that resonate with younger audiences, such as Hulu and TikTok. The company is also intensifying its efforts to compete with platforms like Netflix and Disney+. These platforms now offer more affordable, ad-supported subscription options.

Pluto TV ad spending by channel

Source: Sensor Tower

Of particular note is Pluto TV’s amplified investment in TikTok, which ranks among the top five apps where Netflix users in the US spend significant time. This indicates a keen understanding of cross-app usage patterns and could be a good lesson for app publishers and streaming rivals alike: delving into cross-app usage data and adjusting strategies accordingly can be a game-changer in the fiercely competitive streaming industry.

Key takeaways

• Disney+ boosts appeal with mature themes, reaching users aged 45+, proving tailored ads impact demographics and growth
• Pluto TV invests in TikTok and Hulu to compete with Netflix and Disney+, adapting to younger audiences
• Streaming’s future relies on understanding audiences and strategic adjustments, crucial in a competitive, ever-changing landscape

The post How streaming apps tailor their ad strategies to meet core demographics appeared first on Business of Apps.

It’s that time of the year again – the App Promotion Summit opens its doors in San Francisco at W Hotel to greet subscription app strategy experts.

This is your chance to meet more than 100 app marketers and pick up the brains of more than 20 speakers during 10 sessions. You will hear from Appsflyer, Gummicube, LTV Labs, Remerge, App Masters, and more.

This is your window into the latest thinking on what it takes to launch, grow, and sustain your subscription app.

Register here.

The post Subscription app strategies from top experts this Thursday in W Hotel in San Francisco appeared first on Business of Apps.

Today’s app economy is crowded and competitive, yet there are 255 billion downloads per year and that’s only set to get higher.

The advances of other platforms, ranging from CTV to alternative app stores, turn up the pressure on app developers to tackle a new set of opportunities and challenges. More platforms for apps means more opportunities to reach and engage new audiences and generate new revenues.

But there is a catch. To drive this positive outcome, app companies have to double down on efforts to ensure their app is discovered by audiences genuinely interested in downloading and interacting with it on a frequent basis. It’s ongoing and expensive work in a marketplace where audience segments are fluid, not static.

Simply put, optimizing your app store presence to attract valuable users from the get-go is core to achieving and maintaining a competitive advantage. It’s also an activity that will devour more time and resources than most developers can commit.

In 2023, mastering ASO analytics is essential

In this environment, leveraging ASO keyword data is a must.

But, in a market where many tools are similar, it’s critical to choose tools that are both affordable and innovative.

The vast majority of platforms are pricey, charging complex fees for access to comprehensive data and limiting keyword research until you spend more. It’s a model that effectively limits your keyword universe, forcing you to miss out on longer-tail keywords and other features that would rocket the visibility and discoverability of your app.

In a nutshell, the prevalent pricing model used by most platforms stunts growth for app developers already feeling the pinch.

Providing easier access to unlimited and uncapped ASO data

A challenging and competitive market demands smart approaches that seek out every opportunity for growth. APPlyzer was designed from the ground up to be real-time and offer real value for money.

To do this, APPlyzer now offers uncapped ASO data. That means no limits on keywords and no limits on an app’s growth potential. It provides App Store, Play Store and Mac Store insights in every country and every language at a price up to 8 times less than many other platforms.

APPlyzer in summary

APPlyzer is built by ASO experts, for ASO experts. After 14 years of experience, we know what really matters in crafting a market-leading ASO strategy, those essential tools are what you’ll find in the platform—and more importantly—that’s all you’ll pay for.

Added to that, we’ve worked hard to keep the costs low on our end without sacrificing quality. Optimizing processes and storage, so that we can offer developers the best price possible.

Visit APPlyzer to learn more about the new features.

The post APPlyzer relaunches with unlimited ASO data for app developers appeared first on Business of Apps.

A recent analysis conducted by Niko Partners has taken a closer look at the mobile gaming market in India, highlighting significant growth in both revenue and the number of gamers. India’s gaming industry is on an upward trajectory, with projections indicating a revenue increase to $868 million in 2023, representing a 21.2% year-on-year growth. Let’s take a closer look.

Gaming community surges 12%

India is now one of the fastest-growing mobile gaming markets globally, seeing exponential growth in both gamer population and revenue. The forecasts suggest that by 2027, the overall Indian gaming market could achieve a staggering valuation of $1.6 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% over a five-year span.

The number of gamers in India is poised to reach 444.4 million in 2023, marking a robust 12.1% year-on-year upsurge.

Looking ahead, the Indian gaming community is expected to swell to an impressive 641.2 million by 2027, maintaining the same CAGR of 10.1%. This astonishing growth signifies a staggering 343% increase from the 144.9 million Indian gamers recorded in 2017.

Overview of India’s gaming market

Source: Niko Partners

Mobile gaming commands the lion share

Mobile gaming reigns supreme in India, commanding a whopping 96.8% share of the nation’s gaming landscape. Several factors contribute to this dominance, including the affordability of mobile devices compared to other gaming platforms and the vast availability of diverse game titles, including free-to-play options.

Additionally, the increasing accessibility of the internet across the nation has ushered in a wave of new users into the realm of mobile gaming.

The popularity of mobile gaming is further underscored by the fact that an estimated 31% of Indian mobile gamers are expected to invest money in video games in 2023, with an average revenue per paying user reaching $6.38. This surge in spending among gamers hints at substantial revenue potential, especially considering India’s penchant for free-to-play games.

Key takeaways

• Indian gaming surges with 12% more gamers, eyeing $1.6 billion revenue by 2027
• Mobile gaming dominates with 96.8% market share, driven by affordability and diverse titles
• 31% of Indian mobile gamers spending, average user revenue at $6.38, indicating substantial profit prospects

The post Mobile commands 97% share of India’s gaming landscape appeared first on Business of Apps.

CapCut, ByteDance’s video editing app, has achieved a staggering milestone, surpassing $100 million in consumer spend across iOS and Android devices, according to data.ai. Let’s dive in.

CapCut by the numbers

Originally launched in China in 2019, CapCut quickly gained momentum on the international stage, riding on the coattails of its wildly popular sibling, TikTok. The app’s seamless integration with TikTok has played a pivotal role in attracting users from TikTok’s vast global audience, propelling CapCut to new heights of success.

As of August 2023, CapCut boasts a user base of 490 million across both iPhones and Android phones. This figure accounts for nearly a quarter of TikTok’s user base, which stands at a staggering 2.1 billion individuals worldwide.

CapCut’s ascent to the summit of the video editing app world has been nothing short of meteoric. In the first half of 2023, the app surpassed Splice to claim the title of the most profitable video editing app globally for the first half of the year. During this period, CapCut recorded an astonishing $50 million in consumer spending, setting a new industry standard.

Top video editing apps H1 2023

Source: data.ai

Notable expansions include a 51% increase in the UK and a 99% surge in Egypt. In H1 2023, China, Indonesia, and Brazil led in downloads.

The app’s monetisation strategy is driven by subscriptions, with the “One-year PRO” option at $74.99 accounting for 34% of consumer spending, followed by the $7.99 Monthly Subscription at 26%.

What’s behind CapCut’s rise?

CapCut’s growth has been fuelled by its user-friendly interface and a suite of editing tools that have resonated with a diverse range of creators worldwide. Its close connection with TikTok allows users to seamlessly transition from editing their videos to sharing them on TikTok.

CapCut versus other apps – usage

Source: data.ai

Analysts anticipate that CapCut’s ascent is far from over, as the app continues to innovate and expand its features, attracting a growing number of content creators and enthusiasts.

The $100 million milestone signals not only CapCut’s remarkable growth but also the enduring influence of ByteDance’s suite of creative and social platforms on the global digital landscape.

Key takeaways

• ByteDance’s CapCut achieves $100M in consumer spending, marking its digital content industry impact
• CapCut boasts 490M users worldwide, nearly 25% of TikTok’s user count, strengthening its global influence
• CapCut’s success is rooted in subscriptions, with “One-year PRO” at $74.99 and Monthly Subscription at $7.99 leading revenue

The post CapCut video app sees $100 million milestone in consumer spend appeared first on Business of Apps.

We have a couple of updates for you…

Firstly, the Super Early Bird Ticket option ends THIS Friday. Save up to €250 and secure your place at what will be the app growth event of the year.

Secondly, we’re delighted to announce our initial line-up of speakers ready to share their insights on Thursday 30th November, including:

• Brad Richards, Managing Director & CPO, LOVOO
• Irina Ashkenazy, Head of Growth Marketing, Sweatcoin
• Ekaterina Gamsriegler, Head of Marketing, Mimo
• Niklas Henckell, Head of Community Development, Jodel
• Marton Varga, Senior Product Manager, adidas Runtastic
• Alexander Beresford, Chief Growth Officer, Taxfix
• Anja Obermüller, Head of Digital Marketing, Raiffeisen Bank International
• Anton Tatarinovich, Senior ASO & ASA Manager, Freeletics
• Jessica Gotti, Performance Marketing Lead, Paired
• Quoc Anh Luong, ASO Manager, Vinted
• Deniz Kekec, Performance Marketing Manager, InnoGames

We’re busy building a great agenda with 4 rooms of content (and some new surprises!).

We will be covering app growth across the funnel from acquisition to retention with a focus on the New Era of App Growth topics including AI enabled marketing, product-led growth, ASO 2.0 and Rebuilding User Acquisition.

APS Berlin WILL sell out, so if you want to attend now is a great time to get your ticket.

The post APS Berlin: Speakers + Super Early Bird Ends This Week appeared first on Business of Apps.

In a study that pulls back the curtain on the escalating cybersecurity challenges of our digital age, a staggering 57% of monitored apps were found to be at risk of cyber threats. This recent data comes from a comprehensive survey carried out by Digital.ai, who gleaned insights from their global application security clientele.

App popularity does not equal higher risk of attacks

Gaming apps, which constitute a significant portion of the digital landscape, seem particularly exposed, with 63% reporting attacks. Financial Services apps, intricately tied to the world’s financial arteries, are not far behind at 62%. These numbers underscore the mounting pressures these sectors face in ensuring user trust and data integrity.

Interestingly, an app’s standing in popularity charts doesn’t necessarily equate to its vulnerability. The survey revealed a disconnect: there’s no consistent correlation between an app’s popularity and its likelihood of facing an attack.

However, the operating system appears to play a significant role in an app’s security paradigm. Android apps, for instance, find themselves more frequently housed in riskier environments, with 76% at potential risk compared to iOS apps, which stand at 55%. This trend is consistent with the observation that Android apps have a 28% likelihood of operating with altered code, a stark contrast to the 6% probability for their iOS counterparts.

Android apps more likely to see attacks

Source: Digital.ai

The statistics presented are based on point-in-time data, curated between February 1 and February 28, 2023. As the digital realm continues to expand and mutate, these insights offer a telling snapshot of the challenges — and imperatives — facing developers and businesses today.

Multiple factors raise risk of cyper attacks

A combination of factors is increasing the likelihood of cyber attacks in 2023.

• Tools in the Wrong Hands: Hacking tools are getting better and more accessible. Tools like Ghidra and Frida are becoming more sophisticated, making it easier for cybercriminals to carry out attacks.
• Cryptocurrencies and Easy Cashouts: Cybercriminals find it simpler to cash out from their schemes, especially when using ransomware, thanks to cryptocurrencies and P2P payment apps.
• Nationalisation of Attacks: Cyberattacks are not just isolated efforts anymore. Some may have backing from governments, giving hackers more resources and power.

Gaming apps and fintech apps more likely to be attacked

Source: Digital.ai

This growing threat highlights the need for strong cybersecurity measures.

“Application owners know all too well the pressures of creating more apps, faster, especially with the addition of AI-code assist tools,” said Derek Holt, CEO, Digital.ai. “This leads to security getting short-changed; it is often not included the DevOps process or it is seen as an impediment without an obvious starting point. Digital.ai’s platform enables teams to inject security capabilities and procedures early into the development cycle, without blocking innovation or slowing down the development and delivery process. This means security teams can monitor applications in production for better visibility into when apps are at risk.”

Key takeaways

• A staggering 57% of monitored apps are at risk of cyber threats
• Android apps face a higher risk (76%) compared to iOS apps (55%)
• Gaming apps (63%) and Financial Services apps (62%) are particularly exposed to attacks

The post Over half (57%) of monitored apps are susceptible to cyber threats appeared first on Business of Apps.

More and more people around the world care about their digital well-being. One out of every four consumers is using apps to reduce how much time they spend on screens or to avoid annoying interruptions. That’s according to new research shared by Airship.

Digital wellbeing

While users are looking to reduce the time they spend online, ever more folks are turning to Apple’s Focus and Live Activities features – tools that help them stay focused on important information and apps during different parts of their day, all while minimising distractions.

Since it was introduced in September 2021, 56% of iPhone users have used Apple’s Focus feature to choose which apps, people, and notifications can get through to them at different times of the day. Among those who haven’t used Focus, 42% are unaware of it, and 29% feel they don’t get interrupted enough to need it.

Surprisingly, 41% of respondents have already tried Live Activities with their apps, while 35% haven’t and only 24% remain unaware of this new feature. What’s worth noting is that global consumers seem quite pleased with Live Activities, with 62% of users who’ve tried it rating their experience as “Good” or “Exceptional,” and only 6% rating it as “Poor” or “Bad.”

Why people continue to use apps

Source: Airship

“It’s no surprise that Apple is looking to double down on the success of Live Activities with new updates that will transform the lock screen into something that closely resembles a remote control for your life,” said Thomas Butta, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Airship. “Now more than ever, brands can gain front-and-centre visibility by simplifying customers’ lives and saving them time – rather than commanding or demanding their attention. That’s key to unlocking a valuable new era of customer experience.”  

Convenience is still king

Consumers are downloading more apps than ever, and what keeps them using these apps might surprise brands. While brands may expect consumers to be drawn by deals or loyalty rewards, the key reasons for continued app use are actually about ease and convenience. Most users rely on apps because they find them easy to use (35%) and because they simplify their lives (31%). This desire for convenience and efficiency is far more significant than other reasons. “Saves me time” (27%) comes in third place among 11,000 global respondents.

But even in our uncertain economy, convenience remains king. However, “saves me money with the best deals” ranks as the fourth most important reason for using apps (23%). Deals, rewards, and targeted offers have also seen significant growth as reasons for opting into notifications from mobile apps, as we’ll discuss later.

Ease of use and convenience are primary motivations

Source: Airship

Convenience and efficiency are important to all age groups. “Ease of use” was the top factor for app usage among all generations, and it’s particularly noteworthy that 43% of boomers ranked it as their top factor. The second-highest factor for boomers was “saves me time,” whereas for other generations, it was “simplifies my life.”

From onboarding customers to getting them to come back for more, it’s crucial to build an app experience that’s intuitive and easy to navigate, while delivering value. The app experience should make an otherwise time-consuming and laborious task be as simple as clicking a button — and feel intuitive and effortless too.

Key takeaways

• 25% of consumers prioritize digital wellbeing, using apps like Apple’s Focus and Live Activities
• 66% value app ease of use and simplification of life, while 27% use apps for time-saving
• 23% consider saving money with deals a key app benefit, showing its importance

The post Adoption rate of Apple’s Focus and Live Activities rises to 56% as users prioritise digital wellbeing appeared first on Business of Apps.

In the US App Store, many apps are experiencing a drop in downloads, even as the overall revenue generated from the App Store continues to rise. Data from app intelligence firm Appfigures reveals that some of the most prominent apps are gradually losing their appeal in the face of intensifying competition, which is contributing to an overall decline in app installations. So what exactly is happening?

Slowdown in sight

Based on US App Store and Appfigures’ Mobile Market Index, which tracks the top 25 apps’ downloads and revenues in each category and country, app installs stood at 91.87 last year, indicating a slight decline from 2018 but not a significant one. However, by August 31, 2023, the Index had dropped to 83.59, marking an 8.28-point decrease, equivalent to a 9% decline from the initial figure. This suggests a worsening trend.

Downloads on the US Apple App Store

Source: Appfigures

Throughout the past year, the Download Index experienced fluctuations, with a temporary surge in December 2022, a typical peak month for new app installs due to holiday season device activations and increased user leisure time. However, these gains diminished by April, with the Index plummeting to as low as 64.50 points.

While this decline isn’t drastic enough to dethrone dominant apps like Facebook, it does signify a notable slowdown.

Not all apps are declining equally

But not all app categories are affected by this decline. Categories like sports streaming, medical, business, education, shopping, travel, and productivity apps continue to exhibit growth or stability. Conversely, news, games, entertainment apps, and several others have experienced significant double-digit declines, likely due to market saturation. In summary, a substantial number of apps across various categories are witnessing declines instead of growth.

A factor contributing to the decline seems to be that established apps are losing their appeal as new entrants enter the market. Although App Tracking Transparency has made user acquisition more challenging, it’s not a primary driver of this trend.

Mobile app revenues

Source: Appfigures

While recent months have seen shifts in the top ranks of the App Store, with Meta’s dominance diminishing and apps like TikTok, CapCut, Temu, and Shein ascending, the app economy isn’t entirely gloomy. As of now, Meta’s Threads is the sole non-gaming app in the US App Store’s top 10 free apps, holding the second position.

Despite declining installations, US app revenue is flourishing as developers prioritize monetization. Last year, the Mobile Revenue Index soared to 363.13, significantly surpassing 2018 figures. By August 31st, it surged to 458.3, marking a 36.4% increase.

Productivity apps stood out with a remarkable 69.3% revenue growth, while Board games in the games category saw a staggering 584.9% increase. Only four US App Store game categories – Sports, Racing, Music, and Action – reported revenue declines.

So while US App Store app downloads may be decreasing, the app economy thrives with revenue-focused developers and substantial growth in various categories.

Key takeaways

• App installs in the US App Store have dropped by 9% from January 1, 2018, to August 31, 2023
• While some app categories decline due to market saturation, others, like productivity and board games, experience significant growth
• Established apps are losing appeal to newcomers, a trend influenced but not solely driven by App Tracking Transparency

The post Deciphering the App Store slowdown: Why installs are declining appeared first on Business of Apps.

It’s all systems go with the App Growth Awards 2023 and the deadline for entries is in 2 weeks.

Why should you enter? Simple:

• It is completely free
• It’s easy – you only have to answer 5 simple questions
• You and your company are going to look like superstars when you win
• You can guarantee that at least one of your competitors has entered (so they could walk away with the prize instead of you!)

We’ve got hundreds of entries from across the globe, ranging from publishers and developers to platforms and agencies – don’t you want to make sure your company is on that list?

Here is the full list of categories to choose from:

• App Advertising Platform
• App Analytics Platform
• App Data Platform
• App Engagement Platform
• App Messaging Platform
• App Revenue Platform
• MMP of the Year
• ASO Company
• User Acquisition Company
• App Marketing Agency of the Year
• App Growth Innovation
• App Marketer of the Year
• Fastest Growing App
• Growth Team of the Year
• App Marketing Campaign of the Year

IF YOU DO NOT ENTER, YOU CANNOT WIN! Take ten minutes before the deadline on 29th September to submit your entry at no cost and then you can start planning your victory speech.

The post App Growth Awards entries close in 2 weeks appeared first on Business of Apps.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, retailers face the challenge of adapting to shifting consumer behaviour, with a strong emphasis on mobile app shopping. Shoppers are now more deliberate, with 74% planning their purchases in advance, managing budgets, and conducting thorough research and 42% consider holiday shopping easier thanks to apps and websites. That’s according to a survey of 450 retail app decision-makers by Google and Ipsos. Let’s dive right in.

Investment in mobile apps vital for success

Mobile apps are vital for retailers, driving profitability (74% agree) and boosting online sales (42%). App users tend to spend more (72% higher average basket ring), making apps a top ROI channel (44%).

So it comes as little surprise that the majority of retailers (85%) view investing in mobile apps as crucial for long-term success. These apps bolster customer retention and loyalty, especially in uncertain economic times.

Reaching customers where they are is important for holiday retail success, and apps offer a versatile omnichannel solution. Most retailers (77%) believe apps drive store and website traffic, with 93% reporting in-store app usage for tasks like product info, payments, price comparisons, and loyalty rewards.

The convenience of mobile apps in-store

Source: Ipsos

Seamless omnichannel experiences enhance brand building and customer satisfaction, leading 75% of app-enabled retailers to believe their app customers are more content. Additionally, 90% plan to increase or maintain mobile app promotion investments, seeing it as a path to future revenue growth and customer loyalty.

Integrating online and offline channels simplifies the customer journey, aligning with their habits and lifestyles. Prioritising mobile app investments becomes essential for retailers navigating the holiday season amid economic uncertainty, ensuring long-term marketing channel value.

Focus on loyalty

Retailers who prioritise brand loyalty for long-term success can benefit from loyal customers becoming brand advocates.

When customers trust a company, they recommend it to others (88%). Retailers see a direct link between app customers and brand loyalty, with 85% reporting app customers stick around longer. Indeed, app users make more purchases, repeat purchases, and buy more items. They offer immediate and long-term value, remaining loyal even when prices change (62%). By nurturing relationships through mobile apps, retailers can build a dedicated customer base resilient to economic shifts.

The survey also highlights that retailers can use their mobile apps to gather consented first-party data, enabling personalised shopping experiences during the holidays and beyond. This data enhances customer insights, refines future marketing campaigns, and boosts sales.

Brand loyalty as most important reason for business success

Source: Ipsos

Due to stricter privacy regulations and evolving user expectations, retailers now rely on consented first-party data instead of third-party data for understanding customer behaviour. Mobile apps provide a direct channel for customers to willingly share personal information, offering retailers insights into buying habits without violating privacy rules.

While some retailers are already using mobile apps for data collection and customer feedback (39%), those who do recognise its value (34% plan to invest more in mobile apps next fiscal year). This approach is especially relevant as consumers become more deliberate in their spending.

Making the most out of the holiday season

As the holiday season approaches amid economic uncertainty, retailers can thrive by prioritising their mobile apps and investing in effective promotions. Paid promotion methods, including social media ads, search engine ads, and app store ads, offer benefits beyond organic methods, with 85% of retailers already investing in paid promotion.

Paid promotions

Source: Ipsos

With tighter budgets, mobile apps become extremely valuable (75% of retailers agree) and essential for customer retention (88% agree). Retailers should boldly embrace paid promotions to harness the full potential of their apps, fostering loyal customers, collecting first-party data, and establishing market leadership.

Key takeaways

• 85% of retailers recognize the pivotal role of mobile apps in long-term success
• App users tend to spend 72% more, are 62% less price-sensitive, and demonstrate higher brand loyalty
• 85% of retailers invest in paid app promotions, underscoring their importance in driving sales and customer retention

The post 77% of retailers believe apps drive store and website traffic appeared first on Business of Apps.

Are you joining us in Berlin on 30th November to learn about the new era of app growth?

In 2024 apps will have more opportunities than ever before…

There are now 5 billion iOS and Android devices – creating a global platform with unprecedented scale for app services across multiple verticals from education to travel to healthcare.

Increasingly apps are the default channel for consumers to access digital services with global app downloads estimated to reach 299 billion by the end of 2023.

However, existing ways of growing and retaining app users are being disrupted, and now, more than ever, new approaches are required including:

• AI-enabled app marketing
• Data-driven decision making
• Product-led growth
• New creative angles
• Subscription focused business models
• SKAN 4.0 attribution
• ASO reporting

Join us and our already amazing lineup of speakers from adidas Runtastic, Vinted, LOVOO, Freeletics, InnoGames, Paired, BodyFast, Mimo, Taxfix, Raiffeisen Bank International, Tandem, Delivery Hero and Blacklane.

Make the most of our Super Early Bird pricing and get your ticket today.

The post Welcome to The New Era of App Growth appeared first on Business of Apps.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, people flocked to their phones to order food through apps. While the trend to shop online has outlived the end of lockdowns, the market is more crowded than ever before and quick service restaurants (QSR) now must adapt their advertising campaigns to stand out.

The streaming habits of QSR customers

New insights from Sabio, a connected TV ad platform, analysed QSR consumer mobile app data and streaming habits to collate in-depth audience insights that are useful for marketers to make more informed campaign decisions.

The study found that QSR consumers are at least 2.3x as likely to stream the XUMO and Pluto TV apps compared to others. They’re also 2.15x as likely to stream the Dance, Holiday, and Soap Opera genres on CTV.

But streaming habits aren’t everything. The apps we keep on our phones can offer unique insights into the habits of QSR consumers.

Top streaming apps installed by QSR customers

Source: Sabio

QSR consumers are at least 4.44x as likely to have apps in the Card Games and Board Games app categories.

According to the findings, this audience has a high affinity for fun and intellectually engaging apps, allowing them to test their knowledge and engage in interactive and brain-stimulating activities.

In other words, advertisers may benefit from ad formats that feature product-focused interactive elements, such as games or trivia when targeting QSR consumers.

Other app habits

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok were found to be the most popular social media apps downloaded by QSR consumers. But consumers are also 3.28x as likely to have the music apps Audiomack and Stitcher and 5.51x as likely to have the GasBuddy app installed on their phones.

Top social apps

Source: Sabio

For advertisers, these segments offer various avenues to target audiences at a time when they’re both engaged and connected.

For QSR apps, consumers were 3.76x as likely to have the QSR apps Little Caesars and Whataburger. Loyalty rewards and special offers can foster QSR app downloads, but they also offer in-app delivery, which may contribute to decreased foot-traffic/store visitation and promote the convenience factor that’s associated with app ordering.

Top QSR apps

Source: Sabio

Key takeaways

• QSR consumers engage with specific apps and content genres, indicating tailored advertising opportunities
• Intellectual apps suggest interactive ad formats like games and trivia could resonate with QSR audiences
• Leveraging loyalty rewards and in-app convenience enhances QSR app adoption and user engagement

The post Quick Service Restaurant consumers are twice as likely to have streaming apps installed appeared first on Business of Apps.

Meta, the parent of Instagram and Facebook, is reportedly contemplating the idea of giving users the opportunity to avoid advertisements by subscribing to a paid service. According to the New York Times, Meta’s intention is to maintain free accessibility to its websites and apps. The specific pricing details for this subscription service have not been revealed at this point.

Meta response to regulations

The potential shift towards paid subscriptions comes in response to increased regulations that dictate how Meta gathers and employs user data. It signifies an upcoming contrast in the digital experiences of users in Europe and the US.

By introducing this choice, Meta aims to navigate the scrutiny of European Union regulators. In July, the company faced restrictions on merging data across its platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, Meta received a 390 million euro fine for requiring users to agree to personalised ads as a prerequisite for utilising Facebook services.

Regulatory hurdles ahead

Meta faced a series of fines, including a penalty of €1.2 billion for failing to comply with a previous court ruling by transferring user data to the US. Additionally, they were fined €225 million for violations associated with WhatsApp. As a result of these challenges, Meta encountered regulatory hurdles in the European market. They chose not to release their latest app, Threads, in European countries.

The company now believes that offering subscription options could help ease regulatory concerns, despite the possibility of facing resistance from users.

If just a few members subscribe the company could absorb the losses.

Europe is Meta’s second most profitable market, following North America with the EU contributing 10% of the company’s annual revenue. This underscores Meta’s substantial financial incentive to address the concerns raised by European regulators.

In response to the upcoming EU Digital Services Act, Meta recently introduced new features to comply with the regulations. These features offer expanded control and transparency rules for users of Facebook and Instagram in Europe.

Key takeaways

• Meta considers offering paid subscriptions to avoid ads, aiming to balance revenue and user preferences
• Meta’s shift to subscriptions responds to stricter data regulations, aiming to address EU concerns and regulatory fines
• Meta faces fines and market challenges in Europe, but its financial strength and EU revenue drive efforts to meet regulatory standards

The post Meta eyes paid subscriptions for its social app appeared first on Business of Apps.

APS SF early bird tickets end this Friday – don’t miss out on saving over $2,000.

We hope you can join us at APS SF – Subscription App Strategies in person on Thursday 28th September, along with other app marketers, as we teach you how to grow and scale your subscription apps.

Book your ticket now to learn from the likes of MyFitnessPal, Canva, CoinStats, Together Labs and Sago Mini and network with the biggest names in app marketing.

Brands booked on include Calm, Amazon Music, PlaySide Studios, The Weather Channel, Reddit, Chegg, VIZ Media, Pinger, Pixelberry Studios, DistroKid, SmartNews, Buddy .ai and Epic Games.

Reserve your ticket by this Friday (8th September).

If you represent an app or brand you can apply to attend at the link here.

The post APS SF early bird tickets end this Friday appeared first on Business of Apps.

Mobile app stores in China, run by companies like Tencent and Xiaomi, are now stopping app makers from releasing new apps if they haven’t met all the required rules from authorities. This follows new regulations introduced last month to have more control over mobile apps in the country.

What’s happening in Chinese app stores?

New regulations in China now mandate mobile app creators to share their business information with the government. App stores in China were given until the end of August to set up their systems for managing these submissions related to new apps.

Starting from Friday, new apps on Android app stores are required to have these filings, and existing apps must have them by March 31. This essentially means that all apps on these stores, whether they are global or local, need to establish a presence in China or collaborate with a local partner.

People in the industry are worried that it might become really hard to publish apps in the second-biggest economy and that many apps might even have to be taken down.

These regulations highlight that even though Chinese authorities seem to have concluded a prolonged period of extensive regulations targeting the technology sector, there’s still ongoing scrutiny. This is in line with Beijing’s goal to align business operations with its socialist principles.

How will stores respond?

Last week, major Android-based app stores run by companies like Tencent, Huawei Technologies, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo sent out notifications to app developers, informing them that new apps lacking proper documentation would not be featured on their platforms.

It’s not clear how Apple’s app store in China will adapt to the new regulations from Beijing. As of Monday, Apple hasn’t been verifying the filing status of apps, as reported by AppInChina based on their own checks.

Apple, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as well as Tencent, Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo, have not responded to requests for comments.

Tencent’s WeChat, which is China’s most popular social media platform, notified app publishers that the same filing requirement would apply to “WeChat mini apps” referring to apps directly published on the WeChat platform.

According to Huawei’s notice, a special task force has been established by the ministry to enforce the new policy. The ministry has also planned discussions with industry participants about the implementation of this policy. The notifications explained that app stores will need to clearly indicate the filing status of each app on their platforms.

Key takeaways

• Chinese app stores (Tencent, Xiaomi) block new apps that don’t follow rules, following stricter regulations to control mobile apps
• New rules require disclosing business info; stores had until August to set up systems for app submissions
• Apple’s approach uncertain; major app stores issue notifications for compliance; Tencent’s WeChat also affected; ministry establishes enforcement task force

The post Chinese app stores enforce new rules appeared first on Business of Apps.

Google has partnered with ten mobile game developers following the successful launch of its Play Live event. The partnership aims to provide players with exclusive in-game items, accessible through Play Points and underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for its users.

Google partners with game developers

The selection of games in this collaboration includes popular titles like Lord’s Mobile: Kingdom Wars, Match Masters, Evony: The King’s Return, PUBG MOBILE, and Clash of Clans. Additional surprises await gamers, promising to add an extra layer of excitement to their virtual experiences.

To kick things off Google is granting all users a seven-day Play Points booster. This allows players to accumulate eight times the points for each in-game item they acquire in the specified games. For devoted gamers, this enhancement is akin to advancing to a higher level within their gaming journey.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there – Google is expanding the horizons of its Play Points rewards program. In the near future, Platinum members will enjoy the opportunity to exchange their diligently earned points for rewards extending beyond the realm of gaming. These offerings encompass benefits from Walmart Plus, Instacart, and Discord, rendering Play Points even more versatile and valuable in everyday life.

What rewards will be available?

Google is also enhancing the gaming experience with a range of deals and offers. Fans of Candy Crush Saga can now enjoy double the rewards value, while RAID: Shadow Legends provides a limited-time chance for 50% more materials and vital resources. Gardenscapes is offering substantial discounts of up to 80% on special events, offering bundles that accelerate progress with in-game treasures like coins, boosters, extra lives, and event tickets.

Bumble is extending its Spotlight special, granting users an extra hour to connect with potential friends or romantic interests. Meanwhile, Duolingo is providing a one-month free trial of “Super Duolingo” to supercharge language learning.

All these opportunities are available from August 31st to September 6th. Players can access the offers and events within their favourite gaming apps or through the Google Play Store.

In addition to Google’s Play Live event, which allowed fans to engage with top content creators and delve into their preferred games, these fresh deals and in-game rewards are part of Google’s Labor Day Deals Week, with more exciting offers on the horizon for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Earlier this year, Google hosted its annual Google I/O developer conference, unveiling new features for Google Play developers, including AI-powered tools. It also introduced the initial beta of Google Play Games on PC in January 2022, enabling users to play popular Android games on Windows devices.

Key takeaways

• Google’s collaboration with 10 mobile game developers follows the success of Play Live event, aiming to offer exclusive in-game items through Play Points
• Google broadens Play Points rewards for Platinum members, allowing redemption for offers beyond gaming, adding versatility to its program
• From boosted rewards in popular games to extended app benefits and language learning trials, Google’s efforts enrich the gaming experience for users

The post Google partners with game app developers to boost in-game rewards appeared first on Business of Apps.

In an effort to diversify and generate more cash from subscriptions, apps are turning toward premium tiers. Dating apps such as Tinder, Match and Bumble are leading the way by introducing premium tiers that could run as high as $500 a month.

Weekly isn’t enough

Earlier this month, Tinder announced that it was to launch premium tiers for its membership subscriptions. And it’s far from the only one.

Notable dating platforms such as Match and Bumble are actively seeking ways to sustain their revenue growth, as they’ve seen users opting for paid features flatline.

According to Bloomberg, a tactic that’s gaining traction involves the introduction of weekly subscription plans in order to attract a larger audience towards paid offerings.

Match Group saw robust interest in its recently unveiled weekly subscription models. In the UK, there’s been a noteworthy 73% upswing in the adoption of paid plans by Gen Z women on Tinder ever since its introduction in April. A similar trend was observed on Hinge, another app within the Match Group umbrella as well as Bumble.

Bumble app paying users and revenues per user

Source: Bumble

There’s just one problem: weekly subscriptions often result in less predictable revenue as users may subscribe for short periods and then cancel.

Bring on premium

To address this issue, companies are exploring premium tiers at higher price points. Match Group, for instance, is preparing to launch a subscription tier priced at $500 per month in the upcoming months. Bumble, which already offers weekly subscription options, intends to test a premium tier later this year, alongside a more budget-friendly choice specifically tailored for Gen Z users. Grindr is also seeing favourable results from its new weekly subscription option and is contemplating the introduction of more affordable choices as well as a premium tier.

These premium tiers cater to individuals seeking a more personalised and precise matchmaking experience. Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO of Bumble, noted during a recent earnings call that some users consider spending $40 to $50 per month to find a meaningful connection as a worthwhile investment.

While introducing these high-priced tiers, both Bumble and Grindr are also exploring the possibility of offering new tiers at lower costs compared to their current subscription plans.

Dating apps aren’t the only companies striving to adapt to the preferences of Gen Z users. In April, YouTube announced two new advertising alternatives aimed at making it easier for advertisers to connect with this demographic.

Key takeaways

• Dating apps like Tinder, Match, and Bumble are introducing premium tiers to diversify and enhance subscription revenue
• Weekly subscriptions face challenges due to unpredictable user retention, leading companies to explore higher-priced premium tiers for stability
• Match Group and Bumble are preparing to launch high-priced premium tiers, aiming to offer more personalized matchmaking experiences while also considering lower-cost options

The post More apps are embracing premium tiers to boost revenues appeared first on Business of Apps.

August is an interesting time for the app industry, with the summer holidays throwing into disarray usual app usage patterns. That being said, most of the top apps retained their position as the most downloaded of the month, with TikTok in pole position and Meta Platforms’ Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp rounding out the top four.

Outside of the usual top four, there have been some risers and fallers this month. One of the biggest talking points of the month has been the decline of both Threads and X (formerly Twitter) in usage and both have seen declines in downloads, but they still both managed to feature in the top 50.

If you want to see the full list of apps by downloads and in-app revenue, visit our App Rankings page.

Risers

ChatGPT (up 36)

ChatGPT had a bit of a slump in downloads last month, dropping 23 per cent. This month was much better for the AI chatbot, even though web usage has reportedly dipped.

Duolingo (up 7)

Duolingo has had two months of increased downloads, which is to be expected in the summer holidays. India is the app’s largest market in terms of downloads.

JioCinema (up 65)

JioCinema is aiming to overtake Disney’s Hotstar in India as the premier video streaming service. It received a decent boost in downloads in August, after a two-month slump following the end of the Indian Premier League.

Telegram (up 3)

At fifth in monthly downloads, Telegram is meeting a need for many people as an alternative to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Almost half of its monthly downloads came from India.

Shopee (up 11)

Shopee has seen a lot of growth in the Indonesian market over the past year. It has been attempting to expand to more locations to offset ending operations in India.

Fallers

Threads (down 8)

Threads dropping eight places might not seem that worrying, but it is a significant decline of over 40 million downloads. More troubling, interest in Threads’ key market, the US, appears to be waning at a faster rate than other countries.

X (down 22)

While it may seem like X has had an even harder decline than Threads, it has only dropped about four million downloads in comparison to July. This is the lowest monthly downloads total in 2023.

Amazon Prime Video (down 21)

There doesn’t appear to be a reason why Amazon Prime Video has seen a downturn in downloads, as it has some of the most popular TV shows available on its platform. May just be due to the summer holidays, and fewer people watching TV.

Remini (down 24)

AI photo-enhancing app Remini has dropped 24 places in the charts, dropping back to its usual download rate of 8 – 12 million. It had a large spike in downloads last month.

That’s all for this month, come back next month to see the top risers and fallers! And if you want to check out the charts at any time, head over to App Rankings.

The post App Charts – Risers and Fallers (August 2023) appeared first on Business of Apps.

You asked so we have delivered… We are more than excited to announce that we will be back for APS London 2024 on Thursday 25th April in a much BIGGER venue.

The Brewery is a historic, Grade II listed London building located in central London and will be the new home for App Promotion Summit London.

This will mean that we can increase capacity to over 700+ attendees and up to 40 exhibition and networking spaces.

So please put April 25th in your diary for what will be the UK’s biggest ever gathering of app marketers and product leaders.

Reserve your place here or let us know if you’d like to participate as a speaker or join us as partner or exhibitor.

The post New Venue for APS London 2024 appeared first on Business of Apps.

For content creators looking to share their work, Instagram is still the top choice according to a recent study by research firm Mavrck. That’s despite TikTok gaining momentum. Let’s dive in.

Why creators are still flocking to Instagram

The latest report reveals that a staggering 98% of creators opt for Instagram’s feed posts, Stories, and Reels to showcase their content. This positions Instagram as a leader in creator engagement, surpassing platforms like TikTok and Facebook in this aspect.

In the US, nearly 60% of social media users are expected to utilise Instagram this year. This statistic underscores Instagram’s continued popularity for influencer marketing and its effectiveness in connecting with a broad audience.

The enduring appeal of Instagram is projected to persist, largely due to its unique ability to empower creators with significant earning opportunities. Notably, Instagram allows creators to generate substantial income through partnerships, a well-established avenue. Additionally, the platform’s innovative approach to monetisation, which hinges on the performance of their posts, further enhances the income potential for creators. This dual-pronged approach is expected to solidify Instagram’s allure and continued success among content creators.

But TikTok is catching up

However, TikTok remains a strong contender in capturing creators’ attention with 89.6% of US creators expected to engage in sharing sponsored videos on TikTok in 2023.

TikTok’s distinctive algorithm, which optimises content exposure, has magnetised a multitude of video-focused creators. This is due to the platform’s enhanced capacity to connect creators with receptive audiences, setting it apart from counterparts such as Instagram and YouTube. This dynamic has greatly contributed to TikTok’s meteoric rise in the realm of creator-driven content.

As the social media landscape evolves, platforms continually refresh their offerings and integrate new functionalities to captivate and safeguard their user base. Recently, Instagram introduced a novel feature designed to shield users from unwarranted direct messages containing images or videos.

TikTok, meanwhile, has embarked on testing innovative advertising tools that enable advertisers to align their customer relationship management (CRM) data with audience insights while preserving user privacy.

Key takeaways

• 98% of creators opt for Instagram, utilizing its feed, Stories, and Reels, outpacing TikTok and Facebook
• With nearly 60% of US social media users expected to use Instagram in 2023, it remains a favoured influencer marketing platform
• 89.6% of US creators engage in sponsored TikTok videos; its unique algorithm and audience connection fuel its ascent

The post Instagram holds strong among creators amid TikTok’s ascent appeared first on Business of Apps.

Consumers globally are expected to allocate $108 billion towards mobile gaming in 2023, as per a new report by mobile analytics firm data.ai. The projection underscores the enduring popularity of mobile gaming, which is anticipated to account for over 56% of total global consumer spending within the gaming sector for 2023. In contrast, console game revenue is predicted to make up just 22% of the market share.

Competitive Strategy Games up their share of the market

The latest data points to a significant shift in the allocation of global hours, with Competitive Strategy Games (CSG) on smartphones and tablets projected to capture a 26% share this year, a significant rise from the 16% recorded in 2019.

The trend bodes well for CSG programmers forecasted to reach $3.8 billion in consumer spending this year, an increase of over 50% compared to the revenue achieved in the previous year.

Top games by download score

Source: data.ai

Amid these dynamic changes, the global Monthly Active User (MAU) base is predicted to surpass 60 million this year, underscoring the escalating global interest in mobile gaming.

Another interesting development mentioned in the report is the recent announcement by streaming giant Netflix, signalling its entry into the cloud-streamed gaming sector. This strategic move has the potential to catalyse further growth within the genre, potentially paving the way for noteworthy expansion.

Noteworthy gaming successes in 2023

Within the competitive gaming landscape, two titles have particularly stood out, capturing the attention of players. Monopoly GO garnered an impressive 45 million downloads, consistently ranking at the top for daily downloads within the first 60 days since its launch in Italy and the UK. This achievement has translated into a substantial $232 million in global consumer spending.

Top games for consumer spending

Source: data.ai

Similarly, the heightened excitement surrounding the 2022 World Cup bolstered the popularity of FIFA Soccer, resulting in a remarkable 135% increase in downloads compared to the previous year. During the first half of 2023, the game ascended to the 8th position for global downloads and the 12th position for breakout consumer spending. The total consumer spending on this title has now reached an impressive $992 million since its debut.

Reflecting the prevailing trend, simulation gaming experienced a notable surge in downloads during the initial half of 2023, while Team Battle Role-Playing Games (RPGs) have expanded their share of consumer expenditure.

Key takeaways

• Consumers set to spend $108B on mobile gaming in 2023, reflecting enduring global appeal
• Competitive Strategy Games (CSG) share rises to 26%, predicted to generate $3.8B consumer spending this year
• Monthly Active Users (MAU) exceed 60 million, underscoring escalating worldwide interest in mobile gaming

The post Consumers set to spend $108 billion on mobile gaming in 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

Supercell’s Clash Royale game achieved the milestone of $4 billion in total revenue. The accomplishment is quite the rarity, shared by only 15 other mobile games. It solidifies Clash Royale’s position as a standout in the industry.

Rising through the ranks

New data from Sensor Tower shows that Clash Royale managed to achieve the revenue highlight in just 92 months, joining other titans of gaming.

Notably, Genshin Impact shines in this group, accomplishing the impressive feat of reaching $4 billion in revenue within just 26 months from its late 2020 launch.

In comparison, PUBG Mobile achieved this milestone in 32 months, while Clash of Clans, the predecessor to Clash Royale, took a comparatively longer 43 months to reach the same level. While it may not have led the pack in terms of speed in generating revenue, its steady performance spanning 7 years has been impressive. In Q4 2021 it brought in a substantial $160 million in revenue.

Top rankings of mobile games by revenue

Source: Sensor Tower

Opportunities in mobile gaming

The achievement underscores the lasting profitability of the mobile gaming market and the strong demand for captivating app gaming experiences. It also points out the key role of consistent updates, well-crafted mechanics, and live events in ensuring sustained success in mobile gaming.

What Clash Royale has accomplished shows that combining these elements can lead to continued player interest and financial growth. This success confirms the effectiveness of smart game design and long-term player engagement strategies in the competitive world of mobile gaming.

In addition to Clash Royale, Clash of Clans has given rise to two spinoffs: Clash Quest and Clash Mini. However, Clash Quest was discontinued after making just $4 million in total revenue over 18 months.

Clash Mini, which launched in November 2021, earned a modest $2.7 million up to now. When compared to Clash Royale’s impressive $1.7 billion in revenue during the same period after its launch, it’s clear that Clash Mini faces a significant challenge in achieving similar profitability.

While the potential for Supercell’s third success remains uncertain, their past achievements hint that placing a bet on Supercell might be a winning move.

Beyond merely arranging cards, Clash Royale has stacked up an impressive $4 billion in total revenue, securing its position among the top players in mobile gaming. Ultimately, the mobile gaming landscape is ever-evolving and there’s a lot of space for innovative game design.

Key takeaways

• Clash Royale’s $4 billion revenue cements its mobile gaming dominance, spotlighting consistent performance and player engagement
• Genshin Impact’s rapid ascent signals the potential for quick revenue growth in the industry
• Clash Mini’s struggle highlights the challenge of replicating Clash Royale’s financial triumph

The post Clash Royale hits $4 billion revenue milestone, joins elite ranks in mobile gaming appeared first on Business of Apps.

There’s a saying in SaaS that managing a product development team is a lot like herding cats. The joke of the saying is that everyone involved in a project has their own set of goals and ideas surrounding what success looks like, much in the way my cats do whatever they feel like doing despite family’s efforts to stop 2am meowing and couch clawing. This project was no exception.

Carrying the analogy forward, the subscribed audience of any particular influencer is also an amalgamation of individuals with their own set of desires and reasons for following an influencer. How do we then measure and display as a singular number the overall power of an influencer across so many different social networks with different audiences?

Herd Worth (HW) ties together audience values, experiences, and expectations

For the past several years Intellifluence has been gathering data through influencer compensation surveys as a means to provide a simple prediction model for each of the social networks we support, allowing both brands and influencers to see whether an amount associated with a single action project is within the expected range based on audience size. Once we had reliable data on expectations, we began to fold in data associated with compensation realities; in other words, we compared the overall expectation against what actually occurred. This opened the doors to what Herd Worth would eventually become.

The problem with audience size is that it doesn’t tell the full story for a creator. Do they have street cred with their audience on topical matters, do they have the clout brands are looking for, and how can that be measured?

We can’t be giving away the secret sauce, but it’s reasonable to look at consumable metrics such as a variety of engagement scores available across social networks and community interactions that occur within our platform as a means to determine whether an influencer has a truly interested herd or whether it’s an empty flock.

Weighing the variables available to us, we distilled it all into a single expressed monetary value of what a single action project would be worth from an influencer, across all their listed social accounts associated within Intellifluence.

An example of what this looks like from an authenticated brand evaluating an influencer inside the platform

Click on image for full size

Source: Intellifluence

One of the questions we’re already starting to get from influencers is “How can I improve my Herd Worth?” — the most obvious answer here is to make sure that every controlled social account appears on the influencer profile. Beyond that, it’s important to be visible, real, and focused. Brands care just as much about relevancy as they do how many followers you have.

The other most important factor, ignoring our scoring model, is to be responsive when working with brands. Doing good work tends to result in being highly sought after in the influencer community, which will ultimately be reflected in your HW score.

Want to discover your Herd Worth? Sign up for free as an influencer today.

The post Approximating the value of influencer audiences: Intellifluence introduces Herd Worth appeared first on Business of Apps.

Travel apps are poised to generate $1.23 billion in revenue despite prevailing economic challenges, according to new data insights shared by Adjust. With the relaxation of most restrictions and stringent border controls, a trend known as “revenge travel,” people are eager to embark on journeys. Let’s dive in.

Installs beyond pre-pandemic levels

Based on Adjust‘s data, travel app installs exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18% than the average of Q4 2019. The first half of 2022 saw a 8% year-over-year increase in installations.

Building on this, the first half of 2023 experienced a year-on-year rise of 5%. Notably, June stands out as an active month for travel app installations, often surpassing the yearly average. In June 2021, installations of travel apps were 7% higher than the yearly average. And they were 11% higher in June 2023.

Change in global travel app installs

Source: Adjust

Consistent session growth

The data also reveals that travel app usage is on the rise, with users engaging in more app sessions. These sessions are 87% higher than what was recorded in Q4 of 2019. This growth has been consistent and steady over the past two years, from June 2021 to June 2023.

Despite the increased number of sessions, user engagement has not suffered – in fact, it has improved. In 2022, travel app sessions saw a 14% year-on-year increase. In the first half of 2023, sessions are already 13% higher than the 2022 yearly average. These trends suggest that the percentage is likely to continue growing by the end of the year, especially during the summer and holiday travel seasons.

Changes in session length

Source: Adjust

What’s more, session lengths also increased year-on-year.

What momentum tells us about retention

The momentum of 2023 surpasses that of 2022, especially when we focus on the sessions each user engages in per day within travel apps. This growth is not solely due to longer individual sessions; rather, users are participating in more sessions overall.

This suggests that the overall increase in sessions is primarily driven by existing users engaging in multiple sessions per day, alongside a notable surge in new installations. This combination contributes to enhanced user retention. In essence, this is an incredibly positive period for travel apps.

Sessions per user per day

Source: Adjust

When we compare the performance to the preceding two quarters, Q1 of 2023 stands out as a standout performer in terms of the frequency of app sessions per user, as depicted in the chart below.

Key takeaways

• 18% increase in travel app installs compared to the Q4 2019 average. H1 2022 saw an 8% YoY increase, followed by a 5% rise in H1 2023. June 2023 installs were 11% higher
• Travel app usage surges, with app sessions 87% higher than Q4 2019. 2022 witnessed a 14% YoY increase in sessions, while H1 2023 is already 13% above 2022’s average
• 2023’s growth outpaces 2022. Not just longer sessions, but more sessions per user drive overall growth and retention. Q1 2023 boasts exceptional session frequency

The post Travel app installs surpass pre-pandemic levels by 18% appeared first on Business of Apps.

Popular dating app Bumble has crossed the $2 billion spending mark by users worldwide, becoming the second dating app to achieve this feat. The latest report comes from data.ai, the mobile analytics company, which studied Bumble’s success in the dating app market.

What this means for Bumble?

Data.ai’s analysis reveals that Bumble has joined a small group of just 52 mobile apps and games that have reached the $2 billion milestone. This group includes big gaming names like Clash of Kings, Brawl Stars, and Bingo Blitz.

The app’s growth has been notable in key markets including the UK, US, Australia, and Canada.

Among dating apps, Bumble follows only Tinder in terms of user spending. It took Bumble just 19 months to double its spending after hitting the $1 billion mark in 2021.

Recent data also shows that Bumble was the second most downloaded dating app globally in the last year, up to June 2023.

Tinder remains the only other dating app to have hit the $2 billion mark in app store spending.

Bumble’s journey

Since starting in 2014, Bumble has gained over 125 million users globally. In the past year alone, the app was downloaded 31.8 million times, with the most downloads happening in the US. In terms of earnings, the US led with $400 million over the year, followed by the UK with $54 million.

Bumble’s journey continued with the launch of its second app, Bumble for Friends. Introduced in July, the new app quickly became popular, ranking among the top 150 downloaded and top 100 grossing iPhone Lifestyle apps in the US.

Bumble for Friends rankings

Source: data.ai

In the UK, it performed even better, ranking in the top 120 downloaded and top 90 grossing Lifestyle apps.

Bumble’s steady rise, seen through the $2 billion milestone and its expansion into new areas, highlights its role as a leader in the tech-driven dating scene. The extension through Bumble for Friends signifies not only the app’s success but also its strategic expansion to encompass a broader user base.

Key takeaways

• Bumble hits $2B spending, second dating app to do so, reflects strong growth and market influence
• This means, the app doubled spending in 19 months, ranking second in global dating app downloads
• Bumble’s expansion, including Bumble for Friends, cements its role as a tech-driven dating leader

The post Bumble becomes second dating app ever to reach $2 billion in user spending appeared first on Business of Apps.

TikTok has just expanded its advertising tools in a move that could see more brands and marketers flock to the app. The brand new “Search Ads Toggle” helps advertisers to focus on individuals on the platform who are actively seeking more information about novel products or brands through search queries within the app’s search bar. So how does it work?

What are Search Ads Toggle?

Search Ads Toggle marks TikTok’s initial foray into ad placements that enable brands to pinpoint users who are actively engaging in searches relevant to their business.

However, it’s important to recognise that the ad format is an extension of an advertiser’s existing TikTok video ad campaign, rather than a standalone advertising offering.

Ads Manager dashboard

Source: TikTok

The company emphasised brand safety as a key component of this initiative. Advertisers are afforded the option to incorporate “Negative Keywords” into each ad group, enabling them to steer clear of having their ads displayed alongside queries that are not aligned with their brand identity.

But are they working?

Following an initial test run of the format,  TikTok said that around 70% of ad groups experienced a reduced cost per action (CPA), indicating enhanced efficiency in converting from this ad placement. Notably, TikTok had been engaged in testing these advertisements since the previous year.

Among the initial test subjects were renowned brands such as Clinique and DIBS Beauty. In the case of Clinique, there was an impressive 441% surge in conversion rates, a 51% upswing in click-through rates, and a noteworthy 7.4% increase in ad recall.

Similarly, DIBS Beauty observed an 8% rise in conversion volume, a six-fold escalation in conversion rates, and a substantial 22% decrease in CPA when contrasted with their non-search ads.

Search on TikTok

Source: TikTok

It’s not entirely clear whether this will have an effect on Google search ads which has seen some younger users steer away from the search engine in favour of social apps.

TikTok has been leveraging its role as a search platform for Generation Z, and brands might still be in the process of comprehending the evolving trend in how young individuals find information today.

The extent to which these search ads will deliver results in comparison to more conventional advertising methods familiar to marketers remains to be seen. However, given TikTok’s substantial influence on users’ shopping habits, it wouldn’t be unexpected for more brands to explore this opportunity in the upcoming months.

Key takeaways

• TikTok’s “Search Ads Toggle” amplifies brand engagement through user searches, prioritizing safety with “Negative Keywords”
• Initial trials reveal increased conversions and recall for brands, challenging Google’s influence
• TikTok’s Gen Z search behaviour shift offers brands a fresh path to authentic connection and marketing exploration

The post New TikTok ad format lets brands engage search-focused app user appeared first on Business of Apps.

The App Growth Awards 2023 will be presented on Thursday 30th November.

Here are the categories for 2023:

1. App Advertising Platform
Awarded to the mobile advertising platform, network or DSP that has provided an outstanding solution in terms of app installs, user acquisition and brand advertising.

2. App Analytics Platform
Awarded to the mobile analytics, app analytics, ad tracking and attribution platform that has delivered the most value and understanding of big data analytics in the past 12 months.

3. App Data Platform
This award is awarded to the app data platform that has provided the best intelligence to the app industry.

4. App Engagement Platform
Open to technology platforms and services that support app engagement including push notifications, in-app messaging, marketing automation and chatbots.

5. App Messaging Platform
Awarded to the app messaging platform that has delivered outstanding results in the past 12 months.

6. App Revenue Platform
This award is open to all platforms working in the field of app revenue that can illustrate outstanding achievement.

7. MMP of the Year
This award is for the mobile measurement partner that has demonstrated outstanding best practices for marketing and growth.

8. ASO Company
This award is open to all tools and agencies working in the field of app store optimization that can illustrate outstanding achievement and/or has provided the best ASO solution to its users.

9. User Acquisition Company
Open to platforms and agencies offering user acquisition services that can demonstrate they are leaders in the UA field and experts at acquiring new users.

10. App Marketing Agency of the Year
Open to all mobile and app marketing and non-specialist agencies that can illustrate outstanding offerings in the area of mobile growth and app marketing.

11. App Growth Innovation
Open for entries from any brand, agency, service provider or developer that has created new and innovative channels, techniques, tactics or strategies to increase growth in the app ecosystem.

12. App Marketer of the Year
This award is for an individual that has demonstrated outstanding best practices for marketing and growth at an app brand, startup or agency.

13. Fastest Growing App
Awarded to an app that has demonstrated rapid growth and traction in the last year. Evidence must show significant growth in one of these areas: usage, downloads and revenues.

14. Growth Team of the Year
Open for entries from app developers and agencies that have a team of rock stars dedicating their time to user acquisition, growth and marketing.

15. Subscription App Campaign
Open to agencies and any subscription app companies that can demonstrate outstanding results within the subscription space.

16. App Marketing Campaign of the Year
Open for entries from agencies or publishers from across all app sectors that can demonstrate outstanding results in any recent app campaign.

You can enter or nominate for any of these categories over at the App Growth Awards website until the closing date of Friday 29th September 2023.

If you would like to take part as a judge or be a partner of the event you can contact us here.

The post App Growth Awards 2023 categories announced appeared first on Business of Apps.

As of 2022, global economic difficulties and a rise in the inflation rate have affected the rate and pricing of in-app subscriptions. On average, there’s been a 1.29% monthly rise in mobile subscription costs, based on the latest data shared by app experts Adapty. Let’s dive into the report.

Annual subscription price hikes

A closer look at in-app subscription price changes reveals that annual prices grew 2.3% from an average $31 in January 2022 to $45 in 2023.

As the costs for advertising, attracting users, optimising app store visibility, and other forms of promotion rise, developers and publishers of apps have to change how they price their products. This is affecting overall increases in subscription prices across different levels, which is a normal reaction in the market.

Rise in in-app subscription pricing

Source: Adapty

At the same time, given price hikes, monthly subscription retention fell 10% year-on-year with the high-price segment seeing the highest churn.

A whopping 51% of all mobile app subscriptions come from the US which shows that the country continues to lead in the mobile app subscription market, solidifying its role as the biggest and most profitable market for services based on subscriptions.

This is mainly due to the country’s population that is well-versed in technology, widespread use of smartphones, and easy access to fast internet connections, all of which contribute to its ongoing superiority.

Countries dominating in-app subscriptions

Source: Adapty

Lifetime values are affected too

Another important factor in app economics is their lifetime value (LTV) which represents the average earnings generated by a customer over their entire engagement with the app. This measure helps in gauging how much one can invest in their app without the concern of expenses outweighing profits.

Weekly subscriptions had a higher LTV compared to monthly, but lower LTV compared to annual subscriptions and high-priced products had the highest LTV.

The report also noted higher trial churn during Q2 2023 indicating a drop in subscription retention.

When it comes to paywalls, a combination of offering three products appears to be the most financially advantageous choice in the market. This approach assists marketers in effectively emphasising the most appealing price for the suitable subscription product, especially when contrasted with the other two options.

The one-product paywall appears to be the least appealing to users. This might suggest that customers prefer having options and feeling that they’re making an important choice, or it could be a result of price anchoring working as intended.

Key takeaways

• Annual subscription prices grew 2.3% ($31 to $45) in 2022-2023, impacting pricing trends
• US holds 51% of app subscriptions, reaffirming market dominance
• Optimal: 3-product paywall; high-priced products show highest LTV

The post Rising costs lead to 2.3% hike in annual in-app subscription pricing appeared first on Business of Apps.

Creators have flocked to TikTok Shop to offer up their products just two weeks ago after TikTok officially unveiled its shopping platform poised to reshape social commerce. But what’s in store for creators and app marketers?

Why launch TikTok Shop?

TikTok’s motivation behind this move is clear: it’s all about boosting the earning potential of its creators who are the main drivers behind the app’s success. Instead of the usual route of linking to external websites or dealing with the intricacies of third-party platforms like Amazon or Facebook Marketplace, TikTok Shop provides a streamlined space for creators to sell their goods, free from added fees or binding contracts.

That’s not exactly a new concept, but unlike its predecessors such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat, TikTok has taken its time to roll it out. The app introduced shoppable ads initially.

TikTok Shop feedback

Source: TikTok Shop

How Shop works?

TikTok’s new features bring influencers closer to their audience’s purchasing decisions. For influencers accustomed to swift product pitches in short videos, this transition to self-directed sales on a virtual store seems seamless.

Shops were initially trialled in November 2022 in the UK and US with limited users.

Notably, TikTok Shop features an affiliate program, allowing creators to earn commissions for promoting products. These commissions can range from 1% to customised percentages set by brands and the company.

In this evolving landscape, TikTok Shop bridges creators with commerce, enabling them to monetise their creativity and brands while refining the shopping experience for its users.

At the same time, it gives creators greater freedom in exactly how they wish to promote products.

Surely, it was only a matter of time before the app would jump on the commerce bandwagon but what sets TikTok apart is its precise algorithm that guides users to products featured in videos, a contrast to platforms like Facebook. TikTok’s strength lies in its ability to help users find not only mainstream products but also offerings from small businesses.

Key takeaways

• Just two weeks post-launch, creators rush to reshape social commerce on TikTok’s new platform
• TikTok Shop boosts earnings, offering direct selling minus third-party complexities, with a customisable affiliate program
• Gradual rollout, influencer-driven promotion, precise algorithm: TikTok bridges creativity and commerce, guiding users to products

The post TikTok launches its own Shop allowing creators to sell products directly appeared first on Business of Apps.

Tencent, the major Chinese mobile game maker, behind titles such as PUBG and Roco Kingdom, just announced that it made 149.2 billion yuan (which is about $20.6 billion) in Q2 2023. This is 11% more than what the company earned in the same time in 2022. Let’s dive in.

Tencent scores another win

The company, which captures about 61% of the local PC and mobile gaming market together with NetEase, also reported increasing operating profit of 50.1 billion yuan (around $6.9 billion), 37% higher than the previous year.

This is in part due to better cost management, boosting operating margins from 22% to 26% compared to last year.

Profits rose by 33% to about 38.6 billion yuan (approximately $5.3 billion).

Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Tencent, said: “In the three months from April to June 2023, we kept making more money, especially from better types of income that bring in more profit. We also made sure to spend money carefully, and this, along with changes we made last year, helped our profit to grow more than our income did.

“Our advertising part of the business grew quickly, thanks to using smart technology on our ads and making money from Video Accounts. We’re going to keep being creative and trying new things. For example, we’re using special AI to come up with new ideas, and we’re sharing these with our partners through our Tencent Cloud Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) program. We’re also improving our own special starting idea.”

Tencent earnings overview

Source: Tencent

Beyond local markets

Tencent’s international gaming revenue climbed 19% to reach 12.7 billion yuan in the past quarter. This boost was propelled by popular titles like Valorant, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, and PUBG Mobile.

Meanwhile, revenue from domestic games held steady at $31.8 billion. Tencent attributes this stability to the launch of less commercial content in its major games after a strong start to the year. Additionally, income from emerging competitive esports games like Arena Breakout and Fight of the Golden Spatula rose compared to the previous year.

The latest data suggests that Tencent has adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the Chinese market in 2022. The company had previously lost its standing as China’s largest corporation. However, it’s important to note that China has recently introduced new regulations regarding mobile phone usage, which could introduce further uncertainty.

In 2022, we recognised Tencent as one of the leading 50 mobile game developers. Our updated list for 2023 will be unveiled during our event at Gamescom in August 2022.

Key takeaways

• Tencent’s Q2 revenue up 11% to 149.2B yuan ($20.6B), driven by international game success and improved profit margins
• Steady domestic game revenue at $31.8B, attributed to strategic content releases
• Despite 2022 challenges, Tencent navigates well, but new mobile regulations introduce uncertainty

The post Tencent’s Q2 revenue jumps 11% on the back of strong gaming apps and ad revenues appeared first on Business of Apps.

We are excited to announce that the first look agenda for APS SF – Subscription App Strategies 2023 is now live and covering the latest in growth and product marketing for subscription apps including Generative AI, SKAN 5, monetization and data driven decision making.

The in-person conference at W San Francisco on Thursday September 28 will feature talks, panels and interactive discussions including:

• Lessons Learnt while Driving Growth Marketing at MyFitnessPal and Rakuten Viki – Mansi Sharma, Vice President, Growth Marketing @ MyFitnessPal
  
• Using AI to Boost Your App Monetization Strategy – Jenny Pollock, Lead Monetization Program Manager @ Together Labs 
• Crafting Reward Programs via Advanced CRM – How we Increased Subscriber Engagement by 300% – Karan Tibdewal, CRM & Subscriptions Consultant 
• Preventing Subscriber Churn: Identifying Signals and Implementing Preventive Measures – Vahe Baghdasaryan, Senior Growth Marketing Manager @ CoinStats 
• Optimizing Monetization: Prioritizing User Experience for Lasting Success – Lana Dubinskiy, Senior Director of Product @ IMVU

Apply for an in-person ticket here if you haven’t already, but hurry as there are a limited number of passes left for the physical conference.

The post The agenda for APS SF – Subscription Strategies is now live appeared first on Business of Apps.

Disney has seen a massive drop off in the number of subscribers to its Indian streaming service Disney Hotstar over the past 12 months, with 12.5 million fewer subscribers in July 2023 than at the same point last year.

In the company’s latest quarterly financial statement, it removed the ‘total Disney’ paid subscriber count from its reporting to emphasize the separation between Hotstar and the core Disney+ service. Disney+ core, which includes domestic and international subscribers, increased by 0.7 percent year-on-year.

Hotstar, while potentially of immense value in the future for Disney, is currently responsible for three percent of Disney+ total revenues. It also has a much lower average revenue per user than the core Disney+ product, at $0.59 in the most recent financial quarter to Disney+ core’s $6.58.

Disney+ vs Netflix subscriber count 2020 to 2023 (mm)

Disney was riding high off the back of successive quarters of growth for the company’s streaming service, with news articles declaring Disney+ likely to surpass Netflix in overall subscribers by 2024. However, it was only through beefing the subscription numbers with Hotstar that it was able to come close to Netflix’s 238 million subscriber count.

Now, as Hotstar starts to falter, Disney is trying to make sure investors see the two services as separate.

Disney was already warning of a downturn in subscribers following Hotstar losing the rights to stream the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches, which was a major selling point for the service with most advertising in the country mentioning IPL.

On top of that, India’s largest company by market capitalisation, Reliance Industries, has started aggressively promoting JioCinema, its competitor to Hotstar. It acquired the rights to stream the IPL and is currently offering it for free on its platform, to get more users to sign up.

Outside of Hotstar, Disney is seeing its subscriber count grow for Disney+ but at a much slower rate than in 2021 and 2022. At the same time, Netflix’s new lower cost subscription service with ads, alongside its password sharing ban, has led to an eight percent year-on-year increase in subscribers.

The post Disney’s Hotstar audience cratering, with 23.6% drop in subscribers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Changing strategy, social media platform X, aka Twitter, has opted to pull the plug on advertisers using its timeline to push their accounts and reel in fresh followers. The development was noticed by Axios, quoting an email dispatched to advertising clients.

What’s X doing now?

According to the report, these boosted accounts, coined as “Follower Objective” ads, contribute a whopping $100 million in revenue annually to X’s coffers worldwide.

In simple terms, “Follower Objective” ads involve a unique type of advertisement wherein a tweet is shown on a user’s timeline even if they’re not following the advertiser’s account. Complete with a clickable “follow” button, this ad format encourages users to become followers themselves. X posits that this ad type offers a straightforward method to rapidly up the follower count.

Despite still showcasing the Follower Objective format as an advertising avenue on its business portal, a communication from August 10, acquired by Axios, spilt the beans that X plans to gradually dial down the prominence of the “Followers Objective” ad component, with the process having kicked off last week.

Why promoted ads matter

X has acknowledged the deprecation of the ad unit, saying that. The platform is suggesting clients try different ad types. One is the engagement campaign, which highlights the advertiser’s name and account in the ad for more interaction. Another is the reach campaign, where advertisers pay for more people to see the ad. These options aim to help advertisers connect better with their audience and get more visibility.

Promoted follower ads have played a significant role for advertisers in connecting with their audience and fostering business growth on the platform. These ads serve as a tool for companies to target specific groups of users.

One of the primary advantages of promoted follower ads is their capability to target specific groups of users. Advertisers can fine-tune their campaigns to reach individuals based on various demographics, interests, behaviours, and other data points. This granular targeting lets companies direct their promotional efforts towards the individuals most likely to resonate with their brand or product.

Key takeaways

• X, formerly Twitter, alters strategy, reduces timeline ads, and explores novel advertising avenues for engagement
• “Follower Objective” ads boost X’s revenue, now transitioning to alternative methods
• Advertisers embrace targeted engagement and reach campaigns post-X’s timeline ad shift

The post X stops advertisers using timeline for promotion, prioritising new approaches appeared first on Business of Apps.

Setapp, an app subscription service, is getting ready to launch its own app store as a different choice. They’re planning to do this when new rules from the EU start next year. Setapp is relying on the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is supposed to let people put other apps on iOS without needing to use Apple’s App Store.

Better revenue sharing for developers

Setup currently offers a subscription service where users pay $9.99 per month to access more than 240 apps for their Mac. These apps cover various categories like utilities, productivity tools, customisation, lifestyle, and more. They have different plans, including those with iOS apps ($12.49/mo), options for power users with more devices ($14.99/mo), family plans, and plans for teams.

For their upcoming standalone app store, Setapp has partnered with over 30 developers who are ready to offer their apps. Some of these partners include Ulysses, Taskheat, NotePlan, PDFSearch, and Soulver. The company is also inviting more developers to join in.

Setapp is trying to attract developers by offering them better revenue sharing compared to Apple. While developers get a 70/30 split when customers use their app, Setapp also shares an additional 20% with developers who bring in new customers. This means developers have the chance to earn up to 90% of Setapp’s user fees every month.

Top-rated apps on Setapp store

Source: Setapp

Oleksandr Kosovan, the founder and CEO of Setapp, mentioned that 60% of developers are interested in using third-party app stores for distributing their iOS apps. Setapp aims to support iOS-only developers and give them a platform to gain users and increase their revenue.

Customers who are interested can join a waitlist to receive updates about the launch of the new app store.

What’s Apple got to say about it?

According to a report in December 2022 by Bloomberg, Apple seemed to be getting ready to permit different app stores on iPhones and iPads to follow the DMA rules.

This is happening even though Apple has worries about the security problems linked to installing apps from sources other than the official App Store.

The process, known as “sideloading,” can impact the safety and privacy of users. However, the report pointed out that Apple was still talking about various ideas on how this new system would function. They might even ask for a fee to verify these apps before allowing them.

For now, Setapp is proceeding with the belief that Apple devices will eventually need to allow other app stores, and they are actively making preparations to introduce their own app store.

Key takeaways

• Setapp readies own app store, betting on EU law for alternative to Apple’s store
• Developers offered improved revenue share, up to 90% through Setapp’s model
• Apple’s approach to third-party app stores and security remains uncertain

The post Setapp preparing to launch independent app store as Apple rules change appeared first on Business of Apps.

Within just three weeks, Threads seems to have gone from formidable Twitter rival to just another social app. Similarweb, the data aggregation and software firm, recorded a drastic decline of nearly 80 percent in daily user numbers, indicating a significant setback for the app. Could this spill the end for Threads?

Capturing attention

Similarweb data recorded a drop in daily active users on Android mobile devices, plummeting from 49 million to 11 million. But this analysis didn’t encompass user figures for Apple’s iOS mobile platform.

The count of global users on Android devices surged from 6 million on July 5, the day of Meta’s app launch, to 41 million the next day. It then reached a peak of nearly 50 million on July 7, equivalent to around 45 percent of Twitter’s usage on that particular day.

Threads vs Twitter change in usage

Source: Similarweb

Threads previously managed to capture more attention than its Twitter rivals such as Mastodon and Bluesky, but the steep decline in user engagement underscores the difficulties in attracting and retaining users in a highly competitive social media landscape.

Quick to rise, quick to fall

Threads quickly amassed 100 million users within just five days, a milestone that took Twitter 5.4 years to accomplish. A crucial factor in this achievement was Instagram, also a Meta-owned entity, which leveraged its existing audience of 1.4 billion to facilitate the recruitment of users for Threads.

However, it’s worth noting that Threads currently lacks a number of fundamental features and still needs to provide a compelling incentive for users to transition from Twitter or adopt Threads as their preferred social media platform.

App engagement on Threads

Source: Similarweb

Consequently, usage of the app has steadily dwindled since its launch, with daily active users on Android devices remaining at around 11 to 12 million over the last seven days.

Interestingly, the launch of Threads has not significantly impacted Twitter’s usage on the same platform. Following Elon Musk’s rebranding, Twitter, now known as X Corp, recorded a daily active user count ranging from 107 to 109 million on Android devices during the week after Meta introduced its text-based rival. In the subsequent week, this count oscillated between 108 and 114 million.

Key takeaways

• Threads saw an 80% drop in daily users within weeks, indicating challenges in social media competition
• Instagram’s support boosted Threads to 100M users quickly, a feat Twitter took years to achieve
• Despite initial attention, Threads faces decline and needs compelling features to rival Twitter’s dominance

The post Threads vs Twitter: from rival to retreat in 3 weeks appeared first on Business of Apps.

Adsterra, a prominent digital advertising network, is celebrating a decade of remarkable success by hosting an extraordinary Anniversary Giveaway. Lucky participants who remain active for a minimum of 15 days, from now until August 31st, stand a chance to win thrilling prizes.

Joining the giveaway is as simple as 1-2-3:

• Create a publisher’s, advertiser’s, or affiliate’s account.
• Submit your login details on Adsterra’s dedicated form at the bottom of the anniversary landing page to enter the Giveaway.
• Get involved by running ad campaigns or monetizing traffic during the specified period.

Over the past ten years, Adsterra has been at the forefront of empowering aspiring individuals and businesses, providing them with tools to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary milestones. Through enhanced exposure and revenue opportunities, the Adsterra network has played a crucial role in propelling numerous startups to resounding success. Publishers and affiliates have also benefited greatly from Adsterra’s Self-Serve tools, elevating their accomplishments to new heights.

Adsterra takes pride in collaborating with skilled and dedicated publishers, affiliates, and advertisers, whose unwavering efforts have resulted in exceptional revenue generation and conversions. Currently, the platform boasts an impressive 28,000 publishers earning $65 million annually, while its 13,000 advertisers contribute to a staggering 1.34 billion conversions each year. However, Adsterra believes its success goes beyond mere numbers.

For Adsterra, partners are more than just clients, customers, or users; they are cherished companions on a mutual journey towards profit growth. The company has fostered strong bonds with partners through unique Partner Care Standards and a shared commitment to development.

As the 10th-anniversary festivities kick off, Adsterra embraces a central idea: offering partners more than just traffic and offers. This milestone celebration is a testament to Adsterra’s commitment to going above and beyond, acknowledging partners’ integral role in the company’s narrative of success.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Join Adsterra’s 10th Anniversary Giveaway now!

The post Adsterra marks milestone 10th anniversary appeared first on Business of Apps.

Mobile wallets and payment apps are all the rage, especially since the pandemic forced many into going cashless. But one mobile payment app stands out as being the favourite among customers – whether shopping online or in-store. Let’s find out more.

The top payment apps are…

A growing number of Americans are now using mobile wallets for their shopping transactions, according to recent insights from CivicScience. Approximately 35% of participants utilise at least one e-wallet or mobile payment app with varying frequency for in-store purchases, while 44% report the same usage pattern for online transactions. So which app comes out on top?

PayPal stands out as the top choice among users of payment apps. Irrespective of whether transactions occur in physical stores or the digital realm, consumers prefer to use PayPal over Apple Pay, Venmo, and Google Wallet.

Notably, Apple Pay claims the second spot in the race, outperforming Google Wallet, and gains further traction for in-person transactions compared to online dealings.

Leading payment apps

Source: Civic Science

When it comes to in-store transactions, PayPal usage lags by seven percentage points, whereas Apple Pay gains a two-point advantage over its online counterpart. Despite its expanding influence, PayPal’s adoption as a recognised payment method in physical stores remains limited, thus underscoring the role of e-wallets in this context.

Security and convenience still major barriers

Just 14% of consumers frequently use mobile payment solutions. In contrast,  24% hold a steadfast aversion towards using them. The majority of Americans, however, fall somewhere in between – they either use mobile payments infrequently or are open to the idea but haven’t fully embraced it yet.

The reasons behind this cautious embrace of mobile payments are twofold. Firstly, those who use mobile payments sporadically or are hesitant about them commonly express concerns about the security of these apps. Interestingly, this worry about security is a top concern across generations, with those aged 55 years and above registering the highest degree of concern at 48%.

Main reasons for not using mobile payment apps

Source: Civic Science

The second major barrier is convenience. Many consumers believe that mobile wallets and payment apps don’t offer any greater convenience compared to traditional payment methods. To sway non-users, it’s crucial to demonstrate how e-wallets and mobile payment apps can genuinely offer more convenience than their current ways of paying for goods and services. This could potentially encourage a much larger group of people to give mobile payments a chance.

Who’s using payment apps and why?

The younger demographic, those under the age of 35, are the driving force behind the general population’s use of mobile payment apps. A notable 10% of Gen Z adults claim mobile payment apps as their primary choice, in contrast to a mere 1% among those aged 55 and above.

Those who prioritise mobile payment apps are also keen on exploring alternative financial tools. For instance, 16% of these mobile pay enthusiasts express their intention to give ‘buy now, pay later’ apps a shot in the near future, and an impressive 38% have already embraced this option.

Furthermore, individuals who hinge on mobile payment apps for their primary transactions hold a rosier perspective regarding their personal finances. They are more inclined to express optimism about their financial prospects, stating that their financial situation is likely to improve in the times ahead.

Nevertheless, mobile payment apps and e-wallets have yet to emerge as dominant forms of payment within the consumer landscape. Although Apple Pay setups and Venmo usage are commonplace, a mere 5% acknowledge mobile payments as their foremost payment method. While younger generations exhibit greater openness to alternative payment methods, there still exist entrenched perceptions that must be overcome before mobile payments can achieve more widespread acceptance.

Key takeaways

•  35% use e-wallets for in-store, 44% for online purchases, signalling increasing digital payment adoption
• PayPal is preferred over Apple Pay and Google Wallet, with Apple Pay excelling for in-person transactions
• Just 14% use mobile payments often; 24% resist. Security and convenience concerns impact broader adoption

The post 35% of consumers embrace cashless transactions through payment apps and mobile wallets appeared first on Business of Apps.

The average eCPM dropped 26% on Android and 12% on iOS between H2 2022 and H1 2023. That’s according to the latest report from app and software firm Tenjin. Let’s dive in.

Changes ahead

While some might interpret the declining eCPMs as a sign of an impending transformation in how digital content is monetised, it’s crucial to recognise that ad monetisation remains a resilient and integral facet of the digital landscape.

The key to navigating this new landscape then lies in striking a harmonious equilibrium between various monetisation models.

Drop in eCPMs between H2 2022 and H1 2023 by platform

Source: Tenjin

The report also highlights a significant boost in in-app purchases with Android seeing a 23% increase and iOS in-app purchases up 24%.

“The remarkable growth in the number of in-app purchases is a testament to that. Game developers have embraced hybrid monetisation and successfully implemented it,” said Roman Garbar, Marketing Director at Tenjin.

Regional differences

There’s been little shift in the top 5 countries based on total app installs on Android between 2022 and 2023. However, on iOS the UK has now overtaken China, Japan, Canada and Germany.

The changes in the iOS landscape are causing app developers and advertisers to rethink their strategies. The UK’s growing importance as a user hub and potential revenue source means advertisers might want to customise their campaigns to match the preferences of UK users. Adjusting app monetisation tactics could also attract this expanding user base, leading to more in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Top 5 countries by app installs (iOS)

Source: Tenjin

This shift also highlights the importance of understanding local preferences for app monetisation and advertising. As the UK becomes more influential, other regions could follow suit with their app engagement. Developers and advertisers should stay flexible and adaptable, considering the changing user behaviours across different platforms and regions.

Key takeaways

• eCPMs decline on Android and iOS in 2023, challenging ad strategies and monetization models
• In-app purchases surge, driven by hybrid monetization and adaptable game developers
• UK’s iOS ascendancy sparks tailored strategies, highlighting regional importance and need for flexible adaptations

The post In-app purchases increase 24% in H1 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed its latest move to exert control over the market, as it announced that all mobile app developers must soon register their businesses with the government. This directive marks Beijing’s continued efforts to regulate the sector.

Penalties for apps that don’t comply

In a recent announcement made late on Tuesday, MIIT outlined that mobile apps lacking the necessary documentation will face penalties following the conclusion of a grace period. This grace period is set to conclude by March of the upcoming year.

The ministry stipulated that entities involved in internet information services via apps across various domains such as news, publishing, education, film and television, as well as religion, are also required to furnish pertinent documentation.

Let’s delve further into the dynamic of these upcoming changes. The mandate could cast a shadow over the accessibility of widely recognised social networking behemoths – think X, Facebook, and Instagram. Though locked away from the grasp of China’s populace within their borders, these apps remain within arm’s reach for Chinese citizens navigating foreign terrain.

What are app developers to do?

In order to navigate this new terrain, app developers are staring at a fork in the road: they must either plant their flag within China’s realm or strike a harmonious partnership with a local conductor.

2020 unfurled with an exodus of tens of thousands of unlicensed mobile apps and games from various app emporiums in China. Mind you, this is no novice concept – games must obtain a license to be released in the country.

More recently, over 100 AI apps were removed from the Chinese App Store.

At the same time, China granted new game app licenses to 88 titles.

Bear in mind, the numerical crescendo of China’s gaming domain reached an astronomical $45.5 billion just last year, and could reach $57 billion by 2027. Still, the latest policy shift could limit the number of apps available and have a significant impact on small developers.

Key takeaways

• China’s MIIT mandates mobile app developers register, extending control over the digital landscape
• Non-compliant apps face penalties as MIIT outlines a post-grace period crackdown on lacking documentation
• MIIT mandates documentation for app services in domains like news and education

The post China imposes business registration on app developers appeared first on Business of Apps.

Plenty of mobile app gamers have a desire to be involved in game development, but it’s not all fun and games. The latest data from Sauce Labs, an automated testing platform, finds that nearly half have experienced online threats or bullying due to their involvement in a mobile game app. Let’s dive in.

Feedback loop improvements

Sauce Labs’ 2023 Gaming Experience Survey Report focuses on the mental well-being of game developers. Surveying 150 full-time and part-time developers along with 500 gamers in the US, the report examines how new releases, feedback, and feedback loops impact their experiences.

It underscores the significance of an “open channel of communication” between developers and players. And this is becoming ever more important with a growing number of gamers skewing toward playing on mobile devices.

Majority of gamers now play on mobile devices

Source: Sauce Labs

A substantial 71% of developers prioritise feedback on performance, playability, and game mechanics.

However, 55% of developers find the current feedback lacking in detail, impeding the effective implementation of player-desired changes. A significant cause is the scarcity of manual reports from users, as highlighted by 45% of developers.

Even during beta testing, which aims to gather user opinions, 44% of developers encounter challenges in getting post-testing feedback. Furthermore, locating experienced testers presents an additional hurdle.

Negative feedback affects app developers

Source: Sauce Labs

Mounting pressures

Amid the rising clamour of gamers expressing dissatisfaction with incomplete and glitch-ridden games online, developers find themselves under mounting pressure, taking a toll on their mental well-being.

An alarming 48% of developers have experienced threats or bullying linked to their game development work, leading to stress, depression, and even adverse effects on physical health.

As technology advances, expectations for games soar, yet development timelines often lag. 61% of developers admitted releasing games under pressure, despite awareness of their unfinished state.

Developers want more actionable context

Source: Sauce Labs

Another 79% highlighted increased pressure to release incomplete games in the last five years, compounding the issue.

Sauce Labs’ report underscores the need for change at a higher level, as developers bear the brunt of backlash with limited decision-making power.

Key takeaways

• Sauce Labs’ data reveals 48% of developers threatened, impacting mental health and well-being
• 55% of devs find current feedback lacking, hindering player-desired changes due to manual report scarcity
• 61% of developers release unfinished games, 79% feel mounting pressure for incomplete releases, demanding change

The post 48% of mobile game developers felt bullied and 61% released games under pressure appeared first on Business of Apps.

In 2023, consumers are spending far more time using their mobile phones and apps, amassing over 2.5 trillion hours on Android phones in H1. This marks a 4% rise from H2 2022 and a 16% increase year-over-year, according to new data from app experts data.ai. At this rate, consumers are projected to surpass 5 trillion hours on Android phones throughout 2023.

Breakout apps in H1 2023

With mobile app growth soaring on Apple and Google’s platforms, it’s no surprise given a third of consumers dedicate their waking hours to mobile usage. The latest tech trends, including AI and GPT algorithms, are flourishing in this domain.

In the US, Ask AI and Character AI have made a splash, securing spots among the top 5 breakout apps. Meanwhile, in Canada, apps utilising AI and GPT algorithms, such as Microsoft’s Edge and Bing, claimed the sixth to tenth positions.

The global adoption of Chinese apps, like TikTok and CapCut from ByteDance and Temu from PDD Holding, has been astounding.

Not to be left behind, the UK witnessed a surge in the popularity of the government services app GOV.UK ID Check, ranking as the fifth breakout app by download growth.

In Europe, BeReal gained considerable traction, featuring among the top five apps by YoY download growth in H1 2023 across France, Germany, and Italy.

Dating apps secure top spots for consumer spending

Dating giants Tinder and Bumble took centre stage as the top breakout apps in H1 2023, ranking 2nd and 4th in consumer spending growth.

Not to be outdone, LinkedIn made an impressive leap of 12 spots globally, securing its position among the top 10 apps by consumer spend in H1 2023 compared to the previous year. LinkedIn’s allure extended across borders, as it emerged as a top breakout app in the US, the UK, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.

Breakout apps for consumer spending

Source: data.ai

The video streaming market continues to expand with Disney+ and Paramount+ blazing into the UK’s top 10 apps by consumer spending growth, landing at 6th and 9th place, respectively. The appetite for streaming content remains insatiable, driving these platforms to greater heights in the mobile app landscape.

Key markets in Asia and South America

When examining the leading markets, India takes the lead with 26% growth in time spent on Android phones from H1 2021.

China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Thailand also showed double-digit growth with +13%, +16%, +14%, and +18% respectively.

In the United States, mobile usage increased by 1% over the past two years, a slight decline from H1 2022.

Consumer spending by country

Source: data.ai

The UK stood out as one of the top markets to bounce back following a global decline in consumer spending in H1 2022.

Notably, South Korea experienced a significant rebound with +10%, while Brazil and Mexico roared back with remarkable growth rates of +44% and +43% respectively in early 2023.

Key takeaways

• Mobile app usage skyrockets in 2023, with 2.5 trillion hours on Android phones in H1, driven by tech trends and AI
• Breakout apps like TikTok, GOV.UK ID Check, and BeReal gain global popularity, while dating apps lead consumer spending
• Key markets in Asia and South America see significant growth, while the UK and US maintain steady app engagement

The post Users spent 2.5 trillion hours on Android apps in H1 2023 appeared first on Business of Apps.

If you’ve been wondering how exactly you could retain more of your app users, Duolingo may be a good one to