Have yous always wondered how free apps make money?

Near of the time, you download an app from the store and only starting time using it. Naturally, developers who offer apps for free expect pay in some other form. If you are thinking of developing an app and are unsure how a gratis app brings profit, the following article provides clarification.

In the article, we check out how famous gratis products made money off their apps, offer advice on how to choose an app monetization strategy, and check out which software development services and tools to integrate.

In a nutshell, free applications make money from one of the post-obit 8 almost well-known monetization strategies:

  1. Advertizing (via banner, video, native advertisement, interstitial ad, incentivized ad)
  2. Referral Marketing (Amazon)
  3. In-App Buy & Freemium Model (PokemonGO)
  4. Subscription Model (Wall Street Periodical)
  5. Sponsorship (Weather Channel)
  6. Crowdfunding(Hello Globe)
  7. Electronic mail Marketing (NY Times)
  8. App Merchandise & E-commerce (Angry Birds)

Freemium Apps vs Paid Apps Market place

Our smartphones are used for essentially everything. With the help of a particular app, we can communicate across long distances, order pizza, or notice a route in an unknown metropolis. The amount of apps with rich functionality is growing annually, resulting in harsh app market contest among developers.

Every bit of 2018, there are three.viii million apps on Google Play and 2 million in the App Store. The market is huge and worldwide app revenue is expected to increase to almost $190 billion by 2020. According to Statista, the top grossing apps are all free of accuse.

Graph: Number of Free and Paid Mobile App Downloads Worldwide 2011-2017

Graph: Number of Costless and Paid Mobile App Downloads Worldwide 2011-2017

These days, users have get picky and usually accept only 4-9 daily active applications.

On average, 5 to ten% of users are willing to pay for an application, but simply 1 with high quality and performance, and specific functionality. Thus, the bulk of downloads and profits (98%) come up from the free app segment.
Additionally, Gartner Inquiry Grouping states that 24% of users would interact more than via in-app purchases rather than paid apps. In one case an app proves its value, the users are prone to conducting more in-app transactions, purchases, and to unlock extended functionality.

The nautical chart illustrates the acquirement of each app monetization model in 2017 where:

  • Game apps in general generate more than acquirement (summit 8 out of x grossing apps in Google Play Store are games: Pokemon GO, Candy Beat out Saga, Clash of Clans, etc.)
  • Advertizement (36% of non-gaming ad revenue) and Yard-commerce (21%) channels generated the near profit in 2017

Graph: Distribution of Worldwide Mobile App Revenues in 2017

Graph: Distribution of Worldwide Mobile App Revenues in 2017

To sum information technology upwards, developing a free app for your business is a wise action to pursue. The next determination is to choose your gratis app monetization strategy correctly.

App Monetization Strategies

Neither the Google Play nor Apple tree App Store pays for app downloads, even there are millions of users who completed this activity. Instead, stores accept some share from an app's earnings (xxx% from in-app purchases).

Thus, in order to receive money from a free app it is necessary to set up revenue streams. Based on the statistical data, the most constructive monetization method in 2017 was the use of rewarded video ads. This is a win-win strategy for both the app provider and customer, as once the user watches an add, they receive points and app bonuses.

Graph: Most Effective Monetization Methods for Mobile Apps, 2017

Graph: Most Effective Monetization Methods for Mobile Apps, 2017

Now, let's take a closer look at how to make money from mobile apps:

one. Advertising

These days, mobile ads are the easiest and nearly mutual way to receive money from a gratuitous app. Currently, 7 out of ten apps has embedded commercials that generate payments per its display (per impression), per click, or per install.

There are 5 different advertizing variants to utilize in a mobile app:

Types of Apps Advertisement

Types of Apps Advertisement

  • Imprint Advertizement

These ads are placed at the pinnacle or bottom of the mobile device screen. In full general, these are less intrusive, equally users are yet able to utilise the mobile app normally. On the other hand, banners have lower date rates (CTR- click-through rate) and these ads are dependant on make recognition.

Case: Even with some of the downsides of banners, Flappy Bird was successful with this tactic and received on average of $50k per day while existence in the top app charts.

  • Video Ad

A video ad, lasting ten-xxx seconds, is placed inside the app where it plays automatically when there are natural pauses. A subset of video add category is a rewarded video ad, where consumers receive some perks (app currency, extra points, etc.) after watching the video advertizement until the end.

Example: A great case of a video advertising is a VSCO photo-editing app advertizement. It was presented on Instagram every bit a 15-second video using vivid colors to take hold of attention from the very start.

  • Native Ad

These ads are intended to exist naturally integrated into an app. These added elements tin be sponsored content or videos used to promote a detail make or product. As a result of their integration, these apps are best-selling equally irritating and tiresome the least, then it gets more popularized as a monetization model amidst app providers.

Case: In association with the New York Times' T Brand Studio, Airbnb created a entrada for Ellis Island. It played a great role in history and was a style for immigrants to enter a happier life in America. This completely coincides with Airbnb'south value of giving their customers a corking welcome anywhere they travel.

  • Interstitial Advertisement

These ads are full-screen popular-ups shown in a specific moment within an app. These are typically displayed when the app is opened or airtight. The user has 2 taps to cull - either close the ad or check out the promoted content.

Example: Emirates Airlines effectively incorporated an interstitial advertizement resulting in over 5,000 clicks to the website and 170,000 consummate video views. Emirates promoted their new destination, New York - Dubai, by showcasing their total-screen ad to travellers in the NY airport in one case connected to WiFi.

  • Incentivized Ad

Everyone likes rewards and hates advert. With the aid of a tool ready, it is possible to provide users with rewards for a specific in-app activity or engagement like: fill out a poll, content sharing, etc. These app bonuses tin can increase app loyalty and user engagement. The profit from this tactic is gained via in-app currencies and sponsorships.

What is of import is that these rewards should be positioned wisely, as a office of the app's involvement.

Example: The RunKeeper app, used for personal activity tracking, was amidst commencement to utilize incentivized ads. Information technology offers the unlocking of boosted app functionality and receipt of rewards without agonizing use of the app.

Disadvantage of the advertising model

App advert is the most popular app acquirement stream. However, information technology is no wonder that this has begun to annoy and irritate customers. This prolific utilize of ads has get ineffective, as less than 20% of users click on them. As well, this monetization strategy can exist constructive just with apps that have a big pull of users, not for a startup projection.

2. Referral Marketing

Network Illustration

Network Illustration

Referral marketing is closely connected with the previous model of in-app advertizement to monetize your app. There is fifty-fifty a split up direction in marketing - affiliate marketing. Advisory content near an chapter company is placed in the app and, based on clicks and installs, you receive rewards. These rewards are based on a cost-per-activeness (CPA) model or revenue share.

The referral marketing model can exist used in the following means:

  • promote another application
  • in-app advertisement
  • advertise products or services via in-app-shop

There are also many chapter network companies (AdMob, Flurry) that specialize in finding a suitable affiliate for your application. There are dissimilar software programs and tools that can help to integrate this model.

The same every bit with the advert model, campaigns used in affiliate marketing include:

  • CPM (cost-per-mille, cost-per-impression)- you receive payments based on the number of impressions, the advertiser is usually charged every 1,000th time (mille, in Latin, is yard)
  • CPC (price-per-click)- you receive payment based on the number of clicks on a displayed app
  • CPV (cost-per-view)- y'all receive payment based on the number of video views or other advertizement interaction
  • CPI (cost-per-install)- you receive payment each fourth dimension the promoted app is installed via its advertising in your product

Case: Amazon is a smashing example to show how affiliate marketing works. Select a product you lot would similar to advertise in your app and receive ad fees based on each redirected buy.

Gratis apps are also making money without ads. Check out half-dozen more monetization tactics, namely:

  • In-app purchase & freemium model
  • Sponsorship model
  • Subscription model
  • Crowdfunding model
  • Email marketing
  • App trade & e-commerce

three. In-App Purchase & Freemium Model

Freemium App Monetization Model Illustration

Freemium App Monetization Model Illustration

In-app purchasing is a very pop strategy used in the freemium app model. Information technology is possible to sell virtual or physical items, offer premium functionality or bonuses, block ads, or open new app content. All these transactions are managed past the app store and the owner gets a committee from every trade.

In-app purchase strategy has three categories:

  • Consumable: these items are used once, mostly in mobile games. Example: digital currencies, health points
  • Not-consumable: these are features used permanently. Example: ad blocking, extension in-app functionality
  • Subscription (described in more detail below)- this allows i to unlock additional content and features for a particular amount of fourth dimension. Instance: monthly or annual service subscription

Example: Some apps have received huge amounts of revenue past implementing this model. The Disharmonism of Clans game earned $1m per day on purchases, and Pokemon Get users bought in-app purchases for $1.5m daily. Within 2017, Pokemon Go'southward acquirement crossed over $1 billion making information technology the top grossing game in history.

Some other instance of a freemium app model is MX Player, a well-known video thespian on Google Play with ads for the free version. MX Player Pro is offered as the ad-costless version for a minor charge.

Disadvantage of the in-app purchase model
The model is merely plausible and lucrative for top apps in the segment that have many users. This arrangement is harder to implement due to the complex payment system evolution and integrations. As well, a downside to this model is the loftier commission fee (30%) taken by app stores. In a freemium app model there are 2 app variants - calorie-free and total, and a user may but apply the gratuitous version.

4. Subscription Model

Every bit mentioned, the subscription model sets up revenue streams from the weekly, monthly, or annual fees for a specific service provided by the free app. This model is mostly used in cloud services, audio and video content providers (Spotify, Google Music), and digital news portals. Consumers receive access to the content co-ordinate to their chosen subscription plan.

Example: The nigh ascendant newspaper apps, Wall Street Journal and New York Times, gained 1 million customers with a subscription model.

Disadvantage of the subscription model
Information technology is necessary to take resource and detailed content strategies to provide fresh, upwards-to-date materials to keep up with competitors and guarantee a high level of subscriber services.

5. Sponsorship Model

Getting a sponsorship is a profitable model to follow to brand money from a free app. This model is unremarkably available for developed apps that already take regular users. The most benefits can be gained by applications with a specific market place niche. Thus, you may contact sponsors in the same industry to match their brand with ads, data in the app, or conform the app design to the make.

Two primary sponsorship deals:

  • As divide acquirement from the app
  • Set a monthly sponsorship fee

Example: A proficient sponsorship monetization example is seen through the Weather Aqueduct app. The app placed an animated groundwork for Home Depot, a retailer in the field of structure and household goods.

Disadvantage of the sponsorship model
This model works well in case you have a specific niche and unique app idea. And, even with the right app and niche, it is still challenging to discover a proper sponsor.

6. Crowdfunding Model

App Idea Monetized with Crowdfunding

App Idea Monetized with Crowdfunding

This one is fairly a new way to monetize an app for free. Custom software developers may employ the following platforms to raise funds for app development and marketing needs: Kickstarter, Indiegogo, CrowdFunder, and AppsFunder.

Example: In general, apps of another category than games receive funding. In 2017, In whatsoever scenario, in club to receive profit from your free app,138 app ideas were crowdfunded and raised $10k-$100k on Kickstarter. As an exception, the Hello Globe game with a pop cat character, generated $148k.

Disadvantage of the crowdfunding model
These are thousands of applicants and can go very difficult to be crowdfunded. Information technology is necessary to show the value of the production and that thought that is worth taking a gamble and investing.

vii. Email Marketing

Email marketing has e'er been a profitable strategy in any industry, which is a adept practise for restaurant app development.

This is an former technique of collecting user data, mostly emails, and sending respective marketing materials to heat up the subscribers' interest in a product or a service. It is helpful when your user retention indices drop or when used to notify virtually new features, rewards, app news, etc.

It is possible to collect email addresses in several means:

  • ask for the email with a pop-up bulletin past offering something in return (app coins, bonus)
  • via Facebook SDK for a user to sign up where it collects emails
  • through tertiary-party tools for easy email collection

In any situation, practice not forget to inform, ask permission, and state the purpose of using personal user information. This is a business especially if your target audience is in Europe, co-ordinate to the GDPR (General Data Protection Policy).

Example: The New York Times, The New Yorker, ad The Washington Post generate spider web traffic and hook their subscribers with pieces of tasteful content in their email distribution. The rest of the data is received once paid.

Disadvantage of the email marketing model
Email marketing, due to its wide usage, has become less effective today. The biggest advantage is for the peak branded apps, while for a startup it is less powerful.

eight. App Merchandise & E-commerce

The eastward-commerce industry is blooming and more than and more than consumers are joining the online buying community. Almost concrete items are sold with the assist of free mobile apps.

Amazon offers the opportunity to earn a turn a profit from this app model with the assistance of its Merch tool, an easy program allowing app owners to create and sell their branded items within their apps. All the logistics are managed by Amazon: production, selling, payment, and delivery, while you get a share of the profit.

Case: Among the first successful gratis app merchants was the Angry Birds game. The game earned a revenue of $1m each month from plush bird toys alone, not counting the T-shirts, stickers, and backpacks.

Disadvantage of the app merchandise model
This option is merely available for the top apps with a large audience. Some other culling would be to develop a gratuitous app for your regular business and sell any other items with its help.

Our team has a wide expertise in edifice e-commerce mobile apps. An example is GoPuff, an online ordering & delivery service in the US.

How Much Money Do Costless Apps Brand?

Pie Chart: Revenue from Mobile App Startup

Pie Nautical chart: Revenue from Mobile App Startup

According to the recent statistics, approximately superlative 25% of iOS developers and 16% of Android developers brand up $5k on average each month with their free apps. This tin serve every bit a benchmark in the manufacture. This too means that merely 20% of the applications on the market bring a profit based on their high quality and know how to brand a profit from their free apps wisely. The 75-80% of apps are not needed.

The majority of the top free apps utilise in-app purchasing and/or advertising monetization models. The amount of money each app makes per ad depends on its earning strategy. For example, in advertising, the general revenue per impression from:

  • banner ad is the lowest, $0.ten
  • interstitial advertizement is moderate, $ane-3
  • video advertising is the highest, $five-10

Most app advertisements apply the CPC model where optimal RPM (revenue per mile) is ane.5%-2%.


Ad Revenue= Impressions (Clicks) x RPM


For case, if you accept 50,000 banner ads displayed per twenty-four hours, your average number of clicks is 750, while the revenue comes out to $75 (750 x $0.10).


AN of clicks= ad number x (i.five/100)


Moreover, gratuitous apps also make money by hiding ads from those who pay to ameliorate their user experience. Other microtransactions of i to 5 dollars are aligned to coins - accessories that increment the user'southward level and brand them more competitive. Past adding all of these and multiplying by the number of users, it is clear at present that game owners receive great revenue.

In dating apps, such equally Tinder, users tin can purchase premium functionality. The unlocking of paid functionality (unlimited liking possibility, endless correct-swiping) is the most common monetization strategy for dating apps. Other variants include: in-app advertising, subscription to the premium program, and unlike packages of seasonal bonuses, stickers, icons, etc.

In terms of app categories, free app games brand far more than any other app segment. Co-ordinate to App Annie, the top grossing app, in the U.s. as of August 2018 are free games like Fortnite and Pokemon Get on iOS and Android platforms, respectively. The leading Android apps worldwide are Pokemon Go and Processed Crush, which have earned $71.03m and $41.6m in 2018, respectively.

Graph: Top Grossing iPhone Mobile Gaming Apps in the USA, 2018

Graph: Summit Grossing iPhone Mobile Gaming Apps in the USA, 2018

According to the App Annie, the Height Grossing Apps on iOS and Android in the Us as of October, 2018 are:

Top Grossing Apps on iOS and Android in the USA, 2018

Top Grossing Apps on iOS and Android in the USA, 2018

This does non mean you should but bound into a game category, as there are distinctive apps in each field. For instance, the top earning not-game app, Netflix, generated virtually $560m in 2017, which is more than double its income from the previous year.

According to SensorTower, the superlative non-game apps with the highest sales revenue in the Usa in Q1 of 2017 (iOS/Android combined) were:

  • Netflix
  • Pandora
  • HBO NOW
  • Tinder
  • Spotify
  • YouTube
  • Hulu
  • live.me
  • Match
  • Google Drive

Spotify, Netflix, HBO, and Hulu are all services with a subscription. Tinder and Pandora radio employ freemium models and offering the ability to unlock premium functionality.

Do yous want to monetize your existing app with growing popularity?

If you already have a working digital business concern or a gratuitous app version, you are welcome to book an hour consultation with our Concern Analyst for gratis. Receive advice on what monetization model to cull for your product and how to increase your business revenue.

Book your consultation now

How to Brand Money with Mobile Apps

 Make Money with Mobile Apps

Brand Money with Mobile Apps

At this stage, we have selected the best tools and tips to brand your free app assisting.

In that location is a slight gap between how app developers and app consumers see the value and revenue generation. Hence, app developers should examine how to earn coin from apps from dissimilar angles. Try to examine the possibilities of a mixed monetization model - non only by using ads and in-app purchases, but by seeking to enhance user experience based on target audition needs.

How to Really Make Money From Mobile Apps

It is currently quite hard to make coin from mobile apps, as the market is oversaturated. The best advice is - you demand to displace the existing user beliefs.

Currently, WhatsApp is worth $19 billion, following an acquisition deal with FB in 2014. Marker Zuckerberg notes that WhatsApp is a product with the same level of appointment as Facebook itself. This cross-platform messenger is free across the globe and has gained colossal popularity.

But, how does WhatsApp make money? For a catamenia of time it was a paid app and price $1 per download on iOS. And so, it price $one per twelvemonth for every device, not fifty-fifty for every customer. Even with such ambiguity, this innovative communication tool has 450 meg users worldwide. The company now decides more definitively what monetization model to follow, as in that location is plenty of room for larger earnings.

Some other free app now worth billions, Snapchat, is known for disappearing messages and makes money from ads, sponsored lenses, a discover section, and through the awarding of branded geofilters. The app displays ads in cadre places, similar to its main competitors Facebook and Instagram. Even so, due to harsh competition, Snap Inc. has experienced downturns and lost $443m in Q4 of 2017. Despite the unstable state of Snapchat, it is predicted to gain $2b in revenue based on the growth of its user base by 221m in 2018.

To summarize, monetary gains with a free mobile app prevarication in innovation and reinvention. Each of the aforementioned apps, all worth billions, provide something unique and create a new feel for the user.

Uber is a groovy instance here. The company offered a great taxi solution for transportation which with the aid of an app and shifted people's behavior. This allowed Uber to gain gross acquirement of $37b in 2017.

There are 67 Human Universals that characterize all mutual needs to all human societies.

"These contain those features of culture, society, language, behavior, and psyche for which there are no known exceptions"

Professor of Anthropology, Donald Eastward. Brown

Thus, there many options to consider for your unique app in order to brand people really want what y'all are offer and to earn money.

Human Universals

Man Universals

4 Steps to Ascertain the Best App Monetization Model

Step 1 - Research the Market for Competitive Products
Step ii - Make up one's mind Your Target Audience
Step iii - Create an Innovative App Concept/Idea
Step 4 - Identify a Successful App Monetization Strategy

In whatsoever scenario, in order to receive profit from your free app, you need to have a great app concept and implement a high-performing and user friendly production.

It is vital to conduct deep marketplace research or plough to business organisation analysis services provided by MLSDev. This way, you lot can check out what apps are already available, their successes and failures, and their monetization strategies. Usually, these products accept a unique feature - offering solutions for peoples' hurting points.

Get to know what inspires potential app users and/or irritates them. Based on this data, you lot tin define how to earn money from the app and which model(s) to choose. The model should be natural, as well as relevant, to your target audience.

Moreover, in lodge to attract target users, the costless app yous develop should have precise app presentation with:

  • Catchy App Name
  • Articulate and Specific App Description
  • Slap-up App Previews (demo video, app screenshot, other visuals)

Best Tools for Revenue Streams for Gratuitous Mobile Apps

Here, we created a list of tools that can exist helpful for a free app monetization strategy.

In-App Advertising Monetization Tools

Tool Appliance
AdMob Created by Google with integration of Google Analytics, allow understanding of TA, improve ads, acquire new customers.
InMob Tool for creating the best user experience (UX) within an app. Get market insights about TA and provide user engagement with better ads.
Facebook's Audience Network Offer advertizing placement within your application with authentic targeting.
Apple'due south Ad Apple also has some recommendation regarding advert integrations of your app to get discovered.
Amazon's Ad Rewards you per impressions (CPM) for advert Amazon brands and products.
Tapjoy Tool with analytical predictions for the market and tiptop operation of world's tiptop brands.
Appsfire Selects the best ads based on the app blueprint.
StartApp Helps to increment CTRs and prioritize ads.

Freemium Model of App Monetization

Tool Apparatus
Android In-App Building Tool Adult by Android platform, has instructions for this feature integration.
Apple In-App Building Tool Same for iOS platform, assuasive to create actress content and features, subscriptions, etc.
AdWorkMedia Offers a combination of various monetization models.

In-App Video Advertising

Tool Appliance
Inneractive Offers detailed documentation to create innovative ads with reports, user analysis, and analytics.
YuMe Great tool with innovative functionality and algorithms for advertising campaigns.
Adcolony Provides Instant Play HD technology with zero buffering.
Vungle Provides SDK (software development kit) for iOS, Android, Windows.

Leading Trends in App Monetization

Flying Coin in the Sky

Flying Coin in the Sky

  • In-app advertisement remains a popular method for how to get paid for your app, but with irresolute priorities

User experience is taking a dominant role. The right ad, at the correct time, for the right audience defines app monetization success.

But note: do non overuse advertising and make sure that the promoted brand has a positive event and coincides with your app'due south purpose.

  • Freemium app model popularity increases

The bulk utilize free apps, so the freemium model is a healthy solution, as it gives the chance to educate your users, provide a bully user experience, and offer premium features. Consumers are nurtured to commutation these options and make transactions.

  • Growth of in-app purchases model

Over again, focus is shifted to the all-time user engagement. Having this thought in mind will definitely push a user to purchase items. Once washed, users will probable continue to pay you.

  • Subscription method adoption

This monetization model will also abound in 2018. Apple made it available for all app categories. Earlier, it was express to media, entertainment, and cloud services. Therefore, the subscription dashboard allows for the data analysis in society to define the best-selling products.

  • Native ad placement

With the advancement of machine learning and contextual signs, the advertisement volition become more natural for consumers.

  • Free app monetization models in emerging markets

Previously described monetization models are constructive in developed markets. Loftier purchasing power and usage of functions of modern smartphones allow you to make a lot of coin from the app.

New app users are expected to appear in the emerging markets. Here, access to the more avant-garde smartphone features is express and the boilerplate income is low.

Thus, it is suggested that you lot create a "crowdsourced by-product model." App providers offering an app that solves some of the users' hurting points for free. In return, users are a puddle of labor that can generate in-app production that the company tin sell. For instance, DuoLingo receives revenue by selling translation services to businesses like CNN and Buzzfeed in 2014. Their news articles were used equally translation materials for students and this in-app product was transferred dorsum to the news portals.

To Sum Everything Up

As of now, in-app ads nonetheless hold the acme position equally a successful method, while in-app purchases and subscription models are among the other highest earning acquirement models.

Each method has its pros and cons, making it necessary to understand the product yous would like to develop in the outset place.

  • What value will it bring?
  • What is the target audience?
  • Are in that location whatever competitive products?

Based on some market analysis, it is possible to create a well-planned concern strategy including the revenue streams from the application and using a few dissimilar monetization strategies simultaneously. Client satisfaction and monetary gains go hand in paw.

Our team is ready to assist you lot with building a product people want from A to Z and aid to apply the suitable app monetization strategy.

Just contact usa

Frequently Asked Questions:

🎯 Best tools to create acquirement streams for free mobile apps

Multiple tools tin can exist used for edifice a complimentary app monetization strategy. Among those are AdMob, InMob, Tapjoy, Appsfire, and StartApp, which helps to increase CTRs and prioritize ads. Facebook Audition Network, Apple's Advertizement, and Amazon'due south Advertisement are tools to place advertisements inside your application successfully.

💵 What is the general revenue per impression in free apps?

The corporeality of coin each app makes per ad depends on your earning strategy. For case, in advertising, the general revenue per impression from banners is the lowest, $0.10; interstitial ad is moderate, $i-three; video advertising is the highest, $5-10.

😲 Why practise 98% of turn a profit come from the gratuitous app segment?

The top-grossing apps are all free of charge. But 5 to x% of users are willing to pay for an application, but only with loftier quality, performance, and specific functionality. Thus, the majority of downloads and profits (98%) come from the free app segment.

🔥 five most common ways to utilize advert in mobile apps

There are 5 advertizing variants to employ in a mobile app. In your strategy, you may include a banner advert, video ad - lasting ten-30 seconds, interstitial ad - representing full app screen pop-ups, incentivized advertising via in-app currencies and sponsorships, or native ads, which is integrated naturally into an app.