1. 1. STATE OF MOBILE APP DEVELOPERS 2016 Based On A Survey Of 1000+ App Developers
2. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Research Objectives & Methodology 3. Key Insights 4. Profile of Developers 5. Platforms 6. Downloads & Revenues 7. Monetization 8. Mobile Ad Network Preferences
3. 3. The mobile revolution and the surge in smartphone usage is driving the market for mobile applications. Mobile app development is a prospering industry and is going to get bigger over time. The growth in consumer demand for mobile apps and the ever growing time spent on these apps is encouraging for both aspiring and seasoned developers to innovate across mobile devices. The speed at which the app industry continues to evolve, the tools and platforms available to build and monetize apps, is overwhelming for developers who are looking to build a sustainable business. The market is massive, and with huge competition the challenge for the app developers is to make sure that they are able to monetize these apps to fund innovation. InMobi undertook a survey of mobile developers across the world in an attempt to understand the ever changing ecosystem better. The State of Mobile App Developers 2016 report is drawn from over 1000+ respondents across 155 countries. It showcases insights on the latest trends in the mobile app ecosystem, including developer mindshare, platform of choice , revenue models, challenges and motivations and mobile ad network preferences. STATE OF MOBILE APP DEVELOPERS 2016 Based On A Survey Of 1000+ App Developers INTRODUCTION
4. 4. InMobi undertook a survey of mobile developers across the world in an attempt to understand the ever- growing ecosystem better. This leading research program tracks developer experiences across platforms, revenues and revenue models, their motivations and challenges, monetization and mobile ad network preferences RESEARCH OBJECTIVES STATE OF MOBILE APP DEVELOPERS 2016 Based On A Survey Of 1000+ App Developers
5. 5. The study was developed by InMobi. A total of 1,089 responses were received during the web and on- device based survey which was open September and November 2015. Not all questions were required to answer for completing the survey and many questions allowed for multiple answers. The insights here are based on InMobis database of app developers and publishers STATE OF MOBILE APP DEVELOPERS 2016 Based On A Survey Of 1000+ App Developers RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
6. 6. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS LOCATION 47% 14% 11% 28%APAC Europe North America Region Not Disclosed STATE OF MOBILE APP DEVELOPERS 2016 Based On A Survey Of 1000+ App Developers
7. 7. PROFILE OF DEVELOPERS
8. 8. Insight 1 6% Of Developers Describe Themselves As Female Compelling Opportunity For Females To Enter App Development 1. The developer nation is male- dominated. Only 6% of our respondents describe themselves as female, though the proportion was slightly better (11%) in North America 2. The app developers are young with average age ranging from 31-35 years old
9. 9. Demographics : Gender Global Male Female Prefer not to answer 91% 3% 6% Europe Male Female Prefer not to answer 94% 3% 3% APAC Male Female Prefer not to answer 93% 2% 5% North America Male Female Prefer not to answer 83% 6% 11% Developer Profile: Demographics, Gender Sample Size: Global n= 1,085; APAC n=515; Europe n= 150; NA n=120
10. 10. Demographics : Age Developer Profile: Demographics, Age 17% 20% 7% 11% 46% 49% 44% 35% 27% 25% 34% 32% 8% 4% 11% 17% 0% 0% 0% 3% Global APAC Europe North America 15-18 19-24 25-34 35-44 45-64 65+ Average Age : 33 Years Average Age : 31 Years Average Age : 34 Years Average Age : 35 Years Sample Size: Global n= 1,085; APAC n=515; Europe n= 150; NA n=120 46 percent of developers globally are between 25-34 years old and the average age is 33
11. 11. Insight 2 Opportunity: Mobile Continues To Attract Entrepreneurs With The Opportunity It Offers To Scale Their Business And Revenues Globally 1. Mobile app development is a young and growing industry. Almost 3/4th of the developers have been in the industry for less than 3 years
12. 12. App Development Industry Is Fairly Young And Growing Q. How many years have you been developing mobile apps? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 Our survey asked respondents how long theyve been developing mobile apps. The results show that almost three fourth of app developers have been in this industry for less than three years, making this a young, but growing industry. In fact, only three out of 10 have been making apps for more than 4 years. Less than 6 months 7-12 months 1-2 years 2-3 years 4-5 years 5+ years 12% 10% 20% 24% 18% 16% Developer Profiles: Length of Time Developing Apps
13. 13. Insight 3 Mobile Application Development Firms Are Relatively Small 1. 8% of firms have grown to over 20 employees. The limited number or employees indicates that industry economics make it difficult to operate firms of this size 2. 47% of respondents work by themselves
14. 14. Mobile App Industry Is Entrepreneurial In Nature Developer Profiles: Size of Development Firms 47% 33% 11% 5% 3% 0% 0% Independent developer 2 to 5 6 to 20 21-50 51-500 501-5000 >5000 Q. What is the size of your development team? Sample Size : Global n=1,085
15. 15. Insight 4 Mobile Application Category Mix Games, Entertainment, Utility, Education & Lifestyle categories are high priorities for developers globally
16. 16. Q. What categories do your mobile apps fit in? Please select all that apply Sample Size : Global n=1,085 Games, Entertainment & Utility Apps is the Most Popular Category Among Global Developers Developer Profile: App Categories 41% 32% 27% 21% 19% 17% 16% 15% 13% 13% 12% 11% 9% 8% 3% Games Entertainment Utilities Education & Reference Lifestyle, Food & Drink Communications & Social Networking Business & Productivity Tools Music & Video Health & Fitness Kids Maps, Navigation & Location Based Services News Media incl. Sports, Weather, Magazines Enterprise Others
17. 17. Across Regions Similar Trend is Observed Q. What categories do your mobile apps fit in? Please select all that apply Sample Size : Global n=1,085; APAC n=515; Europe n= 150; NA n=120 39% 34% 33% 25% 23% Games Utilities Entertainment Education & Reference Lifestyle, Food & Drink APAC 64% 28% 24% 20% 18% Games Entertainment Utilities Business & Productivity Tools Lifestyle, Food & Drink NORTH AMERICA 55% 37% 23% 17% 16% Games Entertainment Utilities Education & Reference Kids EUROPE Developer Profile: Top 5 App Categories Across Regions
18. 18. Insight 5 Google Play Preferred App Store Among Majority Of App Developers 1. 42% of app developers have 1-3 apps on Google play store 2. 28% of app developers have 1-3 apps on Apple iOS
19. 19. Majority Of Developers Target Android And Google Play For App Development Number of Apps Across App Stores Q. How many apps do you have on each app store? Sample Size : Global n=1,085; APAC n=515; Europe n= 150; NA n=120 Android seems to be a more popular development platform among developers thanks to availability across different operating systems and due to easier access to testing devices. There is also a lower payment barrier to get your app onto the Google Play Store as compared to Apple's App Store. 28% 42% 15% 15% 9% 14% 5% 6% 5% 10% 3% 3% 5% 7% 2% 2% 5% 7% 2% 3% APPLE APP STORE GOOGLE PLAY KINDLE STORE WINDOWS STORE None 1 to 3 4 to 6 6 to 10 10 to 25 More than 25
20. 20. PLATFORMS
21. 21. Insight 6 Android & iOS Dominates Every Market 1. On a global level, Android is by far the most popular platform among developers, followed by Apple iOS 2. Developer mindshare varies widely by region, with Android leading in Asia and Europe, while North America shows platform parity 3. App developers entering the business primarily embrace the Android platform 4. Java, JavaScript, HTML5 are the most preferred language for designing and developing apps among global developers 5. Majority of developers expect to increase their business with Android & iOS in the next 3 years
22. 22. Android & iOS Dominate Developer Mindshare Android & Apples iOS dominating the global developer mindshare at 86% and 57% respectively. Windows Phone has a developer mindshare at 21%. Q. Which mobile platforms do you develop apps for today? Please select all that apply Sample Size : n=1,085 86% 57% 21% 6% 5% 3% 5% Android OS Apple iOS Windows Phone / Windows Mobile Java ME RIM, BlackBerry OS Symbian Others Platforms: Current Popular Platforms
23. 23. 88% 54% 17% 3% 5% 2% 3% Android OS Apple iOS Windows Phone / Windows Mobile RIM, BlackBerry OS Java ME Symbian Other (please specify) 90% 65% 34% 9% 3% 1% 7%Android OS Apple iOS Windows Phone / Windows Mobile RIM, BlackBerry OS Java ME Symbian Other (please specify) 81% 71% 18% 6% 3% 3% 4% Android OS Apple iOS Windows Phone / Windows Mobile RIM, BlackBerry OS Java ME Symbian Other (please specify) Android & iOS Dominates Every Market Q. Which mobile platforms do you develop apps for today? Please select all that apply Sample Size : n=1,085; APAC n=515; Europe n= 150; NA n=120 Platform Developer MindShare, by Region Developer mindshare varies widely by region, with Android leading in Asia and Europe, while North America shows platform parity. Largest difference is in APAC where the proliferation of low-cost Android devices are high. For many people in Asia, an Android handset is their first foray to the web. North America Europe APAC
24. 24. Android Is Much More Popular As An Entry-level Platform On Which Developers Experiment Or Learn App developers who enter this business primarily adopt the Android OS as it is an is an open source platform and provides numerous functionalities and benefits for developers. Once they gain foothold, they start embracing other platforms. Q. Which mobile platforms do you develop apps for today? Please select all that apply Q. How many years have you been developing mobile apps? Sample Size : n=1,085 Developer Profiles: Length of Time Developing Apps 45% 49% 44% 57% 65% 73% 6% 7% 2% 2% 2% 8% 10% 11% 5% 4% 5% 11% 7% 7% 2% 4% 5% 16% 15% 16% 23% 27% 22% 34% 3% 7% 4% 6% 5% 7% Less than 6 months 7-12 months 1-2 years 2-3 years 4-5 years 5+ years Android OS Apple iOS Symbian Java ME RIM, BlackBerry OS Windows Phone / Windows Mobile Others
25. 25. Q. Which of these programming language do you use? Please select all that apply Sample Size : n=1,085 Java Most Popular Language In Developer Index, While Swift is Catching Attention Developer Language Share Swift is the programming language to watch for due to its rise in popularity in just one year of its introduction. Java is the most preferred language for designing and developing apps among global developers. 45 percent of the developer population uses HTML5 technologies for developing mobile apps. 18% of mobile app developers use Swift which is a remarkable number for a new language, a sign that Swift may succeed in attracting a much wider range of developers to build native iOS apps. 65% 45% 44% 36% 30% 27% 18% 18% 8% 6% 7% Java HTML5 JavaScript Objective C C# C++ Swift C ActionScript Lua Others
26. 26. Majority Of Developers Expect To Increase Their Business With Android & iOS In The Next 3 Years Q. How will your mobile app development business for these platforms change in the next 3 years? Sample Size : n=1,085 Ways In Which Mobile App Development Business For These Platforms Will Change In The Next 3 Years 19% 25% 22% 19% 8% 9% 2% 4% 16% 13% 20% 18% 3% 11% 34% 33% 66% 67% Android iOS Windows Phone Mobile Web Symbian RIM Increase Stay the same Decrease Won't develop / Don't know
27. 27. REVENUE & DOWNLOADS
28. 28. Insight 7 Finding Monetary Success Is Still Hard In Mobile App Business 1. 55% of developer make $1000 per month; monthly average mobile app revenue globally is under $6K 2. The average monthly per-app revenue is in the range of $5k to $11k depending on the platform. Windows Phone is the highest money-maker at $11.4k per month per app 3. NA app developers leads in revenue generation with highest average revenue of $9.4k per month per app 4. In terms of app download volume, NA leads across regions with 20% of developers having crossed >1000K downloads
29. 29. 55% Of Developer Make $1000 Per Month; Monthly Average Mobile App Revenue Globally Is Under $6K Q. How much revenue per month do you generate from mobile apps on your primary platform and all other platforms combined (on average, in US dollars) Q. What is the size of your development team? Making mobile apps is still a risky business. Despite the fact that many technical types are flocking to mobile apps with the hopes of developing the next "Angry Birds," monetary success is still very difficult to find. The monthly average mobile app revenue globally is under $6k. Indie developers make a monthly average revenue of $1.5k, whereas largesize studios make about 30 times higher. 55% 14% 8% 3% 1% 18%0-1000$ 1001-10000$ 10,000-100,000$ 100,000-500,000$ 500,000$ + Prefer not to answer Global Monthly App Revenue Global Monthly App Revenue, by size of development team Note : Revenue numbers excludes China, Japan and Korea markets 73% 41% 3% 8% 21% 7% 3% 13% 17% 1% 4% 24% 0% 2% 14% 15% 20% 34% Independent Developers Medium Size Studios Large Studios 0-1000$ 1001-10000$ 10,000-100,000$ 100,000-500,000$ 500,000$ + Prefer not to answer Independent Developers n= 391; Medium Size Studios (Development Team Size 2-50 employees) n=407; Large Studios( Development Team Size 50+) n= 29) Average Monthly Revenue: $1.5k Average Monthly Revenue: $7.5k Average Monthly Revenue: $44.0k
30. 30. Windows Phone OS Leads Revenue Chart Q. How much revenue per month do you generate from mobile apps on your primary platform and all other platforms combined (on average, in US dollars) Q. . Which mobile platforms do you develop apps for today? Please select all that apply The average monthly per-app revenue is in the range of $5k to $11k depending on the platform. Windows Phone is the highest money-maker at $11.4k per month per app. Those that develop to the Apple iOS make an average of about $8.1k per month per app. For Android, the average revenue is $4.9k per month per app. Since Windows has only a niche audience, the app store is not as fragmented as the Android and iOS counterparts. Hence app discoverability is way easier and the competition among apps is much lesser. Thus developers on the Windows App Store seem to enjoy the highest monthly revenue. Note : Revenue numbers excludes China, Japan and Korea markets 15% 16% 14% 8% 13% 13% 3% 4% 3% 1% 2% 4% 18% 19% 16% Android iOS Windows Phone 0-1000$ 1001-10000$ 10,000-100,000$ 100,000-500,000$ 500,000$ + Prefer not to answer Global Monthly App Revenue, by OS Average Monthly Revenue: $4.9k Average Monthly Revenue: $8.1k Average Monthly Revenue: $11.4k
31. 31. North America Leads In Revenue Generation For App Developers Monthly App Revenue, by Region Average Monthly revenue: $4.9k Q. How much revenue per month do you generate from mobile apps on your primary platform and all other platforms combined (on average, in US dollars) Sample Size : n=500 Half of the developers make less than 1000$ a month across regions. App developers in NA make the highest average revenue of $9.4k per month per app, followed by app developers in Europe who make $5.2k per month per app. 14% 10% 15% 14% 8% 13% 11% 5% 3% 3% 3% 1% 1% 3% 1% 1% 18% 23% 11% 18% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Global North America Europe APAC 0-1000$ 1001-10000$ 10,000-100,000$ 100,000-500,000$ 500,000$ + Prefer not to answer Average Monthly revenue: $9.4k Average Monthly revenue: $5.2k Average Monthly revenue: $3.4k Note : Revenue numbers excludes China, Japan and Korea markets
32. 32. North America & Europe Lead App Downloads In Terms Of Volume Q. What is the approximate number of total downloads you have, across all apps and all stores in the last 12 months? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 One third of the app developers have less than 10K downloads across all regions. Globally only 15% have crossed 1000K download mark. Total Number of Downloads cross all apps stores in the last 12 months 16% 15% 15% 18% 11% 10% 16% 12% 13% 14% 15% 9% 9% 10% 9% 5% 15% 13% 18% 20% GLOBAL APAC EUROPE NORTH AMERICA 1000k
33. 33. CHALLENGES & MOTIVATIONS
34. 34. Insight 8 Motivations & Challenges 1. For a mobile app to be successful, extensive marketing is an important aspect. Marketing an app effectively can pose an altogether different challenge for developers, as they need to switch roles from developers to marketers 2. Money, fun of building the app & creativeness are the top three motivating factors for developers to build apps 3. Discoverability, Acquiring right and users and identifying the right revenue models are the biggest app marketing challenges that developers face today
35. 35. App Developers Should Market Their App Smartly Most Challenging Aspect In The Mobile Application Process For App Developers 43% of developers agree that marketing is the most challenging aspect in the mobile application process. Marketing is key for an app's success. However such an activity can be challenging for developers. Help is at hand - today you have access to an array of advertising agencies which help you build and execute an effective marketing strategy, without burning a hole in your pocket. Q. What do you think is the most challenging aspect in the mobile application process? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 43% 21% 17% 11% 7% 2% Marketing Design Development Distribution on multiple platforms Testing/QA Support
36. 36. Fortune & Fun Of Developing Apps Is The Prime Motivator For App Developers Q. What is your primary motivation for app development? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 Money, fun of building the app & creativeness are the top three motivating factors for developers to build apps. The first step to building a developer community is to understand the motivations of the developers and target accordingly. Primary Motivation For Developing Mobile Apps 34% 17% 16% 14% 11% 6% 2% Money The fun of building an app Being creative/ sense of self achievement An exciting industry to be within Learning new things The developer lifestyle Peer recognition
37. 37. App Discovery Still An Ongoing Struggle For App Developers Mobile app marketing challenges that developers face today Getting app discovered is the fundamental challenge that every app marketer faces. With millions of apps across iOS, Android, Windows Phone and other platforms, standing out in the boundless sea of available apps is becoming increasingly difficult. The best app marketers will pursue a comprehensive, well-rounded app marketing strategy that includes both pre-launch and post-launch work. The best strategies will include organic and paid app marketing channels. In order to solve the discoverability puzzle developers should invest in these elements like: Pre-launch marketing; Early collaboration; Initial promotion; App discovery tools ; Grassroots activity & App search optimization. The second most problem that developers face is acquiring the right users. Q. What are the biggest app marketing challenges you face today as a developer? Please select all that apply Sample Size : Global n=1,085 49% 36% 29% 21% 17% 17% Discoverability- getting awareness, audience, and breaking through the noise Acquiring the right users Identifying the right revenue model Getting the app funded Lack of transparency by app stores Entering local markets
38. 38. MONETIZATION
39. 39. Insight 9 Interestingly, When It Comes To Business Models, Developers Are Often Drawn To Advertising 1. Advertising is the most bankable app business revenue model that app developers prefer the most 2. 7 out of 10 app developers use mobile advertising to monetize their apps currently. 18% of them plan to use mobile advertising in future 3. Banner Ads, Interstitial & Native Ads are the top 3 ad formats that developers prefer the most to monetize their inventory. Using a right mix of ad placement and formats is necessary to earn maximum revenue
40. 40. Advertising Most Popular Revenue Model Among App Developers Ways Apps Developers Monetize Their Mobile Apps Mobile advertising is one of the most widely used monetization models among app developers. Advertising is the model that provides an income stream for app developers and effectively powers the app economy. In-app purchases is the second most popular method of monetizing apps among developers. Like them or not, in-app advertisement will continue to be a major revenue-earner in 2016. The total spend on app advertising has crossed $7 billion this year, and this will only grow (at an even faster rate) over the next couple of years. Developers will have to focus on managing their ad networks so that: a) they get the maximum revenue benefits, and b) the ads do not hamper the app-experience of users in any way. Q. How do you monetize your mobile apps? Please select all that apply Sample Size : Global n=1,085 63% 33% 20% 12% 9% 8% 7% 10% Advertising In app purchases (eg. virtual currency, feature upgrade) Paid app Affiliate or CPI programs Subscriptions E-commerce Selling products that work with the app I don't make/intend to make money
41. 41. Q. Have you ever used mobile advertising to monetize your apps? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 67% of app developers are currently using mobile advertising as a method to monetize their apps. 18% plan to do in future. From running a burst campaign, a focused ad campaign spent over a couple days to drive downloads and move up in the app store ranking, to more targeted ad campaigns to promote new app releases, mobile advertising yields impressive results across the entire mobile app lifecycle. [VALUE] [VALUE] [PERCENTA GE] Yes No Plantodoinfuture 7 Out of 10 App Developers Use Mobile Advertising to Monetize their Apps % Of app developers who have Used mobile advertising to monetize their apps
42. 42. Q. Have you ever used mobile advertising to monetize your apps? Sample Size : Global n=1,085 45% of developers used banner ads to monetize their ad inventory. The reason banner ads being popular because they promise mass reach, which translates to millions of ad impressions on mobile. Native advertising, which is a more engaging and less intrusive ad format than banner ads, is quickly becoming a major source of revenue for developers. Developers should take advantage of high-earning ad units like videos, rewarded videos and playable ads- The evolution of mobile has led to more creative and technical capability offerings from in-app advertising. Simultaneously, advertisers are constantly looking for ways to keep users interested and engaged in their ad content. Work with an ad partner that can bring you knowledge of native, rich media and other special ad formats that enhance your user experience. Banner, Interstitial & Native Ads Preferred Ad Format For Monetization Preferred ways to monetize ad inventory among app developers 45% 36% 29% 27% 24% 15% Banner Ads Interstitial Ads Native Ads Video Ads Rewarded Video Ads Playable Ads
43. 43. MOBILE AD NETWORKS
44. 44. Insight 10 Mobile Ad Network Preferences Among Developers 1. Revenue potential/eCPM, Ease of integration and Fill rate are the top three most important criteria that developers evaluate when selecting ad network as a partner 2. Sample code, documentation & answers on online support forums features that ad networks should offer along with API/SDK
45. 45. Revenue Potential/eCPM Tops Developers List in Evaluating To Partner With Ad Network Q. What are the most important criteria for selecting a mobile ad network? Please rank in order of most important to least. Sample size: n=1,085 Revenue potential/eCPM, Ease of integration and Fill rate are the top three most important criteria that developers evaluate when selecting ad network as a partner. High eCPM guarantees that traffic will be translated into income for the developer, so it is natural to assign a lot of weight to this parameter when deciding about the network partner. Most Important Criteria For Selecting Mobile Ad Network 1 Revenue potential/eCPM Ease of integration Fill rate/inventory Service payment reliability Supported ad formats Availability across platforms 4 2 5 3 6
46. 46. Sample Code, Documentation & Answers on Online Support Forums Features that Ad Networks Should Offer Along With API/SDK Sample code, Documentation & Answers on online support forums are the top 3 features that ad networks should offer along with API/SDK for app developers. Others include timely updates on SDK, easy integration guide, unity support, easy tutorial video with subtitles, FAQ and great full featured, easy to use and fast dashboard. Q. What are the 3 most important features/services that companies should offer along with their API or SDK Sample size: n=1,085 Most Important Features/Services That Ad Networks Should Offer Along With Their API Or SDK 52% 49% 33% 29% 27% 24% 14% 10% 2% Sample code Documentation Answers on online support forums IDE integration Commercial programs/Direct revenue opportunities Dedicated forums Events and Meetups Paid support Other (please specify)
47. 47. FUTURE TRENDS
48. 48. Insight 11 1. 32% of developers are more likely to build apps on wearables in the future. 2. The use of wearable devices is increasing and its popularity will continue to rise for years to come Wearable Apps Will Emerge as The Next Battleground For The Platform Wars For Developers
49. 49. Q. Do you anticipate creating a wearable app for your business (for Google Glass, Apple Watch etc.) Sample size: n=1,085 Only 6% of developers have created apps on wearables. 32% of developers are more likely to build apps on wearables in the future. The use of wearable devices is increasing and its popularity will continue to rise for years to come. It is a great challenge before mobile app developers to design applications that can work simultaneously on a smart phone as well as wearable device. As of now, we have seen some popular fitness applications becoming available on wearable devices. This trend will grow exponentially as other areas of human life will begin to get monitored using wearable technology. Wearable Apps: The Next Battleground For The Platform Wars For Developers % of App Developers Willing to Create a Wearable Apps (for Google Glass, Apple Watch etc.) 6% 9% 32% 31% Already have one Likely in 2015 Somewhat likely in future Unsure if will in future
50. 50. 8 Mobile App Developer Trends 2016 - Road Ahead
51. 51. Mobile App Developer Trends 2016 The Road Ahead Swift the programming language of the future Up until recently, most app developers have created their programs using more traditional and long-standing programming languages like HTML, C++, and Objective C. Swift the brand new programming language by Apple is getting a lot of attention from developers. Designed both as an application language as well as a systems language, it is built on a modern compiler infrastructure and gives developers the opportunity to write more reliable code right from the very beginning. 1 iOS & Android Duopoly Continues The Android and iOS duopoly commands the attention of both developers and consumers and remain firmly established. However, the platform wars are not over yet. 2 3 Utility Apps Are Here to Stay Nowadays, users want better control in terms of fitness, activities they perform on a day-to- day basis and so on. Thankfully, utility apps help in achieving such goals in a highly effective manner. Whether you need to track your fitness level, or keep track of weather, or want to schedule to-do tasks, etc., utility apps are one of the most popular categories of mobile users. And thus, creating a utility app can help maximize the success of your app.
52. 52. Mobile App Developer Trends 2016 The Road Ahead Better Marketing, Advertising & Purchasing Inside of Apps Mobile apps have tremendous potential for bringing in money and the expenditure levels on in- app purchases are expected to rise in 2016. Monetizing apps will rely on a far broader spectrum of channels, with advertisements spreading beyond simple banner ads to formats including image, text and video. App developers will continue to push the limits on mobile app advertisements and purchases, shifting away from the focus of paid download models. 4 Increased Attention to Apps for Wearables Credit goes to the Apple Watch - wearable technology became the hottest topic in the industry of consumer electronics. Most of the wearable devices developed so far were focusing on health and fitness, but by the beginning of 2016 Wearable devices are expected to be used by the enterprises to improve their productivity and efficiency. Developers will be transferring their own concentration from Smartphones to wearable device applications for enterprise and various industries in 2016. . More Focus Will Be on Getting Quality Traffic The biggest issues that developers usually face is acquiring good users that are likely going to come back and use the app. And so, rather than running after creating plenty of apps developers seem to be creating one that can help them get quality traffic, so as to achieve good revenues. 5 6
53. 53. Mobile App Developer Trends 2016 The Road Ahead App Marketing Continues To Evolve Further Mobile App marketing techniques continue to evolve each year. In 2015, the app marketers were more focussed on user engagement rather than user acquisition. With user engagement in focus, more and more marketers and developers have started to realize the importance of organic users as these users were more loyal and engaged than the users acquired through other paid channels. App Store Optimization will continue to be a key factor in making an app successful in 2016. With Beacon and Location based WIFI services, marketers will now have more ways to target based on the users location and promote their apps with many other offers. 7 Expenditure on app ads will rise In-app advertisement will continue to be a major revenue-earner in 2016. The total spend on app advertising has crossed $7 billion this year, and this will only grow (at an even faster rate) over the next couple of years. Developers will have to focus on managing their ad networks so that: a) they get the maximum revenue benefits, and b) the ads do not hamper the app- experience of users in any way. 8
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