From 2016, Netflix was one of the highest-earning non-gaming apps. But this year, Tinder has surpassed the previous topper. Its subscription-driven service ‘Tinder Gold’ service has managed to ride on growth from emerging markets, including India.
As per research by Sensor Tower’s Store Intelligence platform, till April 2019, the dating app grossed 6 million downloads from Google Play Store and Apple App Store, which is an 8% increase from July 2018, while Netflix revenues were $5.83 Billion for 2018-2019.
Tinder’s annual revenue has increased by 920% between 2014-2019. It is one of the dating apps that have opened ways to monetize through subscriptions.
Tinder, Netflix Inc.and Tincent grabbed the top three positions in App Annie’s 2019 ranking of consumer spending on non-gaming apps. This states the importance of subscription services for generating revenue.
The games offering in-app purchases to buy virtual money and other upgrades continue to take the lead after video subscriptions. Baidu Inc.’s iQiyi, Google’s YouTube, and Alibaba Group Holding’s Youku got fame and got ranked in the top 10 apps by revenue much before Disney+ and Apple TV+ services.
Judging from the data collected from January to November this year, App Annie said the total downloads and consumer spending would break the records.
Facebook inc. maintained its top position among the most downloaded apps for the 6th year along with Messenger and Whatsapp. Facebook launched its Facebook dating service in September.
Annie App stated that there would be 120 billion app downloads from Apple Inc.’s iOS App Store and Google’s Play Store, excluding app updates, re-installations of existing apps, or Android installs done via unofficial means by the end of 2019. Although the number got increased by 5% and according to the app tracking company, this will exceed in 2020. Consumer revenue grows at 15% each year is reaching a record close to $90 billion in 2019.
In the gaming sector, the app Sea Ltd.’s Free Fire is the most downloaded, followed by Tencent’s Player Unknown’s Battle Ground (PUBG) Mobile. Call of Duty: Mobile is another Tencent’s property launched in October is among the top 10 downloaded apps. Sony Corp.’s Fate/Grand Order grabbed the title of the most lucrative game and overall app of the year. This was followed by another Tencent’s property Tencent’s Honour of Kings and perennial moneymaker Candy Crush Saga by Activision Blizzard Inc. All three games are free of cost and earning revenues from small purchases of in-game perks and upgrades.
Likee by YY Inc. is the app for sharing short videos akin to TikTok is announced as with one of the most substantial absolute growth in downloads during the year by App Annie. Noizz for editing video and Hago were from the same company and were amongst the top four. They both are social games, Hogo being more popular amongst youngsters in Indonesia.
App Annie expects to see the current trends going on with video-centric apps, and subscription-based services will grow in importance, ubiquity, and revenue.
