Sell virtual goods, premium features, or additional content within your app. This works particularly well for gaming apps but can be applied to many categories.
Offer weekly, monthly or annual subscriptions for premium content or features. Popular with streaming, productivity and dating apps.
Display banner ads, interstitial ads, native ads or rewarded videos through networks like AdMob, Facebook Audience Network or AppLovin.
Offer a free basic version with limited features and charge for the full version or premium upgrades.
Collaborate with brands relevant to your audience for sponsored content or exclusive offers.
Earn commissions by promoting other companies' products or services within your app.
Anonymized user data can be valuable to market researchers (must comply with privacy regulations).
License your app's technology to other businesses who want their own branded version.
Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon can help fund development in exchange for perks.
Charge upfront for downloads, though this model has become less common for consumer apps.
Take a percentage of sales if your app facilitates commerce (like marketplaces).
If your app contains valuable content, license it to other platforms or businesses.
Sell customized versions of your app to businesses for their employees or customers.
Use your app to sell related merchandise, equipment or other tangible products.
Combine several of these approaches for diversified revenue streams.
| Model | Best For | User Experience | Revenue Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-App Purchases | Games, creative apps | Medium (can be non-intrusive) | High |
| Subscriptions | Content, productivity apps | Good (clear value) | High (recurring) |
| Advertising | High-traffic apps | Low (can be intrusive) | Medium (scales with users) |
| Freemium | Most app categories | Good (user chooses) | Medium-High |
| Paid Apps | Niche, professional tools | Excellent (no ads/IAPs) | Low-Medium |
Different demographics respond to different monetization methods. Research your users' preferences and willingness to pay.
Monetization should enhance, not detract from your app's core value. Intrusive ads or aggressive paywalls drive users away.
Use A/B testing to determine which monetization strategies work best with your specific audience.
Combining multiple revenue streams (e.g., ads + premium subscriptions) often works better than relying on just one.
Freemium model with ads for free users and premium subscriptions for ad-free experience.
In-app purchases for extra lives, boosters and level packs generate billions.
Subscription tiers (Plus, Gold, Platinum) with varying premium features.