Now, the phenomenon of Android instant apps is gaining a lot traction across the globe. But, the question is-what the instant apps are:
Essentially, the instant apps are the lite version of the mobile apps that can be accessed as the mobile website just by clicking a link and without needing to download the app. It means the users can easily access the app features and use them faster without letting the app to acquire extra space on their device.
These features have brought tremendous success to the early adopters.
The success stories of some of the very well known Android instant apps that supports Android version 4.1 to the latest one are:
- Jet increases its conversion rate by 27%
- Vimeo increases session duration by 130%
- Onefootball increases engagement by 55%
Let’s shed some light on the things that are making instant applications so successful that since their launch, their popularity is unbroken:
Eliminate the friction involved with app download
Many times, we get a link to try the unique feature of an app, but it mandates us to download the app and only there after we are able to use the feature. This process requires the user to tap several times to get to the place in an app like- product detail page or checkout page.
The instant apps with deep linking alleviate it completely by squarely directing the users to the page they wanted to reach and reducing the number of taps that users would have to take. The instant app is modular in nature which downloads any module on the fly and serves the users what they need instantly with no installation.
Support for the plethora of OS versions
The Android app development highly suffers from the device and OS fragmentation problem. It really becomes challenging for the developers to build an app that works impeccably on the wide spectrum of devices. Often the compromise is made due to the cost and time issues while maintaining multiple versions of the app compatible with various devices and OSs.
This is not a scenario with instant apps as they can be accessed by the users on the devices dating back to Jelly Bean, the 4.1 Android OS. It indicates the users are just required to have Google Play services installed and they can easily access the app running on higher versions of the app, no matter what OS their device is running.
Offer brilliant user experience
It’s a long journey from searching the app onto the play store to downloading- installing- opening- registering. The complete process takes hell a lot more time as opposed to using the function of an app. Meanwhile, the likelihood of the users losing the enthusiasm for the app even before reaching the interesting feature is more likely. Also, the loading speed issues completely turn off the user’s mood, which results in poorer user engagement and ruined user experience.
On the other hand, with instant apps, the users without reinventing the wheel in the downloading process, they can try the feature immediately, and use the extra time in browsing other features and deciding whether they should give a space to the app on their device or not.There will be no loading speed issue unless their internet connection is weak. The swift and easy process entices the users, improve the app engagement and enhance their experience.
Increase user retention
43% of the users remove the apps from their device just to free up the extra storage space, revealed by Alligator test. The apps once uninstalled are rarely installed again. It means converting the first time users into loyal users or ensuring the retention after a few visits cannot be guaranteed. The reason is no user wants to give a space to the application for a trivial feature. That’s where instant app excels.
The instant apps are the replica of Android apps that lets user first experience the app before downloading. Cutting through the noise, the users only after getting a sneak into many features, trying core features and looking at the app interface, create an opinion about an app and then download it. It implies the users are installing the app only when they're satisfied with the app and find it absolutely valuable with which they can stick with for a long run.
This approach ensures that the user lures into the app when they are convinced of everything and it assures they will stay with your app forever. Therefore, the probability of user retention is higher.
Drive new monetization strategies
The applications become a revenue-generating machine through advertisements, subscription, in-app purchase, or sponsorships. The myriad of the app monetization strategies only aids in getting profit when the app is initially able to build trust and convince the users to use the app for a long run. With Android native apps, it’s really a hard nut to crack.
With instant apps, it’s a plain-sailing because it encourages the users to download the app only when they are satisfied with the app to the kernel.The impact ahead- the happy users can be prompted to make a purchase and lift the ROI up.
For instance, the New York Times Crossword Android Instant App provide the access to the daily New York Times crossword for seven days continuously to allure the readers, and as the time elapsed, they are asked to subscribe for the future access. Certainly, with a small version of the app, the full version of the app can be promoted which attract more users and in turn, the user acquisition and revenue get fueled up.
Learn More:- Guide to Developing a Money-Making Mobile App
Help to better market the app
Undeniably, building a prototype of the app costs a lot lesser than launching the full-fledged application in the market. Also, there exists, chances that users don’t like the app idea or certain features which may let your app face the case of user’s rejection. The instant app is the best solution which not only illustrates potential the app idea holds in the market but also helps you market the smaller version of the app.
Going ahead, instant apps also lends a hand in triggering the user’s interest and increasing the number of downloads. It’s so because the instant apps have extended access to the publishing platforms other than Google Play Store. This means the link of instant app can be placed and shared on multiple platforms, which implies the application can be listed on the platforms where the users spend most of the time and thereby improved app’s visibility implicitly bring more money.
Looking at the advantages that businesses are reaping with the creation of instant apps of existing Android apps, the new businesses are also gearing up to follow the instant apps’ adrenaline rush. Are you the one? If so, congrats. Soon, you will be able to avail the mobile app and mobile web browsing. But, is the thought of the huge time, efforts and dollar investment pulling your legs back? Don’t fret! Google has made it easier.
Updating an Android app to the instant app takes less than a day for talented and experience Android developers because the APIs, source code and project all remain the same.
Concluding note
The Google announcement that has raised the instant curiosity and instant questions into the hearts of developers is now magnifying the dynamics of Android development with high acceptance rate. The instant apps are making the native Android apps work like a pro with the plethora of advantages it offers.
The success story of early instant app testers, and the usability and value that instant apps provide are accelerating this trend. The friction less development and downloading are drawing the attention of the global entrepreneurs to gain an edge with numerous growth opportunities it’s offering.It seems sooner or later, the instant apps will become a norm where the app will be developed in two iterations- one is jam-packed with amazing features and the second will be a scaled-down version.
What’s your take? Do you want to increase conversion rate, retention rate and revenue with flawless experience of your services? If so, focus on what matters for your business and jumps onto the instant app bandwagon to ensure success.