5 hot mobile app metrics of 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic left many industries reeling — only a few recorded positive growth in the past year. Due to lockdown restrictions and quarantine, many companies switched to remote work, online classes, movie streaming, and remote communication measures. However, the mobile app industry has stayed firmly in its place and is currently aiming even higher than it ever was.
Although, with more businesses that move to digital trends, the competition will be much tighter. So stick to the end of this article to find out the hottest mobile app metrics of 2021.
1. 88% of mobile internet time is spent on apps
According to the eMarketer report, an average adult in the US spends over 4 hours on the mobile internet. Out of those 4 hours, 88% is spent on mobile apps. Seeing this one of the highest mobile app metrics, one can easily say how deeply apps have integrated into people’s lives. Businesses and app owners should also use it for their brands to:
- Boost brand awareness
- Nourish customer relationships
2. On average, users spend 4.2 hours per day on apps
With more people staying at home in the past year, the average time spent by users on mobile apps increased from 3.9 hours to 4.2 hours per day. Users in some countries like Indonesia, Brazil, and South Korea would even spend more than 5 hours per day on mobile apps.
Some of the most popular apps used are communication and social media apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and Telegram.
3. Users downloaded 218 billion apps in 2020
There are 3.8 billion smartphone users globally. Meanwhile, over 218 billion apps were downloaded in 2020 alone. That is one of the most dramatic mobile app metrics of 2021. Since back in 2019, only 204 billion apps have been downloaded.
Most downloads included free apps in iOS App Store, Google Play, and other third-party Android stores. Likewise, the previously mentioned study included first-time downloads, not counting re-installs and updates.
How is this data relevant? Well, it can help you decide which operating system to launch on. Ideally, you should build apps on both Android and iOS. But if you’re debating which one you should develop first, consider:
- Your target audience
- Your planned monetization strategy
- Whether you’re making an eCommerce app
You can build apps for both operating systems if you can afford the costs and required resources. Launching your product in one OS first lets you refine the app before scaling.
4. Mobile app revenue is projected to hit nearly $1 trillion by 2023
Statista predicts that mobile app revenue will hit almost $1 trillion in 2023. In 2021, the revenue data consisted of around $693 billion. That means there will be a nearly $300 billion increase in the revenue of mobile apps in the next two years.
The most significant factor contributing to this revenue growth is the acceleration of digital transformation in work, education, entertainment, and even eCommerce.
5. Tiktok was the most downloaded non-gaming app in Q1 2020
Another of the most relevant mobile app metrics of 2021 is how TikTok became the most downloaded non-gaming app in Q1 2020, with over 315 million downloads. It is also the highest-grossing app with $540 million. This social media app is famous for its short, looping videos designed for viewing on smartphones.
Users demand richer experiences in mobile apps, which videos can address. That way, brands can also incorporate videos in their apps when they need to:
- Welcome a new user
- Offer an app guide or demo
- Announce new features
- Give bonus materials
Ultimately, in-app videos can only be as good as their content. And you’d need the right people in your team to do that successfully. It’s one of the fun and challenging major marketing jobs that every marketer can do.
Future of mobile apps
The mobile app industry is booming. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its growth in the mobile market as more people turned to remote work, online classes, and virtual entertainment. That’s why your business needs the right tools to dominate the mobile app industry.
A great example is the InAppStory. It does more than allow you to leverage in-app rapid and dynamic content via mobile Stories for your apps. It also provides you with everything you need for an app marketing workflow and mobile analytics. Get in touch to learn more.
Looking to create more personalized experiences for users? Check out our mobile app personalization guide for eCommerce.