In recent years, alternative app stores have become increasingly popular, offering app owners and developers new ways to reach audiences that might otherwise be hard to reach. In addition to providing more visibility, these stores often offer localized content, flexible monetization options, and unique audiences. Here is a look at why alternative app stores are gaining traction, what they offer app creators, and some standout stores.
What are Alternative App Stores?
Alternative app stores are online marketplaces that allow users to download mobile applications outside the typical ecosystems of Google Play and the Apple App Store. They are often developed and managed by different companies or device manufacturers and may serve niche markets, specific regions, or unique content types. Many of these stores are embedded directly into devices from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), like Huawei and Samsung, allowing app owners to tap into new distribution networks.
Alternative app stores can be classified broadly into two types:
- Independent Stores: These are developed independently from device manufacturers, such as Aptoide and Uptodown. They focus on offering a diverse selection of apps and can be accessed by any Android device user.
- OEM Stores: These are app stores pre-installed on devices from specific brands, like Oppo App Market or Xiaomi’s GetAPPS. You can learn more about these in this article.
Why are Alternative App Stores Important?
With the app market becoming increasingly competitive, alternative app stores offer a vital solution for developers looking to expand their reach, increase discoverability, and access specific or restricted markets. Here are several key benefits:
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Enhanced Market Reach
Alternative app stores allow developers to reach diverse regions and new user bases, particularly in areas with established local app ecosystems. For example, in Brazil, where mobile adoption is high, stores like Aptoide have gained significant popularity, enabling developers to reach millions of users who seek a tailored, localized experience. Similarly, GetJar, with its strong presence across Africa and Southeast Asia, helps developers connect with audiences in these high-growth mobile regions, offering broader distribution opportunities that complement mainstream app stores.
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Higher Revenue Potential
It’s possible to earn more per download and in-app purchase on alternative stores due to better revenue-sharing models or monetization options. Also, since some stores charge lower fees than Google Play, app creators can see increased profitability.
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Tailored Localized Content
There are alternative app stores that cater to specific markets, offering developers a chance to localize content and cater to cultural preferences. It’s especially valuable for brands looking to expand globally, since it allows them to tailor their offerings to regional tastes, languages, and fashions.
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Less Competition and Improved Discoverability
Many developers struggle to gain visibility on Google Play because there are millions of apps available. Newer or smaller apps can gain traction more quickly on alternative stores as they have fewer apps, which makes it easier to discover them and less direct competition.
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Flexible Policies and Customization
Unlike Google Play, alternative app stores usually have less restrictive app policies, which allow developers to include more features and content. The feature is especially useful for games, social networks, and utility apps that may be restricted in mainstream app stores.
1. Aptoide
- Aptoide is a widely-used alternative app store that offers Android users a unique app discovery experience without any geographic restrictions. Founded in 2011 in Portugal, Aptoide has grown to serve over 300 million users worldwide, with a catalog of 1 million apps and more than 7 billion downloads.
- Known for its stringent malware detection systems, Aptoide ensures a safe platform for app installations. The store also allows users to create their own app stores, adding a personalized layer to app management.
- Additionally, Aptoide was the first to incorporate AppCoins as an in-app payment option, providing users with benefits like enhanced in-app purchase deals.
2. OneStore
- ONE Store is South Korea’s leading third-party app marketplace, offering a wide range of digital content, including apps, games, and multimedia, along with rewarding systems.
- OneStore has over 10 years of experience in the app market and is expanding globally, with plans to grow its reach to South-East Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. This expansion brings new opportunities for developers and consumers alike, offering cost savings and access to a growing user base.
- Particularly strong in the gaming sector, OneStore provides a more favorable revenue-sharing model compared to Google Play and supports local payment methods, making it easier for users in South Korea and other regions to make purchases. Its global expansion signals a promising future for developers seeking a broader audience outside of traditional app stores.
3. Uptodown
- Uptodown is a multi-platform app store focusing on Android, offering free access to a wide range of apps without geographic or device restrictions. Over 130 million users visit the site every month, and it is available in 17 languages.
- Uptodown stands out by providing a web-based platform where users can download apps directly without registration or additional software.
- There are over 140,000 apps listed on the platform, each with reviews, videos, and screenshots.
- The no-profit-sharing model allows developers to retain 100% of their earnings. Additionally, Uptodown ensures user safety by scanning all apps with 70+ antivirus tools. It offers an open and transparent alternative to traditional app stores.
4. SlideME
- With SlideME, you can find apps in niche markets that are underserved by traditional apps stores. Its philosophy is that one app store cannot meet the needs of every user. So, SlideME offers an “on-device” app store solution for device vendors, providing access to apps based on specific geographic locations, devices, payment methods, or user preferences.
- SlideME is especially popular among devices that use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and lack Google Play Services. For these devices, SlideME offers a reliable, curated alternative to Google Play, ensuring that apps work seamlessly on AOSP-based devices.
- Additionally, SlideME provides a “Managed App-Store Service,” delivering tailored solutions based on market needs, which further opens up new avenues for developers to reach global audiences.
Final Thoughts
Alternative app stores offer new opportunities for reach, revenue, and regional access for app owners and developers.Stores like Aptoide, OneStore, Uptodown and SlideME provide unique advantages in terms of market reach, monetization options, and niche targeting. Alternative stores will become an increasingly important component of a successful app marketing strategy as the app market grows and diversifies. Through these options, developers can maximize their apps’ potential and reach audiences that are otherwise difficult to engage, ultimately driving growth and profitability.
Learn more about AppSamurai’s OEM solutions here.