Daily app downloads in India increased 16 percent in the first half of 2016 (January-June), according to latest data released by 9Apps. Popular third-party app store and part of Alibaba Mobile Business Group reports that 9Apps has reached over 250 million monthly active users around the world.
"According to our statistics, tool, social, media and entertainment, apart from gaming, remain the most popular categories for app downloads. Tools make up about 23 percent of all app downloads; Social about nine percent; Entertainment at seven percent and music is over four percent of all non-gaming app downloads," said Country Manager 9Apps, Ebrahim Popat.
"The data has been compiled by 9Apps Trends, a public web facility of 9Apps that offers best-in-class data analytics products and services and the most insightful mobile industry analysis," added Ebrahim Popat.
Consumption of gaming apps has increased more than that of non-gaming app. The proportion of games in total app downloads has increased to nearly 20 percent this year versus 17 percent in 2015.
The gaming consumption patterns have become more diversified. Racing and action games, although still the most popular, now make up 43 percent of all game downloads (versus 53 percent in 2015). Simulation games are a new trending category, and account for 13 percent of all game downloads.
"Interestingly, we also find that instead of rating, screenshot is the most important factor to attract potential app users. 46 percent respondents pick Screenshot when asked what affect their willingness to download a mobile game/app from an app store, while only 36 percent selected Rating. Apps that are better in localized promotion perform better in India," adds Ebrahim.
In April, 9Apps announced the InDev Platform, which is worth USD 20 million and aims to help local independent and startup developers in India.
There are various challenges faced by local developers such as acquiring new users and monetization. The InDev program will help developers expand user base, aid in publishing, monetizing and other aspects like promoting and marketing of apps.
