The list of alternative app stores can go on and on but most are solely for Android apps or doesn’t have any program and support for developers. This list of cross-platform app stores isn’t exhaustive – there could be very well more but these are the stores that stand out not only because of special features like analytics and marketing tools but also because of its targeted user base.
So without further ado, here are 8 alternative app stores app reskinners should check out:
Maopao
- Supported Platforms: iPhone, Android and Symbian
- Scope of Operation: People’s Republic of China (PRC)
- Number of users: 160+ million (37 million MAU with 450,000 new users everyday)
- Number of available apps: single-user and content titles 67,472, multi-user apps 2,679 (as of December 31, 2014)
- Average number of downloads: 128m in 3 months (1st quarter of 2014)
- How to publish apps there: You can find app submission requirements and details in Skymobi’s Publish Your Game page
Maopao Application Store is the core product of Sky-mobi, a Chinese holding company. The main features of this app store includes browsing and downloading of entertainment-oriented mobile apps and content (games, music and ebooks). It also offers social networking functions that can be enjoyed by registered users that are mostly from 3rd tier cities (middle-income populations).
Opera Mobile Store
- Supported Platforms: Android, Blackberry, iOS, HTML 5, Java, Symbian, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, classic Nokia Devices
- Scope of Operation: In over 200 countries and territories
- Number of users: 200 million average monthly visitors
- Number of available apps: 300,000 mobile apps and games
- Average number of downloads: 2,000,000 apps downloaded per day
- How to publish apps there: Signup for a free developer account here.
The Opera Mobile Store was launched in 2011. It is tied in to the Opera mobile browser and supports more than 7,500 devices that ranges from feature phones to the latest models of smartphones. More than 40,000 developers publish their apps in this store.
Mobango
- Supported Platforms: Android, Blackberry, iOS, Java/J2ME, Symbian, Windows Mobile
- Scope of Operation: Global
- Number of users: 20+ million users across all platforms
- Number of available apps: 100,000
- Average number of downloads: 1 billion total downloads since launch
- How to publish apps there: Start publishing for free here.
Mobango is a mobile community where all content is user-generated through web and mobile. It is rich with content for phone personalization and entertainment services. It has a self-serve publishing platform with an analytics dashboard. Your apps can be promoted on Mobango affiliate sites with a “Pay per Download” tool. Top and sponsored apps are assured of thousands of downloads per day.
GetJar
- Supported Platforms: Android, Blackberry, iOS, Java, Symbian, Windows Mobile
- Scope of Operation: Global
- Number of users: 50 million
- Number of available apps: 849,036 (as of early 2015)
- Average number of downloads: 3 million downloads per day
- How to publish apps there: Avail of Getjar’s developer and publisher services here.
Getjar is considered as the largest alternative app store, especially for Android apps. Some of the features for developers include promotional tools, cross-platform analytics and a distribution platform. It also has a proprietary behavioural targeting technology for user acquisition and re-engagement.
Appszoom
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS,
- Scope of Operation: Based in Barcelona Spain with 10 localizations around the globe
- Number of users: 4+ million unique users/month
- Number of available apps: Unspecified
- Average number of downloads: Unspecified
- How to publish apps there: Visit Appszoom’s developer page here.
A developer account in Appszoom is free and you can also enjoy free listings and advertising. There are also rewards if your app meets all the website’s requirements and if it is of high quality. There are also paid features like App Review, App Improvement, and App Marketing and Promotion.
Nexva
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian, Java, Windows Mobile
- Scope of Operation: Global
- Number of users: 200 million
- Number of available apps: Unspecified
- Average number of downloads: 2 million app downloads since launch
- How to publish apps there: You can register as a user here.
Nexva is cloud-based and is great for app localization since apps are tailored to target specific markets. The company also have a curation system where an in-house team selects local and international apps to place into each store. Local developers are also featured through the company’s local partners. Nexva also offers multi-market distribution, where developers can choose where his/her apps can be distributed. There are also promoted apps campaign and an easy billing system.
Mobile9
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Symbian, Windows Phone
- Scope of Operation: Global
- Number of users: 40 million monthly visitors
- Number of available apps: Unspecified
- Average number of downloads: 240 million (not exclusive to apps, can be other content)
- How to publish apps there: Become a premium publisher for $29.99/year
Mobile9 is similar to Mobango with its social networking platform. Content like ringtones, wallpapers and apps are available for different device models. Discoverability increases the more users share and download apps. There is no review process so uploaded apps would immediately be available.
Pandapp
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows Phone
- Scope of Operation: Global
- Number of users: 2 million
- Number of available apps: 100,000
- Average number of downloads: Unspecified
- How to publish apps there: All you need to do is to register as a user and you can immediately submit an app.
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