What are Alternative App stores?
Alternative App stores are, as the name suggests, an alternative to the biggest App stores available in the market allowing advertisers to have an alternative channel promoting adverts within the main Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally.
Why are Alternative App stores important?
Alternative app stores offer advertisers the opportunity to target untapped audiences at a competitive price and leads to a more sustainable relationship to the user.
Alternative app stores are digital marketplaces for mobile apps that operate separately from mainstream app stores such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store. They provide an alternative source to download specific applications that might otherwise not be accessible due to content policies, regional restrictions, or niche market considerations.
These marketplaces may feature various categories of downloadable applications not found within mainstream app stores – these platforms often boast apps not offered there due to content policies, restrictions, or niche market focus requirements.
Why do Alternative App Stores matter?
Provide diverse selection: Alternative app stores often feature an impressively diverse range of applications that may not meet the guidelines or standards set by larger app stores, providing users with more choices that address specific interests or needs. This diversity helps expand users’ options when looking for innovative applications to fill those particular voids in their lives.
Market expansion: App stores provide developers with an opportunity to reach markets that may not be served by mainstream platforms, particularly regions in which Google Play or the Apple App Store has limited presence or is subject to regulatory constraints. This approach has particular value when trying to enter unchartered waters for expansion purposes.
Flexible policies: Alternative app stores typically feature more liberal submission guidelines, enabling developers to publish apps that might otherwise be restricted or prohibited on major platforms. This flexibility can prove especially advantageous for apps offering unique functionalities or content (adult or otherwise), regional services, or that serve specific niche markets.
Revenue opportunities: Developers may find more lucrative revenue-sharing models on alternative app stores, with lower commission rates and more favorable terms that allow them to maximize earnings from their apps.
Notable Alternative App Stores
Amazon Appstore: An established marketplace, Amazon’s Appstore provides Android applications from top developers while being seamlessly integrated with Amazon devices, Alexa voice assistant, and the ecosystem. Amazon boasts strong user loyalty and integration into Fire devices and Alexa products.
Samsung Galaxy store: This app store offers apps specifically optimized for use with Samsung smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. It also provides unique content or offers that are exclusively available from this store. It carries apps designed solely to fit into this vendor’s ecosystem of products.
Huawei AppGallery: Given restrictions to Google Play access, Huawei’s AppGallery has grown dramatically over time and now provides access to an abundance of applications while prioritizing security and privacy features.
Aptoide: Aptoide provides users with an open platform for managing and creating app stores within its ecosystem. It supports an extensive array of apps and emphasizes user ratings and feedback.
F-Droid: F-Droid is an Android open-source app store dedicated to free and open-source software (FOSS). It is popular among developers and users who prioritize privacy and software transparency.
Considerations when selecting Alternative App Stores
Security: While alternative app stores provide greater freedom and flexibility, they also pose potential security threats to their users. Users should only download apps from trusted stores that prioritize safety and verify authenticity.
Compatibility: Apps from alternate stores only sometimes function correctly across devices and Android versions, so users should carefully research compatibility when searching the store to avoid potential issues. Checking reviews can also help users avoid problems.
Updates and support: Compared with major app stores, app updates, and support might only sometimes be consistent across alternative stores. Users should familiarize themselves with any updated policies and practices of any alternative store they decide to utilize before selecting one.
Alternative app stores present unique opportunities for both users and developers, providing diverse app selections, flexible policies, and innovative revenue models.Â