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Meet Ratnesh, the co-founder at WebBuddy. With a Master's in Computer Science from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom , he’s a pro when it comes to AI and software development. Always up for a challenge, Ratnesh dives straight into solving complex problems. Through his insights, he aims to inspire and guide developers and tech enthusiasts toward new innovations.
If you've ever scrolled through your phone and wondered, "How do people even make money off of apps?", don't worry, you're not the only one. The world of amazing apps to earn money is booming, and it's not just about smash hit games and social media platforms anymore.
From side hustle apps that pay you a little bit extra on the side to outright business models making millions, these apps are adding up downloads to serious cash.
Think about it… apps like Uber, DoorDash, and Mistplay have become house-hold names, not just because they're convenient, but because they've learned how to make money. In fact, the global app economy is projected to hit $935 billion by 2023, according to Statista. That's a lot of potential on the table.
But here's the thing: why restrict yourself to just using these apps? Why not develop one yourself? Whether you are a coder, an entrepreneur, or just a person with an amazing idea, building your own app can be the next great money move.
How Money-Making Apps Really Make Money
Let's get one thing straight: apps don't print money out of thin air. They use tried and true revenue models that have been tested and honed over the years. Here's how the most successful great money-making apps are making money:
Subscriptions
This model is a treasure trove for apps that provide recurring value. Consider Netflix, Duolingo, or Patreon. Customers pay a subscription fee to gain access to premium content or functionality. Subscription apps generated $13.3 billion in consumer spend in 2022 alone, with Sensor Tower reporting on the data.
If your app answers a repeated problem, this might be your ticket of gold.
Ads & Sponsorships
Free apps such as Instagram, YouTube, and Mistplay depend greatly on advertising. They generate revenue in the form of views, clicks, or even purchases made on the app. An example is Mistplay, which is a gaming app, and it rewards users for playing games while making money through in-app advertisements. It's a two-way win.
In-App Purchases
This is where the opportunity lies in mobile games and apps such as stock photo platforms. Customers purchase virtual items, additional features, or digital commodities to add on to their experience. In-app purchases accounted for 48% of mobile app revenue in 2021, which indicates people will pay for value.
Affiliate & Commission-Based Models
Rakuten, Uber, and Poshmark apps make a commission each time a user purchases something or makes a transaction on their platform. Uber, for instance, makes a cut from each ride, and Poshmark makes a fee from each sale.
Transaction Fees
Fintech platforms and marketplaces such as Fiverr, Robinhood, and PayPal charge a small commission from each trade or sale. It is an especially effective model for sites that involve user-to-user transactions.
The key to success? Finding the right revenue model that aligns with your app idea and target audience. For instance, if you’re building a fitness app, a subscription model might work better than ads. On the other hand, a gaming app could thrive on in-app purchases.
The greatness of successful apps to earn money is that they're not merely about making money—they're about building value for users. And when you find that balance, the money comes. So, whether you're thinking up your next hit or just wondering how these apps work, keep this in mind: the app economy is huge, and there's space for your idea to shine.
10 Great Apps That Actually Make People Money
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to turn an app idea into a money-making machine, look no further. These great apps to make money have cracked the code on monetization, and they’re thriving in today’s competitive market. Here’s a breakdown of how they work, why they succeed, and what makes them stand out:
1. Cashback & Rewards Apps
Examples: Rakuten, Ibotta, Honey
How They Make Money: Customers get cashback or discounts for shopping via the app.
Why They Make Money: The apps get paid by partner brands through commission and provide premium memberships in return for exclusive rewards. For example, Rakuten has paid customers more than $2.5 billion in cashback since it was established.
2. Stock Photo & Content Selling Apps
Examples: Foap, Shutterstock Contributor
How They Work: Users upload and sell their photos, videos, or other digital content.
Why They Make Money: The site takes a cut of each sale. Shutterstock, for instance, pays contributors 15-40% of each sale, depending on their earnings level.
3. Gaming & Reward Apps
Examples: Mistplay, Lucktastic
How They Work: Users play games to earn points or real cash rewards.
Why They Profit: These apps earn money through ads, in-app buys, and sponsorships. Mistplay, for example, has more than 10 million downloads and compensates users for playing games while generating revenue from ads.
4. Gig & Freelance Apps
Examples: TaskRabbit, Fiverr, Upwork
How They Work: They bring freelancers together with customers for projects from graphic design to house repair.
Why They Make Money: Both freelancers and clients are charged service fees by these platforms. Fiverr, for instance, earns 20% on each transaction, which is a profitable model.
5. Paid Survey & Opinion Apps
Examples: Survey Junkie, Google Opinion Rewards
How They Work: Surveys are filled out by users and rewards such as cash or gift cards are earned.
Why They Make Money: Consumer insight is paid for by brands, and these apps are the go-between. Survey Junkie alone has paid over $44 million to its participants, demonstrating demand for consumer opinions.
6. Ride-Sharing & Delivery Apps
Examples: Uber, DoorDash, Instacart
How They Work: Participants provide rides or drive food and grocery deliveries.
Why They Make Money: These apps charge service fees and tend to implement surge pricing during busy times. Uber, for example, takes 25% of every fare, and DoorDash charges customers delivery and service fees.
7. Content Subscription Apps
Examples: Patreon, OnlyFans, Substack
How They Work: Creators provide exclusive content, and users pay a subscription fee to view it.
Why They Earn Money: The platforms charge a percentage of subscription income. Patreon, for instance, charges 5-12% of creators' income, depending on the plan.
8. Resale & Flipping Apps
Examples: Poshmark, Depop, Mercari
How They Work: Users sell used or handmade items via the app.
Why They Make Money: They earn money by charging transaction fees and providing promoted listings to sellers. Poshmark, for example, charges 2.95 for sales below 15 and 20% for sales over that.
9. Investment & Trading Apps
Examples: Robinhood, Acorns, Stash
How They Work: Users invest and trade stocks, ETFs, or crypto.
How They Make Money: They make money from premium plans, commissions, and interest. Robinhood, for instance, has a Gold membership for $5/month, which provides users with advanced features.
10. Online Learning & Skill Monetization Apps
Examples: Skillshare, Udemy, Duolingo
How They Work: Users pay for online courses or learning subscriptions.
How They Earn Money: These sites make money from course charges and ad-supported free levels. Skillshare, for example, compensates teachers royalties on the basis of the number of minutes viewed in their courses.
Why These Apps Keep Making Money Year After Year
Some apps make a big splash when they come out, but a few months later, they're gone with a whimper. Others continue to be profitable year in and year out. So, what is their magic? What distinguishes these successful winners among the ranks of outstanding apps to generate money? Let's dissect it:
Recurring Revenue: Subscription-based apps such as Netflix, Duolingo, or Patreon earn predictable income instead of relying on transactional purchases. This steady cash flow is a key to sustainability. Indeed, subscription apps earned $13.3 billion in consumer spending in 2022, and users are willing to pay for continued value.
Engagement & Retention: The more that people use an app, the higher the chances that they will make purchases. Consider social media apps such as Instagram, game apps such as Mistplay, or educational apps such as Skillshare. Such sites bring users back with interactive content, rewards, and individualized experiences. Higher retention means higher revenue in the long run.
Scalability: Applications that sell digital goods or services—such as stock photography sites or courses—can scale without significantly adding to the cost of doing business. For instance, once a course is made on Udemy, it can be resold to tens of thousands of users without extra work. Scalability is a critical driver of long-term profitability.
Network Effects: Marketplaces, gig platforms, and social apps become more powerful as more people join. Consider Uber or Fiverr, for example. The more freelancers or drivers there are on the site, the more convenient it is for users, leading to a cycle of success. This network effect becomes increasingly difficult for entrants to break into, and it secures the app's dominance.
If you’re planning to build an app, focusing on these factors can significantly increase your chances of long-term success. The best great apps to make money aren’t just about quick wins—they’re about creating lasting value for users and building a sustainable business model.
Should You Build a Money-Making App? (Hint: Yes!)
Seeing these apps succeed proves one thing: there’s real money in mobile apps. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone with a great idea, building an app could be your ticket to a new revenue stream. Here’s why now is the perfect time to dive in:
Got an Audience? If you've already got a built-in audience, a subscription or content app within a niche can be magic. Sites like Patreon and Substack demonstrate that individuals will pay for premium content.
Love Automation? If passive income is your thing, try creating a cashback, survey, or AI-based gig app. Apps like Rakuten and Survey Junkie show that users adore getting rewarded with minimal effort.
Know a Market Gap? If you’ve spotted an underserved niche, a unique resale, learning, or investment app could be the next big thing. For example, apps like Acorns and Depop have tapped into specific markets and thrived.
The need for excellent apps to earn money is increasing, and with the right strategy, yours might be the next on the list. The app economy is expected to hit $935 billion by 2023, and there's still ample space for creative ideas.
So, if you've been considering launching an app, don't hesitate. Whether it's addressing a need, closing a gap, or establishing a new means for people to earn or save, the potential is there. With the proper strategy, your app might not only generate revenue but also leave a lasting legacy.
The question isn't should you build an app?—it's why haven't you begun yet?
