Who Really Sponsors Apple's Free App of the Week?

Many people wonder about the source of Apple's 'App of the Week' promotion in the App Store. Does Apple itself sponsor and select these apps, or is it a mystery filled with hidden sponsors? This article will explore the mechanisms behind the Free App of the Week in the Apple App Store to clarify any misunderstandings.

The Truth Behind 'App of the Week'

Contrary to popular belief, Apple does not select or sponsor apps for the 'App of the Week'. Instead, this feature is a daily event that showcases a different app every day, making it seem like 'App of the Week'.

Free App a Day Promotion Practice

It appears that many developers and publishers opt to make their apps free for a day in the hope of increasing their visibility and potentially improving their standing in the app store rankings. There are platforms like 'Free App a Day', which specialize in promoting free apps. These platforms often collude with developers to make their apps free for a single day and promote them through their channels, including through daily app picks.

Process and Mechanism of Promotion

The steps involved in promoting an app to the Free App of the Day (FAD) selection process are as follows:

Step 1: Making the App Free

Developers choose a day to make their app free for a single day, selecting a date that creates maximum promotional impact. The developer or publisher sends the app pick to platforms like Free App a Day for consideration.

Step 2: Promotion and Contests

The promoted app may be featured on various promotional platforms, including social media, newsletters, and forums. Platforms often host contests to further increase the exposure of the app.

Step 3: Selection and Placement

Based on the promotion and engagement, the developer may be chosen by a platform like Free App a Day to receive a daily pick for their app. The daily picks could then be compiled to form a weekly summary, often appearing as a 'Free App of the Week' selection.

It's important to note that the 'App of the Week' in the Apple App Store is not an official promotion but rather a daily selection of free apps to encourage user engagement and discovery. Apple does not pay for or influence this selection, nor do they provide additional promotion.

Why Developers Chose to Participate

Developers and publishers decide to make their apps free for a day for several reasons:

1. Improved App Exposure

Free apps are more likely to be downloaded by users, thus increasing the app's visibility and potential user base. This is especially true for lesser-known developers who may not have the same marketing resources as larger companies.

2. Mobilizing Traffic

Free days can attract more users to the app store, creating more opportunities for users to discover the app outside of the 'App of the Week' section.

3. Contest and Engagement

Many free days are accompanied by contests or promotional activities, which can help create buzz and encourage users to participate and share, thereby increasing the app's visibility and engagement.

Conclusion

The 'App of the Week' in the Apple App Store is a daily promotion driven by platforms like Free App a Day, not by Apple itself. The process involves making the app free, promoting it through various channels, and potentially being selected for daily picks. Understanding this process can help both developers and users appreciate the mechanisms behind the feature and make more informed decisions.

By implementing these strategies, developers can effectively promote their apps and increase their chances of making it into the front pages of the Apple App Store, improving download rates and user engagement.