Apps, Mobile & SMS

Lost In A Sea Of 100,000 iPhone Apps

image from www.pmpworldwide.com Apple announced this week that developers have created more than 100,000 apps for its App Store for iPhone and iPod touch customers in 77 countries. Users have downloaded two billion apps to date.

Some music apps are instant hits. “With 10,000 downloads a day, worldwide customer response to our I Am T-Pain App has exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Jeff Smith, CEO of Smule. “The App Store has given us a unique opportunity to create and grow a very successful business".

But while exact numbers are hard to come by, it's also clear that many music iPhone apps – even free ones – are downloaded far less often. Even as iLike, MobBase and others make it easier and more affordable for every artist to create an app, its becoming increasingly important that they consider how to make their app stand out, as well as, if fan demand exists before joining 100,000 others in the App Store.

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Bruce,
    I completely agree, however what Mobbase provides is an affordable alternative to put you in the app game.
    Lets face it, unless you and your group/bandmates/friends are all programmers or have the $3-$5k to develop a custom app…you probably would never have a way to engage with your core fans who have an iphone.
    And in terms of being lost in the cluttuer…well your specific app isnt really meant to reach anyone outside of your tribe. And if others do so happen to stumble upon it via word of mouth, well thats great too. I see it more as deeper level of engagement with your true fans.
    – Danny

  2. Danny, can you post a list of developers who do custom iPhone app development for $3-5K as I would like to see it. Unless there are people out there that can design, code, and test a custom develop app in a couple of days you are going to be hard pressed to get anything for that price.
    If they are out there I’d like to have them working for me.

  3. Jim –
    I live in the San Francisco Bay Area,there is a wealth of geek culture and tech savvy since we are right in the hub of Silicon Valley and their are indie developers who will quote you at the at price…granted the turn around time will be longer since it is side work.
    Agencies put hefty price tags on things that a passionate programmer could knock out on a sleepless weekend. (depending on the type of app)
    With that being said, the majority of my clients tend to get the bulk of their work outsourced to India. ($5K can pay for 4 peoples monthly living expenses) 3-4week turnaround.
    If you’d like some referrals I’d be happy to share them with you.
    digipendent@gmail.com
    510.962.1860
    – Danny

  4. I can see why it would be such a hassle for artists or venues, but a company called onseeker has developed a way for artists and venues to build profiles within an iPhone app, so that their fans only have to download ONE app to find content.
    I really like what they’ve done with it too, I can find music, shows, pictures, videos…even their merchandise (and I can buy it too). I think if more artists knew about that, it would catch on faster than having to shell out lots of money to make their own (and it REALLY helps ME as a fan, so I don’t have to go in and out of apps to find content). I’m pretty sure they spend like 10 bucks a month or so to be on the platform.
    Pretty good if you ask me!
    http://www.onseekermusic.com for more info. Also a link to download the app from their as well.

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